Races (Ashya Setting)

The descriptions in this section provide broad generalizations of the values and traits associated with a specific race. While each race has its unique culture shaped by historical events and interactions with other people, nations, and cultures, this is merely an outline. It is important to note that there are exceptions within every group of people and cultures.

(In the event that a race or subrace is not included in the provided list, please consult with me after reading "Other Races")

The Common Races

Aethen

All Athens can trace their bloodline back to Aetheria, the celestial phoenix and the youngest offspring of Goddess Sol. Many Athenians find solace in remaining within the embrace of Hestia, their birthplace and sanctuary. The sacred bond between Athenians and Hestia fills them with a deep yearning for their kin, fostering a sense of unity and comfort. However, it is not uncommon for Athenians to embark on a journey of self-discovery, willingly breaking the chains of their ancestry to form new connections with chosen companions. This bold act symbolizes their readiness for change and their desire for companionship beyond blood ties as they venture into unexplored realms of personal growth and camaraderie.

The most enchanting aspect of an Athen's appearance lies in their hair, a sight to behold. As the originators of fiery red locks, Athenians proudly display a dazzling spectrum of hues, from the rich depths of crimson to the fierce brilliance of orange, with flickers of flame dancing within.

It is a tradition among the people of Athens to undergo a profound transformation as they reach the threshold of puberty. For many Athenians, this marks a pivotal moment in their existence, a passage from childhood innocence into adulthood's mysteries.

Celestial

The Celestial Athenians are those who willingly embrace their divine lineage, walking the path of their celestial bloodline. Blessed with the gift to wield the potent and sometimes tumultuous power of fire through the art of magic, they are often drawn to aid those in need. Many among them dedicate themselves to mastering magical arts that not only benefit themselves but also extend a helping hand to their loved ones and allies, alleviating the burdens that weigh upon their shoulders.

Celestial Athens bear skin tones akin to Humans, yet they are distinguished by fiery marks that adorn them uniquely. These marks may appear as gentle, swirling lights beneath their skin or as radiant red lines that weave intricate patterns across their bodies.

Phoenix

The Phoenix Athenians are those who have embraced their elemental essence, letting the fiery power of the phoenix course through their very being. These remarkable individuals are drawn to the path of strength, harnessing their inner fire to shield and safeguard those in their midst.

Phoenix Athens gain subtle traits from their elemental origin manifest in enchanting ways. They bear small, mesmerizing, iridescent feathers that grace their temples, intertwine within their hair, or elegantly adorn their arms and backs.

Dwarves

All dwarves trace their origins back to the elemental plane of Earth, with many departing as its connection to the prime material plane was severed. While many dwarves sought sanctuary in the mountain range that eventually became the kingdom of Durinhold, others chose to journey across the land in search of new settlements, and some would travel deeper into Ashya's underground.

The surface posed numerous threats, including large monsters and marauding war bands, prompting the heavily fortified entrances of Duringhold. Leveraging the mountains' abundant resources, the Dwarves wield significant economic influence. This led them to open their borders for trade, showcasing their generosity while maintaining a reputation for toughness and martial prowess in defending their new homeland.

The Dwarves adhere to a hierarchical social structure based on family and clan, which shapes their role within dwarven culture and tradition. While commonly known for their stature, Dwarves are also renowned for their grand architectural feats, designed on a massive scale to accommodate giants. Some speculate on a potential connection between Dwarves and giants despite there being no historical events between the two groups.

Hill

When the elemental plane of Earth was severed, not all Dwarves chose to seek refuge in the mountains. Instead, some of these Dwarves journeyed through the hills, recognizing the significance of sharpening their senses, refining their blade skills, and fostering remarkable resilience. As they wandered, these Dwarves gradually loosened their clan affiliations in favor of assimilating into diverse societies and cultures.

Mountain

The Dwarves who sought shelter within the mountain environment adapted to its unique terrain and conditions. Over time, they developed a harmonious relationship with the existing mountain elementals, gaining newfound strength and resilience. As a result, most Mountain Dwarves tend to be taller and possess slightly more muscular builds.

