User:OneDarkWolfy/sandbox

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 of Alathra

Human

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.

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

Average lifespan: 70 years
Maturity age: 20 years
Height range: 1.5 – 2.0 meters

Dwarves

Short, stocky, and resolute, Dwarves dwell in subterranean cities carved from stone. Their societies are known for masterful engineering and tenacity.

Lacking magical affinity—many being psychically deaf—they rely on immense mechanical contraptions and carbon-fueled industry.

Biology

Average lifespan: 160 years
Maturity age: 40 years
Height range: 1.2 – 1.53 meters

Subraces

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

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.

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

Average lifespan: 400 years
Maturity age: 80 years
Height range: 1.67 – 2.10 meters

Subraces

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.

Orcs

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.

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

Average lifespan: 55 years
Maturity age: 14 years
Height range: 1.47 – 1.8 meters

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 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

Average lifespan: 60 years
Maturity age: 15 years
Height range: 1.1 – 1.75 meters

Reptilians

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, they are often stereotyped as greedy or obsessively drawn to “shinies” like rare metals and relics—fueling both awe and mistrust among other races.

Reproductive complications due to their humanoid form result in higher maternal mortality rates, leading to lower population numbers compared to mammalian races.

Biology

Average lifespan: 70–250 years
Maturity age: 20–60 years
Height range: 1.6 – 2.45 meters

Subraces

Lizardfolk

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.

Biology

Average lifespan: 70 years
Maturity age: 20 years
Height range: 1.6 – 2.45 meters

Dragonfolk

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.

Biology

Average lifespan: 250 years
Maturity age: 60 years
Height range: 3 – 7 meters

Lamia

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.

Biology

Average lifespan: 70 years
Maturity age: 20 years
Height range: 2 – 5 meters

Beastfolk

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.

Though social integration varies, Beastfolk cultures are deeply rooted in instinct, loyalty, and tradition.

Biology

Average lifespan: 50–100 years
Maturity age: 15–25 years
Height range: 1.4 – 1.9 meters

Subraces

High Beastfolk

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

Average lifespan: 70 years
Maturity age: 20 years
Height range: 1.4 – 1.9 meters

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

Average lifespan: 50 years
Maturity age: 25 years
Height range: 1.4 – 1.9 meters

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

Average lifespan: 50 years
Maturity age: 20 years
Height range: 1.8 – 3.8 meters

Florans

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.

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.

Biology

Average lifespan: 80–200 years
Maturity age: 20–50 years
Height range: 1.2 – 2.2 meters

Subraces

Phytoids

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

Average lifespan: 120 years
Maturity age: 40 years
Height range: 1.3 – 2.2 meters

Myceloids

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

Average lifespan: 200 years
Maturity age: 100 years
Height range: 1.2 – 2 meters

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

Average lifespan: Based on host race
Maturity age: Based on host race
Height range: Based on host race