Post by Calefrun on Jul 4, 2011 14:33:31 GMT -5
HUMANS
The youngest race, and imperialistic in nature, long ago the humans conquered much of the land which once belonged to the elves, dwarves, and orcs. Centuries of war weakened the human empire, and over time they were willing to form a tentative alliance with the elves, as well as sign a treaty of neutrality with the dwarves. Even so, most humans see themselves as being superior to the other races, and conflicts between humans and dwarves, while on a much smaller scale, are not entirely unheard of. To this day war is still being waged against the orcish nation of Murzulbag, though Balaeruid's northeastern border has not seen any major changes within the past few centuries.
Balaeruid is the second-most technologically advanced nation in the world, and the capital city, Cimanor is the technological center of the world due to abundant natural resources and a large number of gnomish immigrants. Transportation is made easier by the steam-powered trains which run through the country, as well as the automobiles owned by the very wealthy. Balaeruid's navy is the most powerful in the world, thanks to its enormous, steam-powered ships, and as such violent conflicts with the naga are common.
More humans use firearms than any other race, but these are still limited to the wealthy and those that serve in Balaeruid's military. The poorer humans usually make use of more traditional forms of weaponary, and they are fairly skilled at both melee and ranged attacks. There is also a good number of magic-practicing humans, though they mostly reside in the northwestern part of the country. Humans are not particularly adept physically or mentally in relation to the other races, but rather, they provide a middle ground- good at everything, but generally not exceptional in anything when compared to other races.
DWARVES
For the most part, dwarves prefer to stay secluded from the other races. They generally prefer to live in the mountains, creating vast cities dug into the mountains themselves. At one time the dwarves were in control of the entire mountain range in the northeastern part of their country, which was were the majority of the dwarven population resided. However, in ancient times the human armies swept through the mountains, destroying the dwarves' cities and establishing their own settlements. At this point in time the dwarves control only a small portion of the mountains, and many are angered that they are not fighting the humans in order to reclaim the land that was taken from them. Most, though, would like to have their lands back, but are content that the humans left them with at least a bit of the mountain range, and have established a new capital in the section which is still theirs. Still, anti-human sentiment is near-universal amongst the dwarves, and the only thing that keeps them from reigniting the old wars is the fear of losing what land they have left. Presently, most dwarves live in towns and cities located above ground. The dwarves wish for control of the massive mountain range on Balaineth, and their attempts to spread in this direction bring them into frequent conflict with the dragonkin.
Typically, dwarves prefer to stick to more traditional things, and try to resist the change brought about by advances in technology. However as allies of the gnomes, this isn't always possible, and certain elements of dwarven culture have become entwined with newer technology. This is most seen in the mines, as recently the use of large drills, controlled as vehicles and powered the same way as all other gnomish inventions, has become a common practice. The capital of Khundane, Kibarin, has been a bit more welcoming to these changes, and vaguely resembles a typical gnomish city, though underground.
Strong despite their height, dwarves typically prefer melee weapons, with the battle axe being a favorite. Some have begun to use firearms, though these dwarves are typically looked upon as those who bring about unwelcome change. While there are a few dwarves that practice magic, for the most part the race doesn't bother with it, believing that any problem that could be solved with magic could be solved just as well with brute force.
ELVES
The elves are the second oldest race in the world. They rarely leave the forest that they call home, preferring to stay isolated from the rest of the world. They were nearly driven to extinction at one point, due to conflicts with the humans and orcs to the east and west, as well as the undead abominations destroying everything in their path in the north. But the humans were wearing down as well, and the two races formed and alliance, uniting against common enemies. In helping with the construction of the Great Northern Wall, the humans saved the elves from certain doom. However, those old enough who had survived many of the human campaigns could not forget the bloodshed they had seen. These elves were strongly against the alliance, and are still openly hostile towards humans. In order to avoid any contact with the other race, these elves have mostly moved to the island to the northwest of Milanian.
Unlike most other races, elves do no accept modern technology, though it was used in the creation of the wall which saved them from the undead menace. Elves live in harmony with nature, tending to their forest with loving care. In return, the forest provides them with food, shelter, and protection. Few members of other races have entered the forest, and those that have were only allowed to enter in times of dire emergency.