Dark (Duergar)

Dark Dwarves, commonly referred to as Duergar, are the descendants of the dwarves that fled deeper into the undergrouds of Ashya. Restricted by scarce resources, their skin took on a pale blue-gray hue, their physique grew leaner, and their mental fortitude increased. Practical in nature, they place little value on art or artists. Encountering a living Dark Dwarf in the present day is a rare occurrence, and even more so if they were found on the surface.

Elves

In the time before the Age Binding, whispers of elven immortality echoed through the ancient Feywilds. It was believed that the elves, with their ethereal grace, were blessed with a longevity that bordered on eternity. Yet, the true extent of their lifespan remained a mystery, shrouded in the mists of time. Everything changed when the Goddess Mater decreed the Age Binding Curse, a fateful event now known as the Curse of Eternal Youth among the elder elves.

After the curse befell their lands, countless elves saw it as a chance for rebirth and renewal. While the majority remained loyal to the Feywilds, honoring the decrees of their court, a significant number chose to venture into the uncharted realms of the Prime Material. In the realm of Ashya, where elven presence was scarce, these wanderers united, forging new lineages and social orders. In the heart of this transformation, quaint hamlets sprang up, inhabited predominantly by elves. Yet, it is in the bustling city of Hestia that the largest congregation of elves can be found today.

Dark (Drow)

In the shadowed depths below the surface world dwell the dark elves, known as the Drow. Descendants of elves who sought refuge from the chaos and conflict of the Prime Material, they found solace in the vast underground caverns that became their new homes. These caverns, however, were not empty; they teemed with lurking monsters seeking shelter from the turmoil above.

The Drow themselves bear skin of deep blacks, neutral grays, and dark blues, their stark white hair strikingly contrasting to their dark visages. Their eyes, pale and haunting, come in shades of lilac, silver, pink, red, and blue, reflecting the eerie beauty of their subterranean realm. Unlike their surface-dwelling kin, the Drow are slighter in stature and more slender, a testament to their adaptation to the underground world they now call their own.

High

In the ancient times of elven lore, there arose the High Elves, revered for their keen minds and knowledge of The Weave. Among these elves, two sects emerged. The first, cloaked in elitism and seclusion, sought solace within cities and esteemed circles, deeming themselves superior to all non-elves and most of their kin. The second, a more affable and prevalent folk, embraced integration with common society, fostering amicable relations with all races.

The High Elves proudly display skin tones ranging from ethereal alabaster to rich ebony hues. Their flowing locks shimmer in hues of gold, silken blond, and midnight black. Their towering stature surpasses their elven kin's, justifying their name.

Wood

The Elves that followed the call of nature took to the forest. Some in groups and some alone. It is to this that Wood Elves are predominantly divided culturally from forest to forest and town to town. They are the most well-traveled and most frequently sighted elf. Some Wood Elves don't travel, believing they are the guardian of a town, forest, or region and will do anything to protect it and its people. Wood Elves' skin ranges from copperish to brown. Their hair tend towards colours of browns, blacks, and greens.

When the call of nature beckoned, the Elves heeded its enchanting whisper and sought refuge within nature's forests. Some journeyed in companionship, while others ventured forth alone, each following their own path through Ashya. The Wood Elves found their home within these woods, their culture intricately woven from one forest to the next, from town to town. The Wood Elves were renowned as the most well-traveled among the Elven kind. While some roamed far and wide, there were those who remained steadfast in their duty, believing themselves to be the protectors of their chosen town, forest, or region. Bound by an unbreakable oath, they stood vigilant, ready to defend their sacred lands and the people who dwelled within.

The skin of the Wood Elves bore hues of copperish to deep brown, a testament to their deep connection with the earth. Their flowing hair cascaded in shades of browns, blacks, and greens, mirroring the colors of the forest they called home.

Eladrin

In the realm of the Feywild, the Eladrin reign as the elves who dwell amidst its enchanting beauty. They are the descendants of those who remained after the fateful Eternal Youth Curse befell their kind. Gifted with a profound mastery of magic, the Eladrin can traverse vast distances in the blink of an eye, stepping effortlessly from one place to another. Each Eladrin is born into a court that aligns with the season of their birth. While most Eladrin find themselves bound to a specific court, there are those rare individuals who possess the extraordinary gift of shifting between seasons at will or even choosing to remain in one season indefinitely. This unique ability sets them apart, granting them a sense of freedom and fluidity that few others can match in the realm of the Fey.

