Name: Duneva

Appearance: The Duneva reach heights ranging from short to average. The heights expected of the women are from 5’0-5’6 feet and then men are between 5’6-6’0. Those on the shorter side of these rangers are more abundant, however it is fairly common to see tall Duneva as well. They have straight, pointed ears of a medium length. Their builds are typically lean, athletic, and muscular. They have no specific skin color or racial distinguishing features besides these.

Biology: Muscles in the Duneva bodies have quite the different structure than in other races, allowing them to lift immense amounts with seemingly little muscle masses. Duneva typically have larger, stronger hearts than other races and their reflexes are quicker. In fast-paced situation, they perceive things more slowly, giving them more time to react. They also dispense adrenaline quicker than other races.
However, many Duneva die of heart attacks from overexertion or being reckless. Sometimes they occur from the amounts of adrenaline in the body system. Serious muscle tears are also common. Fights are often lethal between two members of the Duneva race. And while the Duneva are physically superior, mental/emotional stress is more dangerous to them than other races.

Culture: The Duneva are the most widely spread of all races, so the culture is not entirely unanimous. They have many similarities in the various regions where the Duneva are, but they are not entirely the same.
Among the cultures, there are, however, several universal traits. All have incredible strength for their size, and all have the same history of such. They believe that originally, they did not have any special abilities. For many years, the race was nomadic and faced many hardships and at one point, many of the children were killed by wild animals and humanoid forces alike. Given they were nomadic, they did not have the resources necessary to even attempt a defense and the regions they passed through were not suitable for habitation. In their few, distressed numbers, they cried out to God, asking for a way for deliverance that would last throughout the generations. The Lord blessed them with several things, but ultimately, he gave them the gift of survival. This gave them strength, speed, and a resistance to poisons or infirmities that surpassed other races. While they could still be overcome in their strength and speed or killed by illnesses and poison, they are not as susceptible as other races.
These qualities allow the Duneva to live in areas where others could not live. The mountainous regions of the Middle Lands are virtually inhabitable due to the beasts and portions of the terrain. However, civilizations of Duneva thrive there. There are other scattered civilizations in the frozen tundra of the most north and the deserts of the south. The other main location of the Duneva is by the eastern coastal shores and the surrounding inlets. Many labor as fishermen.
In all Duneva societies, women pride themselves in having long hair. Though often braided or lifted above its natural length for reasons of practicality, it is rare to see a Duneva woman with short hair. However, during the wedding ceremonies, the woman’s hair is cut much shorter and the braid it was in is used to tie a knot about the wrist of the husband and wife, to symbolize them becoming one, but also to show womanly submission to her husband.
All of the Duneva also emphasize sacrifice, for they were given much and believe that they should give back much. Thus, another reason a woman’s hair would be short would be for this reason. And they sacrifice much on and before their Sabbath. Before, to ensure purity and clarity of mind and spirit. During to acknowledge the Creator even more intimately and reverently. Fasting is common, in whatever way it is done, as is humbling oneself. Charity is a staple of the culture, be it in time, goods, hospitality, etc.
Although, there are various differences. In the mountains, music is loved to the point of them constructing architecture that emits sound when the wind blows by. Stones are precious in this region and each is given a particular meaning. Sheep are cherished due to their symbolic link with God and His sacrifice, and due to their size, are also an integral part of transport. Falcons are cherished as well, but more so for hunting.
In the coastal region, prayer is regular and constant, as the people realize that the sea determines their livelihood and survival, and the God ultimately controls the sea. Recreation is more abundant here than in other Duneva societies. And while the other Duneva societies are undoubtedly kind, these are the most friendly and open to other people, given the abundance of other races surrounding them.
Those in the North are more isolated and are closer to elves in their reserved behavior. They are kind people and likable, but many prefer to keep to themselves, as going terribly far to meet others is both dangerous and difficult most of the time. Sculpture is popular in such a region. The Duneva here have been known to make beautiful ice sculptures.
The Duneva in the South are a boisterous people and highly expressive. As a culture, they are very unique and vivacious people. More so than the other Duneva, they value precious metal and gold especially. It is common to see the Duneva in this area adorned with gold bangles, earrings, rings, necklaces, etc. Dancing is an integral part of the culture and is done frequently, often with the people in various costumes.

You did a really good job on these guys. They remind me very much of Isreal.