The Races of Three Worlds

[Xeviat]

Still looking for some feedback or questions. Questions would be preferable actually, because they'll get me to think of new things that I haven't worked on.

I'm also searching for information on Aztecs to help me flesh out my Ifrit, as they're the last race on my list because I haven't been able to think of very much for them.

Current schedule is to do Elves next, which should be fast because they don't have subcultures, then humans, which will take a bit more time since they have four cultures, then Ifriti. Only then will I worry about the half-bloods (half-elves, half-giants, half-goblins, and half-ferals).

[Ghostman]

To be honest, I'm a bit put off by the Valkyries. They are just a tad too furry-like.

As for the Halflings, they don't seem particularly unique or interesting. They could use something to make them more than just short-grown gypsies with tails. Perhaps a mythological background explaining their place in the world? Or a history of persecution and exodus? Maybe some unique abilities?

If they are such *large* minorities in human towns, why do they have so much trouble coming up with fitting clothes and armour? Wouldn't they rather form chinatown-esque racial quarters with businesses such as tailors servicing Halflings?

[Xeviat]

Thanks for the post!

In human towns, the halflings aren't a large minority; it is in cities where they are large minorities. They would have "halflingtowns" within the cities, so I'll go back and change that. But the points about wearing human child clothing is more about them blending in, since they prefer to be overlooked when amongst humans.

As for their history, they've faced a bit of persecution, but that was largely changed after the rise of the Republic. The halflings were integral to the success of the rebellion, and as such they have earned more respect within the nation. As for their similarity to humans, it mostly comes from them being so close to humans evolutionarily. Halflings evolved from social monkeys, humans from social apes. I'm not sure what I can do to differentiate them further.

And I'm sorry that you don't care for the Valkyries. I really don't know how to describe a race that evolved from birds and has retained flight any differently. Their beak's very snubbed and doesn't protrude much more than a human's nose, so they aren't really a human body with an eagle's head pasted on.

Such comparisons to "furries" is going to happen with the non-mammalian races (Ifrit, Tritons, Valkyries, not to mention the Beastfolk and the actual feral races/monsters). It's unavoidable.

[Weave]

Neat stuff you got here, Xeviat! I actually like the very scientific approach to it all, and I'd be interested in hearing what animals you based them all after, with the Dwarves being badgers and Triton being, well, fish.

I really like your take on Halflings, especially the part on them using their size to show up other races. My only problem with them is their culture. I'm aware that they usually assimilate themselves with other cultures, but it sort of gives me the feeling that they're gilded; wannabes for other races. I'm more or less looking for a reason for them to be so friendly with others: are they subtly a business savvy race that knows to value trade relationships for their textiles? Does their definition of "family" differ from others in that in incorporates all loved ones (including friends from other lands)? Just curious.

I'm going to have to disagree with your fiance in saying Valkyries are probably my least favorite of the bunch, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. I'm just not a bird person, I guess (its more of a personal preference on my part, not a design fault of yours).

All in all, I think you do an excellent job of ensuring that different races truly are different races, not simply variants of, well, humankind (like traditional elves or halflings). I'm interested in hearing about these "Ifrit," I like the whole Aztec inspiration behind them.

[Xeviat]

The science thing has been the most fun approach for me. I'm building a fantasy world with the tools of science fiction; it's helping me keep things internally consistent, while still giving me the freedom to say "It's magic" every now and then. As for animals, since you asked:

*Dwarves: Badger
*Halfling: Spider Monkey
*Ifrit: Their design is mostly Gila Monster, but they were the product of forced evolution (the Ancients did a LOT of that).
*Triton: Some fish that became a salt-water amphibian and then became a humanoid. They have some similarities to salamanders (external gills and lungs at the same time), but otherwise they're unique.
*Valkyrie: Griffins. Closest living relative would be in the raptor family (Accipitridae). A group got a 3rd pair of limbs (might have been through weird science) and became griffins and hippogriffs. Some grew very large and reverted to old reptilian traits and became the Drakes (unique Class of animals for this world).

That was a bit more than you asked. =)

Since that's the second similar complaint about the halflings, I'll work on the culture of the "civil halflings". But your reasoning is actually fairly close to what I was going for: halflings learned early that if they're nice to people and they keep their heads down, they can generally get away with much more. I do like the idea of their concept of "family" extending to friends, even friends of other races. I'm definitely incorporating that.

As for the Valkyries, it's cool if not everyone likes them. With 8 base races, I should have something for everyone.

