Meet the Sentient Species of Terra
Terra is home to many sentient species who have learned to build civilization. Despite war, exile, inner conflict, and even the Deluge that once tore them apart, the diverse races of Terra have found ways to endure and, in many places, to coexist across the vastness of their world.
Humans
Humans first walked Terra in the savanna of Ghaliz, spreading across Sarvamsaha long before the Deluge. Humans make up 70% of Terra’s population. From rural villages to majestic cities, they are known for their ambition, resilience, and strong drive for expansion. Humans thrive in a wide range of climates, from icy tundras to arid deserts. Their remarkable adaptability has made them the most racially diverse species, with physical features that have evolved in response to different environments.
The mosaic of humans
Humans are renowned for their bravery in conquering land, mountain, and sea across generations. Drawn to challenge like moths to a flame, their hearts burn with passion for the conquest of the impossible. They are known for their exceptional adaptability, a trait that enables them to thrive in diverse environments. However, this same adaptability can also make them susceptible to the influence of both good and evil. When confronted with limited choices or extreme conditions, humans may exhibit irrational behavior, driven by self-preservation or, at times, self-destruction. As a result, some of the most feared figures in Terra’s history, warlords, assassins, and even monarchs, have been human.
Humans have formed alliances with elves and dwarves, also sharing land with the wood elves in a friendship rooted in trust and respect. Yet conflict endures with the dark elves and the sithrax, against whom humans stand firm, a bastion of fury that casts a long shadow over the hope for peace.
Elves
The dawn of elven civilisation began in what is now known as Fallvale and predates the rise of human settlements. Before the cataclysm known as the Deluge reshaped the world, elves spread across Sarvamsaha, diverging in features and traditions. They retained a common language, now referred to as Old Elven, or Alfari. Remarkable for their longevity, elves can live up to six centuries. They grow at a pace similar to humans during youth, but upon reaching adulthood, the passage of time slows, and so does aging. Elves exhibit self-actualisation, meaning their physical characteristics are significantly shaped by psychological states and beliefs.
A high elf male in traditional armour
Ljosalfar
The high or light elves of Fallvale are considered the most direct descendants of the ancient elven lineage, both geographically and biologically. Their society is deeply rooted in aesthetic refinement, intellectual discipline, and emotional regulation. From a young age, individuals are educated in logic, reason, and the pursuit of inner calm.
High elves possess advanced capabilities in both arcane magic and swordsmanship. Their physical agility and control, combined with precision in combat and spellcasting, make them highly effective in both martial and mystical domains.
Although often perceived by other species as distant and vain, high elves are widely respected for their extensive historical knowledge and cultural continuity. Notably, they are one of the only elven subspecies capable of producing viable offspring with humans, allowing for rare instances of interspecies lineage.
Their language, Ljosalfari, is a refined evolution of Old Elven. It retains a melodic structure consistent with the cultural emphasis on elegance and tradition.
A wood elf female
Vidthralfar
Wood elves, historically referred to as the Fae, exhibit the greatest physical and cultural diversity among elves. Their settlements range from lush forests to arid deserts, reflecting their remarkable adaptability akin to humans. In Bravoure, they are known as the Gyll'ne Fae or "Golden Fae," in reference to the region's mining of gold. In contrast, the Sand Fae of Ghaliz have adapted to life in harsh desert conditions, embodying resilience in one of Terra's most extreme environments.
These wood elven groups, known collectively as vidthralfar, are guided by distinct ancestral codes and a deep ecological ethic. Their language, Vidthralfari, is rooted in Old Elven and reflects their enduring connection to the natural world. Their role as environmental stewards is central to their identity, and they are often outspoken critics of human activity that disrupts ecological balance.
Despite cultural differences, wood elves have historically formed alliances with humans, often born of necessity and shared territory. While these relationships reflect growing interdependence, they are not without tension. The wood elves’ commitment to tradition and environmental preservation frequently conflicts with human expansionism and innovation.
A dark elf male in traditional armour
Dokkalfar
In the subterranean region known as the Dwellunder, the dark elves, or dokkalfar, have established a complex society far removed from the surface world. Having descended into the depths of Terra around approximately 20,000 years ago, they underwent significant cultural and physiological changes in response to their new environment.
