THE DESERT DERVISHES
The Dervishes that roam the deserts are a highly religious set of tribes. They are fairly static as a people, largely living around the oases provided by Evinia in the parched lands where they abide. Historical sources suggest that originally, the first dervishes were a cult who renounced the worship of Evinia, and then tried to persuade others against her. Unimpressed by this activity, the goddess targetted the area of land that had completely renounced her and drained away all the water from the land, forming an intense desert. Many of the people died, until some few survivors begged her forgiveness, causing Evinia to relent and form the series of oases which allow the dervishes to survive.
In modern times, the worship of Evinia is one of the core principles of dervish life, with the oases being religious as well as practical centres. They also worship the full pantheon, albeit with slightly less fervour, not being willing to risk angering another god. They refuse to leave the desert, as it reminds them of their past failing and strengthens their religious fervour. Their society is separated into a number of tribes, each of whom bears the totem of a desert creature (thus the translated names are, for example The Scorpion Tribe, the Camel Tribe etc).
The dervishes are darker-skinned than other humans, despite the protective clothing they wear. They tend to be slightly smaller and lighter, as stockier people struggle more in the desert environment which they call home.
Contact with the outside world is limited, but it is not unknown. Trade is mainly using high quality glasswork, which the desert produces in high quantities, along with beads and certain parts of desert creatures. An ornate hourglass procured in trade with dervishes is a much-prized luxury. Within the desert, the dervishes face most opposition from the Desert Elves who rob caravans and cause trouble.
The dervishes fight in strange styles, more of a hit and fade system than a full on attack. Their Janissaries are to be feared, as are those that embark on the occasional Jihad - only twice have these occurred, but both times many enemies of the desert were slain by the fanatical warriors bearing curved blades.
