Races of Pveth

## Overview

Pveth is a diverse place. Filled with all manner of humankind, elven, and Dwarven kind. Even different sub types of Human with their unique traits and beliefs. But one thing stands out from many other places when it comes to the races.

If you are not human, you are typically considered second-class. No matter what sub type of Human you may be -- you are still higher than the highest class of Elf in the eye of most lords.

Many races are compatible mixed together. Though mixed races are typically the lowest of the low as far as classes go.

## Human

Humans are widespread. They breed fast, they expand easily, and are seen by many as absolute brutal individuals. They are renowned for ambition and greed as well as just how diverse humans are in general. Despite this, there is no way to truly categorize the human kind as they tend to favour different beliefs, different ideologies, and are rarely truly similar.

***Note:** Not all humans have to fall under a subrace. Most humans are just the standard Humans.*

### High Pvethian

High Pvethian's are believed to be descendants of Alaricus. They do not age like a normal man, in fact, seem to age barely at all. No known notable death of a High Pvethian has been natural. In fact, it seems more likely a High Pvethian would kill one of its own in an attempt to raise higher in status, which led to the death of most who actually exist. Few houses are able to trace their lineage back to anyone High Pvethian and the only house that truly is of this subrace is the Royal house of DeAlmieda.

### Northmen

Large sturdy folk built from the north. Typically a foot taller than the average human and built to endure. They seem to heal easier than most humans and are prone to fits of rage that can be destructive. Few can stand toe-to-toe with a trained Northern warrior and walk away the victor.

### Hillfolk

Short and relatively stout. They are those who live among the hills. They tend to be more reclusive, preferring their own people and can be seen as jovial and always up for a good time.

### Swampfolk

Quite potentially seen as the lowest class of human. They have a greenish hue to their skin, grayer eyes and seem to shun popular areas. Some even believe they secrete a slime like a frog. Though, this is just myth.

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## Dwarf

Tough and tradition-abiding folk who are well known for their martial prowess as well as the sheer craftmanship of their work. Still seen as below humans, they are allowed their own cities and leaders solely due to their craftmanship the Pvethians see as invaluable. Appearance-wise, Dwarves are much shorter than humans, ranging from four to five feet tall. The men are also known for having long beards; often intricately braided and decorated with various beads and other metal jewelry. Otherwise, their skintones, hair colours, and eyes are very much similar to that of a human.

**Racial Perks:** Dwelling in the mountains for so long, Dwarves have a higher sense of eye sight in comparison to humans, much similar to the dark elves. Of course, they also cannot see in complete darkness where zero light is present. Their life span also ranges from about 170 - 200 years.

## Elf

Once considered a high and powerful race; outside of Pveth in the far reaches of the world, this can be seen as true. In Pveth, they are deemed a low race. Allowed no cities or leaders of their own, the Elven kind have been forced to usually work roles of servitude and hard labour. They are easily the most mistreated of all Pvethian races and many believe it is because they pose the most threat to the status quo of Pveth. It is not impossible for an Elf to rise high in Pveth, just very difficult.

Elvens' usually have pale skin and blonde, black, or brunette hair. Their eyes usually blue, green, or brown and they are easy to distinguish by their slightly taller height and their pointed ears.

**Racial Perks:** In comparison to humans, Elves five senses are heightened. For instance, an Elf will generally hear a whisper where a human wouldn't be able to. Or they can also see approximately ten feet further in the dark than a human would be able to. Elves also have a longer life span, ranging from 270 - 300 years.

### Dark Elf

Similar to the regular Elven kind, they're slightly taller than humans and have pointed ears. Except they tend to have a more darker hue to their skin, ranging from grey or black to darker purples or ashen browns; with light purple, grey, or light yellow coloured eyes as well as silver hair. They are rarely seen on the surface and are known to hide away in Dwarven settlements away from the prejudice of humans.

**Racial Perks:** Dark Elves have the same perks much like their other Elven counterparts, however, due to their dwelling within dwarven mountains, Dark Elves have become more accustomed to the dark, being able to see farther than other Elven types. However, they still cannot see in complete darkness, where zero light is present. They also have a longer life span ranging from 270 - 300 years of age.

