Eons ago, the Sandvyne plant was remarkable only for surviving the inhospitable environment of Death Valley, an even deadlier region than the adjacent Crisas Desert. The War in Heaven, and the great clash between the holy aura of the Goddess of Light and the dark curses of the Chaos God fundamentally altered not only the physical shape of Aurelica but also the local ecology of Death Valley and the evolution of its most notable plant. Centuries have passed since the smallest fragments of the weapons hurled in that monumental war found their way into the soil and lifeblood of its Sandvynes, which quickly developed sentience and an affinity for magic. The Sandvyne, which requires neither rain nor shade to grow and prosper, must be considered one of the continent’s hardiest, newest, and most unique species. These enigmatic plants must also be considered one of the most ruthless and emotionally disengaged-perhaps due to the intermingling of both Light and Dark energies during their awakening. It is not without reason that even desert animals fear treading upon their territory.

The Sandvynes are led by Adoette, the first of her people to gain sentience and knowledge, and fittingly enough, has access to both great power and great wisdom in abundance. Wisdom is the reason she has refused to engage more broadly in Aurelican affairs, nor offer any assistance to either side in the great war of Light and Dark. She knows all too well how quickly the hand of diplomacy can turn into a snare, and how easily the proud Sandvynes might become yet another bargaining chip wielded by one side. And Adoette will do anything to protect her people and their sacred ground…