As a general rule, elves are a fleet-footed and graceful people, but not very strong. Therefore, they prefer weapons that allow them to remain agile. Large weapons are uncommon, the most common melee weapons are daggers and short swords. Bows and arrows are also common elven weapons. The most popular form of combat amongst the elves, usually a peaceful race, involves natural magic. Elven druids carry wooden staves and commune with nature, acquiring aid from plants and animals.
ORCS
Though they have been around for much longer, the orcs' goal remains the same as that of the humans of old- conquest. Even before the human empire emerged and began its spread, the orcs were at constant war with the elves and dwarves in an endless attempt to take control of all of Emeardia. Even now they fight the humans to take back the lands that they lost (without much success), and battle the elves for control of the Great Forest. Unlike the monarchs of Balaeruid and Khundane and the council of elders which presides over Milanian, the orcs of Murzulbag are divided into clans, each with its own respective leader, who then in turn reports to the Grand Warchief of the orcs.
The orcs are one of the few races that have managed to avoid adapting modern technology into their society in any way. Because of this, they are seen as primitive by some of the other races, but the orcs prefer to think of themselves as a proud, traditional people. Though Murzulbag has a few major cities, most of its citizens live in small towns and villages, and nearly all buildings in the nation are constructed of wood, stone, or mud bricks.
Orcs utilize their great strength in using nearly any type of weapon, with the largest exception being firearms. While the most commonly used weapons are large, two-handed swords, axes, and hammers, smaller weapons and bows are used as well. There are no orc mages, and it is unknown if orcs even have the capacity for magic, as they certainly don't have the patience.
UNDEAD
A mistake that nearly brought about the end of the world. That is the best way one can describe the undead. The area now known as the Forbidden Lands was once a part of northern Milanian. Within it was the city of Lameldor, which hosted the most in-depth research of the natural magics conducted by the elves. During an experiment, an ambitious group of elves thought that they had discovered a way to give themselves eternal life by absorbing life from the area around them. This meant killing plants and wildlife, and went against everything the elves believed in. Even so, the opportunity was one they felt that they could not pass up, so they attempted it anyway. When they attempted to cast the spell, the magic backfired, killing several of the elves instantly. But the magic didn't stop there. The corpses of these elves rose back up, and began attacking the survivors. When an undead bites its victim, the corrupted magic which courses through it spreads to the victim, killing them and raising them as one of the living dead as well. Any plants or animals that the undead touch instantly die, their life absorbed so that the undead may live for eternity.
After this initial outbreak, the undead legion spread out from Lameldor, destroying all of the upper region of Milanian. Eventually, the elves gained the aid of the humans, building a giant wall that would stop the undead advance over land. And as they cannot swim and apparently lack any sort of intelligence which would allow them to construct ships, this efficiently contained them within a land to which travel was now forbidden. This happened so long ago, though, that there are many who now believe that there never were any undead. While elves still live who remember their encounter with near-extinction, some younger elves and many humans believe that the whole thing was made up, a result of some mass paranoia that resulted in the building of a giant wall. Contributing to the unbelievability of the story was the part that has now become legend. It is said that at one point, the undead had spread over nearly half of Emeardia. When it looked as though the undead apocalypse was dawning on the world, a single elf, using the power of a magic gem, pushed the undead onslaught all the way back to the Forbidden Lands. This elf then held them back long enough for the wall to be completed, though he was trapped in the Forbidden Lands as the last of his power ran out. The tale of his courage and his sacrifice has been passed down for generations, and is one of the most famous legends in the world.
Since this time, there have been small outbreaks in certain areas, where apparently the hero's magic did not destroy some undead. However, these have all been dealt with, and the last known one was nearly 700 years ago. Meanwhile, behind the wall, millions of undead elves, humans, and dwarves wander aimlessly, slowly dying after not having absorbed anything living in so long. By some strange effect of the magic, some of them have even gained the ability to think. This new type of undead resides within Lameldor, its members working to develop a plan of escape.