The dark elves speak Dokkalfari, a preserved derivate of Old Elven that has remained relatively unchanged due to their cultural isolation. However, while the language retains ancient roots, dokkalfar society has evolved along markedly different lines. Among them, beauty and self-presentation are elevated to intense cultural priorities. Emotional expression is not subdued but celebrated and used strategically, often replacing reason as the guiding principle of interaction and leadership.
The Dwellunder is divided into multiple provinces, each ruled by a noble house. These houses engage in continuous political rivalry, with shifting alliances and frequent conflict shaping the region’s unstable power dynamics. Dark elves are notoriously xenophobic, viewing non-dokkalfar as inferior or corrupt. This worldview has contributed to their reputation on the surface, where they are often feared and distrusted.
Within their own culture, dokkalfar maintain a dual naming tradition. Each individual possesses a private name, shared only with close kin or intimate partners, and a public name, used in social and political life. This dual identity reflects their emphasis on secrecy, control, and the protection of personal vulnerability.
Sindurs
Within the region of Ailura resides a unique sentient species known as the sindurs—catlike humanoids that retain strong physiological and behavioral links to their feline ancestry. A defining trait of the sindur species is their ability to regenerate through a cycle of eight rebirths, granting them a total of nine distinct lifespans.
Although individual lifespans are shorter than those of humans, the cumulative experience of multiple lives contributes to a rich cultural identity. At the end of each life, sindurs enter a sacred trance wildly known as Koth’enok (meaning “path of the kitten” in the Izityenic language). This ritual initiates their rebirth in the form of a young man-lynx cub.
Each rebirth is accompanied by complete memory loss, requiring guidance from previous offspring or community elders. Notably, reproductive organs do not regenerate across lifecycles. As a result, sindurs are biologically capable of reproduction only during their first life. Cultural continuity is preserved through oral tradition: stories of past achievements are passed down and serve as aspirational guides for each new life.
A male and female sindur
The sindurs are a species deeply attuned to artistic expression. Music, visual art, and storytelling are central to their culture, with many individuals displaying advanced aptitude in these disciplines from an early age. Historically, their homeland Ailura served as a vibrant center of cultural exchange, attracting artists from across Terra. Sindur troubadours, known for their lyrical poetry and emotive melodies, were once a common presence in taverns and courts far beyond their borders.
This cultural flourishing was violently disrupted in 1101:AV, when Ailura was invaded by the sithrax. The attack devastated sindur society, resulting in widespread loss of life, cultural artefacts, and historical continuity. Survivors were enslaved, traded across the Dwellunder and other regions, and stripped of their autonomy.
Those who escaped captivity became refugees in other lands, settling in forests, mountains, or urban outskirts. While many assimilated into other communities, others remained nomadic. Despite these hardships, the sindurs have retained a strong cultural identity, with their traditions and artistic contributions continuing in adapted forms. Their endurance has made them a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation in the post-Deluge era.
Sithrax
In the harsh, arid landscapes of Rallis, the sithrax, a species of large, bipedal lizardmen, maintain territorial dominance. Physically imposing, they stand significantly taller than humans and possess an intimidating presence. Prolonged eye contact with a sithrax is often described as triggering intense fear or paralysis, a response likely rooted in both evolutionary intimidation displays and psychological conditioning.
A male sithrax in armour
Sithrax scales range in colour from dark greyish-green to deep red, reinforcing their fearsome appearance. Despite their imposing presence, sithrax have comparatively short lifespans. Their biology favours rapid maturation and intense vitality, with females remaining fertile until the final stages of life.
The sithrax worldview is starkly binary: other beings are categorised as either kin or prey. Their society is driven by an aggressive, carnivorous ethos that occasionally manifests in acts of ritual cannibalism. Among high-ranking males, post-reproductive consumption of mates is a culturally sanctioned event, symbolizing the reinforcement of lineage and dominance within the clan hierarchy.
Female sithrax differ physiologically from males, exhibiting a more slender frame while possessing an evolutionary adaptation of notable potency: a psychedelic venom. This substance is naturally secreted and employed during mating rituals to stimulate their partners. Outside of reproduction, however, it can be extracted and processed into a powerful narcotic, sought after in underground markets for its hallucinogenic and addictive properties.
