#erta

Erta a description of the races of Erta

Gralings: (pronounced Graah-ling) the race created by the goddess Dualora.

STRENGTH: 1

COURAGE: 6

HONOR: 4

WISDOM: 10

CUNNING: 8

SPEED: 7

MAGIC: 9

ADAPTABILITY: 3

LONGEVITY: 2

BEAUTY: 6

ADULT HEIGHT RANGE: 6ft- 8ft

NUMBER OF RACES: 5

Other names: Big-biters (slur), bug-munchers (slur), Gray people, Greylings, People of the Graling Peaks. Grey ones, Tall scholars, Soot-y mountain people.

Appearance: They are tall adults are shortest at 6ft and tallest a little over 8 feet,  thin, ectomorphic bodies, with skin that ranges from a pale whitish gray to  nearly black (but still gray). Their hair is straight, or curly and comes in white, grey, light blue, brown, blue-black and black. They have very little body hair and cannot grow beards.  Eye colors are usually blue, purple, green, brown or orange. They have slit pupils that dilate with the  amount of light, their eyes are reflective in the dark. They have long faces, high cheek-bones, large round or almond shape eyes, large, long noses, and thin or full lips.  They have thin boney digits. They have large pointed ears. They usually keep their hair long and usually are seen wearing voluminous undyed  cowled robes or undyed tunics (in hot weather). Gralings of the Graling peaks are different they don’t not abhor luxury and sometimes have brocaded robes and their own brand of fashion. 

Age: Gralings can live to about two hundred years old, the average life expectancy is about 120. 

Diet: They are omnivores. But usually their diet consist of mushrooms, root vegetables, brassica, fowl, fish, limited game, poultry, mushrooms, beans, fruits, nuts and insects. They brew a mushroom and yams  ‘beer’ finest run off water from the limestone and also distill a deep red liquor called: ‘Sesstae’ made with beets and flavored with raspberries. They use potatoes, yams, insect, bean flour to make a flat breads and noodles.  

Society: they are lovers of wisdom and order. Above life they value books. Originally though they come from the Graling Peaks Three hollowed out mountains in which they keep a vast city/library. Outside the Graling Peaks most live in closed village of under 800 residents called by outsiders: ‘cloisters’. The cloisters are walled villages built in concentric circles of five of six circles. The outer most circle contains farms and orchards, the second shops, business and workshops, the third residences, the fourth governing office, fifth and inner most circle contains the temples and most importantly the library. Each library is just an branch of the Great library in the Graling Peaks, and all the books are considered on loan from their and can be called back.  Gralings who do not live within a cloister or in the Graling Peaks, are often found in sparse family groups of individuals  or  live in urban areas. Gralings will offer aid, hospitality, pay taxes to local non-Graling officials and rent most books to other species, although they do like them to live long term in the cloister, they also do not like mixing of species.   Most Gralings do not like luxury and are suspicious of too much comfort as luxury and are ascetics. Thus all Gralings residences (at least within the cloisters) are about the same: in the back a washroom, then bedrooms:  one for parents, one for young children and one for older relatives, at the front they have a kitchen, and an open area with a chairs and a bookshelf the home bookshelf contains: cookbooks, some fiction and poetry, a book of simple spells and reference guides. They also all have an upper story which is divided into three rooms: storage, bug ‘farm’ and mushroom ‘garden.’ All Gralings are taught to read and write in the common language of the area and the secret tongue of the Gralings which sounds like clicks and hissing. They are also taught magic. Gralings are children for about 14 years before puberty starts. After that they are sent to live at the cloister’s library dorms, where they will learn more and maintain the library. At about 20 they pick a trade, usually something they are interested in, though it may be a family trade. In their 30s they get married and raise a family (if they choose). To avoid inbreeding one or two parties of about a dozen young Gralings will leave their own cloister and journey to another, with letters of introduction and gifts to seek a marriage partner. These are called courtship pilgrimages. In some cloisters arranged marriage is customary in others they let the young people choose. Same sex couples are considered fine. Not all those who go on courtship pilgrimages end up marrying or even finish the journey, for many this the first time they have seen life outside the cloister. In their 50s they can serve in the Cloister’s councils.  The Cloister is run by elected councilors, councilors are elected on a monthly, tri-monthly and yearly basis. Outside the cloister Gralings will defer to the local lord or king or whoever. They can vote in their mid 30s.  Gralings typically have 2 to 6 children at the age of 80 they will either go back to living at the library or take up residence with one their children.  Graling do have horses, they have stables are kept near the outer ring of the cloister and the horses are considered communal property. 