OGRES
There isn't much to be said about the warlike ogres. They are incredibly strong, and have a society based entirely around combat. The leader is decided through a tournament in which ogres battle to the death, the victor earns the right to lead his people. Most ogres want to be at war with the entire world, believing that they could crush all of their enemies with ease. The more intelligent members of the race, however, know otherwise. They fear the dragons that live in the mountains to the east, and as such they try to avoid them. As for the naga, the ogres have no method of war by sea, and the naga do not wage war on land, so the two races have allied just out of the fact that they would never go to war against one another. The ogres are primitive even by orcish standards, lacking the intelligence to comprehend even the simplest of technologies. Most ogres prefer to fight unarmed, but those that do use weapons only use melee weapons.
GNOMES
Making up for their miniscule height with their brilliance, gnomes are the primary inventors in the world. All of the machines used throughout the world were created by gnomes. All cities in Losigin are kept up to date with the latest and greatest in gnomish technology. Though usually a peaceful race, the gnomes also make the firearms used by the wealthy and by the militaries of some nations. Most of their enemies they are only enemies with because of their alliance with the dwarves, which goes back before even the first recorded appearance of humans. The naga, however, are a constant problem for the gnomes, constantly sinking their ships.
Gnomes are fairly versatile when it comes to combat. While large, heavy weapons are out of the question, their small size allows them to move around quietly, making them efficient thieves and assassins (though this is an uncommon practice amongst gnomes, and is generally frowned upon). Most gnomes use firearms, many even make their own. There are also more mages amongst the gnomes than any other race, and they practice all forms of magic except druidism.
DRAGONKIN
The dragonkin are the oldest race in the world, and it is widely believed that the dragons have been around since the beginning of time. Their history is an uneventful one in the eyes of most other races, as they are the only race to successfully keep entirely to themselves. They do not leave Athysdertus, and any outsiders who enter are killed on sight. They do not consider themselves to be at war with the dwarves, but instead that the dwarves are a mere annoyance which refuses to cease its attempts at entering their lands.
Due to their seclusion from other races, the dragonkin have not adopted any form of modern technology, nor do they view it as necessary. They mostly live in caves, though some have formed small villages throughout their lands with buildings made of wood and stone. In the center of the country is the city of Onidus, which is where the majority of the dragons live. Within this city is the council of elder dragons which rules over the others, and whose members are rumored to have been around since the dragons first appeared in this world. The dragons and dragonkin do not use weapons, as their teeth and claws are just as effective as any weapon. The magical properties of the dragons are a bit of a mystery, but different dragons appear to naturally have control over certain schools of magic (with the color of their scales corresponding to their specialization), while others seem to be able to simultaneously use all forms of magic.
HALF-ELVES
Technically, the half-elves are not an actual race, but a sub-race. They are the offspring of one human parent and one elven parent, and are only counted on this list because they make up roughly twenty-five percent of the populations of Balaeruid and Milanian. They are a direct result of the human-elf alliance, and are part of the reason the alliance has been able to last for so long. At first, half-elves were heavily discriminated against in both countries, however today most humans and elves have come to accept them. Even so, half-elves find themselves unable to fit in with the populace of their country, and today most live in half-elf-only towns. Their choices in magic and weaponry depend on which country they live in, though they're typically less skilled than a human or elf in most areas.
NAGA
The naga are a race of merpeople living in a civilization constructed entirely below the surface of Rionathelm's oceans. It is unknown how long they have existed, as their existence was unknown to the other races until a few hundred years ago. Ships started disappearing without a trace, originally attributed to storms or some kind of magic. Eventually, ships became advanced enough to survive a naga attack, and at last their presence was known to the world. At first, they were thought to be a mindless race of monsters. However, the first submarines managed to capture photos of vast underwater cities.
The naga attack those who attempt to journey across the ocean because they see it as their territory. The ogres do not travel by sea, and are enemies of those who do, so they have joined in an alliance with the naga. For weaponry, the naga generally prefer polearms, though other forms of melee weapons are occasionally used. Some naga are able to use magic, though it is extremely rare to find a powerful naga mage.
GOBLINS
The goblins are a nomadic race, not having their own country, but instead moving continuously through the countries of others. They do not, however, trespass where they are not welcome, and are very careful not to anger any of the other races. They prefer to keep a neutrality with all of the other races, through an agreement that all but the dragonkin and naga have agreed to; the goblins may freely traverse the lands of other races, so long as they continue to sell various wares that they pick up on their journeys. Wherever they go, the goblins buy and sell nearly anything to and from the locals. Most of the items they carry are seen as useless junk by those of other races, however occasionally one may find something rare and valuable amongst the piles of garbage.
