The Races

## Chitós

### General Description

It is the resilience of the Chitós that gives them their recognition among the other races. Having made the cold north of Kryorra (Cry-Ore-Ra) their home, it is under some of the harshest climates that they have adapted to survive. Thick skin and muscular definition are common among both genders; however, it is their short stature which gives them their unique image. Five feet is considered substantial by their standards--the average for the other races being a nearly six feet in height. As a race, they are defined by sheer kindness and warmth, which stem from the tender hearts of their soul. Lost and stranded explorers are a common theme in the mountains of the north, and it is the Chitós who strive in coming to their aid. With animal partners by their side, the Chitós are highly talented trackers, and it is because of this selfless duty that their race has been dubbed *The Protectors of the North.*

 The Chitos civilization has expanded across the northern region of Krýorrá with a majority of their residence found carved into the mountains themselves. As a generalization, the Chitos are avid blacksmiths that forge their own weapons and armor, which are then distributed as commodity. Chitonian goods are some the best in the land, with nation vendors paying top gold for even the lowest quality gear forged by the novice blacksmiths. That being said, trade with the Chitós tends to be sporadic given the risks associated with traversing the north.

### Appearances

The cold north is a land of minimal sun due to the constant blizzard that envelops the region. Because of this, the Chitos are pale individuals, whose ability to handle heat is often sub par at best. In addition to their short stature, they are known for their beautiful shades of white and grey hair and their striking blue eyes. Although there is no conclusive evidence for such claims, it is believed that their hair and eyes are an evolutionary adaption to help blend into their environment. Lastly, while it is not a natural trait, the Chitos are known to be covered in various tattoos which represent their family crest and any major accomplishments that have been achieved during their lifetime.

### Weapons

Although the Chitos are famed for a wide range of weapon production, they are partial to only a few kinds. Finesse is the last trait to describe a member of the Chitos clan--a fact that is further enforced by the brutish style of their berserker-like Force Arts. Axes and hammers are their melee weapons of choice, while crossbows are utilized when range is deemed necessary.

### Animal Partners

The Chitos are unique in that all children are required to make a pact with an animal companion. This pact acts as a right of passage in their culture, and is seen as an official initiation into their respective clan. While the North offers a wide breadth of potential companions, there are common themes among the chosen:

* **Snow Hawks** are majestic predators of the sky. Unlike ordinary hawks, these are much larger in size and boast unique adaptions to their environment. Due to the blizzard which curses the north, snow hawks are blessed with a highly thermal body and a hydrophiliac oil that coats their plume. This combination of traits allows them to easily fly through a storm of snow without suffering the consequences of weight or freeze. They are classified as medium-sized animal with a C rank threat. Adult snow hawks stand nearly three feet of the ground and have a wingspan of over eight feet wide.

* **Northern Mules** best resembles a hybrid between a bison and a moose. They are gifted with large antlers that help to ward off northern predators while their body is covered in a long, matted fur that allows for optimal heat reservation. Northern mules travel in herds which primarily traverse in and about the mountainous region of Krýorrá. Despite their bulky size and stature, they are adept at scaling steep or rocky terrain and are often tamed by traveling merchants. They are classified as a large-sized animal and a D rank threat. Adults are capable of reaching heights of seven feet tall.

* **Crystal Wolves** are a sub-species of large wolves native to the north. Out of all animal companions, this species is considered a rare blessing from the God, Pakaigos, himself. Crystal wolves are majestic creatures whose bodies protrude a unique mineral known as kygonite. This mineral is naturally shed over the course of a wolve's life, and is known for being one of the most flexible, yet durable ores to work with. Because crystal wolves travel in packs, these animals are never stripped away for the sake of a single Chitos. In order to bond with a crystal wolf, the child must forge a connection with every member of the pack. From that point on, the lineage of the wolves will forever follow the lineage of the family they have been bonded too. Crystal wolves are categorized as a medium sized animal with the largest of specimens standing nearly five feet from the ground. They are considered a B rank threat, known for their predatory behavior as cunning hunters.