Economy: Within the cloisters Gralings use an exchange of  local currency for goods and services or bartering it depends on the cloister. In the Graling peaks, they use their own currency or books. 

fighting: Despite being physically weak, only able to at the maximum carry 110 pounds. They are very swift and extremely good at magic. They have their own kinds martial art, that relies on hitting various pressure points and weak spots on their enemies body, they also have a sword fighting martial art that relies on swiftness and twin scimitars. Most though prefer to defend themselves with magic. Alternative weapons are bodkins, stilettos, throwing knives, blow darts and crossbows. 

Notable achievements: They invented the printing press, though they do not share this outside the Graling peaks.

Biology: They can safely eat any type of bug and have resistant to most venoms.

Temperament: Gralings are not known for displays of emotion, they are known to be rational, quiet and cool-headed, not to say they abhor emotion and do not display it. Their cool outer appearance usually belies deep passions and emotions. They are sarcastic, droll and dry.  They have tendency to conformity, among themselves. They smile they do not laugh. Gralings glare, they do not throw punches. They are masters of passive-aggression.

Possible jobs outside the cloister: Librarian, book store owner, magic user, assassin, Printer, alchemist. Psyick

Weakness: physically they are not strong.

Fae: The race made by Verja, goddess of nature.

STRENGTH: 4

COURAGE: 2

HONOR: 1

WISDOM: 8

CUNNING: 9

SPEED:7

MAGIC: 10

ADAPTABILITY: 5

LONGEVITY: 7 

BEAUTY: 6

ADULT HEIGHT RANGE: 2 inches - 50ft 

NUMBER OF RACES:  10<

Other names: Fairies, pixies, the nobility, brownies, nymphs, etc etc.(So many freakin’ names actually)

Appearance: They are the most diverse species and have a wide dizzying range of races and appearances. From tiny one inch dainty pixies, to 50 foot tall tree lords and everything in between, all colors, manners of dress, eye color, shape, also they use a magic called glamour to enhance their appearance.  Most have pointed ears

Age: Despite what they say Fae can only live to about 840 years.

Diet: Again depends on the race or subspecies it’s a wide wide range of things. Some use local lore to get free food from gullible humans. 

Society: They tend to live in out of the way rural areas, some do live in specially made pocket dimensions and have cities under the hill. Their are two groups nobility and commoners.  Nobility are the most magical, most capricious, duplicitous, attractive (enhanced by glamour naturally) They appear to be tall, graceful, humanoids with perfect skin, high cheek bones,  prefect clothes and hair and dazzling eyes. They love luxury, celebrations and music. They are dangerous, insane and prone to mood swings. Do not trifle with them ever. Commoners on the other hand are more sensible, shy around humans, and though less magically gifted, tend to do a lot of the grunt work to keep the fairy lands running. This however is JUST a sliver of the FAE and their society. Some fae are solitary fall under no rulers, some gain their power from trees or streams and are tied to them. Some are tied to houses of humans   (Humans seem to the one race that will work with them) and guard the house and provide aid and shelter at a small price of bread and milk.  Some races of FAE steal human infants and leave their own in place of the infant.  Nobles do not raise their own children, they let the commoners do it. They reach puberty at 20. Nobles have arranged marriages but numerous affairs. Commoners tend to marry who they want. Other solitary fae have a harder time finding someone to of their own race/species to mate with. They have been known to kidnap anyone who strikes their fancy.  They interbreed with humans other species and normally  take humans for these affairs, their lots of those wandering around with fae blood in them. Fae have chaos in their soul and are hard to pin down. Little is known about many aspects  of their society. 

Economy: Barter as far we know.

fighting: Some races of the FAE are good at it, fast,  and strong. Nobles tend to be trained in armed combat. They cannot wield any weapon not made of iron. Also they use a shit-ton of magic. 

notable achievements: NONE

Weakness: They are crazy assholes. 

Temperament: Capricious, hot headed, tendency to lie and cheat. Lots of mood swings. Also cold Iron. 

possible jobs for half fae: Musician, thief, con-man etc.