The very essence of an Eladrin is intertwined with the season they are born into. It is due to this that their skin, hair, and eyes are all subject to the whims of the seasons

Gnomes

In Ashya, the Gnomes roamed freely, their population scattered across small towns, villages, and major cities rather than centralized in any grand location. They preferred to blend in with other races, particularly Humans and Dwarves, finding solace in the bustling communities. Hidden in secluded corners, the Gnomes honed their craft with unmatched cleverness and dexterity, their nimble fingers working wonders. With the advent of mechanics and the art of crafting intricate mechanisms, their talents shone brightly. As master clockwork makers, skilled gunsmiths, and ingenious engineers, the Gnomes of Ashya were revered for their invaluable contributions to the realm.

The gnomes of Ashya are renowned for their vibrant artistry and playful mischief. While their talents were sought after by those in need, the gnomish folk were seldom taken seriously by others. Often dismissed as mere nuisances or troublemakers, the Gnomes were misunderstood and underestimated. Whether through their own mischievous antics or simply by being themselves, the Gnomes of Ashya were all too often labeled as troublemakers or even criminals, their true worth overlooked by those who failed to see beyond their playful facade.

Gnomes living in bustling cities often formed tight-knit family units, their bonds strong and unbreakable. However, those who chose to reside beyond the walls of grand cities banded together in a unique way, merging their families into one cohesive unit. These secretive villages, hidden from prying eyes, were nestled deep underground or nestled within the depths of forests.

Forest

Forest Gnomes possessed a unique affinity for illusions, animals, and blending seamlessly into their surroundings. As the rarest of their kind, they banded together in secretive communities nestled deep within the enchanted forests. Harnessing the power of illusion and the natural world around them, the Forest Gnomes expertly evaded enemies and remained hidden from prying eyes. Unlike their kin, who excelled in crafting intricate mechanisms, the Forest Gnomes embraced a more primal connection to nature, their skills, and knowledge rooted in the ancient ways of the forest.

Unlike other Gnomes, Forest Gnomes tend to grow their hair and beards out as long as possible. Forest Gnomes' skin is an earthy color and, in many ways, looks like wood. Their hair tends to be brown or black but can be white or silver on a rare chance.

Rock

Rock Gnomes stood out for their innate inventiveness and resilience, qualities that set them apart from their kin. Among the Gnomes of Ashya, the Rock Gnomes were the most prevalent, their numbers making them a valuable asset sought after by both Dwarves and Humans alike. Renowned for their mastery in the arts of Gemcutting and Tinkering, the Rock Gnomes were indispensable to those needing their expertise. Living in tight-knit communities nestled within bustling cities, these Rock Gnomes thrived in groups no larger than twenty, their close bonds and shared skills ensuring their continued success and prosperity.

Rock Gnomes are the shortest of the three Gnomes. They have a natural brownish skin tint but can come in any hue. Young Rock Gnomes can come with any hair color, from natural colors to dyes they have made. Many male Rock Gnomes keep their beards groomed and neat.

Dark (Deep Gnome)

In the depths of Ashya dwelled the Dark Gnomes, known to most as Deep Gnomes. These beings are the true masters of the underground, their cunning unmatched by any other Gnome kin. The Dark Gnomes have learned to wield its power with skill and precision through their connection to the magic beneath the surface. Many Deep Gnomes possess the ability to supernaturally camouflage themselves and to nullify magic that seeks to reveal their presence.

Deep Gnomes stand tall as the largest of their kin, boasting a sturdy and robust build. Males tend to be completely bald and hairless, while females sport both full heads of hair and small beards. Their skin bears the hues reminiscent of the Drow and Drergar, and their eyes tend to be pale white. The females are known for having silver, white or grey hair.

