The Races of Elothnin

from left to right: ogre, centaur, satyr, human, mage, felintark, elf, dwarf, and gnome in order of height

Elothnin and the surrounding areas are remarkably diverse in their populations, with a variety of magical and non-magical sentient species living amongst one another. Taxonomists break down the various beings into the following categories: mundane, magic-influenced mundane, and magical. It should be noted that the differences between non-corporeal beings (deities, spirits, etc) will not be discussed at this time, and that this list refers only to beings which take a single form, live, die, and reproduce.

Mundane beings
Mundane beings are those which cannot harness or use magic in any form and whose development seems to be relatively unaffected by magical forces. Both humans and ogres fall into this category.

Humans, the populous species in Elothnin, can be classified as a bipedal hominid. Comparatively speaking, humans are about averaged-sized for sentient beings, as they are taller than some and shorter than others. Humans have virtually no magical ability, and those few possessing a weak form of the trait can general trace their bloodlines back to a magical (most often elven) relative. Humans tend to be quick-witted, sociable, and good fighters. They have also been remarkably inventive and technologically oriented. (Also see: Northen Barbarians)

Ogres, or giants, are less common in Elothnin. Though initially believed to be magic-born, it is now thought that ogres are a closely related cousin to humans that evolved their great height through natural selection and not through magic. The ability to perform magic is even rarer in the ogre population than it is in the human community. Ogres tend to live in small groups near human villages, but rarely live in the town itself. Ogres are known to fearsome, formidable warriors, but are quite gentle and courteous if not angered.

Magic-influenced mundane beings
This category contains those beings whose development was affected by magical forces in addition to natural selection. Many of these beings are also considered hybrids, as they appear to have components of distinct species. These species, like humans and ogres, are generally unable to use magic.

Centaurs are best described as half-man and half-horse. Because they walk on four limbs, they are to be the truest hybrid species. They are sturdy, hardy creatures who live in herds in the forests and rarely interact with mundane beings. It has been noted, however, that centaurs historically have had good relations with elves.

Satyrs contain human and goat features, but are bipedal. Satyrs are known for their musical ability and often travel as bards, making them the most recognizable magic-related creature to most humans. Satyrs are notorious tricksters, often implying the use of magic where it has not occurred.

Felintarks are the last hybrid species, though the extent to which they are truly composite has been debated. Felintarks contain the body of a human in general, but the ears and retractable claws of cats. They tend to have unnaturally bright irises, but lack the typically slit-like feline pupil. Many also have exaggerated fangs or canines, though many have speculated that their teeth are filed or otherwise cosmetically enhanced. Felintarks live in the San-Kesh desert to the north of Elothnin and are rarely seen by it's citizens, though they usually send an ambassador to the palace.

Dwarves are the only magic-influenced mundane species that is not classified as a hybrid. Dwarves are shorter than humans, but sturdier and more resilient. Despite their cumbersome size, they prove to be quite spry and agile. Dwarves hail from the Klevarcht mountains, which contains powerful and pervasive magic. Many believe their grace is a magical attribute that has helped them live in the craggy area.

Magical beings
These races are able to tap into magical forces and use them to their own ends. This category includes gnomes, elves, and mages.

Depending on who is asked, gnomes appear to be the least magical folk of this category. It is not clear if they are related to humans and ogres, like most magic-born mundane creatures, or if they are wholly distinct. What is clear is that gnomes are a grumpy, generally disagreeable people who are apt to make magical attacks if annoyed. Despite their utter lack of patience, they are quite good craftsman.

Elves are the most populous and prevalent of the magical beings. The elves are biologically quite different from humans, suggesting that they may have evolved from a distant ancestor but split off quite early. Elves are highly magical, and much of what is colloquially known of magic and it's properties comes from elvish lore. The elves are highly social, and have developed cultures with breadth and scope similar to humans. Elves typically are slightly shorter and more lightly build than humans, have pointed ears and very pale eyes. Elves are also known to have a very long natural life span, ranging from 400-600 years.

Mages have the greatest magical abilities out of all known corporeal beings. The curious thing about mages (whom often live well into their second or third millenia) is how similar they appear physically to humans. While the occasional mage may sprout horns or be an unnatural, elf-like shade, most only look remarkable old and weathered. Mages, due to their small numbers and close resemblance, have been a common inhabitant of human societies, and are often employed as advisors to the throne. Not much is known of mages but that they generally travel alone and seem to be exceedingly powerful in one magical area ,with a good faculty for others.