Races (Ashya Setting)

The descriptions in this section provide broad generalizations of the values and traits associated with a specific race. While each race has its unique culture shaped by historical events and interactions with other people, nations, and cultures, this is merely an outline. It is important to note that there are exceptions within every group of people and cultures.

(In the event that a race or subrace is not included in the provided list, please consult with me after reading "Other Races")

The Common Races

Dwarves

All dwarves trace their origins back to the elemental plane of Earth, with many departing as its connection to the prime material plane was severed. While many dwarves sought sanctuary in the mountain range that eventually became the kingdom of Durinhold, others chose to journey across the land in search of new settlements, and some would travel deeper into Ashya's underground.

The surface posed numerous threats, including large monsters and marauding war bands, prompting the heavily fortified entrances of Duringhold. Leveraging the mountains' abundant resources, the Dwarves wield significant economic influence. This led them to open their borders for trade, showcasing their generosity while maintaining a reputation for toughness and martial prowess in defending their new homeland.

The Dwarves adhere to a hierarchical social structure based on family and clan, which shapes their role within dwarven culture and tradition. While commonly known for their stature, Dwarves are also renowned for their grand architectural feats, designed on a massive scale to accommodate giants. Some speculate on a potential connection between Dwarves and giants despite there being no historical events between the two groups.

Hill

When the elemental plane of Earth was severed, not all Dwarves chose to seek refuge in the mountains. Instead, some of these Dwarves journeyed through the hills, recognizing the significance of sharpening their senses, refining their blade skills, and fostering remarkable resilience. As they wandered, these Dwarves gradually loosened their clan affiliations in favor of assimilating into diverse societies and cultures.

Mountain

The Dwarves who sought shelter within the mountain environment adapted to its unique terrain and conditions. Over time, they developed a harmonious relationship with the existing mountain elementals, gaining newfound strength and resilience. As a result, most Mountain Dwarves tend to be taller and possess slightly more muscular builds.

Dark (Duergar)

Dark Dwarves, commonly referred to as Duergar, are the descendants of the dwarves that fled deeper into the undergrouds of Ashya. Restricted by scarce resources, their skin took on a pale blue-gray hue, their physique grew leaner, and their mental fortitude increased. Practical in nature, they place little value on art or artists. Encountering a living Dark Dwarf in the present day is a rare occurrence, and even more so if they were found on the surface.

Elves

In the time before the Age Binding, whispers of elven immortality echoed through the ancient Feywilds. It was believed that the elves, with their ethereal grace, were blessed with a longevity that bordered on eternity. Yet, the true extent of their lifespan remained a mystery, shrouded in the mists of time. Everything changed when the Goddess Mater decreed the Age Binding Curse, a fateful event now known as the Curse of Eternal Youth among the elder elves.

After the curse befell their lands, countless elves saw it as a chance for rebirth and renewal. While the majority remained loyal to the Feywilds, honoring the decrees of their court, a significant number chose to venture into the uncharted realms of the Prime Material. In the realm of Ashya, where elven presence was scarce, these wanderers united, forging new lineages and social orders. In the heart of this transformation, quaint hamlets sprang up, inhabited predominantly by elves. Yet, it is in the bustling city of Hestia that the largest congregation of elves can be found today.

Dark (Drow)

In the shadowed depths below the surface world dwell the dark elves, known as the Drow. Descendants of elves who sought refuge from the chaos and conflict of the Prime Material, they found solace in the vast underground caverns that became their new homes. These caverns, however, were not empty; they teemed with lurking monsters seeking shelter from the turmoil above.

The Drow themselves bear skin of deep blacks, neutral grays, and dark blues, their stark white hair strikingly contrasting to their dark visages. Their eyes, pale and haunting, come in shades of lilac, silver, pink, red, and blue, reflecting the eerie beauty of their subterranean realm. Unlike their surface-dwelling kin, the Drow are slighter in stature and more slender, a testament to their adaptation to the underground world they now call their own.

