Terraldians
The Terraldians, as the original inhabitants of Terraldia, embody the rich history of humanity within this dark world. While they resemble regular humans, they possess an innate connection to the magical essence of their land, allowing those of noble blood—believed descendants of ancient demigods—to wield formidable magical powers, giving them the name of the "blessed ones". This magic is not merely an innate talent but is also studied through the practice of alchemy, a revered discipline that blends the natural world with the mystical. Alchemists, often seen as the brightest minds among the Terraldians, utilize their extensive knowledge of flora and fauna to concoct powerful elixirs and potions, enabling them to harness magic unlike those of noble blood who can easily use their magical abilities.
Terraldia's history is steeped in tales of gods walking the land, and it is believed that from these divine beings that noble bloodlines trace their power. Though the majority of Terraldians live simple, agrarian lives, working the land or serving as soldiers, merchants, and craftsmen, a select few from noble bloodlines possess the ability to wield magic. This magical talent is often linked to their ancestry, believed to be descendants of demigods who once ruled Terraldia. These noble Terraldians, with their latent magic, are often revered and feared in equal measure. The presence of magic elevates them above the common folk, and they frequently rise to positions of power, ruling over fiefdoms and kingdoms.
In appearance, Terraldians mirror the diverse range of human features seen on Earth, from pale-skinned northerners with light hair and blue eyes to the darker-skinned, sun-weathered people of the southern deserts. Their attire, too, with peasants dressed in simple wool and leather, while nobles adorn themselves in intricate robes and armor inlaid with precious metals and gemstones. Weapons and tools in their society are often rudimentary, as most are reliant on physical strength and skill rather than magical enhancements.
Though their lives are steeped in the divine and arcane, only the noble few have true access to magic, and they guard it jealously. Ordinary Terraldians, powerless and vulnerable, often turn to religion and most of them worshipping the Goddess of Light, seeking the favor of the gods to protect them from the encroaching darkness, while some hidden outcasts are interested to believe the power and ideology of the God of Darkness and often times making deals with demons to wield dark magic. In this world, survival is paramount, and trust is a scarce commodity.
Among the Terraldians, those who can conjure magic without or through alchemy are respected and sometimes feared, as their understanding of both technology and magic allows them to outsmart countless creatures lurking in the shadows. Armed with balance of both intellect and spells, they have traveled the far reaches of their world, collecting knowledge and wisdom that has led to advancements in engineering and the creation of powerful devices. This combination of intelligence and magical prowess has enabled the noble class to maintain power and influence, establishing a society that values cunning and strategy alongside brute force.
Terraldians often find themselves torn between tradition and innovation, grappling with the balance of utilizing their magical heritage while integrating newfound technologies. Their cities, bustling with activity, reflect this duality, showcasing majestic castles and advanced workshops that blend the natural beauty of the landscape with the ingenuity of their creations. In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, these Terraldians navigate the delicate interplay of power, knowledge, and the relentless pursuit of survival against the encroaching darkness.
-
Outworlders
The Outworlders, summoned from Earth by the Goddess of Light at the "Emergence", represent a curious fusion of cultures and identities in Terraldia. Each one carries the weight of their past world and life, often marked by knowledge and memories that contrast starkly with the realities of this new world. As they grapple with their sudden displacement, once met with a tragic fate that alters their power, they discover within themselves a unique weapon: the ability to instantly summon their "cursion"—a distinctive weapon forged from the very essence of their souls. These weapons are not merely tools; they are manifestations of their experiences, emotions, and innate potential, making each "cursion" a deeply personal and powerful weapon.
Unlike the native Terraldians, Outworlders lack a connection to the land's magic but their own magical abilities rooted from their souls manifests onto their own unique weapons. However, their arrival is often heralded as a sign of destiny, and many among the Terraldians view them as potential champions in the fight against the looming darkness. Each Outworlder brings with them a set of skills, and knowledge from Earth, often bewildering their Terraldian counterparts. This clash of cultures creates a complexity of alliances and rivalries, with Outworlders finding their place in a society steeped in ancient traditions.
