Races

The Races

In the Land of Sacrifice, species other than Humans, exist. They are listed below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Imps.

Diminutive creatures, of a mostly humanoid build, with heads resembling common animals. Generally, three varieties of Imo present themselves. The furred imp, the scale imp and the quill imp. Generally their heads seem to resemble those of animals, while they have human-like torso's and limbs, covered in fur/scales/quills.

They also have tails, a lot of the time. Imps are longer lived than humans, living between 250 and 300 years. They normally appear very cute and friendly, but they can use the atmospheric magic to boost their bodies to tremendous proportions, jump many times the height of their body, and empower their blows. This is still considered unimpressive.

Which is why Imps can also Metamorphose into a stronger, monstrous form, making them several times as strong and fast as the average human. Imps, during Metamorphosis become terrifying berserkers, able to tear down even the hardiest of armies. It does however, not last forever. Clever use of it's timing and their own numbers is how they attained dominion over the Land of Sacrifice.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Dreamwalkers

Humanoid species, with generally pale, or grayed skin. Mostly possessed of a frail disposition, not very keen eyesight, or hearing, but an above average sense of smell, as well as an even stronger and exceptionally potent sense of taste. They seem to be quite shorter than humans in average, much thinner, and with pointed ears, but other than the above traits, they have no difference from humans.

Other than this, they possess a greater aptitude for perceiving the supernatural. Much like Magi, they can sense Taint, as well as the presence of Guardians, or magic. They are highly receptive of it, and back in the days of the Esseline Empire, made for great and powerful Magi. Their general life expectancy if somewhere between 70-90 years, sort of similar to what one can expect from humans.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Sunseeds

A species of plant-like entities, of varying shapes, sizes and varieties. One common variety, involves humanoids, with bark-skin and leaf, vine or flower/fruit/vegetable hair. Other than this, bodies made entirely of the green stuff, or made entirely of wood (ents) can be found, among the species. Generally, they seem to resemble humans in any form, to varying extents (HAH!).

Sunseeds have the ability to control plant life, cause it to grow, or take a certain direction, and imbue it with limited sentience. Other than that, they can also talk to animals, and give suggestions to them (animals are not bound to follow these however). They can sense when something is wrong with the flora and the fauna, and see them as their own kin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Mermaids

A rarely seen species, mermaids are creatures of a feminine upper body, and a fish tail. Fin/webbed ears are a thing too, webbed hands are more rare. The original mermaids were powerful water spirits, attuned to Magic. The modern ones, are in fact transformed Magi, who have traded their magical power, and ability to cleanse Taint, for an unaging body, and being completely hidden from Taint (although unable to fight it).

Mermaids can offer other Magi a similar choice, if they wish to retire, or take a brief break. It is said, that when the time comes, when the throne of Maldrobog is threatened, that the mermaids will retain their original form, and become the Magi they were once more, to help in the battle. That said, they are the only species that is allowed to freely leave the Land of Sacrifice. Mermaids can still meet people from their former life, and temporarily re-assume human form.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Forest Guardians (Wholly based on a suggestion from Kit)

The original inhabitants of the Land of Sacrifice, these beings, are wild boars... literally. Their physiology bears no difference from the common wild boar, they even have the same size, yet they seem to possess both human-level intelligence, and human-level speech capabilities. Some, can be found to be even more eloquent than the average human, to boot.

The Forest Guardians/Protectors/Keepers, are proud, and noble beings. Their one purpose is to protect the forest, but otherwise, they are peaceful and reasonable. Nevertheless, even trying to cut down a single tree, would bring about their wrath. They possess the ability to spot offenders anywhere within their territory, and their intelligence makes them even more dangerous foes, capable of setting up ambushes, and using complex tactics.

Even in the immediate vicinity of the capital and the heavy fortresses of the Imperium, no one dares to try and trim the woods.