## Fytáli (Fi-Tal-EE)

### General Description

Often, explorers feel as if they are being watched when they travel through the western forests and jungles of Dazkla. This is not an understatement as the local *wardens*are always watching. The Fytali are a unique variant of the human race not only because of their floral features, but also because of their solidarity. The Fytali do not form unions of civilization such as cities or towns, but rather, choose to wander as small units known as *Brigands*. These Brigand, often formed from family and close friends, scour the forests and jungles--making occasional camp in time of bad weather or general fatigue. Their goal is the protection of the forest, and they do not take kindly to any unnatural disturbances to their home.

The Fytali share a direct connection with nature itself. Not only are they capable of sustaining themselves through photosynthesis, their body is a temple for the very flora which inhabits them. It is a symbiotic relationship in which they provide sustenance in return for the natural benefits of the flora, itself. For some, it is toxic plants which inhabit in their body while for others it is the strength and durability of the forest trees. As a whole, the Fytali are not considered powerful when compared to the Force Arts of other races. At best, they are adept at a style of rapier fencing and archery, but even then, their skill might falter in the presence of another race's master. Nonetheless, what they lack in power is heavily compensated by their natural talents--be it camouflage, poison, steroids, or more--and their affinity for nature Spirit Arts.

### Appearances

The Fytali share a common symbiosis with the flora they have an affinity for. As a result, their skin is often a green pigmentation from the chlorophyll contained within their own cells. This is not to say that other pigmentation do not exist--just as flora come in many colors, as do the Fytali that share their traits. In addition to color, various unique features are common across their body--examples being vines, herbs, flowers, and in some rare cases, fruit. The Fytali perform best in temperate and jungle climates--while cold, dark climates will rapidly degrade their health if prior preparations are not made.

### Weapons

The Fytali utilize rapiers and arrows crafted from the thorns of a unique tree native to the forests and jungles of El'yssi. These weapons are somewhat fragile compared to those forged from ore and wood; however, because they are composed of organic material, Fytali are often capable of imbuing their own unique traits into the weapons as augments.

## Soeri

### General Description

Not all humanoids reside on land as seen by the Soeri. Unlike the other races, the Soeri are distinct in that two unique variations exist--one in the northern seas of Vothalass and the other in the southern seas of Nothalass. In addition to the regional differences, they are indvidually defined by separate physiology and lifestyles. The southern Soeri are found in tropical waters. They are a graceful race known for their slim figure and elegant fins which allows them easily jet through the waters. That being said, they are not confined to the ocean, and many prefer to live on the numerous islands which litter their waters. Like the Fytali, the southern Soeri are in tune with nature and often rely on their water Spirit Arts to assist their production and hunts. The southern Soeri are considered some of best fisherman in the world, as well as some of the best shipbuilders which are utilized for their global trade.

The northern Soeri are much different. They are large in stature, plump in nature, and blubbery to the touch. If the southern Soeri are known for their elegance and grace, the northern Soeri are known for the raw power and durability they exert upon their ice-capped waters. The northern sea is frigid and frozen while the waters are inhabited by some of the largest aquatic dangers known to El'yssi. Because of this fact, the northern Soeri are excellent hunters and often prey upon the beasts in hunting parties known as Raids. To them, raids are more than a way of life; rather, a dangerous sport which provides both survival and entertainment to the veterans of the trade. The dangers are not negligible, however, as Raids often suffer a high fatality rate. Unlike the southern Soeri, the northerners do not reside in and outside of the sea. Instead, they choose to build sole residence above water. Due to the abundance of snow and ice, towns of northern Soeri are often collections of igloos which are littered across the numerous glaciers and heavily frozen waters.

### Appearances

The appearances of both Soeri were mostly covered in the description above; however, some additional traits still exist between the two species. Like the Fytali, the southern Soeri have particular physical features which resemble the environment in which they dwell. Seaweed, tentacles, coral, and fins are common attributes shared by the southern Soeri. The northern Soeri have less diversity in terms of features; however, many are known to have variations of tusk or horn.

