The Races of Thiannon

Human

The most common race in Thiannon, they typically have good relations with the other races,  although there have been times when one race or another did not get along with them.

Having no innate magical power themselves, they must learn to harness magic, either by study (the most common way), having one or both parents be a magical race, or have it granted to them by the gods.

They come in every shape and size, with hair and skin color affected by where they live. (black, brown, red, and blonde are the most common, but other colors considered outlandish on Earth are not unheard of)

Notable humans: Arran Seluna, Jelan Mirana, Loras Kimbore


Elf

The keepers of Thiannon's forests, they usually prefer to be out in nature, although some have settled in cities and married humans and other races.

Many of them have innate power drawn from the four primal elements--earth, fire, wind, and water--at birth. This affinity typically awakens when the elf comes of age at age 40 (18 in human years), although particularly strong powers often awaken earlier.

Renowned for their wisdom, an elf often lives far longer than a human. They tend to be tanned (because they are out in the sun so often), and usually brown or blond haired until they come of age, then their hair usually changes to match their awakened affinity (or primary affinity if more than one affinity awakens), although some elves' hair doesn't change.

Notable elves: Callon Windrunner, Talagan Flameheart

Dwarf

Thiannon's mountain-folk, they are expert miners, builders, and smithys, and often venture into the valleys to share their work. They are a proud race, and do not take kindly to anyone insulting them or their creations.

Many dwarves do not have magical power, but those that do use it to forge magical items. It is not known when magical power awakens in dwarves, but it is generally believed to be at a young age.

They possess a razor sharp wit, and pass the time in the mines and forges telling stories and singing songs--it is said that the best way to win a dwarf's heart is with a sentimental song or a funny joke. Once you do befriend a dwarf, they will stick by you through thick and thin.

Although they live in mountains and highlands, many of them appear tan because of long hours in the forges. They typically have red or brown hair, although black is not unheard of. They are a hardy race, and can easily withstand extreme heat and cold.

Notable dwarves: Azan Burasten, Vada Tadarin

Fairy

These tiny guardians of the elements are not often seen by anyone, but it is not unheard of for other races to befriend and even marry them (in fact, many tales are told by all races of "half-fey"--beings that had a fairy as a parent) But they are not afraid to punish the evil, the selfish, and those that abuse their gifts.

Fairies typically make their homes in forests, valleys, and plains, but some elementals tend to be more common in less hospitable areas (ie. water fairies by the coast, fire fairies in mountains and volcanoes, ice fairies on mountain peaks, etc.

They are especially fond of music and dancing, so having skill on an instrument is a good way to attract them.

Notable fairies: Queen Aslin the Stargiver, Ember, Terra, Brisa, River

Merfolk

The guardians of the sea, merfolk are often seen as messengers of the water goddess Meian. If you spot one while sailing, it is a sign of a successful voyage.

Some people say that merfolk are reincarnated spirits of those that died on the water, but if you asked the merfolk, they'd tell you they've been here since the gods created Thiannon.

They are fascinated by the land and sky, and sometimes trade with the "landfolk" (their name for surface dwellers) that live on the coast.

Notable Merfolk: Arista Sealight, Queen Nadia the Pearlbringer