Taxonomy of Race

With the abundance of sentient life in Ygdren, it has historically been difficult to classify races into discrete groups. In modern times, given a growing understanding of nature and biology, scientists from various academies have worked on establishing a taxonomy of the different races in order to better distinguish the biological similarities between them, potentially giving better insight into their evolutionary origins.

## Mammalian Races

Mammalian races are characterised by the presence of mammary glands, fur or hair, and being warm-blooded. They generally have live births, with mothers feeding (nursing) their young directly. Mammalian races are the most diverse and most common type of extant species in Ygdren. They are further classified into families of races that, despite differences in appearance, behaviour, and certain biological aspects are genetically very similar to one another.

### Hominids

Hominid species primarily originated in Almeras, and spread out in every direction over early to late prehistory, some more than likely migrated across land formations that were eventually swallowed by rising ocean levels, and others migrating far later via different vessels. They are distinguished by rounded ears and generally humanoid features. Hominid species can be found across all of Ygdren, and are collectively amongst the most common forms of sapient life on the planet.

The hominid species are:

* Humans
* Halflings
* Dwarves
* Shifters
* Tieflings

### Sylvids

Sylvid species primarily originated in Maíandir, and are one of the earliest forms of sapient life. Though they appear close to hominid, are genetically quite distinct. They can be distinguished by pointed ears and more angular features. Not as widespread as hominids, sylvid species are nonetheless commonly found across Maíandir and Wyldcrown, as well as western Almeras.

The sylvid species are:

* Elves
* Gnomes
* Firbolgs

### Gigantids

Gigantid species primarily originated in Wyldcrown, and share a common ancestor with hominids. They are typically larger and bulkier than other families in their class. Gigantid species are relatively uncommon in terms of population, but have a stable presence in their ecological niches.

The gigantid species are:

* Jötnar
* Goliaths
* Ogres
* Cyclopes
* Ettins

### Goblinids

Goblinid species primarily originated in Maíandir and northern Yuantica, and share a common ancestor with sylvids. They are distinguished by skin that is shades of brown or green, and pointed ears. Goblinid species are very widespread and can be found all across Ygdren, though they are most common in the Old World.

The goblinid species are:

* Goblins
* Hobgoblins
* Orcs
* Bugbears
* Trolls

### Bestialids

Bestialid species primarily originated in Almeras and Anterra, and share a common ancestor with hominids. They are distinguished by humanoid forms with significant animalistic properties, sharing commonalities with many other forms of non-sapient life. Some scholars argue that this family of species should be further classified into smaller subgroups that diversified from each other in ancient times. As one of the largest families of species, they are common in many places around Ygdren.

The bestialid species are:

* Centaurs
* Minotaurs
* Satyrs
* Luterra
* Loxodon
* Tabaxi
* Ursine
* Vulpine
* Leonin

## Reptilian Races

Reptilian races are characterised by a lack of mammary glands, an absence of fur, and being cold-blooded. They generally lay clutches of eggs (without a larval stage) that produce independent young. Reptilian races are biologically the most ancient type of extant species. They are further classified into families of races that, despite differences in appearance, behaviour, and certain biological aspects are genetically very similar to one another.

#### Scalids

Scalid species primarily originated in Yuantica, and are the earliest form of sapient life. They are distinguished by scaly skin, horned frills or spines, and tails. Scalid species are comparatively very populous, but less widespread than mammalian counterparts due to their limited capacity in dealing with cooler climates.

The scalid species are:

* Lizardfolk
* Kobolds
* Yuan-ti

#### Terrapids

Terrapid species primarily originated in Maíandir, and share a common ancestor with scalids. They are distinguished by leathery skin in the place of scales, and the possession of large protective shells that are a part of their body. Terrapid species are very rare, and only exist in small, scattered pockets of Ygdren.

The terrapid species are:

* Tortles

#### Draconids

Draconid species primarily originated in Almeras, and are unique amongst the reptilian races in that they are warm-blooded, though they still share all the other traits of their kind. They are distinguished by scaly skin and the growth of hair-like tendrils in the place of actual fur or hair. Draconid species are quite rare in terms of population, but are relatively widespread.

The draconid species are:

* Dragonborn
* Spellscales

## Amphibian Races

Amphibian species are characterised by permeable skin, a dual habitat between land and sea, and being cold-blooded. They typically start as larvae hatched from egg pods living in water or other liquid, and undergo metamorphosis in some form from larva with gills to an adult breathing with lungs or through their skin as a secondary respiratory surface. They are further classified into families of races that, despite differences in appearance, behaviour, and certain biological aspects are genetically very similar to one another.

#### Nautilids

Nautilid species primarily originated in Anterra, and are more firmly terrestrial than marine life. They are distinguished by smooth, rubbery skin and patches of hair that grow in during adulthood. Unlike other amphibian species, they lose their ability to use their skin to breathe underwater after reaching adulthood. Nautilid species are quite common in certain parts of the world, but are not very widespread.

The nautilid species are:

* Illithids
* Gith

#### Anurids

Anurid species primarily originated along coastlines in Maíandir and Almeras, and are more firmly marine than terrestrial life. They are distinguished by webbed limbs, moist skin, and a lack of hair or fur. Some also have fins and tails for improved mobility in water. They do not have gills, but can breathe underwater for extended periods of time due to their ability to absorb oxygen through the skin. Anurid species are very widespread through Ygdren's oceans, but it is difficult to gauge their numbers due to their penchant for staying underwater.

The anurid species are:

* Tritons
* Sahuagin
* Vedalken

## Avian Races

Avian races are characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, and strong yet lightweight skeletons. They typically lay hard-shelled eggs (without a larval stage) that produce reliant young. Despite non-sapient avian species being extremely common and varied, sapient species are rare.

The avian species are:

* Aurans

## Other Races

Various races in Ygdren do not fit into any of the classes described above. Usually, this indicates that their evolution was artificially guided at an early level or they were simply constructed out of other extant races as opposed to being an evolutionary by-product.

These include:

* Changelings
* Dryads
* Vampires
* Warforged