Peri

Iron Madness

The change brought on the Peri came at a price: a new affliction unique to them, which they have named Iron Madness. For those susceptible, this affliction manifests as an attraction to anything made of iron and soon becomes a deadly obsession that takes over all aspects of their lives. These afflicted individuals will seek out and collect items made of iron, compounding the effects of the madness with such proximity to iron as their collection grows. Not only will they collect it, they will also wear it, and in extreme cases, they may even consume it if they can.

These individuals are pitied by their kin, as there is no cure for Iron Madness unless one has the willpower to stop themselves, and it has been a subject of study for the mages that dare attempt to find a cure. Outcasts of their own making, the afflicted's lust for iron leads them down a different path, often bent under the weight of their prized iron. Many Peri will experience some form of Iron Madness at some point in their lives, and while most are able to resist it, very few are able to withstand the effects completely.

This disease has caused a societal aversion to iron, with people avoiding items made of it. Instead, bronze is extensively used, as are the uncommon pieces of Star Metal weaponry, which are prized by the Peri. Though it is to be said that not all Peri adhere to the societal aversion to iron, the brave, or perhaps more commonly thought of as "foolish," warriors sometimes dare to use iron (or steel) weapons. For some, this is something of a way of proving to others that they can protect their people not only from the dangers of the world but also that they have the strength to overcome the Iron Sickness. This test of self can sometimes backfire, leading some to madness.

[From a player perspective, this is purely a choice on how much or how little you want your character to be affected by iron.]

Appearance

While the Peri still share much in appearance with their Sahrai cousins, with dark hair and tanned skin, their eyes are the greatest sign of their race. Unnaturally coloured, their eyes glow with bright colours like lit gemstones. Perhaps adding to the belief that the Peri are indeed desert spirits. Often wearing loose robes to protect against the desert heat, their garb is usually hidden beneath until the cool of night sets in, with loose pants and coloured sashes being popular.

160-180cm in height, though often tending towards the lower end.

Lifespan

Though they were once humans, the Peri lead longer lives now, some reaching up to 150 years in age.

Religion & Beliefs

Once followers of Ramil, the Peri still respect the God of the Sands, though not as fervently as their Sahrai cousins. Many believe in ancient ways, giving thanks to the Spirits of the desert, as many see these beings as the reason they discovered Parika. The Shard is considered a sacred place to the Peri and they suspect it is the home of an ancient Spirit that guided them to Parika.

Geography

Far to the south of Sahrai and the Sea of Dunes, hidden in the mountains, Parika is a sight to behold. The valley is dominated by a water-filled crater that had been blasted into it long ago by some cosmic force, and suspended above it by perhaps that same force is an island floating in midair known as The Shard, its sides scattered with glowing blue crystals. There is a strangeness about the place, though not an unsettling kind of strange, and the lake in the crater glows dimly in the dark of the moon.

Society

The Council of Three consists of three leaders, one each of Military, Religion, and The People. One cannot act without the others, and each gives insight to the others on different aspects under their purview. The council is a guide for Parika, ensuring the safety of the people and the land. Very few outsiders are allowed into the valley itself, and its entrances are well guarded; even if they are denied entrance, they are shown hospitality. The humans that are allowed to enter are often those that have partnered with a Peri, knowing that if they are fit to become one, they too will experience a change over time as they drink from the waters of the lake and become Peri themselves. Other races have been granted entry, though the lake water seems to have no effect on them at all.

Iron is shunned collectively barring a few brave and foolish souls; even if resistant to the effect of the Madness, most will still practise an avoidance of the metal to the point that many outsiders believe Iron is deadly to the Peri.

Architecture

Reflecting their desert style, even within the fertile valley of Parika, their homes are made of stone and brick that is rendered over and painted white, often with a coloured accent, commonly blue. Domes and carved wooden screens are also features, as are beautifully tiled courtyards shaded by brightly coloured cloth and made comfortable with carpets and pillows.

Wealth & Trade

Peri always seem to have enough coin to make ends meet, even if their lives have the added difficulty of their aversion to iron. They have become good traders and have ensured they keep a good relationship with the Malmr, allowing them to have greater access to Malmr goods than most except Malmr traders. They make a decent amount from guiding people through the desert as well. Textiles and carefully created carvings are often sold for high prices, as the unique styling is popular in some of the southern lands for its exotic nature.

Slavery

Peri see no use in slaves and find it to be distasteful. Slaves have no use in their nomadic lifestyle. 

Other Notes/Trivia

• The Peri were inspired by nomadic desert people such as the Bedouin tribes, this can be useful information when trying to find real-world equivalent inspirations when designing your character. Ingame, Shemite items are considered good base to use.