2Humans (Not going into this)

STRENGTH: 4

COURAGE: 7

HONOR: 2

WISDOM: 5

CUNNING: 9

SPEED: 3

MAGIC: 4

ADAPTABILITY: 10

LONGEVITY: 1

BEAUTY: 6

ADULT HEIGHT RANGE: 3 ft -7ft

NUMBER of RACES: 6

4 Ravmin

STRENGTH: 5

COURAGE: 1

HONOR: 4

WISDOM: 8

CUNNING: 9

SPEED: 10

MAGIC: 3

ADAPTABILITY: 6 

LONGEVITY: 4

BEAUTY: 5

HEIGHT RANGE: 3ft- 6’10 ft

number of races: 2

Other names: Alcaws, Kraaaw, flying creeps (slur), sallow sam (slur), Greasy slinks (slur), val-caw,

Appearance:  In humanoid form they have oblong faces, low cheekbones, pointed noses, yellow tinge to their skin whether dark of fair, and deep set round dark colored eyes. Thin, gangly bodies. Mostly they have black straight hair, which has a tendency to appear oily if not well cared for. However, once in a while genetics spits of out a light  white blonde. Mostly they dress in cool colors, long coats with flowing sleeves over more plain under garments. At puberty their raven ‘skin’ of feathers begins to grow out on their back, this biological garment when complete will allow them to change into a Raven, hence their common name among other species: ‘Raven-men’. At the age of 16 the raven skin  is shed from their back, as one complete garment. Putting it on allows them to change into Ravens, it does not work for any other species or indeed if another Ravimin dons his brother’s  raven skin, he will not be able to use it. Each Ravimin keeps his raven skin to themselves and hidden from strangers, once a week they must care spread it out and care for it with oil. Then hide it again. If it is discovered and taken, that person will now have power over the Ravimin in question. But if the Ravimin finds their raven skin, they will take it, fly away and never return. Bird form: it’s simple they look like a Raven, sometimes a white Raven.  

Age:  they can live to 480 

Diet: Omnivores  they eat anything a human can eat, however, the flesh of a dead sentient being has a narcotic effect on them. Most will take a small part of a corpse to eat, in a way to honor the dead, and that is it. However not all that benevolent.  Some become addicted to dead flesh and from roaming bands bent on fomenting war and strife to feed their addictions. Also they sell the belongs of those who have died from their provoked slaughter.

Society: Ravmin are not a social race, even among themselves. Usually they live in isolated villages, married couples with children. Although in some cities they have their own districts called unkynd towns lots of funeral homes there.. For such a long lived they reach puberty at 12 about the same age as humans. They have a saying: “When the fledge can fly, they take off.” Referring to the fact, at about 16 to 18  the young Ravimin leave their childhood homes, in search of a new life. Some become apprentices to older Ravmin, some wander around for a bit. A Ravmin have an extra sense like a tingle that tells them when others of their kind are near. The young often find each other and travel in groups, doing odd jobs and or learning the primary craft of their kind: interring the dead. the young in raven form, they attempt to impress each other with feats of aerial aerobatics. Eventually as stated they pair off and find somewhere to settle. Though many work as undertakers, they have the normal range of professions. In terms of their own burial, it kept secret, but usually they are eaten by their own kin. 

Notable achievements: Undertaking, the kraaaw lexicon (A book on everything to do with interring the dead of all species), numerous wars. 

Biology: Gets narcotic effects from eating corpse flesh, and changes into ravens.  Also remarkably unaffected by rotten meat, disease or food born pathogens.

Temperament: The saying is there are three types of Alcaws: Silent, Sweet and Sour. The Silent are quiet, bookish types, who do not try to get anyone’s way . The Sweet are boisterous pranksters, kind and loud, the sour are sullen, chilly and bitter. A Ravmin might be all three depending on surroundings and moods. 

Possible jobs: Undertaker, executioner,  assassin, mercenary,  accountant, mage, plague doctor, spy etc. etc

Weakness: Addicted to corpse meat, and if you take their raven skin they in your power, they are cowards for the most part. 

5Dragons

STRENGTH:  10

COURAGE: 4

HONOR: 3

WISDOM: 8

CUNNING:7

SPEED: 5

MAGIC:6 

ADAPTABILITY: 2

LONGEVITY: 9 (1080 years)

BEAUTY:1 (not appicalble)

HEIGHT RANGE: 10ft- 1000 ft

number of races: 11

Other names:  Wyrm, Winged- Lizards, Drake etc. etc.

