Ashalan



The Ashalan were a race of ancient immortal sorcerers.

Appearance
Ashalan had dark blue skin that was often covered in white tattoos. At first glance, they appeared human, but upon closer inspection, it would become clear they were not.

Settlements
The Ashalan were known to have had some structures on the Plains Above Evil, though the bulk of their lands seemed to border somewhere between the Ivory Kingdoms, the Burning Sands and Rokugan. Their population was lower than almost any other species, but their vast numbers of slaves and servants appeared to preserve these lands in their name.

Lifespan
Ashalan were effectively immortal, generally only meeting their end via violent deaths. They also had an extremly low birth rate, only three Ashalan children were known to have been born in the last thousand years.

Magic
The tattoos of the Ashlan were known to enslave the wills of others. It was unclear how this worked, but the Ashlan were masters of bending the wills of others to their own.

War with the Naga
The Naga and Ashalan war was so destructive Lady Sun was forced to end it and placed a curse upon both races. The Naga could not leave their territory and the Ashalan could not enter the Naga's. The curse would twist any member of the race that breaked the curse, turning them into abominations to their respective race. This conflict stood for centuries, as the races were very long lived and knew how to hold a grudge. Naga and Ashalan could sense one anothers magic, to them it is a foul stench that they can not mistake.

The Scorpion
During the exile of the Scorpion Clan to the Burning Sands were able to make some Ashalan allies, and one, a sandsmith, even returned with them to the Empire. Though this was thought to be very odd by most Ashalan given their general sceptical view on mortal races.

The Shadow
According to myth, the Ashalan used the Shadow to help create the world as it was. Whether this was true or not, the Ashalan seemed to have a connection to the shadow, and were known to be able to use its powers.

Crystal
Ashalan were master artists when it came to crystal. Over countless centuries they had mastered the art of sandsmithing. Their weapons were almost always made of a crystal they call Crysteel. It was impossibly strong, light and powerful. It was perhaps not by chance that they were masters of the one material that was capable of hurting the Shadow.

Schools
The following are the basic Schools within the Ashalan:


 * The Blood-Sworn (Bushi)
 * Children of Midnight (Shugenja)
 * Heart-Seekers (Bushi)
 * Sun-Riders (Courtier)

Paths
The following are the Advanced Schools within the Ashalan:


 * Ashalan Sandsmith

Major References

 * Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Parts One, Two, Three, and Four
 * Unexpected Allies Page 119
 * Exotic Arms Guide Page 82-83
 * Legend of the Burning sands Page 125-150