The Races of Erdeor

The following are the major sapient races of Erdeor:

Elves

Silbaran Elves: The Silbaran, or Silver, Elves are the embodiment of good in Erdeor, and completely intolerant of evil. Graceful and refined city dwellers, these elves tend to see themselves as a cut above the other mortal races. Silbaran elves have a strong affinity for beauty, seeing aesthetic discord as a sign of corruption. Though they are without a doubt a race of good beings, their racial pride irritates many of the other races. Physically they are tall and lithe, often standing at least a head above the average human.

Erdaran Elves: Erdaran, or Wild, elves are smaller and more athletically build than their Silbaran cousins. Instead of cities, these isolationist forest dwellers live in elevated tree-cities. Erdaran are typically unconcerned with the conflict between good and evil, so long as their isolation and forests are not threatened. In appearance Wild Elves are similar to humans, only naturally fit and athletic. Their skin is often tanned and dirt stained from living as one with nature. The Erdaran enjoy a special relationship with creatures of nature, and are able to calm or even befriend them.

Vorloran Elves: Vorloran, or Lost, elves were originally part of the Silbaran race. A schism occurred when a portion of the Silbaran elves became overwhelmed by their feelings of racial superiority and called for the subjugation of the other "lesser" races. When the majority of the Silbaran refused, the proto-Vorloran elves became separatists. Using this urge for domination as a seed of corruption, the dark goddess Quetzaya seduced the elves, corrupting their inherent goodness. As they lost interest in what initially had been a misguided campaign for good, the separatist elves swore themselves to the service of Quetzaya if she would grant them dominion over the other races. When word of the conversion reached the Silbaran, it triggered a civil war in which the Silver Elves attempted to eradicate their converted brothers. Unwilling to see an entire population of worshipers destroyed, Quetzaya sent visions to the evil elves which would lead them to safety in a labyrinth of caves. Here the Vorloran became as twisted physically as they had become mentally. Because they live without the benefit of sunlight, the Lost elves are a pale people. Large, highly sensitive eyes allow the Vorloran to see in almost absolute darkness, but become a hindrance if exposed to bright light. Vorloran elves have also developed large ears to complement acute hearing. Lost elves adorn their bodies with wicked tattoos as signs of devotion to their goddess.

Men and Related Races

Man/Human: The race of man is short lived and passionate. The knowledge that they do not have long on Erdeor fills the race of man with a burning desire for accomplishment. Humans come in many shapes and sizes, and are easily one of the most varied races on Erdeor. Because of their intense passion human allegiance can differ drastically. While some humans champion the causes of good and justice under the goddess Cera, others are easily corrupted and serve in Quetzaya's dark forces. Humans can be found dwelling alone or in communities ranging from villages to cities.

Halflings: Relatives of the Race of Man, halflings are small humanoid beings with strong wills. Roguish and curious by nature, halflings love to wander and explore, often joining with multi-racial groups for security. Though they are physically diminutive, halflings are unflappable in the face of hardship and sometimes seem impervious to long odds. Though not a true race of good, like the Silbaran elves, halflings are generally good-natured, friendly, understanding, and social beings. Halflings tend to live in communities when not exploring, although not always communities of their own kind.

Orcs: Created by Ralaeth, members of this race are wild and worldly. The Orc race hails primarily from the harsh northern wastes and tundra, though they range far and are widely distributed. Orc society is clannish and emphasizes endurance, determination, and a survivors spirit. Members of the Orc race are muscularly built, possess formidable stamina, and are instructed from birth to endure hardship. Although not evil, the average Orc is harsh and unforgiving to outsiders and not opposed to solving most problems violently. Physically they are large, muscular humanoids with noticeable tusks and skin which ranges from green tinged, to grey, to almost black. They are known as some of the best fighters in Erdeor. Orcs are the chosen people of Ralaeth, and most continue to honor him in conjunction with their own shamanistic beliefs.