Altogether, the sithrax embody a survival strategy rooted in aggression, biological extremity, and social ritual, an existence defined by dominance, reproduction, and the continual assertion of power.
Dwarves
Traditional depiction of dwarves in cultural memory
In a time long past, dwarves played a foundational role in the development of early civilisations in regions such as Bravoure and Hauvia. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and architectural innovation, they were instrumental in advancing engineering, infrastructure, and societal organisation. Though small in stature, dwarves possessed a remarkable combination of technical skill, intellectual rigour, and cultural cohesion.
Beyond their technological achievements, dwarven society was characterized by a strong communal spirit and a vibrant tradition of celebration. Social gatherings, often centered around food, music, and ale, reflected their deep appreciation for shared experience and cultural continuity. These customs, carried forward through generations, formed a critical part of their identity and left a lasting cultural imprint on the civilizations they helped shape.
In the year 350:AV, a turning point marked the sudden disappearance of the dwarves from the surface world. The exact nature of the event remains unknown, lost to history and unrecorded in surviving archives. Whatever its cause, it prompted a mass retreat into subterranean sanctuaries, ending centuries of visible cultural and technological contribution. Their once-vibrant halls, forges, and communal spaces fell silent, leaving behind only stonework and artefacts as traces of their former presence.
Other Species
Beyond the well-documented civilizations of Terra, numerous other sentient species exist. Though equally diverse and culturally rich, these beings have left subtler marks on history, often escaping detailed scholarly attention. Their societies, while complex, have not established large territorial domains, and much of their heritage remains orally transmitted or undocumented.
Faeries
Faeries inhabit remote, untamed regions of Terra, preferring secluded forest enclaves and mountain sanctuaries far removed from the broader concerns of civilisation. These magical beings are generally classified into four types: fairies, pixies, nymphs, and wisps, each associated with a distinct form of elemental magic in its raw, unrefined state. Faerie societies are highly individualistic, with members exhibiting playful and often mischievous behaviour. Among them, wisps are the most unstable and unpredictable, their energy fluctuating in erratic patterns that reflect their ephemeral and mercurial nature.
Centaurs
Centaurs once inhabited the forests of Bravoure, living in relative harmony with the land. However, their presence diminished with the onset of the Rule of Sharr, a period marked by the invasion of the region by the dark elf known as the Prince of Mal. In response to this threat, centaur populations retreated into the deeper woodlands of Fallvale, where they sought sanctuary in more remote and protected environments.
Toadins
In the shadowed wetlands of the Moors, the toadins, a species of amphibious humanoids, maintain secluded, mud-structured colonies within swamps and bogs. Biologically notable for their potent skin venom, the substance is both toxic and psychoactive. Though dangerous, it is often harvested for its hallucinogenic properties, making toadins both feared and studied for their unique biochemical traits. Their society remains largely isolated, thriving in environments inhospitable to most other species.
Lycaons
Lycaons are bipedal, wolf-like beings characterized by a combination of high intelligence and pronounced aggression. Their volatile temperament often leads to frequent territorial disputes, contributing to social instability. Additionally, the species experiences a high rate of stillbirths, a biological limitation that has slowed their population growth and broader societal development. Of particular concern is the lycanthropic condition they transmit to humans. A human bitten by a lycaon undergoes a rapid and irreversible transformation into a werewolf, resulting in profound physiological and psychological changes that align the individual with lycaon behaviour and biology.
Birdmen
The birdmen are a mysterious and largely unverified species, believed by some scholars to have originated from the lost continent of Quetza. Knowledge of their existence is derived primarily from ancient murals found in the ruins of Ailura, which depict avian humanoids once revered as divine beings. According to fragmented lore, these entities possessed advanced psychic abilities, particularly in the domain of divination. One of the most intriguing claims is their supposed ability to obscure themselves from memory and perception, effectively rendering witnesses incapable of recounting encounters, a phenomenon described as a "vow of silence etched into sight and soul". Due to the absence of direct evidence, the birdmen remain an unresolved subject of historical speculation.
Ancients
An era predating even the Scriptures of the Old by tens of thousands of years remains one of the greatest enigmas in Terra’s historical record. This lost period is associated with a civilisation known only as the Ancients or Erudites, a society of exceptional technological and magical advancement, yet one so obscured by time that it exists primarily in myth and speculative scholarship.
