Races
[+] Light Races
[+] Caurthorians
Somewhat disrespectfully called “The Lizard Men” by the less tolerant citizens of the Realm, the Caurthorians are perhaps the least understood of all races. Little is known about how or why they appeared in the world, but one thing that is for sure is that they bear no resemblance to anything that existed before the Change.
Cold, calculating, and fiercely tribal, the Caurthorians are trained from birth in all forms of combat, stealth techniques and athletics. In recent decades, some Caurthorians have begun spreading out into the world to follow other paths such as training specialists, hired bodyguards or even monks (though the vast majority live in the more tropical areas, in small nomadic groups). Caurthorian lore tells of a great Homeland -- from which all Caurthorians hail, and will one day return -- but which land they refer to is a mystery even to them.
[+] Humans
In the Old World there was only one sentient species: the Humans. After the mutations caused by the World Change, however, this changed -- though even now they make up the largest portion of the population. The key feature of mankind is their adaptive nature. Humans are the most versatile of all races in the Realm, and can excel at virtually any profession or task they put their mind to. Human-kind have more physical variation between individuals than any of the other races. Whereas others such as the Seraph may be considered very much alike to one another, all Humans have very unique features that set them apart from others of their race. While their height and weight are considered "average,” they are in fact the second shortest of all the races. Their closest relatives are the Mageborn and the Warriorborn, and though physiologically quite different from the Humans, they are still close enough to be counted among them. All three of the human-kind races have a short life span compared to other races of the Realm.
"Trueblood" Humans have exceptional respiratory systems, and thus their level of stamina is much higher than that of other races. Their communication and interpersonal skills are also second to none. They therefore have a natural ability to convince and persuade all speakers of the Common Tongue.
[+] Mageborn
This discreet, unimposing race takes its name not from the fact that they are "born of mages" -- though they are -- but rather that they are "born as mages." The innate intensity of magic that flows through their bodies means that magic to a Mageborn is merely another sense, and comes as naturally to them as breathing.
Mild-natured and pallid of skin, the Mageborn are often confused with Humans -- to whom they are indeed related -- but the sheer cultural and physiological differences beneath the surface often impede their total integration into other societies. Those less magically-oriented tend to find them "distant," "strange" or even "not to be trusted." These feelings are often mutual.
[+] Seraph
"...and in the Dawn, did the First-Borne of the Seraph awaken unto the World, and there did they abide as masters of all They surveyed."
Seraph lore tells of divine entities that walked the land as incarnate beings. The Seraph were a race of incredible wisdom and magical power, who would one day ascend as deities.
"...that 'ere the Dusk They might return to their home, and reign aside the Gods in eternal reverie."
With the coming of the younger races into the world, the Seraph bloodlines thinned, and they gave forth offspring – known as the Sidhe – who would in turn occupy their place.
"And come the Morn, did the Sapling Races spring forth and take root throughout the land – the Scions of the First-Borne, who would henceforth be their heirs."
The Seraph of this world are fair of complexion, yet stern; noble, yet haughty in nature; they are indeed descended from the "First-Borne", and are the wisest and most magically powerful race in the Realm. However, they are not in fact First-Borne, despite what they may claim. The First-Borne themselves are long- believed extinct.
[+] Sidhe
Despite their somewhat primitive appearance -- fair haired, dark-eyed, mildly bronzed complexion and handmade attire -- the Sidhe are among the best-educated of all the races of the Realm. Said to be the Scions of the Seraph, they are brought up to love and respect all life and the forces of nature, and are equally well-versed in the cultures of other races.
Slight of build yet athletic, the Sidhe - pronounced "shee" - have superb stealth, agility and acrobatics skills, and their reputation precedes them as the finest bowmen in the entire Realm. They are also remarkably talented thieves and assassins, though they reserve these abilities for moments of the direst need. Although more suited to life in the forests -- hence their common name "Wood Elves" -- the Sidhe are quick to adapt to other ways of life, and have successfully integrated into societies and communities across the land.
[+] Warriorborn
The hardiest Folk in the entire Realm, the Warriorborn are a stocky, pale-skinned race, strongly resembling the Northmen of old. With the Changing of the World, the mutations suffered by the Northmen were perhaps less noticeable than those of other races. Legend tells of tall folk -- well over six feet in height -- with fair hair, blue eyes, and stern, chiselled features. The Warriorborn bear somewhat softer features and a less imposing stature, as well as having rather more variety in terms of eye and hair colour.
They do, however, maintain the pale complexion and fiery spirit of the Northmen, not to mention their stout protectiveness of their homes and kin. Quick to laugh -- and to brawl -- the Warriorborn share a love for hunting, fighting, “Mead-Moots,” and of course the pleasures of the flesh. It is also noteworthy that having inherited the hardiness of the Northmen, the Warriorborn are also as foolhardy: the thrill of adventure, a wager, or a mission against all odds is to them the very spice of life.