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Each race in Alathra brings a distinct culture, history, and biology to the realm. These are the officially recognized Major Races—foundational peoples supported by lore and integrated into the shared world.
Each race in Alathra brings a distinct culture, history, and biology to the realm. These are the officially recognized Major Races—foundational peoples supported by lore and integrated into the shared world.


==Major Races==
==Major Races of Alathra==
===Human===
===Human===
====Race Attributes====
Hardy, versatile, and ambitious, Humans sit between Dwarves and Elves in both stature and adaptability. Found primarily in temperate climates, their determination allows them to survive nearly anywhere.
Hardy, versatile, and ambitious, Humans stand between Dwarves and Elves in stature and adaptability. They thrive in temperate climates but can survive nearly anywhere with grit and ingenuity.


Though lacking innate magical ability, they compensate through innovation—crafting complex machines and tools powered by manpower or carbon fuels. Some Humans do pursue magic through ancient knowledge or pacts with non-human entities, but this often comes at a dire cost.
Though lacking an innate affinity for magic, Humans excel at innovation—crafting complex tools and machines powered by manpower or fossil fuels. Some seek arcane knowledge, often through ancient texts or pacts, though this usually comes at great cost.
====Biology====
 
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.5 – 2.0 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.5 – 2.0 meters
----


===Dwarves===
===Dwarves===
====Race Attributes====
Short, stocky, and resolute, Dwarves dwell in subterranean cities carved from stone. Their societies are known for masterful engineering and tenacity.
Short, broad, and built for toil, Dwarves are at home in cavernous depths and mountain strongholds. Their characteristic beards and hearty frames are iconic.
 
Lacking magical affinity—many being psychically deaf—they rely on immense mechanical contraptions and carbon-fueled industry.


Dwarves lack magical affinity entirely—many are even psychically deaf—so their societies rely on monumental engineering and steam-powered machinery.
; '''Biology'''
====Biology====
* '''Average lifespan:''' 160 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 160 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 40 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 40 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.2 – 1.53 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.2 – 1.53 meters
====Subraces====
====Subraces====
'''Gnomes''' are a smaller, more mischievous subrace of Dwarves, and their much closer affinity to overground nature, compared to their standard dwarven counterparts. Gnomes are typically much weaker than standard dwarves, and oftentimes weaker than most other races. As such, they’re known to make burrows and small settlements within thick, dense forests. This has led to a common stereotype amongst other races of gnomes making their homes almost exclusively within large forest mushrooms.
=====Gnomes=====
Smaller and more whimsical than their Dwarven kin, '''Gnomes''' prefer surface forests to mines and mountains. Though physically weaker than most races, they are crafty, secretive, and often inhabit burrows beneath dense woodland canopies.
 
They are frequently stereotyped as forest dwellers who build mushroom homes—sometimes more truth than tale.
 
 
----


===Elves===
===Elves===
====Race Attributes====
Tall, long-lived, and steeped in arcane knowledge, Elves are the most magically adept race. Residing in forest cities or ancient groves, they value elegance in all things—even at the cost of efficiency.
Tall, proud, and often authoritative, Elves are the most magically inclined and longest-living race. Like humans, they’re found on the surface and are most at home in dense, temperate forests. Elves are skilled architects, but are typically prone to sacrificing function for form and beauty.


Due to their significantly higher than average lifespan, many elves view themselves as the rightful “leaders” of the world, seeing other races as in need of guidance, often against their own desires. Though this authority is often not realised, as their longer lifespans typically lead to elves being more apathetic towards societal development. It’s common to see elvish construction projects take several times longer than those of humans or dwarves.
With centuries at their disposal, Elves often view themselves as stewards of the world. Their longevity, however, can lead to apathy and slow progress, especially in construction and governance.
====Biology====
 
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 400 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 400 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 80 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 80 years
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====Subraces====
====Subraces====
'''Wood Elves''' are a shorter, typically darker-skinned designation of elves. They’re typically more aligned with human physiology than their High Elf counterparts. They much prefer living in and amongst forested areas than constructing grand cities like other elves. Due to this, their histories are often less well documented than other designations of elves.
=====Wood Elves=====
'''Wood Elves''' are shorter and darker-skinned than their High Elf cousins. Their lifestyle is more rustic—closer to that of Humans—and they favor canopy homes over marble cities.
 
