Human
Look at you, a Human. Although not known for much, humans are the most plentiful race in the lands. A jack of all trades they are sometimes called; While not good at one thing in particular, humans are known to be the most versatile and can do anything they really set their minds to. Yes, the other races often view humans as 'impure', though this depends on who you're speaking to. Be it a newborn or a person in their 80's, you'll often hear the longer-lived races referring to humans as 'children who need guidance'. Try not to take offense to it; Humans are the youngest people in the land, after all.
There's rarely a challenge that humans are willing to stray from, and with a willingness always to progress despite the hardships they may face, they are ready to face what comes next. Be it taming beasts head-on or learning to handle a new weapon, even dabbling in the world of magics, there are few barriers standing in the way of a human with the right motivations. |
Elf
Now look here, an Elf. Elves are often known to be stuck-up and "full of themselves" by the other races, but that simply isn't the case. Rather, elves look at the big picture, and tend to think more about the "tomorrow" more than the "here and now", which is why they might turn down a dwarven drinking party for example. Of course they would have fun in the moment but they tend to think more of the hangover they'd have later. Elves are always looking to the future and as a result are very protective of nature.
While a popular stereotype stands that Elves are vegetarians, the truth is they only hunt for their needs. Animals are hunted and culled with respect and not in excess, all parts of the animal used and stored for longevity of consumption, unlike most other races. As an Elf, you are apart of the oldest people, and perhaps one of the rarest. Elves restrain themselves in producing offspring for the sake of keeping the balance of nature, knowing too many of a long-lived race would weigh too heavily on the resources of the world. Typically, Elves require the blessing of their king to even try to have young. The Elf King is known to be the center of their people, often the oldest Elf of all, helping their people to maintain their noble ideals as time moves onward. |
Dwarf
Take a look at you! A Dwarf. Dwarves are known for their ability to dig, mine, and are known for being great sprinters. Dwarves are not great at cross country, but you'd be lucky to beat one in a short foot race. Dwarves are often stereotypically fans of alcohol, and sometimes become wonderful chefs as a result of this fondness. The kinship shared among dwarves has been long admired, for even if blood isn't shared, Dwarves often will treat each other like close family. A Dwarf is known for sticking their neck out for another Dwarf if they so need it and often without being asked. While not the youngest or oldest of the races, they're more known for getting along with other races the easiest. Dwarves are fairly common in the lands.
One thing you can count on a Dwarf for is having as much an appreciative eye for construction as they have for a lovely bearded lass. (Which is saying something - beards are highly prized on Dwarven men and women alike!) Given the grand structures they tend to carve out of the landscape, and have done for generations back, it's not uncommon to find them either building anew or exploring structures lost to the passages of time. |
Hybrids
So, your lineage is that of known prisoners of war who hail from a cursed land. That's rough, buddy. Although that makes you unique, not many people are welcoming to Hybrids. Thankfully through efforts to educate communities as a whole, is it known that Hybrids are not the cruel and fearsome people they were once thought to be. The Magician Guild's efforts to re-incorporate you into society have gone well, and you do not have to hide from society in this time period. Bear in mind however it is unlikely that any race will fully accept you as one of them. Older generations may still hold grudges or biases, but you're tough - you've had to be, to survive.
When you are born, one of your two parental lineages are more dominant to you, and typically Hybrids settle into the communities they physical match the most, if not into a Hybrid-only community. Given your parents were magically merged with an aspect of the land's creatures, Hybrids are the rarest of people as very few of the war's prisoners actually survived the cursed lands. Every Hybrid is different, and although the world is kinder than it used to be, many of the Hybrids roaming the world today have not known many kindnesses. For those who do roam about, it's honestly a toss up as to whether they'll be kind or cruel. After all, the pain of loss and trauma can either mold you, or teach you exactly how not to be. |
Shifter
Remember, if you're bringing back a character from a previous season they can NOT become a shifter. "They were always there" doesn't mean your character was one. You would have to make a new character
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Of all the races, Shifters are without doubt one of the most misleading. Because they can look Human, Elven, or Dwarven, Shifters are often mistaken for other races, and often find their talents lie in blending in and working behind the scenes. While Hybrids bear physical qualities reflecting the animals of their lineage from day to day, Shifters have the unique ability to transform into an animal form, and in their humanoid form appear as unassuming as the next face in a crowd. You'd never be able to tell who is a Shifter unless they tell you, or you see it happen.
Although it feels as though Shifters have only begun to appear in society, the truth is they have been there all along. Fear of retribution and bigotry as seen with the Hybrids was enough for them to keep their secrets, and only with the aid of The Magician's Guild to help secure their public image have they recently come out of hiding. True, while the talents of a Shifter make them excellent infiltrators, a large portion of the Shifter population simply wishes to live in peace. Some will guard their animal shifting ability for their own safety as a result of this, and others, simply because they wish not to draw the covetous eye of The Brotherhood. |