Races

There are currently 13 sentient races on Aeternum, though at least seven others have been known to exist before becoming extinct or vanishing in ancient times. Every modern race can trace its roots to one of the "classic races" of the Third Era, often called the Eight Races. Some scholars dispute the segregation of the classical Eight Races, but it is still the most widely regarded ancestral theory.

### Living Races

#### Bastard Elves

To tarnish the pure blood of the Iridians is heresy, at least to the High Elves who claim direct descendance to them. So much so, in fact, that those born from crossbreeding with Dark Elves are labeled as bastards and exiled from High Elven society. Although shunned as outcasts, Bastard Elves live an average lifespan of 375 years, the second oldest of any Elven race, only behind High Elves themselves. This long lifespan, more rugged build, and a determination to make something of themselves has led many Bastard Elves to find success in all aspects of modern life, from soldiers to merchants, scholars to artists.

#### Dark Elves

Outcasts of High Elven society long before the first Bastard Elf was born, Dark Elves have adapted to a life of independence and secrecy. Centuries of being unseen has made them masters of stealth and deception. Many find work as thieves, assassins, and spies; their dark complexion allowing them to easily blend into the shadows. Though vagrants, Dark Elves are known for their honor... amongst themselves.

#### Dwarves

Sharing the same ancestors as the Highlanders, the Dwarves became short, stocky, and sturdy after living for centuries underground in their mountain fortresses. However, their size and an affinity for a subterranean lifestyle are all that is different. They can interbreed with both Humans and Highlanders, and live for an average of 150 years. Dwarven architecture usually features sharp corners and edges, as well as building with the earth, rather than seeking to destroy it.

#### Gnomes

Emerging only at the very end of the Fourth Era , Gnomes are the newest species of Aeternum. A cross between the newly returned Dwarves and native Humans, Gnomes enjoy a slightly extended average lifespan of 125 years at the cost of the width of their Human half and the height of their Dwarven half. As the smallest species on Aeternum, Gnomes generally focus on things they can more easily control: money. No one barters better than a Gnome.

#### Goblins

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#### High Elves

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### Extinct Races

#### Hoglins

After the end of the Nether Crisis of the Third Era, the Nether Gates were sealed from ever opening again. The last of the Netharian armies that eluded capture fled into the wilderness and formed small, tribal societies. For a few centuries, the Netharian survivors adapted and survived on the Overworld as Hoglins, but were ill suited to their new environment and were eventually hunted to extinction for sport.

#### Ogres

Ogres were the offspring of the Ancient Orcs and the Netherian survivors of the the Nether Crisis. Cultural taboos and a decline in Netherian social structure led many Ogers to be leave integrated society to seek solitude, often in the sparsely populated swamps. Their reclusive nature and low population led to their eventual extinction. Many claim to have spotted Ogres still living in the wild, but the last credible sighting was in the Fourth Era.

#### Trolls

Like Ogres, Trolls were the offspring of the Netherian survivors of the Nether Crisis, only a crossbreeding with Ancient Dark Elves instead of Ancient Orcs. Though meeting a similar fate, Trolls were still around centuries after the last Ogre was spotted, as they tended to stay in groups and formed a rudimentary social structure. However, this was not enough to perpetuate their species, and the last of them died out in the Fourth Era when they became the subject of a targeted genocide by other races.

### Ancient Races

Little is known about the ancient races of Aeternum. Traditional folklore of nearly every modern race alludes to the origins, exploits, and eventual fate of these ancient peoples, but little concrete evidence has been found in the archaeological record. Most of the ruins strewn about Aeternum are baren of anything useful, time having stripped away any ancient carvings and intricate murals, and the best preserved specimens contain writing that has yet to be deciphered by scholars.

#### Aternii

Dating back to before the First Era, the oldest civilization known to have existed are the original inhabitants of Aeternum: the aptly named Aeternii. From the size, scope, and scale of their ruins, it is apparent that they enjoyed a continent-wide empire of luxury, resources, knowledge, and peace. They became highly advanced in architecture, agriculture, chemistry, redstone engineering, and the practice of Mysterium. Despite being the most highly advanced civilization to ever exist on Aeternum, they seem to vanish without a trace from the archaeological record. Varying myths and legends describe their fate in conflicting ways, but the most common include that they advanced to a point of enlightenment, became too powerful and destroyed themselves, or fell to ruin after their gods abandoned them.