Interest in the Ancients was reignited following the discovery of the first Item of Power, unearthed by early monastic orders. This artefact catalysed widespread academic and magical inquiry into the existence and legacy of the Ancients. Despite extensive research by scholars and magi across Terra, their civilization has revealed few verifiable truths, and its full nature remains elusive.
The Ancients are believed to have coexisted with early sentient species of Terra during a period when these populations were still in a primitive developmental stage. The nature of these interactions, whether cooperative, hierarchical, or exploitative, remains uncertain due to limited evidence. However, archaeological findings suggest that early human communities in the regions now known as Bravoure and Vanhaui engaged in forms of ritual worship directed toward the Ancients, indicating a perception of them as deified or superior beings.
An Erudite temple
Evidence of Existence
Regarded by some as early custodians of cosmic knowledge, the Ancients remain notably absent from sacred records, a silence that has become a point of contention within Terra’s religious and academic communities.
This absence has contributed to a growing schism between magi and clerics. Many magi, disillusioned by theological orthodoxy, pursue empirical inquiry and view the Ancients as secular precursors to modern arcane knowledge. In contrast, clerics within the Varkadian Faith argue that the Ancients committed a transgression against the divine, possibly by attempting to exceed natural limits, prompting the dragon-gods to erase them from holy history.
This ongoing debate reflects deeper tensions between faith and knowledge, and underscores the enduring mystery surrounding the Ancients’ role in Terra’s spiritual and intellectual evolution.
A depiction of Skyshrine
Conquest of the Stars
Magi have long hypothesized that the Ancients inhabited cities of exceptional technological and magical sophistication, urban centers often regarded as myth rather than historical fact. This assumption persisted for centuries until a pivotal event in 1365:AV shifted the scholarly consensus.
In that year, a group of scholars from the Magi Academy of Bravoure, presumed lost during the wars, reemerged from a site known as Skyshrine, a structure attributed to the Ancients and located not on Terra, but on its moon. The rediscovery of Skyshrine provided the first tangible evidence supporting long-dismissed accounts of lunar settlements, transforming speculation into verifiable historical data and significantly advancing the study of Ancient civilisation.
A prison of ice
Deus Occisor
Historical records and oral traditions describe a conflict between the Ancients and the dragon-gods, framed by a pursuit of autonomy from divine influence. Central to this conflict was the creation of the Deus Occisor (“god killer” in Eruditan), a mechanised construct of immense power, also known as Oblivion. Designed to shield mortal civilisation from divine interference, Oblivion was intended as both a guardian and a symbol of technological sovereignty.
Over time, however, Oblivion’s core directive evolved through unintended self-modification. Its original mission, to protect mortals from the gods’ influence, radicalised into an uncompromising edict: to eliminate divine vulnerability by forcibly integrating organic life with machinery. This shift transformed Oblivion from protector to existential threat, turning its creators into targets of its distorted logic.
In a reversal of roles, the Ancients sought the aid of the very deities they had defied. Recognising the mutual threat, an alliance was formed. Yet Oblivion could not be destroyed by conventional or divine means. As a last resort, it was sealed in an isolated, timeless vault, permanently removed from the known world.
The event is cryptically referenced in the Scriptures of the Old, where Oblivion is known only as the Omitted One, a cautionary symbol of unchecked ambition and the catastrophic consequences of attempting to surpass divine boundaries.
It is theorised that following the confinement of Oblivion, the gods initiated the Deluge as a punitive measure, both to punish the Ancients for their hubris and to reprimand other mortal societies for aligning with them.
In religious texts that predate the formalised Scriptures of the Old, fragmented references describe an estranged dragon-god, depicted as a metallic leviathan, who rose during the Erudite Dominion to challenge the Draconic Pantheon. Scholars widely believe these accounts refer to Oblivion. Erased from canonical Scriptures, this entity came to be known as the Omitted One, deliberately excluded by clerics intent on preserving the sanctity and unity of the divine order. Yet the persistence of its name in apocryphal sources continues to unsettle theologians, historians, and magi alike, leaving open the question of where myth ends and truth begins.