The youngest race, and imperialistic in nature, long ago the humans conquered much of the land which once belonged to the elves, dwarves, and orcs. Centuries of war weakened the human empire, and over time they were willing to form a tentative alliance with the elves, as well as sign a treaty of neutrality with the dwarves. Even so, most humans see themselves as being superior to the other races, and conflicts between humans and dwarves, while on a much smaller scale, are not entirely unheard of. To this day war is still being waged against the orcish nation of Murzulbag, though Balaeruid's northeastern border has not seen any major changes within the past few centuries.
Balaeruid is the second-most technologically advanced nation in the world, and the capital city, Cimanor is the technological center of the world due to abundant natural resources and a large number of gnomish immigrants. Transportation is made easier by the steam-powered trains which run through the country, as well as the automobiles owned by the very wealthy. Balaeruid's navy is the most powerful in the world, thanks to its enormous, steam-powered ships, and as such violent conflicts with the naga are common.
More humans use firearms than any other race, but these are still limited to the wealthy and those that serve in Balaeruid's military. The poorer humans usually make use of more traditional forms of weaponary, and they are fairly skilled at both melee and ranged attacks. There is also a good number of magic-practicing humans, though they mostly reside in the northwestern part of the country. Humans are not particularly adept physically or mentally in relation to the other races, but rather, they provide a middle ground- good at everything, but generally not exceptional in anything when compared to other races.
DWARVES
For the most part, dwarves prefer to stay secluded from the other races. They generally prefer to live in the mountains, creating vast cities dug into the mountains themselves. At one time the dwarves were in control of the entire mountain range in the northeastern part of their country, which was were the majority of the dwarven population resided. However, in ancient times the human armies swept through the mountains, destroying the dwarves' cities and establishing their own settlements. At this point in time the dwarves control only a small portion of the mountains, and many are angered that they are not fighting the humans in order to reclaim the land that was taken from them. Most, though, would like to have their lands back, but are content that the humans left them with at least a bit of the mountain range, and have established a new capital in the section which is still theirs. Still, anti-human sentiment is near-universal amongst the dwarves, and the only thing that keeps them from reigniting the old wars is the fear of losing what land they have left. Presently, most dwarves live in towns and cities located above ground. The dwarves wish for control of the massive mountain range on Balaineth, and their attempts to spread in this direction bring them into frequent conflict with the dragonkin.
Typically, dwarves prefer to stick to more traditional things, and try to resist the change brought about by advances in technology. However as allies of the gnomes, this isn't always possible, and certain elements of dwarven culture have become entwined with newer technology. This is most seen in the mines, as recently the use of large drills, controlled as vehicles and powered the same way as all other gnomish inventions, has become a common practice. The capital of Khundane, Kibarin, has been a bit more welcoming to these changes, and vaguely resembles a typical gnomish city, though underground.
Strong despite their height, dwarves typically prefer melee weapons, with the battle axe being a favorite. Some have begun to use firearms, though these dwarves are typically looked upon as those who bring about unwelcome change. While there are a few dwarves that practice magic, for the most part the race doesn't bother with it, believing that any problem that could be solved with magic could be solved just as well with brute force.
ELVES
The elves are the second oldest race in the world. They rarely leave the forest that they call home, preferring to stay isolated from the rest of the world. They were nearly driven to extinction at one point, due to conflicts with the humans and orcs to the east and west, as well as the undead abominations destroying everything in their path in the north. But the humans were wearing down as well, and the two races formed and alliance, uniting against common enemies. In helping with the construction of the Great Northern Wall, the humans saved the elves from certain doom. However, those old enough who had survived many of the human campaigns could not forget the bloodshed they had seen. These elves were strongly against the alliance, and are still openly hostile towards humans. In order to avoid any contact with the other race, these elves have mostly moved to the island to the northwest of Milanian.
Unlike most other races, elves do no accept modern technology, though it was used in the creation of the wall which saved them from the undead menace. Elves live in harmony with nature, tending to their forest with loving care. In return, the forest provides them with food, shelter, and protection. Few members of other races have entered the forest, and those that have were only allowed to enter in times of dire emergency.
