In the southern tip of the vast and scorching desert region known as the Arhar Desert, there exists a blood tribe of fierce warriors who are renowned for their unparalleled skill in combat. These warriors call themselves the Tal’mir (tahl-meer) but are better known by the name outsiders give them, The Sand Stalkers.
To their north lies the Shifting Seas, a wasteland of ever moving dunes caused by heavy ara’atan activity after the fall. The Tal’mir trace their origins to a lost citadel that fell underneath the tide of the sands. They tell tales of a time before the fall where their people lived in the citadel Zeradim, a bastion city that protected the people that now live in the Dynasty of the Golden Lotus from northern threats. Known as the Everlasting Light Citadel, it got its name from its strategic location high upon a rocky outcropping. As the sun set it was said the light would linger as it bounced off the golden dunes below.
After the disappearance of Karn, the shifting seas would begin to form. Ara’atan would run amuck and eventually Zeradim would be on its last hope. It called to the southerners for help but heard nothing in return. The people held out for 80 days before falling. What was left of their people were forced to evacuate and flee south. They looked upon their city for the final time before the sands claimed the once great citadel.
Moving south in hopes that they would find a new place to call home they faced numerous threats. The environment was unforgiving and many dangerous creatures called the desert home. As the group dwindled they would eventually make their way to a mountain cave system. Inside they would find a vibrant ecosystem that could provide for their people. Unfortunately they were not the first to try to call these caves home.
The people soon discovered that the cave was the resting place of a strong ara’atan known as Zar’hadar, “The Sunburnt Devourer”. The people got ready for a fight but soon discovered that Zar’hadar was different from the other ara’atan they had discovered. This one had a form of sentience and, impressed by their resilience and determination, chose to share its ancient wisdom with the tribe. It bestowed upon them three sacred relics: a spear, a shield, and a claw, each infused with the essence of the desert.
The tired and tattered travelers were reborn anew. In the language of the Sand Stalkers, their tribe would now be known as the Tal’mir. The name Tal’mir translates to “Descendants of the Desert” in their ancient tongue, signifying their deep connection to the harsh and unforgiving desert environment they call home.
The word “Tal” symbolizes the sands and dunes, representing the essence of the desert, while “mir” conveys the notion of lineage, reflecting their ancestral ties to this arid land. As the Sand Stalkers see themselves as inheritors of the desert’s wisdom and resilience, the name Tal’mir serves as a source of pride and identity for their tribe, a constant reminder of their enduring spirit and strength in the face of adversity.
This new blood tribe would learn from Zar’hadar. Watching it hunt and fight. They would train in the ways of the desert and eventually come to master all 3 weapons. The spear, the shield, and the claw.
The spear, known as the Zephyr’s Sting, is a swift and agile weapon, embodying the grace and speed of the desert winds. Crafted from the finest desert iron and adorned with intricate engravings depicting swirling sandstorms, the Zephyr’s Sting allows the Sandstalkers to strike with unmatched precision, swiftly piercing through the defenses of their enemies.
The shield, known as the Oasi’s Guardian, is a symbol of protection and resilience. Forged from the scales of Zar’hadar and the legendary Sunstone, a precious gemstone found only in the heart of the desert, it radiates an aura of scorching heat, warding off both physical and jumon attacks based attacks. The Tal’mir wield the Oasi’s Guardian with unwavering resolve, using it to deflect incoming blows and shield their comrades from harm.
The claw, known as the Ekun’s Grasp, is a fearsome and versatile weapon. Made from the razor-sharp metals found in the oasis, it represents the unyielding strength and primal ferocity of the blood tribe. The Ekun’s Grasp is worn as a gauntlet on the hand, allowing the warriors to deliver devastating close-quarter strikes, rip through enemy defenses, and even scale sheer cliffs with ease.
With the guidance of Zar’hadar, the Tal’mir mastered the art of combat, integrating their tribal traditions and the unique properties of their sacred weapons into a cohesive fighting style. Their techniques revolve around fluid movements, exploiting the speed and agility of the spear, the defensive capabilities of the shield, and the savage power of the claw.
To become a true Tal’mir one must undergo rigorous training and prove their worth through a series of trials and tests. Only those who demonstrate unwavering loyalty, discipline, and an unquenchable thirst for victory are considered worthy to bear the sacred weapons of the tribe.
After thousands of years the group would expand into the surrounding region. No one knows how many Tal’mir there are today but stories tell of thousands of glinting eyes in the mountains watching and waiting to strike. The Tal’mir would eventually become known as the Sand Stalkers after large groups of bandits and traders would go missing in the area.
Today, the Sands Stalkers stand as the guardians of the Sands of Kalath, a narrow region between the Arhar Desert and the Dynasty of the Golden Lotus, defending their ancestral lands against any who dare to trespass. Their fighting style, passed down through generations, has become a legend, striking fear into the hearts of their adversaries. The Sand Stalkers embody the spirit of the desert, their weapons an extension of their very beings, as they continue to protect their tribe and preserve their ancient traditions in the ever-shifting sands.