Due to their oral traditions and reclusive nature, Wood Elf histories are often lost or obscured. Debate persists as to whether the “wood” in their name refers to habitat or complexion.


Since their discovery by human societies, there’s been some debate as to whether or not the “wood” in “Wood Elves” refers to their complexion or their forested habitat.


----


===Orcs===
===Orcs===
====Race Attributes====
Muscular and rugged, Orcs are known for their physical might and primal wisdom. Though often dismissed as simple, their intelligence is deeply rooted in survival, intuition, and community.
Broad, brawny, and underestimated, Orcs are often seen as physically dominant but less capable in abstract thinking. In truth, their intelligence lies in instinct and lived experience. Due to this, it’s rare to see orcs in positions of power outside of their own societies, being most commonly found in non-orc societies as foot soldiers and manual labourers. They’re a typically nomadic race, preferring to live their lives migrating with the seasons.  


Orcs are typically born with light stripes on the back of their bodies, akin to wild boar, stretching from the back of their heads to their lower backs, but lose these stripes upon maturity.  
Traditionally nomadic, Orc societies follow migratory patterns tied to the land. Light stripes adorn Orc children’s backs—similar to wild boars—but fade as they reach maturity.


====Biology====
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 55 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 55 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 14 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 14 years
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===Merfolk ===
----
====Race Attributes====
 
Amphibious and diverse, Merfolk combine traits from marine creatures like fish, dolphins, and amphibians. Unlike Reptilians and Beastkin, their respiratory and reproductive biology can vary, with some merfolk laying eggs and breathing through gills like fish, while others breathe with lungs and give birth, like dolphins and whales.
===Merfolk===
Aquatic and enigmatic, Merfolk embody the diversity of the sea. Some possess gills and lay eggs like fish, while others breathe air and give live birth like marine mammals.


Merfolk excel in swimming and can stay submerged for days. Adversely, they’re significantly weakened on land, and exhaust their energy significantly quicker than in the water. This stark difference in living environment has led to contact between merfolk and non-merfolk races to be significantly hampered, leading to merfolk being less militaristic and more innately amicable than other races.
Merfolk are exceptional swimmers—capable of remaining submerged for days. However, they weaken rapidly on land, limiting their involvement in surface affairs. Despite this, they are often seen as peaceful and curious.


==== Biology ====
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 60 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 60 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 15 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 15 years
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----


===Reptilians===
===Reptilians===
====Race Attributes====
Hardy and territorial, Reptilians never possess human-like skin and retain cold-blooded physiology, including egg-laying reproduction and scaled hides.
Hardy and territorial, Reptilians never possess human-like skin and retain cold-blooded physiology, including egg-laying reproduction and scaled hides.


Fiercely protective of their belongings, Reptilians are often stereotyped as greedy or overly possessive, particularly drawn to “shinies” like rare metals and relics. This image fuels both awe and mistrust among other races.
Fiercely protective of their belongings, they are often stereotyped as greedy or obsessively drawn to “shinies” like rare metals and relics—fueling both awe and mistrust among other races.


Reproduction is biologically taxing, with complications arising from their humanoid frame. As a result, maternal mortality is higher than among mammalian races, leading to smaller overall populations.
Reproductive complications due to their humanoid form result in higher maternal mortality rates, leading to lower population numbers compared to mammalian races.


===Biology===
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70–250 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70–250 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20–60 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20–60 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.6 – 2.45 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.6 – 2.45 meters


===Subraces===
====Subraces====
====Lizardfolk====
=====Lizardfolk=====
'''Lizardfolk''' are generally regarded to be the most “humanoid” of the Reptilian race, maintaining a physique and build similar to a standard human. They typically resemble common terrestrial lizard species, though unlike Beastfolk, do not directly mirror such species.
'''Lizardfolk''' are the most humanoid of Reptilian subraces, typically resembling terrestrial lizards. They do not directly mirror specific species like Beastfolk but instead reflect general lizard-like traits. Considered the most approachable of their kind, Lizardfolk are more likely to integrate into non-Reptilian societies.


