Inspired by TSR's campaign setting of
Athas, the world of the Dark Sun. The world is more primitive and
more brutal than ordinary run of the mill medieval fantasy worlds,
thus requiring a hardier, more rugged form of life. Depicted is an
elven warrior. A bane to the city states, Elven desert raiders prowl
the harsh landscape of Athas. The Elf depicted above wears his tribal
war mask around his neck. The mask also serves as a sand filter and
glare reducer. Athas yields very little iron, thus requiring the use
of alternative materials for weaponry and protection. The mask is
made from bone and crystal slivers while the sword is made from
crystal. Pencil sketch colored in Painter Classic.
The dunes and steppes of Athas are home to thousands of tribes of nomadic elves. While each tribe is very different culturally, the elves within them remain a race of long-limbed sprinters given to theft, raiding, and warfare.
An Athasian elf stands between 6½ and 7½ feet tall. They are slender, lean, and generally in terrific physical condition. Their features are deeply etched into their weather-toughened faces, and their skin made rugged by the windblown sands and baking sun of the wilderness. Elves typically dress to survive in the desert environment. Even when at an oases or in the cities, elves tend to prefer their native garb, designed to wrap the wearer against the brutality of the elements.
Elves are all brethren within their own tribe, but regard all outsiders as potential enemies. There is no racial unity among the elves - an elf from outside the tribe is just as much a foe as a human, halfling, or thri-kreen. Acceptance of an outsider by an individual elf can be achieved, but trust will only develop over time. Acceptance of an outsider by an entire tribe is also possible, but rare. It is usually only awarded after some great sacrifice has been made on behalf of the tribe-many outsiders have been accepted posthumously into elven desert tribes.
Individually, tribal elves are swift, sure, and selfreliant in the extreme. An elf is conditioned to run quickly over sandy and rocky terrain, sometimes for days at a time - an elf warrior can cross better than 50 miles per day. An elven war party on the move is a deadly force of endurance and maneuverability. Elves use no beasts of burden for personal transportation, though they do sometimes engage kanks and similar creatures for baggage or raw materials transport. It is dishonorable among elves to ride on an animal unless wounded and near death - even pregnant women and old elves are expected to keep up with the tribe or be left behind.