A geographically concentrated race found in the Southern Kingdoms (between the inland sea of Sgallen and the Kira Samudran ocean). In their basic features, Saifs are similar to humans, with two primary differences: first, their skin has a yellow-gold hue and is very tough and resilient, yet it maintains a smooth appearance. Only upon touch can one feel its lack of moisture and the absence of human skin’s pliability.
Saif skin does not allow for sweating or the evaporation of moisture; thus, Saif bodies regulate temperature differently. Upon their heads, they possess a thick mane of dreads, which are actually a physical part of the body. Inside these individual dreads are hidden tentacle-like protrusions where the Saif body stores water and from which it can gradually evaporate. Thus, only a Saif’s “hair” ever appears “sweaty.” Thanks to this water reservoir, Saifs can endure significantly longer without water and in extreme heat than other races. Aside from the growth on their dreads, they have no other body hair, nor do the men grow beards (eyelashes and eyebrows being the sole exceptions).
Saifs generally possess greater endurance than other races, particularly in running and walking. They also reach a greater age, living up to 150 years. However, their fertility is relatively low, and every child is, in their words, “prayed for.” Girls have a long youth during which they are infertile and are treated as boys; this is followed by a brief period of fertility. Before this period begins, marriages are frantically arranged, intrigues are spun, and suitors—from whom the girl chooses several—fight over them. Saifs practice polyandry, as they cannot rely on the fertility of a single man during the rare window when women can conceive. Children thus have collective fatherhood.
Due to the toughness of their skin, weapons generally have less effect on Saifs, and they use them primarily when fighting non-Saifs. In wars among themselves, armies resolve conflicts through mass wrestling, where the victor always binds the defeated and then proceeds to the next wrestling duel. Often, local wars devolve into primarily magical conflicts. Saifs have an excellent talent for Sun Magic and a very good disposition toward Mana and Elemental Magic. In all cases, they are trained primarily for magical duels, the goal of which is to elegantly overpower and magically bind the opponent—a practice analogous to their physical wrestling.
