Areian

The Areian elves of the Salted Sands Desert claim to be the oldest civilization of Rën. Other people and races do not acknowledge that claim, or they make that claim for themselves. Universal, Rënian logic dictates that such a distinction elevates a people's standing and perhaps links them to a higher degree of respect, power, or influence. Wars have been fought over less. Still, accurate records dating back to the origination are tough to come by for all the major races of Rën, and therefore this claim can not be substantiated.
  The Areians, however, from their point of view, believe they have the most substantial claim to this distinction. They argue that since they are naturally the longest-lived of any of the four most populous races on Rën, their oral traditions should be regarded as a more accurate, first-hand telling of events and history. These stories claim that the counting of time in the current era began upon their city's founding. The Areian logic for this claim is that since they are the longest-lived, the oral traditions regarding their origination have been passed down between fewer generations before they were committed to scroll and parchment, making them a more accurate accounting than all others. Thus they currently mark the passage of time at 100,023 AO (After Origination). Regardless of the accuracy of their claim, their detailed history is significant and one of the most complete accountings of time found anywhere in Rën.
  The Areians are arrogant, haughty people who value power, wealth, and mastery of craft above all else. They begrudgingly share the Salted Sands with the Hito Naja and continuously swat at the nuisance that is the Sand Wardens . They are tall, thin, hairless people with dark skin, toned musculature, and slightly elongated limbs compared to their torsos. Their ears are pointed and are capable of independent movement to better hear in the native environment. They are efficient in habits and biology as they consume less water and food than most races on Rën. Their movements, actions, and speech are deliberate and calculated. Areians are ideally suited for life in the harsh Salted Sands as they waste nothing and live off the flowing waters of the Talark Tree, the occasional game hunted in the sands and the bounty of seafood caught in the Wine Sea.
  The capital city of the Areian people is called Azolan, and according to their history, it has stood for the past 100,023 years. At origination, their nomadic ancestors built a small smattering of tents and wooden structures to shelter from a storm they call the Ashes of Creation. This storm is credited for the creation of the Salted Sands Desert. Today Azolan supports a population of approximately 114,000. Its buildings are made of Talark wood and clay. Though they may not be the global power they once were, back when the world hungered for Talark wood, they are still present on the world stage with diplomatic relations with nearly all people and countries.
  For the past 60 years, Klara has sat on the throne in Azolan. Under her leadership, the Areian influence has once again begun to spread across Rën. When Queen Amarra ruled, Klara's mother, the Areian people were isolationist; their power and influence diminished, resulting in the Areians suffering economically, commercially, and militarily. If Klara hadn't forcibly removed her mother, the areian people could have been enslaved to the Orkenans.
  During the height of the Orkenian War, Klara was the Arch Druid of the Talarian Order, sworn protectors of the remaining Talark trees. Realizing that the Talark trees would fall to the axe should the Orkenans win, she led the Talarian Order against the invaders. She achieved total victory in a single decisive battle. On the day of her victory, Klara had the Talarian order bring her queen mother to the Talark Grove. Amarra was never seen again, and Klara crowned herself queen of the Areian people.