While some Outworlders embrace their new roles as heroes, others struggle with the weight of expectations and the burden of their different pasts. The transition from Earth to Terraldia is fraught with challenges, but those who can adapt often find themselves integral to the fate of this war-torn realm. As they navigate the treacherous landscapes and the tangled web of alliances, Outworlders are not only fighting for their survival but also discovering their own strengths and the true nature of their powers and purpose to this new world.
-
Elves
The Elves of Terraldia are a mystical and ethereal race, deeply attuned to the spirits and forces of nature. With their strikingly pointed ears and elegant features of their tall body, they embody the beauty and grace of the natural world. Elves are often depicted as guardians of the forests, living in harmony with the flora and fauna that surround them and staying true to the direct and pure connection of magic from nature. Their connection to the land is not just physical but spiritual; they draw their power from the elements, particularly from the water, which serves as a vital source of energy.
Elves firmly worship the moon and the Goddess of Light, believing that the moon at the darkness of the night governs the cycles of life as the Goddess of Light have given life to all beings in Terraldia—balancing the complementing power of both "Light" of the Goddess and the Moon at the night's "Darkness". They perform ancient rituals under the silvery glow of the moon, calling upon the energies of nature to protect and nurture the world around them. This reverence extends to the spirits and creatures of the forest, including pixies, undines, and treants, whom they view as allies in their quest to maintain the peaceful balance. The Elves possess formidable magical abilities, allowing them to manipulate nature, control the tides, and summon creatures of the forest to aid them in times of need.
Despite their often pacifist nature, the Elves can also be fiercely protective of their realms and will not hesitate to defend their homes against threats. They view the Orcs, with their savage ways and brutal cultures, as their sworn enemies, a clash of ideologies that has fueled countless conflicts throughout history. This animosity is deeply rooted in their contrasting beliefs but with similar concept, with the Elves revering the moon of the darkness of night and the cycles of nature with the Goddess of Light, while the Orcs worship the harsh sun's light and the God of Darkness himself, creating an unbreakable rift between the two races.
-
Dwarves
The Dwarves are an industrious race, often recognized by their short stature and formidable presence. While they may not tower over their foes, their physical strength and unmatched resilience make them a force to be reckoned with. Dwarves are skilled miners and craftsmen, spending their lives delving deep into the earth to extract precious metals and gems. Their expertise in engineering and smithing is unparalleled, producing weapons and armor that are both beautiful and deadly.
Dwarves thrive in the harsh environments of snowy mountains and volcanic regions, where their small stature allows them to navigate narrow tunnels and passages with ease. Their adaptability and resourcefulness have enabled them to create formidable weapons and armors using the resources found in their rugged landscapes. In their great underground cities, Dwarves forge items of legendary quality, often infused with protective enchantments that reflect their mastery of both craftsmanship and alchemy.
While they can be stern and rigid, Dwarves are also known for their loyalty and fierce camaraderie. They value tradition and honor above all, with each clan maintaining its own customs and beliefs. In the face of adversity, Dwarves unite as one, defending their homes and loved ones with unwavering resolve.
-
Orcs
The Orcs of Terraldia are a brutal and warlike race, often viewed with fear and disdain by the other inhabitants of the realm. With their massive physiques, green skin, and savage appearances, Orcs are built for combat and survival. Their society is tribal, rooted in a zealous culture that values strength and domination above all else. They are often found in harsh, arid landscapes such as deserts or jungles, where they worship the bright, unforgiving sun.
Orc Shamans, often born of noble blood, hold a unique position within their tribes. They are practitioners of dark magic, believed to communicate with the God of Darkness and summon dark powers to aid their people. This connection to the darker forces of Terraldia has led to alliances with Demons, whom the Orcs see as powerful allies in their quest for supremacy, and other nearly sentient brute creatures like lizardmen and goblins. They envision a new world where only races of Orcs exist and thrives, unbound by the constraints of other races and governed solely by their own laws.
The Orcs view themselves as the rightful rulers of Terraldia, seeing other races as inferior and often resorting to brutality to assert their dominance. This belief fuels their desire for conquest, leading to violent clashes with other races. The Orcish culture is characterized by a deep-seated rivalry with the Elves, rooted in their contrasting beliefs about the divine forces that govern the world. As they worship the balance of the God of Darkness and the light of the merciless Sun, they embody a chaotic, primal spirit that threatens to engulf Terraldia in darkness.