Appearance:  Large, winged fire breathing that’s the basic. They have different body types,  they come in all colors, most are scaly one race of dragons is feathered. Some have bodies which are low slung and lizard like, some have more avian bodies, and some cobby by bodies and are sleek with tiny legs and  feathery ‘beards’.  They have round eyes slit pupils and a variety of vivid gem like eye colors.  

Society: Most races of dragons are solitary. Expect for the smallest the 10 foot tall, blue dragons who dwell  cliff side caverns in ‘villages’ each family or individual blue dragon dwelling in a cave. Some of the larger dragons will come together to mate and stay together to raise a family ( a clutch of baby dragons takes about 50 years to come to maturity). The largest of all dragons do not spend much time with others of their kind or anyone, they just sleep under mountains. 

Notable achievements: Guarding large piles of gold.

Temperament: depends on the dragon, varies widely.

Possible jobs: Dragons usually don’t have jobs

Weakness: no idea. 

6 Ichals (fish people)

STRENGTH: 7

COURAGE: 5

HONOR: 1

WISDOM: 6

CUNNING: 8

SPEED: 9

MAGIC: 3

ADAPTABILITY: 10

LONGEVITY: 2

BEAUTY: 4

HEIGHT RANGE: 4ft - 6ft

number of races: 4

Other names: fish people, mermaid/mermen, seal people, land seals, frog people.  (all slurs)

Appearance: There are four races of ichals two of them are bipedal mostly  land dwelling and the other two live in water and have fins instead of legs.The bipedal races do live near large bodies water, on islands, coasts, near rivers, and large lakes. They interbreed with other humanoid species often. The two bipedal races of Ichals called the Northern and Southern Ichals. The water dwelling finned ones are the western and eastern. All Ichals have human skin tones, with tinges of grey-green or blue-green. Ichals notable facial features include high brows, large bugling round eyes, small wide noses,  full lips and not much of a chin. Their eye colors are brown, grey or grey-green. They have second clear eyelid that closes under the skin one so they can see under water. Their teeth are numerous, small and pointed.  Their ears are also small. The Northern Ichals are shorter  and stockier  because they have a layer of insulating fat under their skin. The Southern ones are leaner and taller. Their hair is brown or black or dark shades of auburn, if pureblooded, mixed blooded can have any hair color. They have very little body hair and in fact the western Ichals have no hair whatsoever. They have webbing in-between their fingers and toes. 

Age: 240 

Diet: Seaweed, Kelp, glasswort, fish, shellfish etc. etc they are omnivores but prefer seafood of all types. 

Society: Ichals tend to be found around the coast, on small islands, near large rivers or deep lakes, that’s the bipedal  ones. The finned ones live under the water and only come up to take the occasional deep breath. They notable sailors and fishermen. They live together in villages, hamlets, and in ‘districts’ in port cities.   They live among others but for the most part do not mix. They worship the god of the sea. They are clannish but do not mind if you marry into their clan, for the most part, an Ichal will mary & breed  just about any other race and they do. There are more Southern then Northern Ichals, Eastern then Western.  The bipedal  ones do not like being away from bodies of water and become depressed if they are away from any large body of water for a long time. , They are viewed with suspicion by other races and considered shifty. However, there truth, to this any non-Ichal is viewed as a dry foot and  dry feet are considered ‘fair game’ for any underhanded business or schemes or out right theft an Ichal may have. They do NOT try any of the schemes, thieving or swindling on other Ichals or have ichal blood.  Some isolated tribes of Ichals have been corrupted and taken to worshiping the Servants of the ancient gods, which is troubling. Thye have tendency to towards evil and weakness, though it is far from universal

Notable achievements: Masters of the sea, excellent swimmers. Explorers, traders. merchants, pirates.… etc. etc.

Biology: Third transparent eyelid, can hold their breath for very long periods of time.

Temperament: They are calm, optimistic, tough, and sly.  

Possible jobs : Sailor, Pirate, sea trader, fisherman, merchant, pirate. 

Weakness: Can’t spend to long to far away from water, very morally dubious and easily lead into evil.

