The Races Of Aarden

Humans

Humans make up three-fourths of the Gordian Empire's population. Skin tone generally runs through a broad spectrum of white, pink, brown, and black. Humans breed easily with the other races, and ancestry can vary skin tone from the norms. Hair color is nearly unlimited, with bright hues being the most favored. Humans live about eighty years. Those with classes or magicians who possess healing magic can live as long as elves.

Their native language is Orlut.

Their patron god is Knexenk, also called the Giving Goddess and Queen of the Gods.

The non-human races are collectively referred to as Arcaics. The derogatory term is demis.

Dwarves

Dwarves make up seven percent of the Gordian Empire's population. Generally, they're 4-5 feet tall, with skin tone in much the same range as humans. Whereas humans are prone to describing skin color as food ("peach", "milky tea"), dwarves prefer to use stone, soil, and plant descriptors, for which they have an extensive vocabulary. Their hair is thick and curly, and lends itself to fantastic hairstyles. It is also difficult to cut without special instruments, which is why so many dwarven men forego shaving in favor of intricate beard styles.

Dwarves are famously tough. They are born with twice the bone and muscle density of humans, can hold their breath for several minutes, are resistant to poison, and see infrared colors. These traits make them excellent soldiers, hunters, miners, and farmers; however, they dislike being stereotyped as simple laborers. They avoid deep water instinctively.

Many take up various forms of magic, and it is common for older dwarves to develop innate magical abilities. Especially powerful individuals develop thick veins, which are visible under the skin in contrasting colors and are displayed with pride. They live to two hundred and fifty years, or longer if they have access to healing magic.

The historic dwarven homeland is the hills of Garem-Da, which are currently uninhabitable. Dwarves are scattered throughout the Empire, but enjoy several small enclaves in hilly or mountainous terrain.

Their native languages are Gothric and Arcaic.

Their patron god is Gunthigis.

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Elves

Officially, elves make up five percent of the Empire's population, but the true number is unknown. They are rare outside their homeland of Okujuni, which maintains a degree of isolation despite being a vassal state of the Empire. Elves are infamous for their snobbery but, if asked why, most would claim they have a keen aesthetic sense that is pained by anything ugly, noisome, or distasteful.

Elvish skin tone is heavily influenced by the environment of their early years, with elves from the mountains, forests, lowlands, and coastline taking on characteristic hues. They live long lives, 300 to 350 years. Most of the Empire's summoners are elves.

Their native language is Arcaic.

Their patron god is Okanyana

Beastkin

Beastkin are among the longest-lived citizens of the Empire, and the most populous of the Arcaic races. Their homeland is the vassal state of Rossignol. There are many kinds, or tribes, of beastkin, some rarer than others. Some beastkin in Rossignol live in small communities with other members of their tribe, but most reside in towns or cities with mixed tribes.

Their sheer variety makes beastkin a multiracial society, and their institutions reflect this. Civic organizations, or bands, frequently center around a single tribe. They have fanciful names like Crimson Dawn Brigade and Heavenly Lillies. Bands compete for status by attempting to outdo each other in their service to the broader community. It doesn't matter what the cause is. Parades, fundraisers, tournaments, and barnraisings are equally likely to spawn competition between bands.

In Rossgnol, each tier of government, from the national down to individual towns, is governed by elected councils. Campaigns are short and rowdy, and the counting methodology seems obscure even to those accustomed to the idea of elected government.

Beastkin live to about 450 years, depending on their tribe. The majority of the Empire's tamers are beastkin, as they come by it naturally, without the assistance of classes.

Native languages: tribe-specific, Arcaic

Patron deity: several, depending on tribe

Arcs

Arcs live the longest of all the Empire's people, about 550 years, and claim to be the most ancient race of Aarden. Like dwarves, Arcs are a diaspora, longing for their lost homeland of Archome. As a culture, they famously value learning, but it's common for them to try many careers during their extensive lifetimes.

Arcs are very short, typically under four feet, with reddish or pinkish skin. Their hair runs the full range of colors seen in humans. Their eyes are remarkable, often compared to fine gemstones, with brightly colored irises that sparkle in bright light.

Arc lore says humans descended from arcs thousands of years after arcs first set foot on Aarden. Arcs taught the other races how to read and write, and their language was long the dominant tongue of two continents. The human preference for Orlut is only as old as the empire.

Native language: Archaic

Patron deity: Erstdwerg

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