As a general rule, elves are a fleet-footed and graceful people, but not very strong. Therefore, they prefer weapons that allow them to remain agile. Large weapons are uncommon, the most common melee weapons are daggers and short swords. Bows and arrows are also common elven weapons. The most popular form of combat amongst the elves, usually a peaceful race, involves natural magic. Elven druids carry wooden staves and commune with nature, acquiring aid from plants and animals.
ORCS
Though they have been around for much longer, the orcs' goal remains the same as that of the humans of old- conquest. Even before the human empire emerged and began its spread, the orcs were at constant war with the elves and dwarves in an endless attempt to take control of all of Emeardia. Even now they fight the humans to take back the lands that they lost (without much success), and battle the elves for control of the Great Forest. Unlike the monarchs of Balaeruid and Khundane and the council of elders which presides over Milanian, the orcs of Murzulbag are divided into clans, each with its own respective leader, who then in turn reports to the Grand Warchief of the orcs.
The orcs are one of the few races that have managed to avoid adapting modern technology into their society in any way. Because of this, they are seen as primitive by some of the other races, but the orcs prefer to think of themselves as a proud, traditional people. Though Murzulbag has a few major cities, most of its citizens live in small towns and villages, and nearly all buildings in the nation are constructed of wood, stone, or mud bricks.
Orcs utilize their great strength in using nearly any type of weapon, with the largest exception being firearms. While the most commonly used weapons are large, two-handed swords, axes, and hammers, smaller weapons and bows are used as well. There are no orc mages, and it is unknown if orcs even have the capacity for magic, as they certainly don't have the patience.
UNDEAD
A mistake that nearly brought about the end of the world. That is the best way one can describe the undead. The area now known as the Forbidden Lands was once a part of northern Milanian. Within it was the city of Lameldor, which hosted the most in-depth research of the natural magics conducted by the elves. During an experiment, an ambitious group of elves thought that they had discovered a way to give themselves eternal life by absorbing life from the area around them. This meant killing plants and wildlife, and went against everything the elves believed in. Even so, the opportunity was one they felt that they could not pass up, so they attempted it anyway. When they attempted to cast the spell, the magic backfired, killing several of the elves instantly. But the magic didn't stop there. The corpses of these elves rose back up, and began attacking the survivors. When an undead bites its victim, the corrupted magic which courses through it spreads to the victim, killing them and raising them as one of the living dead as well. Any plants or animals that the undead touch instantly die, their life absorbed so that the undead may live for eternity.
After this initial outbreak, the undead legion spread out from Lameldor, destroying all of the upper region of Milanian. Eventually, the elves gained the aid of the humans, building a giant wall that would stop the undead advance over land. And as they cannot swim and apparently lack any sort of intelligence which would allow them to construct ships, this efficiently contained them within a land to which travel was now forbidden. This happened so long ago, though, that there are many who now believe that there never were any undead. While elves still live who remember their encounter with near-extinction, some younger elves and many humans believe that the whole thing was made up, a result of some mass paranoia that resulted in the building of a giant wall. Contributing to the unbelievability of the story was the part that has now become legend. It is said that at one point, the undead had spread over nearly half of Emeardia. When it looked as though the undead apocalypse was dawning on the world, a single elf, using the power of a magic gem, pushed the undead onslaught all the way back to the Forbidden Lands. This elf then held them back long enough for the wall to be completed, though he was trapped in the Forbidden Lands as the last of his power ran out. The tale of his courage and his sacrifice has been passed down for generations, and is one of the most famous legends in the world.
Since this time, there have been small outbreaks in certain areas, where apparently the hero's magic did not destroy some undead. However, these have all been dealt with, and the last known one was nearly 700 years ago. Meanwhile, behind the wall, millions of undead elves, humans, and dwarves wander aimlessly, slowly dying after not having absorbed anything living in so long. By some strange effect of the magic, some of them have even gained the ability to think. This new type of undead resides within Lameldor, its members working to develop a plan of escape.
OGRES
There isn't much to be said about the warlike ogres. They are incredibly strong, and have a society based entirely around combat. The leader is decided through a tournament in which ogres battle to the death, the victor earns the right to lead his people. Most ogres want to be at war with the entire world, believing that they could crush all of their enemies with ease. The more intelligent members of the race, however, know otherwise. They fear the dragons that live in the mountains to the east, and as such they try to avoid them. As for the naga, the ogres have no method of war by sea, and the naga do not wage war on land, so the two races have allied just out of the fact that they would never go to war against one another. The ogres are primitive even by orcish standards, lacking the intelligence to comprehend even the simplest of technologies. Most ogres prefer to fight unarmed, but those that do use weapons only use melee weapons.
