Sandstriders roam vast deserts, adapted for scorching heat and ever-shifting terrain. Their skin is tanned or bronze, sometimes bearing faint scale-like ridges for heat diffusion. Endurance and cunning are hallmarks of Sandstrider life, as they traverse dunes few dare to cross.
They share a deep bond with their tribe or clan, relying on loyalty and resourcefulness to endure barren wastelands.
Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
They reach adulthood by 18 and live around 100 years, weathered by harsh desert conditions.
Most Sandstriders are neutral, focused on survival, though fiercely protective of their own.
They stand 5 to 6 feet tall with lean builds. Your size is Medium.
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
You have advantage on saves against extreme heat and need only half the normal amount of water daily.
You ignore difficult terrain from nonmagical sand, and if you move at least 10 feet in sand before a melee attack, you deal an extra 1d4 damage on that attack once per turn.
You know the minor illusion cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast blur once per long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability.
You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language (often Terran). Their accent is shaped by shifting desert winds.
Sandstrider skin ranges from light tan to deep bronze, sometimes with swirling desert-pattern markings. Hair may be braided or covered by headscarves, typically in sandy blondes, browns, or sun-bleached whites. Names (e.g., Zahra, Sahim, Dunewind) often reflect desert or wind motifs.
Some have elongated limbs for better dune traversal, while others develop calloused or ridged feet. They favor wrap-style garments, beaded amulets, and protective goggles. Gender is typically shown by how they tie their garments or the adornments worn, rather than stark physical differences.