The following races inhabit Greenvale and The Valley. Several variants exist as well, and are listed after.
DwarfDwarves are born from the earth. Legend tells that in the far past, they were slaves, forced to work in mines in support of various wars, both celestial and earthly. Dwarves have sworn never to serve another master. Even though many still feel at home underground, they refuse to do menial work.
Human
The legend that tells of the birth of man describes a war between titans and gods. At the end of teh war, humans were the compromise, and was gifted with many blessings from both sides. In that age many wonders filled the land, but now, if there ever were any wonders, they have all been shattered, or simply stopped working. Now, man is at once the least of the races, and the grandest, having nothing compared to their past, but still having the strength of spirit to hang on and survive.
|
ElfMyth tells that elves were born from magic that was extremely strong or that has gone extremely wrong. If that's true, then there must have been something truly massive happen here for the effect to have lasted so long, because elves are still being born. Elves do not have a lifespan that is normal for their race, but varies widely.
Halfling
Small and quick, halflings tend not to meddle in the affairs of larger creatures. Since they can generally choose whether or not to be noticed, halflings generally prefer to congregate in the small farming towns rather than the larger Greenvale or Southlake, although they do send out caravans to carry out any necessary commercial transactions. In general, halflings just want to be left in peace, and will do just about anything to stay that way, until they can’t. One of the most feared sounds on any battlefield is that of joyful halfling war songs, songs which most often seem to sound from everywhere and nowhere at once, just before the arrows and sling stones begin to fly.
OrcOrcs can never really settle down into polite society. Even in the area of Mount Dawn, where they have predominantly settled, they stay more of a loose association of tribes than any sort of actual city, with each small clan having it's own chieftains. However, given the need, they can assemble their chieftains to take care of urgent matters. Just don't expect the cooperation to last for long.
|
These variants spring up from every race, although some are more prevalent in one race than another.
AetherbloodAetherblood slightly shimmer and seem to twist as you look at them. They're mostly found around Greenvale and it's immediate environs. The current theory is that the reason they don't seem to quite be there is that the cataclysm that ended the world ripped open a hole to somewhere... else, and those that were closest are the original ancestors of the current Aetherblood.
Dragonborn (Dragon)Dragonborn are imposing just by their very presence. It's hard to miss one when you walk into a room, as their skin tone and hair color match the shade of whichever type of mythical beast that legend says they descended from. Dragonborn have a very strong sense of honor and duty, which makes them trustworthy, and the natural choice to be the valley's bankers. They also tend to be stronger and tougher than others, but sometimes they take themselves a little too seriously.
WildbornThere are those who some say have been cursed by the valley. Their features bear the marks of ancestry shared by wild beast. their hands and feet are more clawlike, and their senses are increased. More orcs than others are affected by this, but the curse - if it is indeed a curse - is spreading.
|
CelestialCelestials are graceful beings with glowing eyes of hues that range from gold to red. Some say their ancestry can be traced back to some sort of higher power. Celestials are graceful, and looked up to for their beauty, but they also have the tendency to become obsessed. Some Celestials are all too keen to bring down judgment upon any they see as a threat to their cause, whatever cause that may be.
Runed
Runed are part of an ancient sect that learned to imbue themselves with magic by carving it into their very skin. Sometime in the past hundred years or so, though, babies started being born to the Runed with runes already engraved. This alarming turn of events can as yet not be explained, not even by Runed augurs, and the Runed are understandably concerned.
WinterkissedWinterkissed are from the east end of the valley, under the slope of Mount Dawn. The legend is that the mountain blesses them with stronger souls, but the fact is, that whatever else they've been given, they've also been given pale white skin black hair and blue eyes, almost to a person. Winterkissed are renowned as arbiters throughout the valley and many seek their cold, logical counsel.
|