ANKhesenamUN DUST-CHILD
Desert ScholarsSand-Sensitive Prodigy (Student)
"The sand talks to me. It says I'm special. I don't want to be special. I want to have friends.""
Identity
- Residence
- Orphanage of the Shifting Sands
- Civilization
- Desert Scholars
Appearance
• Physical: Small and undernourished, with oversized eyes that seem to see things others cannot. Her hair is always full of sand no matter how often it's washed. • Clothing: Hand-me-down robes patched many times, bare feet that never seem to get cut on sharp rocks. • Distinguishing Marks: Sand constantly shifts around her feet even indoors; her shadow sometimes moves independently.
Relationships
- Family - None known; the orphanage matron is the closest thing to a mother
- Allies - One elderly scholar who believes she should be nurtured, not feared
- Rivals - Older orphans who bully her; conservative scholars who want her "contained"
Personality
- Traits: Frightened of her own abilities, deeply lonely, desperately wants to be normal, surprisingly brave when others are in danger
- Mannerisms: Clutches a worn doll when scared; whispers to the sand when alone
- Voice: Small and hesitant, often trailing off into silence
Backstory
Ankhesenamun was found as an infant in a sandstorm, with no memory of parents. The orphanage staff discovered her sand-sensitivity when furniture began moving around her crib. She has no control over her abilities, which manifest randomly and sometimes dangerously. Scholars debate whether to train her or suppress her gifts.
Daily Life
Attends basic lessons with other orphans, spends afternoons with a rotating series of tutors trying to teach her control, evenings alone in her small room where she feels safest. She has no friends, as other children are afraid of her.
Secret
She has dreams of a woman made of sand who calls herself "mother" and promises to come for her soon.
Story Hooks
- 1 The sand-woman has appeared in waking life, and Ankhesenamun has disappeared into the desert following her.
- 2 A powerful sand mage wants to adopt her, but the matron suspects darker motives and needs help investigating.
Narrative Value
Innocent in need of protection. Her mysterious origins create supernatural plot hooks. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════