Lynx Tribe (Dune Specters)
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To outsiders looking in, “Dune Specters” are a self-ascribed sect of nomadic Seeker of the Sun miqo’te with a thousand malm-wide streak of zealotry and a penchant for maximizing the proficiency of their warriors at all costs. Decades ago, several vagrant Lynx families willfully relocated to the sands of the southern Sagolii on sabbatical, seeking spiritual enlightenment under that harshest conditions of Azeyma’s gaze. Their philosophy, as well as their descendant brood, has festered in the blazing dunes since. Most Dune Specters other Seeker of the Sun encounter are members of the aggressive warrior caste, and as such, Sunseeker society has painted them with this brush. For their part, the Tomb Rot have done nothing to mitigate this misunderstanding. If it keeps resource poachers off of their heels and it occludes the true nature of the sub-group,, all the better for them. It is unknown if the original Dune Specter founders achieved their initial goal. What is known, however, is that they and their clutch of progeny have garnered a particular fierce reputation as pests, savage warriors, prophets, and madmen.
Dune Specters come in many shapes, sizes, and colors although most are incredibly physically fit due to a life of conditioning to defend against skirmishes and protecting territory. All born into the bloodline and not absorbed into the sept, however, possess the following traits:
Dune Specter generally roam the vast sands of the Sagolii on aetheric leylines as guided by their priestesses, only settling in one place for a short period of time as to not dry up precious resources. There exists particular oasis or caves that they revisit often and it is not uncommon for them to roost at these particular locales several times a cycle. Due to their migrant lifestyle, members of this sub-group live an exceptionally plain lifestyle and do not encumber themselves with superfluous wealth or acquisitions. With their chocobo and drake-steeds only able to ferry a certain amount of weight at a time, they are predisposed to storing extra materials and useful possessions deep in caves or at base camps for retrieval later in the cycle.
Dune Specters are at birth structured into three distinct castes with specific duties integral to survival and their ultimate quest for enlightenment. Be as it may that the whole system would topple if one of the triad should fall, the reality is that due to the emphasis on religion in this society one obvious caste is generally revered above the others. Opinion varies from miqo’te to miqo’te: the members of one caste may consider themselves superior or perhaps pity the lower and speak out for them as essential to survival. There are plenty of members of the lowest caste that advocate they are the true unsung hero and that the “highest” caste is merely sitting on its laurels and will have a day of reckoning.
■ Warriors and Hunters: The primary duties of this caste is to advise its elders and the conclave caste on matters that pertain to defense of Dune Specters as a whole as well as stand as acting bodyguards of the conclave caste. In truth, the conclave caste is simply holding the leash of a predatory caste of well-disciplined soldiers who may or may not obey any particular suggestion given to them. Wise conclave caste members choose to guide rather than command, else these predators turn on the leash-holder. While hunters are not exclusive to this caste, the best of the best usually are incorporated into this caste.
The sept takes a pragmatic approach to breeding and considers romance a hindrance to the survival of Seekers. While this might be odd to outsiders, they embrace the approach, touting that building a foundation brick-by-brick has far more structural integrity than a random bout of passion. Oddly enough, Dune Specter culture does romanticize fairweather summer romance but does not promote long-lasting attachment, instead promoting the survival of the next generation over such fleeting flights of fancy. Traditionally, women exclusively mate with the nunh for birthing kits. A few common exceptions exist that encourage strong children. The first being that priestesses are freely permitted to select outside or within the sept for insemination so long as she ultimately favors the nunh. Extending this jurisdiction—priestesses are afforded the power to arrange couplings between women of the sept at their discretion and strong candidates. The second method of conception is gifted from the leaders of the sept to the individual who performs a great deed for the greater good of his people. This is a rarely granted boon, usually reserved for the greatest of warriors.
In the unforgiving conditions of the Sagolii, one eats whatever happens along to survive. Snakes, reptiles, scorpions, birds, insects and small mammals prove easy prey. Gathered about enjoying a delicious meal together is a favorite pastime of these desert-dwellers, as it builds strong bonds between family and sub-group members alike. Animals that have a high fat content are specially prepared during celebrations. Water is a scarce commodity in the desert, as such, the Dune Specters siphon it from wherever they can. Waterholes, oasis, collecting morning dew; name it and it is done. When resorting to cacti for a source of hydration, members are advised to boil it before consuming it or mix in herbs to counteract the effects of the toxic acids and alkaloids.
The nomadic lifestyle requires easy-care garments that also incorporate traditional fashion. Long robes shield the skin from the sun and elements, and when worn loose, offer a convection-style of cooling. Turbans or shrouds wrapped around the head prevent windburn and blasts of biting sand during the day while providing warmth when the temperatures nosedive at night. Linens tend to breathe the best when near the skin. Interestingly, black proves to be a popular linen color. When worn loose, the color absorbs body heat as opposed to white linen reflecting it back.
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■X'zavir Tia: Champion of Azeyma. ■R'elira Saathi: Hand of Azeyma.
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