7.7.Haslas (fiery people)

STRENGTH: 6

COURAGE: 7

HONOR: 1

WISDOM: 5

CUNNING:8

SPEED: 9

MAGIC: 3

ADAPTABILITY: 4

LONGEVITY: 2

BEAUTY: 10

HEIGHT RANGE: 5ft -6ft

number of races: 4

Other names: the burning people,  fire nymphs, salamander people, ifriit, children of Keyle, red sluts (slur), Fire whore (slur),

Appearance: They were made by the goddess of love and beauty.  Adult Haslas are the most beautiful race on Erta. They have high cheek bones, long eyelashes, blonde brown, black or auburn hair of any texture, almond shaped eyes of darker hues and when they shoot fireballs they turn all black. They have full lips and oval shaped faces.  They can be olive complexioned, tan, very tan, any shade of brown and a matte bright red. They have tendency to freckle. They have lithe and slender bodies. The males can grow facial hair but in general they have very little body hair.  They tend to look fragile and feminine.  However that belies they’re very real physical strength, speed and the special ability every adult Haslas possess to shoot fireballs (Usually 10 to 30 before the fireballs are exhausted).  The prepubescent children of the Haslas are not remarkable at all, as far as children go they quite plain, it is impossible to tell even if they boys or girls, as Haslas are born intersex. Only the onset of puberty do the characteristics of their sex begin to show. By the end of puberty it is quite clear who is male, female or neither (which happens sometimes). As adults they tend towards the most fashionable clothing around, and usually are the best dressed.  Their only magic is that of their fireballs. 

Age: can live to be 240 but rarely do. 

Diet: Ominvores, prefer spicy food. 

Society: Haslas are nomadic because of their great beauty and the threat of being attacked for it. The Haslas tend to roam the warmer parts of Erta, as cold weather leaves them prone to diseases and consumption. Because of their breeding with Humans and other races it is hard to call any Haslas pure blooded.  They earn their living as traveling entertainers,  mercenaries,  herders,   traveling tinkers, and  traveling merchants and any other way that doesn’t require being in one place for very long.  Some sell their bodies as concubines seeking comfort, shiny things and stability. Haslas children because of their androgyny are trained in all skills needed to be a successful adult.  Haslas are matrilineal society, because it’s easier to tell who the mother is rather than the father, The women lead the Haslas bands and families. Once  year many of the larger bands will gather outside one land based large city. This is called the Haslas fair and much business is done there. Haslas are also known for their spicy, hot cuisine, and flatbreads. They are known to be very covetous of jewelry, gold & silver coins and the like. They have a common language that  sounds like chirps and tweets to outsiders. However like an accent or dialect it varies between groups of Haslas. Like the Ichals they do not see stealing from, defrauding, swindling or robbing ‘outsiders’ as bad thing. But their definition of that is looser and can include other Haslas  that aren’t of their  immediate family or anyone who isn’t a close friend. They see nothing wrong with whoring either.  To a haslas a body is temporary vessel, to use as they see fit. Also in their way of looking true lovers choose each other, love each other truly KNOW each other and will raise a family together and love each while a ‘client’  buys you and does not KNOW you cannot truly love you and will not stand by you. Their is very sad ballad that Haslas sing called ‘The tale of Ash and May’ where two Haslas from different bands meet and fall deeply truly in love but are separated by distance and time, eventually they meet again both are living in the same human city but both are now kept lovers of rich humans (Haslas tend to see humans as very possessive) and cannot be together. The sexs of Ash and May change from version to version so does their fates, in some they reunite, others their fate is much more grim. It illustrates how Haslas think, they rarely sing it in the common tongue though. Haslas are seen by other races as immoral and unstable but they operate by a different code. 

Notable facts:: being the most beautiful race ever.   For the death rites of a Haslas they have to cremated within a week of death with the proper rites or their spirit manifests as angry fiery being and attacks everyone nearby. 

Biology: Can withstand higher temperatures, heat and fire better. Are intersex until puberty. 

Temperament: Charming, cheerful, vivacious  energetic, but have ‘hot tempers’ are petty and catty and very vain. 

Possible jobs: Dancer, acrobat,  Actor, singer, herder, Thief, mercenary,  spice merchant,  tinker, highwayman, whore,  concubine, catamite, dandy, flying ship sailor.  

Weakness: Are susceptible to illness at colder climates, more affected by the cold. 

8. Lufvin (Giants)

STRENGTH: 10

COURAGE: 8

HONOR: 9

WISDOM: 4

CUNNING:2

SPEED: 7

MAGIC:3

ADAPTABILITY:5

LONGEVITY: 1

BEAUTY:3

HEIGHT RANGE: 6ft -11ft

Number of races: 3

Other names: Giants, uglies (slur), brutes. And various tribe and clan names. 

