Vegonian

Vegonians, descendants of an ancient Solarian tribe corrupted by Bahumura's dark influence, bear physical marks of their transformation through dark skin tones, fangs, and horns. Though mistrusted for their past association with the Black Empire, modern Vegonians have embarked on a path of redemption, establishing a new home in the harsh Kazarial Desert and striving for peaceful coexistence with other races. Their diverse skills in combat, magic, and leadership make them formidable allies despite their troubled history.

Origins

Vegonians began as a tribe of Solarians who fell under the influence of Bahumura, a malevolent entity imprisoned in Primordia in the Void Realm. This corruption transformed them physically and spiritually, creating a distinct race driven by Bahumura's dark ambitions. Under this influence, they established the Black Empire in the Hinterfall Jungle and engaged in devastating conflicts with other races, particularly the Grovekin whom they drove from their ancestral lands. The Empire's eventual defeat led to the near-extinction of Vegonians, with survivors numbering less than 100 individuals who fled to the Kazarial Desert. Known now as the Vindicated, these remaining Vegonians struggle to build a new identity separate from their dark past while enduring the harsh desert environment and continued mistrust from other races.

Shadow Affinity

Vegonians possess a natural affinity for shadow magic, a remnant of Bahumura's influence. This allows them to manipulate shadows to conceal themselves, create illusions, or drain the life force of enemies. However, this power comes with a constant struggle against the darker aspects of their nature. For the Vindicated in the Kazarial Desert, this ability has become essential for survival, allowing them to hide from threats and travel during cooler night hours without detection. Some Vegonians have learned to use their shadow manipulation constructively, creating shade shelters against the desert sun or detecting approaching sandstorms.

Resilient Spirit

Due to their past hardships and the constant battle against their darker impulses, Vegonians possess a remarkable resilience of spirit. They are less susceptible to fear, despair, and other negative emotions, making them steadfast allies in difficult situations. This resilience also manifests as a heightened tolerance for pain and injury, allowing them to endure conditions that would overwhelm others. The Vindicated's survival in the unforgiving Kazarial Desert stands as testament to this extraordinary spiritual strength, as they have established a community where most would perish.

Unnatural Agility

Vegonians have developed a unique fighting style that combines agility with bursts of dark energy. This allows them to move with surprising speed and power, striking from unexpected angles and overwhelming opponents with a flurry of blows. Their movements are often unpredictable and difficult to anticipate, making them formidable adversaries in close combat. In the shifting sands of the Kazarial Desert, this agility has been adapted for survival, allowing Vegonians to navigate treacherous dunes and quickly retreat from sandworms and other threats that would otherwise easily overtake them.

Regions & Relations

The surviving Vegonians, known as the Vindicated, have established a small, hidden settlement somewhere in the Kazarial Desert, far from other populations. Historically, their primary territory was Vegonaar City in what is now the Wildlands, though this has been completely overtaken by aggressive plant life following the Grovekin reclamation. Vegonians maintain cautious, often strained relations with most races due to the Black Empire's dark legacy. Their relationships with Grovekin, particularly the Awakened, are openly hostile, as both sides harbor deep grievances from past conflicts. Some individual Vegonians have found acceptance among the Elyndrians, whose policy of openness extends even to former enemies. The Explorers of Harbor City occasionally trade with Vegonian representatives, one of the few neutral interactions they maintain with the outside world.

Class Affinities

Vegonians excel as Hunters in the Kazarial Desert, their unnatural agility and shadow manipulation making them exceptional trackers and ambush specialists. Many also become Warriors, channeling their resilience and battle-hardened nature into effective combat techniques. Those who embrace their shadow affinity often pursue the Mage path, developing unique spellcraft that incorporates their innate connection to darkness. Some Vegonians, particularly those seeking redemption for their race's past, become Knights dedicated to protecting their remaining people and proving their value to the wider world through honorable service.

Magical Affinities

Shadow magic resonates naturally with Vegonians, allowing them to manipulate darkness with exceptional skill and minimal effort. Many also develop strong affinity for Fire magic, finding that the destructive element responds readily to their passionate nature. Those who survive in the Kazarial Desert often cultivate Earth magic, using it to locate water sources and create shelters beneath the sand. Some Vegonians, particularly those focused on redemption, have begun exploring Divine magic as a counterbalance to their inherent darkness, though this pursuit is exceptionally challenging and often painful for them.

Professional Pursuits

Vegonians adapt their professional skills to the harsh realities of desert survival. Many become Explorers by necessity, mapping the treacherous Kazarial Desert and identifying safe routes between scattered water sources. Those with particular connection to their shadow abilities often serve as Enchanters, creating items that harness darkness for practical purposes rather than corruption. In their hidden settlement, Vegonian Crafters have developed unique techniques for working with desert materials to create tools and shelters that withstand the extreme environment. Some Vegonians with knowledge preserved from the Black Empire have become Sigilists, carefully adapting ancient inscriptions to serve protective rather than destructive purposes. The most experienced desert survivors sometimes become Salvagers, recovering valuable resources from ancient ruins half-buried in the shifting sands.