High

In the ancient times of elven lore, there arose the High Elves, revered for their keen minds and knowledge of The Weave. Among these elves, two sects emerged. The first, cloaked in elitism and seclusion, sought solace within cities and esteemed circles, deeming themselves superior to all non-elves and most of their kin. The second, a more affable and prevalent folk, embraced integration with common society, fostering amicable relations with all races.

The High Elves proudly display skin tones ranging from ethereal alabaster to rich ebony hues. Their flowing locks shimmer in hues of gold, silken blond, and midnight black. Their towering stature surpasses their elven kin's, justifying their name.

Wood

The Elves that followed the call of nature took to the forest. Some in groups and some alone. It is to this that Wood Elves are predominantly divided culturally from forest to forest and town to town. They are the most well-traveled and most frequently sighted elf. Some Wood Elves don't travel, believing they are the guardian of a town, forest, or region and will do anything to protect it and its people. Wood Elves' skin ranges from copperish to brown. Their hair tend towards colours of browns, blacks, and greens.

When the call of nature beckoned, the Elves heeded its enchanting whisper and sought refuge within nature's forests. Some journeyed in companionship, while others ventured forth alone, each following their own path through Ashya. The Wood Elves found their home within these woods, their culture intricately woven from one forest to the next, from town to town. The Wood Elves were renowned as the most well-traveled among the Elven kind. While some roamed far and wide, there were those who remained steadfast in their duty, believing themselves to be the protectors of their chosen town, forest, or region. Bound by an unbreakable oath, they stood vigilant, ready to defend their sacred lands and the people who dwelled within.

The skin of the Wood Elves bore hues of copperish to deep brown, a testament to their deep connection with the earth. Their flowing hair cascaded in shades of browns, blacks, and greens, mirroring the colors of the forest they called home.

Eladrin

In the realm of the Feywild, the Eladrin reign as the elves who dwell amidst its enchanting beauty. They are the descendants of those who remained after the fateful Eternal Youth Curse befell their kind. Gifted with a profound mastery of magic, the Eladrin can traverse vast distances in the blink of an eye, stepping effortlessly from one place to another. Each Eladrin is born into a court that aligns with the season of their birth. While most Eladrin find themselves bound to a specific court, there are those rare individuals who possess the extraordinary gift of shifting between seasons at will or even choosing to remain in one season indefinitely. This unique ability sets them apart, granting them a sense of freedom and fluidity that few others can match in the realm of the Fey.

The very essence of an Eladrin is intertwined with the season they are born into. It is due to this that their skin, hair, and eyes are all subject to the whims of the seasons

Half-Elves

Walking in two worlds but truly belonging to neither. Half-elves combine the best qualities of their elf parent and their other parent, typically human. Some elves see Half-Elves as disgraced, bastardized, and impure-blooded. Only a reminder of how far they have fallen from their high horse. While other elves see them as the future. A combination of how working within a harmonious society leads to the offspring of true love.

Half-elves are truly a mixed bag. Most travel the world wanting to grasp new knowledge, while others may stay in place content with their life. Due to their mixed nature, many half-elves find it difficult to integrate into societies as a whole. When they do, they stand out for the mastery over their chosen craft or personable nature.

The Rare Races

Aasimar

Some individuals were imbued with divine energy when the gods separated the planes. This celestial strength infused their human bodies and became a part of their bloodlines. The manifestation of angelic heritage occasionally resurfaces in people's lineage, giving rise to true Aasimars.

While Aasimars do not have established settlements of their own, their presence is even more uncommon than that of Tieflings. However, the largest known populations of both can be found in Dilhade, where they are treated as high royalty.

Many Aasimars journey in search of purpose before eventually settling down. Due to their scarcity and divine connection, Aasimars often find themselves in positions of authority, such as politicians, leaders, or members of high society. Some choose to reside in rougher areas where they are revered and respected, akin to angels of mercy and death.

Life Expectancy

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