Ariane

The Ariane are striking in appearance. They have skin the color of onyx, long snowy-white hair, and grey eyes flecked with sparkling silvery motes. Tall and slender of build, Ariane exhibit a grace and serenity approximated only by the enchanting folk of Astar or Thaecia.

Appearance and Dress

• Physique: 5’8”–6’2”, 100–180 lbs. Slender and graceful.
• Clothing: Simple but elegant capes, flowing garments, and high boots made of spinifax, a silken cloth derived from the flax-bearing pods of the thistledown plant.

The Elder Ones

The Ariane are the oldest of Talislanta’s inhabitants. The fabled mystic Hotan referred to them as “the Elder Ones,” claiming to have discovered Ariane records dating back to the Time Before Time. Scholars believe they are not native to Talislanta but arrived ages ago after their original home was ravaged by a cataclysm.

The Maze-City of Altan

In the north-central region of Tamaranth, surrounded by the purple-peaks of the Amethyst Mountains, lies the sylvan valley of the Ariane.

• City: Altan, a fabulous maze-city carved from a single mound of violet stone using only magic.
• Environment: The woods exude an ancient magic, permeated with the essences of a forgotten age.

Transascendancy

The Ariane view the world through the lens of Transascendancy, a mystic doctrine based on reincarnation and animism.

• Animism: They believe all creatures and even inanimate materials (stone, water) are alive.
• Diet: Fearing to harm reincarnating lifeforms, they eat only ripened fruits and vegetables.
• Spiritual Age: They distinguish between physical age and the number of incarnations a spirit has experienced. Those with seven or more incarnations are deemed “venerable.”

Tamar Orbs

Ariane record collective histories and personal experiences on tamar—orbs of violet stone magically imbued with thoughts and memories. [^1]

• Communication: By exchanging tamar, they communicate thoughts and feelings beyond the capacity of words.
• The Great Obelisk: A massive tamar at the center of Altan serving as a repository for the accumulated knowledge of the race.

Ariane Characters

• Skills: Language (Elder Tongue - native), Language (Archaen - native), Language (Low Talislan - fluent), Doctrines (Transascendancy) +2, Cultures (Ariane) +8.
• Quirks: Code of Conduct, Commune with Nature, Mind Shield.
• Starting Equipment: Tamar, spinifax garments (flowing clothes, cloak, high boots, headband), belt pouch with herbs, quarterstaff, 5 gold lumens.

Relations and Religion

• Relations: Strict neutrals; they remain aloof and never involve themselves in the affairs of other nations.
• Death: Death is viewed as part of a natural cycle. The body is returned to the earth, the spirit moves on, and the deceased’s tamar is brought to the Great Obelisk to transfer their experiences.

Language and Names

• Tongue: Fluent in the Elder Tongue, old Archaen, and Low Talislan. They can also commune with nature.
• Names: Among their own people, Ariane do not use names, as their spiritual connection allows them to recognize each other instinctively.

Adventurers: The Druas

Most Ariane spend their lives in Altan. Those who journey beyond to gather experiences and seek enlightenment are known as Druas ("seekers"). [^2]

[^1]: Each Ariane has their own personal tamar containing the sum total of their life's experiences. [^2]: Any Ariane encountered outside of the Forest of Tamaranth will almost certainly be a Druas.