-
Beastians
Beastians are a race of humanoids distinguished by their animal-like features and characteristics, embodying traits from specific animals they are descended from. They may have fur, tails, ears, claws, teeth, or other animalistic physical attributes based on their lineage. These features grant them abilities that reflect their inherited traits, such as enhanced senses, strength, agility, or specialized skills like tracking and stealth. Some Beastians also have an innate affinity for nature-based magic, channeling the essence of their animal ancestry into powerful spells or abilities. Their connection to the natural world often manifests as a profound respect for the environment, animals, and the instinctual rhythms of life.
In society, Beastians' animalistic instincts and agility make them exceptional hunters, scouts, or guardians of wild regions. This natural talent often leads them to positions of respect among races that value physical prowess or survival skills. However, their integration with other races is complex. Among Terraldians, they are admired for their natural abilities, but their primal instincts sometimes clash with the Terraldian emphasis on order and civilization. With Elves, Beastians share a mutual respect for the natural world, leading to strong alliances, particularly in the protection of forests and ecosystems. Dwarves, however, view Beastians as untamed and unpredictable, valuing their combat skills but often mistrusting their animalistic instincts.
The relationship between Beastians and Orcs is contentious, as Orcs view the Beastians' balance with nature as a sign of weakness, conflicting with the Orcish ideology of dominance. Conversely, Outworlders are fascinated by Beastians, often marveling at their animalistic traits and abilities, which remind them of mythical creatures from Earth. Among Demons, Beastians are either seen as tools to corrupt or as prey to manipulate through their primal instincts. This diverse interplay with other races makes Beastians a dynamic and integral part of Terraldia's complex world, embodying a blend of natural strength and mystical connection.
-
Demons
Born from the chaotic essence of the God of Darkness, Demons are the immortal embodiments of malevolence and destruction. With the same Terraldian appearance but with crimson skin, twisted horns, and predatory tails, features that they can hide, they are terrifying figures that evoke fear and dread in the hearts of mortals. Demons are often depicted as servants of chaos, wielding powerful dark magic that allows them to manipulate the forces of destruction and corruption to attain their creator's wish to annihilate all races and create a new world.
Their magic is not just a tool but a weapon, capable of corrupting creatures and sole responsible of turning them into grotesque monsters to suit their malevolent desires. Demons revel in chaos, thriving on the fear and suffering of others, and their insatiable hunger for power drives them to enact their dark agendas. They seek to bring about the downfall of Terraldia, believing that through extinction of all intelligent races, they can reshape the world in their own image.
Despite their fearsome reputation, Demons are cunning and strategic and with the intellect on par with Terraldians, often employing deception to infiltrate mortal societies and use their dark magic at war. They exploit the weaknesses of other races, sowing discord and turning allies against one another. This insidious nature makes them formidable foes, capable of bending the will of even the strongest heroes to their dark designs.
-
Demigods
Demigods are the powerful offspring of the gods and mortals, possessing abilities that set them apart from both races. Born from forbidden unions, they walk a fine line between divinity and humanity, carrying the weight of their lineage on their shoulders. Their existence is often shrouded in myth and legend, their powers and potential for destruction have also made them targets of fear and resentment.
The infamous "Barren War," which raged centuries ago, saw the near extinction of Demigods as various factions sought to eliminate these beings of immense power. They were believed to be a threat to the balance of the world, capable of altering the very fabric of reality with their divine gifts. Tales of their might and the destruction they could unleash have woven themselves into the folklore of Terraldia, instilling both awe and dread in the hearts of those who remember their legacy.
Demigods possess incredible powers, often tied to the domains of their divine parentage. This potent mix of divine strength and mortal tenacity makes them formidable beings, capable of swaying the tides of war and shaping the future of Terraldia itself—and believed to have the ample strength to end the world.
In the aftermath of the Barren War, the Demigods were believed to be extinct, or perhaps they were just a powerful race of Terraldians that are now just parts of stories and folklores. This mysterious race is still shrouded in mystery after centuries in Terraldia, and often times the researchers and alchemists believed them to just be a hoax for fairy tales or unethical tools to give the blessed ones, those of noble blood that are believed to be descendants of demigods, their strategic leverage to ranks and power as normal Terraldians are often decieved by the unknown.