Appearance:  Tall, wide and brawny, they have round faces with heavy brows, and  wide upturned noses and pronounced  underbites. The males are exceptionally hairy, from outset of puberty on. Most Lufvin live in colder in climates and have paler skin. However, there are a few ‘lost clans’ who hail from warm climates, they tend to be shades of brown. Lufvin have deeper voices, thicker more muscular builds,  ham like hands with huge digits, legs like tree trunks. They have no unified way of dressing. 

Age: they can live to 120 but rarely do. 

Diet: Ommivores, with a tendency to enjoy lots of red meat and pork, root vegetables, and breads.  Also very good brewers, they drink a lot of beer. 

Society: The Lufvin are a contentious race, with strict codes of honor. First comes their immediate family, then comes their clan which is made up of extended family, then comes their tribe which is based on what region the Lufvin’s ancestors originally came from, and then there is caste which what occupation and rank in their society they have. The clans fight each other and so do the tribes. From the lowliest farmer to the highest Lufvin lord, they all consider themselves warriors first and train in the combat arts. The higher ranking Luvfin live in halls with their servants and all the family. The lower  classes live in houses with their family. Lufvin of lower castes generally are monogamous, the higher ranks  can keep two or three  spouses. First children are the heirs. Marriage within the tribe is encouraged. Most Lufvin choose their spouses for their strength of arm and character. Courtship is a lengthy and sentimental process. A lover has to to prove themselves to their beloved’s  family before the marriage can take place.  Engagements can last years before marriage. The Lufvin code is as follows  Some of the tenets are:  1. Always give  hospitality to strangers and travelers. 2. Respect your Parents, the Gods, The higher castes. 3. Clan first, tribe second. 4. disagreements between Lufvin must be settled by test of skill agreed upon both parties. 4. Do not keep  courting one who refuses you, on the outset. 5. Don’t harm children. 6. Honor is in talents, skills, deeds,  morals, and accomplishments, bad deeds will reflect on not only the Lufvin in question but the whole clan. 7. If something is fairly won, accept it. 8. No quarter will be given to the enemy. 9. Seek vengeance on your enemies and do not rest until it is accomplished. 10. Dishonor is worse than death.11. Take everyone at their word at first.    The Lufvin and Rakstals do not like each other and have a long standing feud no ones knows where it comes from or why. 

Notable achievements: They are unrivaled in combat. 

Biology: Larger, heavier with sturdier bones and the ability to really take a beating. 

Temperament: Angry when Provoked, a bit hidebound, but generous and kind and law abiding in general. Affectionate and gentle when not fighting.Loyal, moral and kind.  

Possible jobs : Warrior, blacksmith, bodyguard, Etc.

Weakness: Pretty gullible and stubborn and hot tempered.

Niflu: (Small people) 

STRENGTH: 5

COURAGE:

HONOR: 4

WISDOM: 9

CUNNING: 10

SPEED: 2

MAGIC: 1

ADAPTABILITY: 8

LONGEVITY: 6

BEAUTY: 2

ADULT HEIGHT RANGE: 3 ft- 4ft

number of races: 5

Other names:  mole-men, half gobs, ratlings (slur), ankle-biters (slur), rabbit people (slur) 

Appearance: short with curly hair that ranges from honey blonde to dark brown or they are bald  their eyes are large, heavily lidded, green, hazel  grey or brown eyes,  buck teeth and small floppy ears. They have round chubby faces. They dress pragmatically with little embellishments They men lose their hair young 20 or so.  The women lose their hair at 70.  They are found in all lands and in skin tone mirror every human race.  They are very short ranging in height from 3 feet to the tallest being 4’10 feet. At around 40 they begin to get their first tattoo too mark maturity and purpose in life, from there they get many, many more. 

Age: 720

Diet: Ommivore. The niflu like hearty, plain food and garlic, pickles. They eat lots of root vegetables, garlic, ginger and cabbages. They have breed of small pig which they also eat and will eat most types of fowl. They are also great brewers, farmers, and distillers. Niflu do love their food and drink.

