Children of the Desert Slideshow

By Xanxa Symanah

Video trailer for my collection of short stories titled "Children of the Desert"

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Favoured by the Gods

Character Profile: Mordehkai Zhimski

By Xanxa Symanah
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 Mordehkai Zhimski in everyday duty uniform Mordehkai Zhimski in dress uniform Name: Mordehkai Krajov Zhimski Origin: Virian, Kerajan, but identifies as Mondian, Cyad Confederacy Appearance: Tall and slim build, pale skin, buzz-cut hair, wispy moustache that won’t grow properly.   Xe (non-binary pronoun) is a vyrgnykh, meaning intersexed/hermaphrodite, having both male and female physical attributes.   Xe cultivates the appearance and manner of a man.   For work, xe wears military uniform.   At leisure, xe wears non-descript tunics and trousers. Personality: An odd mix of deeply insecure and supremely confident.   Ambitious but rather directionless.   Guarded and intensely private, especially concerning xis vyrgnykh nature. Family: Unknown.   Orphaned.   Early years spent in an orphanage in the Kerajan Territories on Viria.   Targeted and taken by Cyad operatives due to xis Aureant powers being valued.   Brought up as a Cy...
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Character Profile: Vanlose Ardglass

By Xanxa Symanah
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Name: Vanlose Ardglass Origin: Virian Vanlose Ardglass is the eldest son of Maureen Ardglass.   He has the typical Virian appearance of stocky build, dark hair and pale complexion.   He works with his brother Sam as a window-cleaner and general labourer.   He has a cheerful friendly disposition.   He is hard-working, helpful and protective towards his family and friends.  
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Hasta Tree

By Xanxa Symanah
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  The Hasta tree (sometimes known by the slang term Happenstump) is a rare variety of palm tree indigenous to the Sartorian desert regions. Its colourful red leaves and green trunk give it a distinctive appearance which sets it apart from other trees. It has a higher level of sentience than most trees and plants. It can communicate with people and animals by transmitting telepathic images. It also gives out emanations similar to those of crystal bonds. The desert-dwelling tribes consider the Hasta tree to be their sacred totem. Each tribe has one Hasta tree which grows in a sacred grove. Rituals and religious devotions are conducted in the sacred grove. A special shaman-sorcerer known as a Hastamage tends to the Hasta tree and spends a great deal of time communing with it. Sometimes the tree will reveal prophecies to the Hastamage. On special occasions, the Hasta tree will shed leaves for the Hastamage or other specified persons to eat. Eating a Hasta leaf is considered...
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