Races

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Many different races live together in the same world as the Forest of Shadows, and humans (though generally the dominant species) are only one of these. Some of the races in this world resemble their similarly-named counterparts in other fantasy worlds—others are entirely our own invention. Just as different groups of humans are different, so too are members of other races. For example, there are many kinds of elves.

If, when creating your second character, you choose a non-human expect to have severely limited options. Humanity's chief asset is probably its adaptability, so humans have more options. The larger range of professions available to humans simulates human versatility. Furthermore, don't expect a new race to come with cool benefits but no real drawbacks. Ours is not a world in which humans are inferior but dominate through numbers; rather, races are equal, so any remarkable attribute will come at a price. When you play a non-human character you will have a role in building that race, so what you lose in starting options you gain in a chance to shape this world.

Similar to "professions," race descriptions include a certain amount of background for the character. It may be possible to use a profession not listed if you are willing to lose the background unique to that race. (In some cases, in order to use a human profession, the character could be an orphan who had grown up among humans.)

The descriptions on this page are brief, including only a few main points. More information will be available later, as I have time to put it up and as we develop more of it. Data may appear arbitrary, but there is usually a reason for everything, which may have been left out for the sake of brevity. Before creating a character in any race make sure to ask for more information, as important details about appearance (for example) and profession options may not be included.

~More Information About the Roles of the Races~

Humans Ghosts Shapeshifters Dwarves Elves

•  Humans

  Description pending, since you already know what humans are like, right?

  

•  Ghosts

  The "Ghosts" (always spelled with a capital "G") are a humanoid race from a separate plane, part of which connects to the Forest of Shadows. Ghosts can visit our plane in the part of the Forest which overlaps their home plane, but Ghost society is highly structured, and currently the only Ghosts who can cross planes are members of an elite (and tightly controlled) group who know the location of portals between the planes. This may change, however, because a young Ghost girl named Fairea (which the help of Steel Heart) recently discovered an entry into the Forest. Fairea's adventures may provide an opportunity for Ghosts to move more freely, at which point this race would become playable.

  • Appearance: basically human, but appear transparent in this plane
    
  • Attributes: can choose not to be effected by physical world, senses operate differently (i.e., sight doesn't involve light), cannot disguise transparency and may be taken for a ghost or spirit, unfamiliar with environment, magic does not transfer between planes (effects of magic impossible to predict)
    
  • Profession Notes: no military or mage professions
  

•  Shapeshifters

  This race actually represents only one type of shapeshifters in this world. They are basically like humans who have the ability to shift into one animal. (One's animal is key to one's identity and shifting to more than one animal, which may not even be possible, would result in a very serious split-personality disorder.) Most humans are afraid of shapeshifters, so they generally either live in isolated enclaves of their own or hide their true nature from their human neighbors.

  • Appearance: generally human, coloring and traits according to animal
    
  • Attributes: can shift at will (or unbidden at times of stress) to one animal (subject to approval), results in modified senses and but also subject to the instincts of the animal
    
  • Profession Notes: Adventurer or Orphan

  More Information About Shapeshifters

  

•  Dwarves

  Dwarves tend to be an insular people, although they do not object to parting other races with their money or impressing them with their craftwork. (Although dwarves keep the best for themselves.) All dwarves have some sort of combat training, usually using axes or bows. They like to climb or mine, but hate to swim or sail, and are generally creatures of the earth. Dwarves have an affinity for rock and earth magic, when they use magic at all. (The only active practitioners of dwarven magic these days are a few smiths, who still forge the occasional enchanted weapon or tool.) The typical dwarf claims to know the life story of about 70% of magical weapons ever made, 90% of all magical swords, and virtually every magical axe. Dwarves love caves, weapons, and jewels, usually in that order. The dwarves task on this world is to care for the foundations of the earth, keeping it stable and relieving pressure when necessary. Little is known about their duties because they are very secretive about these activities.

  • Appearance: short and stocky, males bearded, etc. (you know what dwarves look like, right?)
    
  • Attributes: very strong, generally good at caves and climbing, above average night vision, definitely don't swim, too small to ride horses, bellicose and direct nature
  • Profession Notes: Merchant or Explorer

  More Information About Dwarves

  

•  Elves

  There are many varieties of elves in this world, all of whom have some similar characteristics. Although the average elven lifespan is slightly longer than that of humans, all elves are mortal. They do have pointed ears, but not to the extent that long hair couldn't cover them easily. (To know exactly what I mean by this, take a look at Legolas or ::gasp:: even Arwen in Lord of the Rings.) Every variety of elves has a particular mandate given to them when this world was young. All elves therefore have a sense of purpose and responsibility envied by some humans, but in return elves envy humanity's unique independence and unpredictabilty.

  •  Wood Elves

    Although not all elves who live in forests are necessarily Wood Elves, Wood Elves definitely live in forests. (Note that there are no Wood Elf communities in the Forest of Shadows.) Rather simply explained, their task as a people is to care for plant life, particularly trees. This does not mean that all Wood Elves are arborists; like humans, they have a complex society. Generally living deep in the woods, Wood Elves are a peaceful race who avoid and outwit their foes without ever needing to confront them. Most Wood Elves have a deep distaste for violence, although they are fiercely protective of "their" trees.

  • Appearance: elven ears, hair usually shades of brown
    
  • Attributes: good night vision, generally sharper senses, view time differently (tend to think long-term)
  • Profession Notes: Herbalist/Tree Healer, Archer, Explorer, Envoy
  

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