As for the Ifrit, they're probably going to be last. I'm reading up on Aztec culture so that I can properly use it as inspiration. I'd rather mask the inspiration as much as I can (like how there's a bit of Greek influence on the Tritons), but they're definitely going to have pyramids (symbolizing volcanoes), and "human" sacrifice. The black ifrit will probably have a bit of Mongolian and Arabian nomadic inspiration; I need to read up on the Zoroastrians since they were big fire worshipers.

And thanks! I'm really trying to make them all their own, and not just human archetypes. I personally think Dwarves and Tritons turned out particularly well, because a lot of their culture and personalities grew as an extension from their physiology. I'm glad you like.

[Ghostman]

As for the Ifrit, they're probably going to be last. I'm reading up on Aztec culture so that I can properly use it as inspiration. I'd rather mask the inspiration as much as I can (like how there's a bit of Greek influence on the Tritons), but they're definitely going to have pyramids (symbolizing volcanoes), and "human" sacrifice. The black ifrit will probably have a bit of Mongolian and Arabian nomadic inspiration; I need to read up on the Zoroastrians since they were big fire worshipers.

That'd be pyramids with sacrificial fire-pits on the top then? You could call them ziggurats if you want to make the Aztec inspiration less obvious.

Oh and Zoroastrianism is neither Mongolian nor Arabic, just FYI.

[Age of Fable]

"Stability and tradition are tenants of their lives"

I think you want tenets of their lives.

[Age of Fable]

You use both 'dwarves' in the writeup, but 'dwarfs' elsewhere, so make sure you're consistent in the final version.

[Age of Fable]

"Dwarves are carnivores, though they grow grain to feed their livestock"

how do they get livestock and grain inside a mountain?

(your setting seems a bit more 'logical' than one where you could just handwave that)

[Age of Fable]

"their templar make up the elite forces of the military"

I think it's templars.

[Age of Fable]

"A typical deep dwarven name might be '(name), son of (father's name), son of (family hero), of clan (founder's name).'"

It might be better to have an actual name here, then explain it. Ditto "Like all aspects of halfling culture, their names reflect their home culture..."

[Age of Fable]

"Most are on quests to claim riches for their band or open up new trade routs"

routes.

[Xeviat]

Yeah, I know, that was a rambling sentence; though aren't the Zoroastrians from the middle east area? Ah, Persian.

Dwarves grow grain on the surface when a settlement is small enough to be able to do so. Some very large citadels import most of their grain. Dwarven farmers, who live on or just under the surface, are the lowest class.

And thanks for the editing notes.

[Weave]

Would it be possible to get a quick snippet on what you plan to do with humans? Are they going to remain as they are and keep their familiarity, or do you have some special plans for them?

I sometimes find that humans can be the most interesting part of a setting (if it has them), because I think they're the most difficult. I can't just peg them down anywhere, but don't want them to blanket the whole world without having a distinct identification amidst it. That's just me, though. I've seen excellently diverse humans within a setting... I just have a tough time pulling that off without it coming off as extremely lackadaisical.

[Xeviat]

So far, I haven't planned to do anything particularly special with humans. As far as magic specialties, they are the race that is most proficient with Aether magic, but I haven't finalized the table of magic spheres so I'm not sure exactly what Aether magic will and won't be.

They definitely do not blanket the entirety of the world. There are humans in most regions, but there are typically members of most of the other races in most regions as well. As for the four human cultures I will be having, they are as follows:

Empire of the Sun: The northern humans, they are the only humans in the west to worship dragons (dragon worship is very common on the eastern continent). Their land is hot and humid, dominated by jungles and grasslands; though they dominate the grasslands as the jungles are home to elves and ifrit. They build grand monuments to their kings and queens, worshiping these ancestral leaders alongside the elemental dragons. Their dragon worship puts them at odds with other humans.

Holylands: The Holylands include the Republic of Hunerst and other outlying citystates which were once the heart of the Great Empire which fell over one thousand years ago. It is the center of the church of Chivalry. Feudal rule and martial code is slowly being replaced by learning and democracy, but its code of honor is still the center of life. The Republic is in its vibrant Renaissance, and it is currently trying to expand.

The Land of the Three Kingdoms: Far to the south lay the land of the three kingdoms, named for three ancient castle-cities which lay along the forked river that feeds the cold planes. Its people are large and formidable, valuing strength as honor. No one royal family has held any one kingdom for more than a few generations, and few have managed to unite three or even two of the cities under their banner.

The last culture will be the human barbarian culture. As you can see, I have ideas on the humans, but they haven't shaped up to be much more than themes (except for the Holylands, which is my core region). The Empire of the Sun is being designed with some Egyptian themes, while the Three Kingdoms will have a more Norse/Anglo-Saxon thing going on. They'll probably shape up more when I develop their religions better.