Beast Races

Minotaurs: A gigantic, omnivorous beast race native to the arid northeastern steppe, Minotaurs are a warlike, nomadic people. Tribes are regularly destroyed and reformed following countless tribal conflicts, conflicts that often lack an apparent cause. Minotaur's revel in violence, fighting for territory, resources, or simply for sport. Standing at an average of ten feet tall, the common Minotaur is quick to anger and eager to respond to the slightest insult or perceived challenge. A Minotaur are not terribly intelligent however, and can often be tricked, outwitted, or simply deceived.


Goblins: A diminuitive, but nasty and aggressive race, they can be found all over, but tend to prefer residing amid swamps and bogs. These beings are not known for their intelligence or their bravery. They are as likely to turn on one another as they are on anyone who wanders near their camp and looks like easy pickings. Despite their constant infighting, they are able to fight surprisingly well in large numbers, so long as they feel confident in their chances of winning. Or conversely, they may attack in their large numbers if controlled by an overlord they fear more than the enemy itself. Goblins range from muddy green to gray to brown, with long pointed ears and extended sharp teeth. They speak in a fast, high pitched language that is similar to that of the imp, a type of demonic denizen.


Lizardmen: Lizardmen, as their name suggests, are intelligent and bipedal reptiles. Savage and barely civilized, they are in high favor of the Goddess Quetzaya. They are larger and stronger than humans, though not reaching the towering size of the Minotaur, and lankier than the Orcs. Their bodies are scaled from hairless scalp to the tips of their powerful tails, with three claws on each hand and foot. Their large clans are widely dispersed throughout the salty Southeastern deserts South of the Minotaur's homelands. Like their northern neighbors, the Lizardmen are tribal, but due to the harsh climate and widely dispersed sources of water, wars among the clans are rare. However, within their own rule, their way of life is swift and brutal. Mates are chosen often by a male of the species taking the female of his choice against her will in a mass and public ceremony, in which all lizardmen who have come of age gather before the witnesses of the clans. They also participate in regular and frequent sacrifices to Quetzaya, the clans competing for her favor by way of being the most brutal, inflicting the most pain, or being the most cruel. From time to time reptilian warbands will range far from home seeking plunder or prey.


Flits: Flits are felinoid avians (flying cats). They are larger than domestic cats but smaller than a medium-sized dog, with feathered wings sprouting from the shoulder blades. Common colors are brown, black, grey, or red. Fur patterns may be solid, spotted, mottled, or striped. White is a rare coloration, being a genetic mutation. All white flits either see in black and white vision or are completely blind. Some white flits have been known to be oracles, but they are even rarer than the white coloration gene.

Flits may stand and walk on their hind legs if they wish (like a bird), and to a certain extent, they may use their paws to carry items (rocks, eggs, etc.), usually while flying. The preferred method of travel is flight, or, when flight is not possible, on all fours. They hunt in small groups, usually about two to four flits maximum. Flits prefer to roost in burrows dug into the sides of cliff faces, if possible, or in trees if a cliff is not available to them.

They give birth to only one fledgling at a time. The flits are led by one leader--called "The Ark"--who is advised by a select council of elders. There is no further official ranking system in place but respect and honor are given according to a tacit understanding: first to hunters, based on prowess; second to mothers, based on fertility; thirdly to elders, based on the number of scars; to kits, based on potential; to the disabled, based on the severity of their handicap; to the outcasts; and finally, to the white flits.

Due to the sound-carrying nature of the canyons they dwell in, flits developed a language based more on body language and telepathy than actual vocalization. Their lack of a language has lead many of the other races to believe that flits are not in fact sentient and are merely dumb beasts. A flit may in fact speak in the tongue of another race, if he so desires.

Unique phrases:

"By the great Ark!"
"Kreid!"
"May Ark-Kreid shelter you."

Other Races

Dwarves: Taller than a halfling but not as tall as a man, a dwarf's beard is his pride and joy second only to his weapon. Not created by any God, the dwarves came into being when life energies mixed with the earth itself, and so their connection with Erdeor runs as deep as their mined network of caverns. They are a hardworking and hard drinking race, strong and durable and can survive near most anything. The only thing they might like more than drinking is killing goblins. They are master craftsmen in metalworking, stone, and wood. They take great care in their work, creating structures and weapons that would rival an elf's in beauty, and is matched by none in power and strength.