PLAYABLE RACES

HUMAN
Main Trait: Adaptable
Lifespan: 60-80 years
Average Height: 5'0"-6'0"
Average Weight: 100-200 lbs

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Humans are the most adaptable, flexible, and ambitious of all races, and often have a diverse array of tastes, morals, customs and habits. They are often the descendants of pioneers, conquerors, traders, travelers, refugees, and any other who found themselves on the move from the ancient lands to the east. Because of this, human lands tend to be a varied mix of people, having many physical, cultural, religious and political differences, often in the same land or area. Other races often accuse humans of a disrespect for history because of their commonly fickle nature, shorter life spans than others. Because human culture is constantly in flux with little or no regard for previous actions and/or words. They have also been accused by other groups of being wasteful, as well as partaking in acts of almost hedonistic avenues of pleasure, such as food, alcohol, and physical intimacy. They have a notoriety of being highly opinionated (often even without provocation or rationality), overly-aggressive, selfish, zealous, power-hungry and some even have a distasteful craving for learning about new and more terrible methods of weapon, disease, torture and trauma-inducing activities to attain their own ends.

SYLVAN
Main Trait: Graceful
Lifespan: 450-500 years
Average Height: 5'0"-6'0"
Average Weight: 100-150 lbs

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Long before Humans arrived on the eastern shore of Castelia, the native Sylvans lived off the land, one with nature. Sylvans are a primitive tribal people, native to the land of Castelia, residing on the edge of Human civilization. Once free to roam, the majority of their ancestral lands have been taken by humanity. Forcing them to flee into the northern forests. These secluded people prefer the natural world over the trappings of civilization and live in harmony with the wilderness. Sylvans are cautious warriors who fight constantly against the abominations stalking their lands. Experts with long range weapons and cunning warriors, they use guile and tactical cunning to secure their homelands. Sylvan children grow much as human children do, but their aging process slows to a crawl when they reach maturity. They enjoy youth and health for most of their lives and don't begin to feel the effects of age until the middle of their third century. Most live for over 500 years, and even then they suffer few of the infirmities of old age. In addition to this, the Elves do not sleep but find their rest in a four hour long meditative state called “reverie” which is as restful as true sleep but leaves them aware of their surroundings. Although the various Sylvan tribes still hold a grudge against humans for taking their land, there are numerous stories of youthful Sylvans being consumed by curiosity and

DWARF
Main Trait: Durable
Lifespan: 180-200 years
Average Height: 3'6"-4'6"
Average Weight: 150-200 lbs

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Lords of the underland and conquerors of the deep. That is their reputation among surface dwellers. Also called Greyfolk, they are an old race, as old as Aerth itself, if one goes by their mythology. They are stubborn and set in their ways, but only because their ways have historically worked well for them. Under most circumstances, each clan has remained equal to the others, with no clan or individual ruling over any other. Hard lessons have led to the greyfolks aversion to kings, because injudicious monarchies, in their experience, frequently lead to wars. Some might justifiably counter that a well-time king can end wars as well, but greyfolk know their histories. There have been dozens of great kings in their history, all charismatic monarchs who united the bickering clans against a common threat. Dwarves are short and stocky, but as heavy as a human. They are broad and stable creatures, perfectly suited to working close to the earth. Their thick fingers are capable of surprisingly fine manipulations, while their strength allows them to dig through all but the hardest stone. The men grow beards as a matter of pride, only trimming them enough to keep them tidy, and they enjoy braiding and ornamenting them, especially for special occasions. Traditionally, clan allegiance and caste placement meant everything among the dwarves, but as their civilization has declined from constant war with the monstrous hordes of goblins that reside deep underground. The six clans, Greyhammer, Gembeard, Darkfoot, Copperfist, Saltfire & Whitehelm have become increasingly divided. Some scholars and political leaders fear that a clan war could take place is peace is not established soon.

GNOME
Main Trait: Creativity
Lifespan: 160-180 years
Average Height: 3'0"-3'6"
Average Weight: 60-90 lbs

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Their origins are as mysterious as their creativity. No one knows where they came from or even how long they have been around. It is believed that during the last great war the majority of their histories were hunted down and burned. Gnomes are welcome everywhere as technicians, alchemists, and inventors. Despite the demand for their skills, many gnomes prefer to remain among their own kind, living in comfortable burrows beneath rolling, wooded hills where animals abound. They have no kingdoms or lands to call their own, instead living at the feet of Human civilization. Gnomes adore animals, beautiful gems, and jokes of all kinds. Members of this race have a great sense of humor, and while they love puns, jokes, and games, they relish tricks, the more intricate the better. They apply the same dedication to more practical arts, such as engineering, as they do to their pranks. Gnomes are inquisitive, they love to find things out by personal experience. At times they're even reckless. Their curiosity makes them skilled engineers, since they are always trying new ways to build things. Sometimes a gnome pulls a prank just to see how the people involved will react. Gnomes get along well with dwarves who share their love of precious objects, their curiosity about mechanical devices, as well as their mutual hatred of goblins and giants. Most gnomes are a little suspicious of taller races, but they are rarely hostile or malicious.

