Races
The world of Laia is large and expansive, encompassing not only the lands of the mortals, but also the veiled other layers that lie atop the world, the Holy and Dark realms. In all the history of Laia countless races have sprung up - many of them appearing under the influence of curious, creative gods that made it possible for different races to merge when otherwise such a blend would have never been possible. Holy, Dark, or Mortal the world is filled with diverse and unique races, each with their own history, talents, and beliefs.
Here is a list of the known races that dwell throughout Laia, along with bits of information that have been gathered about them. Some are vague whispers that hide in the shadow of rumor, waiting for an eager writer to flesh out their world and culture. Others are firmly established and have more specific guidelines for their culture, appearance, and behavior. Due to the expansive nature of our world custom races are allowed - as long as everyone feels that their characteristics fit into Laia without too much discord. We are always willing to work with new ideas to find a way to make them work, so don't hesitate to ask!
Andela | |
| A humanoid race with two arms and vestigial wings, said to be distantly descended from an ancient faerie race that increased in size and human characteristics. They are a very nomadic people and rarely gather in large groups or form their own villages, though their complex life stages and behavior of high self-interest doesn't make them too popular among the villages they choose to inhabit. Andela tend to make up for the way other species are put off by their appearance and behaviors through being highly productive at their chosen line of work, though their true loyalty remains with their family and personal interests.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Av'iahn | |
| The Av'iah (a-vhaa-n) people are a humanoid race with bird like features, their legends say that they were born by an egg laid by the goddess Alaile.
Unlike harpies, who have duller or darker colourings, the Av'iahns have very bright and colourful feathers and hair. Their wings protrude from their back and are separate from their arms and hands. The feet and hands of the Av'iahns are claws that lead into feathers and tougher skin, all of which end at the knees and elbows and turns into more normal flesh. They are exceptionally clean, usually preening themselves several times daily and their feathers are useful in Alchemy, the making of some potions, and the fletching of arrows. Obtaining their feathers is often difficult, as they roost high in the forest, are often very vain about their feathers (only giving away ones that look perfect) and have them stolen by other creatures that like beautiful objects. ◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Cletar | |
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The Cletar (klee-tar) are a fierce, intelligent race of cat-like humanoids who dwell deep in Resmir Jungle. They are often preoccupied by the intense magic and challenges that living in the deepest, fiercest parts of the jungle provide and have little to no interest in the concerns or cultures of races outside of their borders. Strong and independent they believe they own the whole world - just simply have no concern for any of it beyond their immediate lands. ◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Corsica | |
| A race of fish who want to become humans.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Gerudo | |
| The Gerudo (geh-ru-do) people are a special race of humans who are most noted for being composed almost entirely of women. Only one male gerudo is born every hundred years - or so the legends go. For centuries most of the gerudo tribes have traveled as pirates and thieves, though isolated bands separate themselves from their more lawless sisters and live in their own tightly knit communities far from others. Gerudos all share common appearance traits - tanned skin, varying shades of red hair, yellow or red eyes, and lithe, athletic bodies. They are an independent race who focus their lives on pride in their clans and sisters. Due to the lack of males they often resort to kidnapping men as breeders and slaves, though few seem to last long in their care.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Gyosslins | |
| This strange race was created by a flock of geese that flew into the Abyss and came out humanoid. Imagine their surprise! Honestly, they still think they're birds and will try to float on top of the water and fail miserably. They have the potential to speak and be quite intelligent but they stick to their silly geese ways. Blissfully unaware of their true potential.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Harpies | |
| A bird race with humanoid features, their legends say that they were born from an egg laid by the Goddess Artigliogri (also called Darkwing and Wingscreech) but brooded over by the Goddess Alaile.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Humans | |
| A very common, dynamic race whose influence spreads across many corners of the world. Although not the most resourceful of people their flexible natures allow for them to absorb a wide variety of talents, magics, and specialties that give them the ability to change the world - or drift in their own laziness and fade into the shadows of time. They are not gifted with any special talent but individuals can greatly alter their original abilities thanks to the malleability of their race.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Ounaes | |
| A race of developers, tinkerers, and creators who have created most of the modes of measurement, fairest laws, and best fusion of mechanics and magic in Laia. While there are other races almost as populous as their own in Naitre, they are the original settlers and live in well established cities whose ancient waterways, lighted tunnels, and moving stairs have been dutifully maintained for centuries. Meticulous, repetitive work doesn't put them off - Ounaes are also renowned for their dedication, firm routines, and persistence when on a job. By nature they are very slow to anger.
Long ago the Ounaes were two very similar races, sharing the same pale blue hue to their skin, pale eyes, and oddly colored hair... but differing in their height. One race was extremely tall and stands at well over seven feet, while the other was extremely short and averaged a height of only three feet. Over time the two races mingled to the extent that they became one... but the height never balanced out. All Ounaes are either very tall... or very short. Neither height runs in families - but now it seems entirely random, though there are dozens of folk guides to trying to determine the future height of a new infant. By the age of six years it becomes clear if a child is going to grow to be tall-height - those who won't stop growing and remain at their current height for the rest of their lives. The race is also very long-lived, averaging lives of about 160 years. Once they hit adulthood most Ounaes specialize in one specialized - and sometimes ultra-specific specialized, such as in developing better cataloging systems for library books - area of study and work. At about age 120 there is a tremendous celebration where Ounaes present the culmination of their life's work for peer-review and throw a huge celebration. ◊ Realm: Mortal | |
The Pheonix and the Fire Faeries | |
| The Pheonix are great birds made of fire and light. They are approximately 9 feet long by 5 feet wide, with a wingspan of 30 feet. They have golden eyes. Fire fae typically have hair in shades of red or blonde. Brown is much more rare, but is seen ocassionally. Fae tend to average around 3 feet but there are a few who have made it to 4 feet in height. They have pale skin. Wings but generally keep to flame, or teardrop shapes. Wings vary in color and pattern but stick to warm colors.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Valla | |
| A proud, independent and extremely xenophobic race of rabbit-like humanoids. They are well known for their beauty and special talent with illusions and forest magic but are rarely seen outside of their native lands inside of Resmir Jungle. Occasionally they emerge for trade, but even when purchasing the best goods that can be crafted they look down their nose on the work of the 'lesser races.'
◊ Realm: Mortal | |
Zora | |
| An aquatic race of humanoids whose appearance borders more on fish than human. They are covered in silver scales that give them a pale blue sheen, dark blue spots running across their arms, legs, neck and sometimes face in patterns that help to distinguish between individuals. Their feet and hands are often webbed, giving them a superior edge as swimmers.
◊ Realm: Mortal | |