They’re viewed as the most agreeable and negotiable of the Reptilian race by outsiders, and are typically the easiest to integrate into non-Reptilian societies.
; '''Biology'''
 
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years
'''Biology'''<br>
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.6 – 2.45 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.6 – 2.45 meters


====Dragonfolk====
=====Dragonfolk=====
'''Dragonfolk''' are tall, bulky, possessive, and all around not the most model of citizens in most societies. Dragonfolk, more often than not, have an innate desire to lead, rule, and generally have power and authority over things, no matter how adept they are at handling such positions. Additionally, once in such a position, they will fight tooth and nail to keep it.
'''Dragonfolk''' are towering, muscular, and fiercely dominant. Naturally inclined to leadership and control, they are often mistrusted in non-Reptilian communities due to their aggressive ambition and reluctance to relinquish authority once gained.
 
As such, much like Orcs, they’re generally not trusted in positions of authority in non-Reptilian societies, not entirely without a little resentment.


'''Biology'''<br>
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 250 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 250 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 60 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 60 years
* '''Height range:''' 3- 7 meters
* '''Height range:''' 3 7 meters


====Lamia====
=====Lamia=====
Lamia are an anomaly amongst the sapient races, as they’re the only subrace to lack legs, instead having a Snake-like tail that they can slither with. Unlike other reptilian subraces, Lamia more often than not have hair on their head, typically wild and unkempt.  
Lamia are unique among Reptilians for their serpentine lower halves in place of legs. Typically wild-haired and lacking human features, they are often cast in the role of tricksters or villains in folklore. Their intimidating appearance has earned them a place in myth as bogeymen in several cultures.


Lamia have historically been seen as tricksters, liars, or generally just untrustworthy compared to other subraces, due to their less human appearance. In some cultures, they’re used as quasi-mythological “boogeymen” to frighten children into obedience.
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Height range:''' 2 – 5 meters


'''Biology'''<br>
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years 
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years 
* '''Height range:''' 2 – 5 meters


----


===Beastfolk===
===Beastfolk===
====Race Attributes====
Beastfolk (or Beastkin) are humanoid races marked by prominent mammalian traits inspired by creatures such as felines, canines, rabbits, deer, and rodents. Their appearances vary—some bearing subtle ears and tails, while others resemble bipedal animals.
Beastfolk, or Beastkin, are humanoid races marked by strong mammalian traits—commonly inspired by felines, canines, rabbits, deer, and rodents. Their forms range from slightly anthropomorphic (ears, tails) to nearly full-animal physiques atop bipedal frames.


Though their societal roles and integration vary widely, Beastfolk culture is rich with tradition, instinct, and kinship.
Though social integration varies, Beastfolk cultures are deeply rooted in instinct, loyalty, and tradition.


====Biology====
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 50–100 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 50–100 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 15–25 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 15–25 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.4 – 1.9 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.4 – 1.9 meters


===Subraces===
====Subraces====
====High Beastfolk====
=====High Beastfolk=====
'''High Beastfolk''' closely resemble humans, with limited fur and subtle bestial features. Their human-like appearance often makes them more accepted in broader society, though prejudices still linger.
'''High Beastfolk''' possess minimal fur and often resemble humans with minor animalistic traits. Because of this similarity, they are more readily accepted in multi-racial societies—though subtle biases still persist.


'''Biology'''<br>
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 70 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.4 – 1.9 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.4 – 1.9 meters


'''Ferals''' are Beastkin whose faces are covered in fur. Most ferals simply look like a humanoid counterpart to the creature they resemble. Due to this resemblance, they’re often regarded in a similar way to said animal. This leads to common stereotyping where they’re regarded as less sapient than their humanesque counterparts. This has led to resentment amongst certain feral societies, with many coming to consider themselves the “true” beastkin.
=====Ferals=====
'''Ferals''' exhibit fully fur-covered faces and bodies, strongly echoing their animal counterparts. These traits often lead to stereotyping and mistrust, contributing to a divide between Ferals and their more human-like relatives. Some Ferals consider themselves the “true” Beastkin.


'''Biology'''<br>
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 50 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 50 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 25 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 25 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.4 – 1.9 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.4 – 1.9 meters


'''Lycanthropes''' are beings whose Beastfolk state is conditional—transforming into Ferals under specific triggers (such as full moons, rage, or curses). Long associated with folklore, they often straddle the line between myth and menace.
=====Lycanthropes=====
'''Lycanthropes''' (or Werefolk) are Beastfolk whose transformation is temporary and often triggered by specific circumstances—such as moon phases, emotions, or curses. Feared and mythologized, they are frequently mistaken for creatures of legend.