Half-elves

Walking in two worlds but truly belonging to neither. Half-elves combine the best qualities of their elf parent and their other parent, typically human. To some of the elven kin, these Half-Elves are viewed with disdain, seen as tainted and unworthy of their pure bloodline. Yet, there are those among the elves who see the Half-Elves as a beacon of hope, a symbol of unity and love transcending boundaries. They believe that these beings represent a harmonious future born out of genuine affection and understanding

Half-Elves are a diverse bunch. Some wander far and wide in search of wisdom, while others find solace in familiar lands. Their dual heritage often sets them apart, making blending in seamlessly with society challenging. Yet, when they find their place, Half-Elves shine brightly through their exceptional skills or charming personalities.

Halflings

The halflings of Ashya are mostly homebodies, finding comfort in their quaint rural settlements. Living in close-knit communities, these halflings trace their lineage through vast family trees that bind them together. By seeking wisdom from their elders, they can easily unravel the intricate web of kinship that connects them all. Nestled in cozy hamlets and villages, these halfling communities thrive as farming societies, harmoniously coexisting with neighboring races on the outskirts of their lands.

Halflings are renowned for their hospitality. Their inns are famed for cozy hearths, delicious fare, and snug seating. However, beware for Halflings are known for their nimble fingers and sly ways, earning them the titles of "Goodfolk" and "Slyfolk." It is wise to watch your belongings when in the company of these mischievous yet charming people.

When a halfling village grows too large in size, a band of adventurous souls will gather their belongings and set off in caravans to seek out fresh lands where they can forge a new home for themselves.

Halflings displayed the same range of skin tones, hair colors, and eye hues as humans. Nearly all male halflings were incapable of growing true beards, though many had long sideburns

Lightfoot

the Lightfoot Halflings reign supreme in terms of the Halfling population standing at the top. Known for their amiable nature and harmonious relations with other races, these wanderers are often struck by wanderlust. Their insatiable desire for adventure leads them far and wide, making them the most well-traveled and easily recognizable of all Halflings.

Stout

Stout Halflings earned their name for their sturdy build, shorter stature, and resilience against poisons. Some tales speak of their kinship to the Dwarves, as the appearance and traits hint at a shared ancestry between both sout-hearted folks.

Humans

In Ashya, it is without a doubt that humans are the largest populous and widespread species. Swift to replenish their numbers, they have established their presence in every corner of the world, from the depths of the underground to the peaks of the towering mountains. Nearly every city within Ashya has a diverse mix of inhabitants, with humans often forming the majority and holding sway over governance. Humans hold a staggering 70% of the population in Ashya, solidifying their status as the dominant species.

Some races view humans as merely ordinary, lacking the strength, speed, or wit of others. Yet, they underestimate the resilience and ingenuity of humanity. Humans possess a cleverness and creativity that knows no bounds, coupled with an unmatched tenacity and fortitude. The bravest among them can confront any challenge head-on, emerging victorious against all odds.

A tale whispers of humanity as the second race crafted by the gods, following the mighty and majestic dragons. Their creation was deemed a triumph, serving as the blueprint upon which the gods fashioned the elves, dwarves, halflings, orcs, and even giants. This tale weaves a thread, explaining why humans possess the rare ability to intermingle with any other race, a gift not bestowed upon others.

Humans are known for their sociable nature, welcoming other races into their cities with open arms. These human-led cities boast a vibrant mix of non-human inhabitants, creating a diverse and harmonious community. Humans possess a unique ability to interbreed with other races, giving rise to half-breeds unlike any other. This, coupled with their inclusive attitude towards other races, has earned humans a reputation for their amorous and accepting ways among the diverse peoples of Ashya.

The eyes, stature, and hair of Humans display an array of shapes, sizes, and hues.

The Rare Races

Aasimar

Some individuals were imbued with divine energy when the gods separated the planes. This celestial strength infused their human bodies and became a part of their bloodlines. The manifestation of angelic heritage occasionally resurfaces in people's lineage, giving rise to true Aasimars.

While Aasimars do not have established settlements of their own, their presence is even more uncommon than that of Tieflings. However, the largest known populations of both can be found in Dilhade, where they are treated as high royalty.

Many Aasimars journey in search of purpose before eventually settling down. Due to their scarcity and divine connection, Aasimars often find themselves in positions of authority, such as politicians, leaders, or members of high society. Some choose to reside in rougher areas where they are revered and respected, akin to angels of mercy and death.

Life Expectancy

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