### Weapons

The southern Soeri are highly capable with the tridents they forge from the coral of their seas. Above water, their combative prowess is somewhat lacking in comparison to other races; however, in the sea, their advantage in mobility makes them an unparalleled threat against the unprepared. On the opposite side of the globe, the Northern Soeri boast equal capability on land and sea--relying on their raw strength and their arsenal of harpoons which are forged from the tusks of slain Walsharks.

## Synthian

### General Description

There is no better way to consider the Synthian as anything but normal. Unlike the other variants of the humanoid race, the Synthian remained true to the basic expectation of a *human*. Nonetheless, what they lack in evolutionary adaptations are compensated by their raw genius. Without a doubt, the Synthian are considered one of the smartest races in the world.

Innovation is a way of life for the Synthian, and rapid technological advancements are the result of their efforts. From their archaic constructions to their steam based machines, a Synthian city is often a cultural shock to any first time visitors from the other nations.

Shortly after birth, a Synthian child is placed into an educational system whose purpose is the development of future innovators, leaders, adventurers, and traders. Only the best succeed in the Synthian nation, often leaving them cunning individuals. Engaging a Synthian head on is never a wise choice; as it is always safe to assume a hidden trick...or five...up their sleeve.

### Appearances

An ordinary human...There really isn't much to say about them.

#### Weapons

The Synthian utilize a wide breadth of inventions that help to augment their own general weakness. Such inventions might include traps, rudimentary steam rifles, unstable, short-range explosives, and other advancements akin to an era of early industrialization.

## Tháuri

### General Description

A proud beast is the best way to describe the Thauri who prowl the plains of Ágriagi. Members of this clan often resemble the local fauna, with variants including felines, canines, and ursine. Although raw genius might be the further term to describe their nature, what they lack in smarts is heavily compensated through extreme strength or dexterous agility. All in all, their overall intelligence isn't poor, rather straightforward in nature--if it is an enemy or food, fight it. Without a doubt, the Thauri are known for an aggressive temperament which is further stimulated by their competitive nature. In their villages, hunting is their ultimate pride, and such actions are not limited solely to the fauna of the land. Ágriagi is a war-stricken land since tribes are often stuck in battles of dominance over choice selections of the region. Survival of the fittest is the best term to describe the El'yssian plains, and as such, novice, non-native explorers are often barred from any quest that involves this region.

Compared to the other races, newborn Thauri are considered an evolutionary anomaly given their transition into adulthood only several years after their birth. Such rapid development is considered an adaption to the harsh environment in which they live. Thauri youths are forced to survive, not only against the wilderness itself, but also against opposing tribes from a very early age. Those who do prove themselves worthy for their tribe and are rewarded with honor and respect.

Gender stereotypes are alive and well in the Thaurian lands. While males garner honor and glory through their conquest across the plains, the females are relegated to caring for the young and occasional joining on expeditions for food. That being said, the dawn of exploration has forced gradual change to such traditions, as increasingly more youths are abandoning the archaic ways of the tribes and adjusting their focus towards the future of the land. Constant in-fighting is becoming a relic of the past as exploration promises a new form of competition, not only among themselves, but also against the land of El'yssi as a whole.

### Appearances

There is a wide range of diversity in the appearances of the Thauri, but generally, they resemble animals such as felines, canines, and ursine. Shades of brown, black, grey, and white are common traits for their fur, as are patterns such as spots and stripes. The Thauri are by far the largest race in El'yssi; however, a majority of their size is focused around bulk rather than strict height. The Thauri are the only race capable of both bi and quad-pedal range of movement which in turn helps to supplement their unique dextrous agility.

### Weapons

The Thauri are the only variant of the human race who do not utilize any weapons. Their bodies are naturally attuned to the Force Arts with claws and teeth harmoizing alongside of their unique agility and strength. There is no questioning the fact that the Thauri are the strongest variant of the human race; a fact that is further enforced by their animalistic nature that can push them past their mortal limits. A Thauri never flees from a battle; instead, they opt to fight to the death, using their unique strength that only continues the grow the more dire the situation becomes.