GNOMES
Making up for their miniscule height with their brilliance, gnomes are the primary inventors in the world. All of the machines used throughout the world were created by gnomes. All cities in Losigin are kept up to date with the latest and greatest in gnomish technology. Though usually a peaceful race, the gnomes also make the firearms used by the wealthy and by the militaries of some nations. Most of their enemies they are only enemies with because of their alliance with the dwarves, which goes back before even the first recorded appearance of humans. The naga, however, are a constant problem for the gnomes, constantly sinking their ships.
Gnomes are fairly versatile when it comes to combat. While large, heavy weapons are out of the question, their small size allows them to move around quietly, making them efficient thieves and assassins (though this is an uncommon practice amongst gnomes, and is generally frowned upon). Most gnomes use firearms, many even make their own. There are also more mages amongst the gnomes than any other race, and they practice all forms of magic except druidism.
DRAGONKIN
The dragonkin are the oldest race in the world, and it is widely believed that the dragons have been around since the beginning of time. Their history is an uneventful one in the eyes of most other races, as they are the only race to successfully keep entirely to themselves. They do not leave Athysdertus, and any outsiders who enter are killed on sight. They do not consider themselves to be at war with the dwarves, but instead that the dwarves are a mere annoyance which refuses to cease its attempts at entering their lands.
Due to their seclusion from other races, the dragonkin have not adopted any form of modern technology, nor do they view it as necessary. They mostly live in caves, though some have formed small villages throughout their lands with buildings made of wood and stone. In the center of the country is the city of Onidus, which is where the majority of the dragons live. Within this city is the council of elder dragons which rules over the others, and whose members are rumored to have been around since the dragons first appeared in this world. The dragons and dragonkin do not use weapons, as their teeth and claws are just as effective as any weapon. The magical properties of the dragons are a bit of a mystery, but different dragons appear to naturally have control over certain schools of magic (with the color of their scales corresponding to their specialization), while others seem to be able to simultaneously use all forms of magic.
HALF-ELVES
Technically, the half-elves are not an actual race, but a sub-race. They are the offspring of one human parent and one elven parent, and are only counted on this list because they make up roughly twenty-five percent of the populations of Balaeruid and Milanian. They are a direct result of the human-elf alliance, and are part of the reason the alliance has been able to last for so long. At first, half-elves were heavily discriminated against in both countries, however today most humans and elves have come to accept them. Even so, half-elves find themselves unable to fit in with the populace of their country, and today most live in half-elf-only towns. Their choices in magic and weaponry depend on which country they live in, though they're typically less skilled than a human or elf in most areas.
NAGA
The naga are a race of merpeople living in a civilization constructed entirely below the surface of Rionathelm's oceans. It is unknown how long they have existed, as their existence was unknown to the other races until a few hundred years ago. Ships started disappearing without a trace, originally attributed to storms or some kind of magic. Eventually, ships became advanced enough to survive a naga attack, and at last their presence was known to the world. At first, they were thought to be a mindless race of monsters. However, the first submarines managed to capture photos of vast underwater cities.
The naga attack those who attempt to journey across the ocean because they see it as their territory. The ogres do not travel by sea, and are enemies of those who do, so they have joined in an alliance with the naga. For weaponry, the naga generally prefer polearms, though other forms of melee weapons are occasionally used. Some naga are able to use magic, though it is extremely rare to find a powerful naga mage.
GOBLINS
The goblins are a nomadic race, not having their own country, but instead moving continuously through the countries of others. They do not, however, trespass where they are not welcome, and are very careful not to anger any of the other races. They prefer to keep a neutrality with all of the other races, through an agreement that all but the dragonkin and naga have agreed to; the goblins may freely traverse the lands of other races, so long as they continue to sell various wares that they pick up on their journeys. Wherever they go, the goblins buy and sell nearly anything to and from the locals. Most of the items they carry are seen as useless junk by those of other races, however occasionally one may find something rare and valuable amongst the piles of garbage.