Society:  Niflu are as happy in the city or the country. They tend to live together in large extended families outsiders call ‘warrens’ . In the country these warrens are dug into hillsides or make using local caves. In the Niflu villages there usually three or four main families.In cities they tend to take over a building or two. They have great skill as cooks, bakers, brewers, distillers, any kind of handicraft, forging metal, inventing and  feats of engineering. They figured out a use for Ghost wood and built flying ships and floating cities. Because of their height and lack of magic they have come up with many ingenious ways of defending themselves and their homes. Their society is divided but it’s less to do with gender, more to do what sort of job they do or train for. The Niflu divide it into to categories: Hechle  (Which includes: cooking, baking cleaning, looking after children,  weaving, brewing, distilling animal husbandry, farming) or  Whichll (engineering, inventing, mining, sailing airships, smithing,) meaning whether your job is an inside one or an outside one. Gender and sexual orientation doesn’t matter so much to the Niflu. But whether one is Heechle or Whichll does and pressure to one or the other is put on Niflu very young as apprenticeships start early. Child rearing within the Niflu warren is communal, the extended family looks after each other’s children starting after the child or can walk. Infants are usually bundled onto the backs of whatever parent has them for the day. When a Niflu is reaches mid-childhood they have to pick what role they want and whether they are Hechle or Whichll. Then they get an apprenticeship, in the field they chose, they start out doing very small jobs and move up as they gain more experience and grow older. They are monogamous, and courtship is slow two year process in which two Niflu exhcnge notes, make each other small gifts and talk, eventually they spend more time together, stealing moments, touching and eventually move in together, shortly after that they get married. Usually they mare the son or daughter of the family they are apprenticed too. They do not care if the marriage is outside the race.  This happens in late puberty to late middle age. In couples one is Hechle and one is Whichll. However same career couples do exist and are looked on but the Niflu as a whole with bemusement and distrust. When a Nuflu receives their tattoos, celebrations are held as like those for birthdays. Nuflu weddings are also big lusty, fun affairs. In old age Niflu maintain their career and pass on wisdom to children and apprentices.  Niflu typically cremate their dead.  The Niflu do not have language per say, and speak a pidgin version of the common tongue among themselves. As the second most intelligent race with no magic, in general they do like or trust ‘Bug-biters’ aka Gralings, who they see as arrogant and pretentious. Their are exceptions to this open minded Graling and  non-prejudiced Niflu but as a whole, they DO NOT like each other.  

Biology: They have a very high pain threshold, a hardier constitution, so they can get  but don’t feel it as much, resistance to magical spells.

Temperament: gregarious, jolly, earthy and pragmatic, fond of physical pleasures as much intellectual ones. Hard working, loyal but mercenary and frugal. 

Possible jobs:  Oh so many……

Weakness: short, can’t do magic, go bald. 

10.Rakstal: (the stone people)

STRENGTH: 9

COURAGE: 7

HONOR: 5

WISDOM: 8

CUNNING: 6

SPEED: 2

MAGIC: 7

ADAPTABILITY: 3

LONGEVITY: 10

BEAUTY: 2

HEIGHT RANGE: 7ft -20ft

number of races: 3

Other names: the stone giants, rock monks,  philosophers  wait…I thought that was a hill.

Appearance: They are made of stone but within they are fire, it can be seen through their eyes and mouth. They are HUGE and look vaguely humanoid.  Rough stoney features. As in they have a head, and four limbs. They wear clothes made from leaves, moss can grow on them. As for races,  we classify them as geologists classify they types of rock Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic They seem fine with it. Their are more in depth classifications as to what type of the three basic rock types. They are hermaprhodites, and do not have recognizable identifiable male/female genders. 

they lay ‘eggs’; which look like especially smooth rocks. They grow slowly

Age: up to 1,2000 

Diet: like a plant they get nutrients from the soil and sun. 

Society: Almost entirely solitary, they have no fixed abode, they meet to mate and raise family, staying together as youngest but then they part… or just sit down and mediate. 

They are very intelligent spiritual and thoughtful. They are very slow moving and acting often they sit down and medidate for up to five hundred years. However such patience comes with age, the immature  youngest ones are more full of  energy, curiosity and mischief.  Immature Siblings, friends and cousins will wander together, and get into trouble and explore. Sadly when you are enormously strong rock giant other races don’t take kindly to your ‘wild’ years.  Also they are highly protective of their mates, children, friends and family.  Mature adults will raise a clutch of up to five eggs  together  mate three times in their lives. They do not know why the lufvin hate them, but since they keep insisting it’s a feud…..

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Notable achievements: ???

Biology: very strange…. See appearance

Temperament: slow, laid back, calm and thoughtful, taciturn, lazy. 

Possible jobs : monk, blacksmith, bodyguard….