Appearance

Sol’tera appear to be very similar to humans, with their builds and heights varying from person to person. Their skin tends to come in darker colors, from olives to bronzes to deep and rich browns, though their hair can come in all manner of colors. Typically they wear thin clothing comprised of many layers, including robes and scarves and a variety of head coverings. Their armor tends to be made of leather, and they have a fondness for natural jewelry made of bones, teeth, and feathers.

The defining feature of the Sol’tera are their tattoo-like markings. The pattern of these markings vary from person to person, but they are present on all Sol’tera. These markings allow them to absorb and store energy from the sun, and as such are often dark in color, as the sun is directly responsible for fueling their powers.

The most common colors include black, indigo, dark red, dark green, navy, and brown. Rare colors include cold, silver, and white. Lighter colors are often seen as a sign that one will be better suited towards tasks other than combat.

Abilities

They draw their power from the sun. As long as they’re exposed to sunlight, they can access their extraordinary abilities. Their power doesn’t diminish immediately in the dark, as their bodies store excess solar energy as a reserve of power. They cannot absorb sunlight on cloudy days, during total solar eclipses, or at night.

A Sol’tera deprived of sunlight will begin to weaken. First their skin will begin to pale and they’ll lose their appetite. Prolonged deprivation will weaken them further, rendering them and their senses to near human levels. When left without sunlight for long enough, the Sol’tera will eventually die.

Sol’tera are a robust people. They’re rough and rugged, and able to take many hits. They possess super strength, speed, and enhanced senses. They are strongest during the day, though even at night they remain formidable, drawing from their reserve of power. They have regenerative healing abilities, allowing them to recover quickly from injuries and illnesses rapidly.

During times of no sunlight, Sol’tera can draw on their reserves to continue using their abilities. However, without any way to replenish their solar stores, their reserves will eventually run out, rendering them near human.

Sol’tera have the uncanny ability to always know where the sun is positioned, and as such they are always keenly aware of the time.

Magical

In addition to their physical attributes, Sol’tera possess magical abilities as well. Being affiliated with the sun, Sol’tera have an affinity for light, fire, and earth magics. These elements manifest in a variety of ways, from fire breathing to earth manipulation, etc.

Their bodies are not made to wield magic outside of light, fire, and earth magics. Other elements are nearly unheard of, except for in hybrids. However, Sol’tera are able to use raw magic, though these are few and far between.

Culture

Sol’tera society is primarily a theocracy, ruled by a head priest. Some Sol’tera are nomadic, while others live in stationary cities. Each city and nomadic tribe is ruled by a chief, who seeks advice from the tribe’s priest. While uncommon to see female priests, they do exist, and are treated with the same respect and authority of their male counterparts.

They share a peaceful relationship with the Sphinx and other desert dwellers, but their relationship with the species living on the fringes of the desert are absolutely horrid. This is largely due to young groups of Sol’tera who find it enjoyable to plunder and cause all manner of trouble in these fringe settlements. Due to this, many Sol’tera, and darker skinned folks in general, often have a difficult time in these fringe towns.

As a species that exists to hunt creatures of the night, the Sol’tera takes their job seriously--at least those who adhere to society’s rules. The Sol’tera are in possession of something commonly referred to as The List. This list contains the names of the world’s most dangerous demons, werewolves, vampires, and other dark faring creatures. The higher up a name is on the list, the higher the priority to kill them.

As a whole, Sol’tera are very physical people. They touch their comrades casually, sling arms around shoulders--there are few physical boundaries between Sol’tera. They drink socially, and will throw a party for the most mundane of reasons.

While very casual and social, they are very devout in their morning and evening prayers, which occur at sunrise and sunset, respectively. These prayers take place within the home, and serve as fifteen minutes of silent meditation.

History

The Sol’tera, much like the Sphinx, believe that they were born from the rays of the sun as it lit the desert sand. The first Sol’tera was said to have been as brilliant as the sun itself, and from him their culture sprang. He was said to have roamed the desert, and where he stopped to rest is where current Sol’tera cities now stand.

Whether or not this is true is highly speculated, as many of the old writings have been lost, and those that have been found are in poor condition and very hard to read.