'''Biology'''<br>
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 50 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 50 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.8 – 3.8 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.8 – 3.8 meters




 
----
 


===Florans===
===Florans===
=====Race Attributes=====
Florans—also known as Plantfolk or Plantkin—are sentient beings whose bodies are composed of plant or fungal material. Their appearances range from vine-wrapped and flowery humanoids to bark-skinned or mushroom-bodied entities, depending on origin.
Florans—also known as Plantfolk or Plantkin—are sapient beings whose biology mirrors flora or fungi rather than animals. While most are humanoid in shape, their bodies may be composed of vines, bark, flowers, or mushroom matter depending on region and subrace.


Masters of natural magic, Florans flourish in forested or wild areas but weaken in cities where nature is sparse. Though widely romanticized as “guardians of the wild,” this stereotype often overlooks their nuance and variety.
While highly attuned to natural magic, Florans are weakened in industrial or urban environments. Romanticized as protectors of nature, they are frequently mischaracterized by surface-level perceptions. Myceloids, in particular, resist being labeled under the “Plantfolk” umbrella.


Modern scholars discourage lumping Myceloids into the blanket term “Plantfolk,” as it erases critical differences in biology and culture.
; '''Biology'''
 
* '''Average lifespan:''' 80–200 years
====Biology====
* '''Maturity age:''' 20–50 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 80–200 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 20–50 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.2 – 2.2 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.2 – 2.2 meters


====Subraces====
====Subraces====
====Phytoids====
=====Phytoids=====
'''Phytoids''', or Plantfolk, are Florans that take on a genetic makeup resembling that of plants. They’re the most common kind of Floran, and are the most palatable to meat-based societies. The stereotypes surrounding their kind and their preference towards natural habitats has created a sort of “noble savage” stereotype within some meat-based societies, seeing them as innocent beings, free from the corruptive influence of contemporary society.
'''Phytoids''' are plant-based Florans composed of vines, bark, or leaf matter. Most common among their kind, Phytoids are viewed by outsiders as “noble savages” untouched by civilization—an image that is both idealized and misunderstood.


'''Biology'''<br>
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 120 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 120 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 40 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 40 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.3 – 2.2 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.3 – 2.2 meters


====Myceloids====
=====Myceloids=====
'''Myceloids''' or Shroomfolk, are Florans that take on a genetic makeup resembling that of fungi, typically mushrooms. While only a little less common than their Phytoid counterparts, they’re seen significantly less in cities, as their methods of reproduction require spores that are often fatal to meat-based races in high enough quantities.
'''Myceloids''' (or Shroomfolk) resemble mushrooms and are biologically fungal. Their spore-based reproduction is dangerous to other species in large quantities, which has led to their marginalization in densely populated settlements.


'''Biology'''<br>
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' 200 years
* '''Average lifespan:''' 200 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 100 years
* '''Maturity age:''' 100 years
* '''Height range:''' 1.2 – 2 meters
* '''Height range:''' 1.2 – 2 meters


'''Parasitians''' are a designation of Myceloids that are sapient, yet lack a humanoid form of their own. As such, a humanoid form is usually stolen from another race to use as a “shell” for the Parasitian to inhabit. They resemble their shell, but typically look more weathered, with fungal markings and appendages often visible. Parasitians are typically viewed with abhorrence by all other races except Myceloids, and are almost always killed on sight in cities. As such, many Parasitians go to great lengths to hide their origins, and masquerade as their shell’s race.
=====Parasitians=====
'''Parasitians''' are Myceloids lacking their own humanoid form. Instead, they invade and inhabit corpses or living hosts as vessels—often visibly decaying and marked by fungal growths. Feared as unnatural, Parasitians hide their identity to avoid execution in most cities.


'''Biology'''<br>
; '''Biology'''
* '''Average lifespan:''' Based on host race  
* '''Average lifespan:''' Based on host race
* '''Maturity age:''' Based on host race  
* '''Maturity age:''' Based on host race
* '''Height range:''' Based on host race
* '''Height range:''' Based on host race
----