## Orc

Massive beings built for war and living in a tribal setting. Orcs, though typically feared when seen, are not nearly as prejudiced against than the Elven kind and this is solely due to the fact Orcs are rarely seen. Standing at the smallest of 6'ft and anywhere between 250-300lbs, they usually have a green hue to their skin ranging in a variety of brightness; their hair is usually black and either brown or black eyes.

Orcs inhabit the horde lands that sit east of Pveth and would be a force to be reckoned with, should they ever unite. They are also known to be *extremely* superstitious.

**Racial Perks:** Orcs are generally similar to humans, though physically, they are usually larger and also stronger. They have a similar lifespan as a human.

## Goblins

Goblins are small beings, ranging from about 4-5 feet, with long pointed ears, sharp pointed canines on upper and lower rows of teeth, and green hued skin with varying brightness. Their eyes are usually pure red, black, or yellow. Though usually bald, if they do have hair, it's usually black.

Goblins are known for being rather cruel and selfish. They live in small nomadic groups and don't normally have a set leader. Not a race with lucrative numbers, they are most often found in the swamplands of Pveth. Much like most non-human races, they are seen as lowly. Perhaps not as much as Elves but they aren't much farther above them, so it's not uncommon to see a goblin in servitude or as a slave.

**Racial Perks:** Goblins have heightened sense of hearing as well can see better in the dark than that of a human. Their average lifespan ranges from 70 - 100 years of age.

## Supernatural Races

### Lycans

Lycans were all at some point human. The only way to become one, is to be bitten by an existing Lycanthrope while they are in their wolf form or their humanoid wolfen form. To be bitten by a Lycan while in their human form, well that just means mono, not lycanthropy. They cannot be born either, in order to become one, a person *must* be infected.

They don't look entirely different from a typical human, when in their human form. Some have small pointed ears and more often than not, are mistaken for a half-elf and it's also not uncommon for them to have sharper looking canines while in human form; however, they aren't overly noticeable nor are they by any means large fangs. Some are also known to sometimes have more wolf-like eyes, being that they can be yellow.

**Benefits:**

* Faster Healing -- Where a broken bone may takes weeks to heal by a human’s rate, so long as it was set properly, such a break would only need days to heal, not weeks or months. Missing/Lost appendages do not heal back, nor sensory organs. Illness is also not an issue for Lycans, save for anything magically created.
* Decreased Aging -- The age expectancy, should one survive their first change and fights, would be roughly 150 or so years of age. The average however, is much lower than that; often only a handful survive decades after being bitten, if fortunate.
* Increased Senses and Strength -- While only a small increase in their human state, once changed, it becomes much more akin to any of the best trained bloodhound or natural wolf for their sense of smell or keen eyesight. Their physical strength can be double that of the normal human state.
* Ability to Change at Will -- Though this skill comes with experience over a few years, the lycanthrope can willingly change their human form for that of a wolf (albeit, a bit larger normal wolves) or the monstrous one of legend. This process is always painful, leaving the individual vulnerable for several minutes after a change, and can only happen when the moon is in the sky. During a new moon, lycans cannot change.

**Banes:**

* Silver prevents the ability to shapeshift, and nullifies faster healing. Weapons made of or coated by silver, force all wounds and injuries created by them to heal at a normal rate that of a normal human. Injured by projectiles (shrapnel, arrowheads, etc.) of such weapons, will result with an open wound, unless fully removed. Powdered silver or silver nitrate have an allergic effect on the Afflicted in a similar fashion to a bee sting or peanut allergy. Handling silver in its metal form, as a human, doesn’t do anything other than irritation. Long term contact will produce a rash.
* Wolfsbane also prevents the ability to shapeshift. Very small amounts of the juices/oils of the wolfsbane plant may provide temporary reprieve from shifting and the inner wolf’s tendencies, while returning the Lycan's senses back to a normal human's. However these effects are short lived, as the healing factor reduces the tonic’s effectiveness. Over time, the tonic will be less effective and less toxic to the Lycan, eventually making the plant worthless. Those using it to poison a werewolf would require a considerable amount and would be a hazard to the person wishing to use it as a weapon. Teachings in botany is needed to safely handle this plant.
* Any physical damage that overtakes their healing ability, including that of decapitation or piercing of the heart. Fire, for example, is a very good weapon should the hunter not have any silver available.
* There is no known cure. Though many have sought it, including Delva, many have come to the realization there is no cure for lycanthropy after the victim has their first change.