BRUTE
Main Trait: Quick Temper
Lifespan: 40-50 years
Average Height: 5'6"-6'6"
Average Weight: 150-220 lbs

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When the gods created mankind, they commanded them to spread across the face of the earth. But of these early humans there was a small faction which willingly corrupted their bloodline. Mating with monstrous races such as Orcs, Trolls, Ogres & Goblins, with the belief that by combining their bloodlines would make them stronger. After thousands of years of cross breading with the vile creatures that inhabited the wilds, the Brute eventually came into their own as a race. Born with strength from their monstrous heritage and intelligence from their human side, but with a shorter lifespan, maturing by twelve years old but rarely living over fifty. Brutes of the current age are a common site. Their ancient Brute kingdom of Alorenia has been struggling with hordes of monsters for over a century now, forcing many Brute to flee to the east & live on the edge of human civilization. They are often sought after by royals and nobles to be mercenaries or soldiers due to their warrior mentality. Brutes are unusually tough for humanoids, in more ways than one. Their immune systems for instance, are resistant to most sicknesses and it takes far less effort for a Brute to get back on its feet than other races. Brutes also have dense bodies and are difficult to push around as a result, as well as having the capacity to bear loads that other races might find hindering with little ill effect. They are also good judges of character. Many Brute are difficult to like and lack the charm of many other races, though this is not a trait common to all Brute and some possess a great deal of charismatic power. Furthermore, Brutes are not entirely unsocial and more than a few have a natural knack for bartering or judging the value of an offer.

DRAKE (Dray-kk)
Main Trait: Honorable
Lifespan: 230-250 years
Average Height: 6'6"-7'6"
Average Weight: 200-260 lbs

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Drake are a race of humanoid dragons descended from an ancient dragonic bloodline. Residing primarily in the spire mountains. They’re covered in scaly hide with a dragonic head, but they don’t have tails or wings. Living up to 250 years old. They are tall and strongly built often a full head and shoulders taller then most humans. Females being of basically the same height and weight as males. Their hands and feet are strong, talon like claws with four fingers and a thumb on each hand. A drake's head can feature a blunt snout, a strong brow, and distinctive frills at the cheek and ear. Their eyes are shades of red or gold. A typical drake’s scales can be scarlet, gold, rust, ocher, bronze, or brown. Born to fight, drake are a race of wandering mercenaries, soldiers, and adventurers. Long ago, their empire contended for worldwide dominion, but now only a few rootless clans of these honorable warriors remain to pass on their legends of ancient glory. To a drake, honor is more important than life itself. First and foremost, honor is tied to battlefield conduct. Adversaries should be treated with courtesy and respect, even if they are bitter enemies. Caution and discretion are key to a warrior’s survival, but fear is a disease and cowardice is a moral failing. The drive to behave honorably extends into the rest of a drakes life. Breaking an oath is the height of dishonor, and attention to honesty extends to every word. A commitment made must be carried out. Ultimately, a drake takes responsibility for his or her actions and their consequences.

NAIAD
Main Trait: Patient
Lifespan: 130-150 years
Average Height: 5'0"-5'6"
Average Weight: 90-180 lbs

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The blue skinned, aquatic cousins to the earthbound Sylvan. Known but rarely seen by surface dwellers due to their isolationist tendencies. Naiads are formed from the element of water but left the elemental plane of water centuries ago, making their home on the mortal world instead. Naiads now inhabit the seas and lakes of the world, equally at home in salt or fresh water. They will protect their watery homelands from any who would exploit them without any care. Confident and sure of themselves, Naiads usually know what they want from life. They are patient and persistent, often focusing on one goal at a time. If a goal is not attainable, they will often leave it for a later time, returning to it when they have more resources or a new approach. Refined enjoyment such as poetry and philosophy are too often lost on them. Naiads are capable of breathing both underwater and on the surface and have sick, smooth skin. They are surprisingly muscled from years spent swimming. Their skin color ranges from greenish –blue through to darkest navy blue. They lack body or facial hair, but the lustrous hair which grows from their heads can take any color of the rainbow. Males often keep their hair short while females grow theirs long. Naiads are wary and suspicious of creatures with ties to the element of fire. They judge other races by their actions, but sometimes underestimate these races due to their reliance on the land. The only known Naiad kingdom is Merlund, which only ever interferes in surface affairs when their territory is threatened. Naiads value honesty and physical prowess. They often take the long view, rarely taking the short and easy route. They tend to keep their thoughts in simple terms, disliking complexity and trickery. They are very loyal to family, friends and allies, but if that trust is broken or abused, they make persistent and unforgiving foes. Naiads venerate the deities of Water, whilst fearing the powers of fire. Many pay their respects to all the forces of nature.