Races
Changelings
Source: Beit
A race believed to have been a convergent evolution from multiple bi-racial sources. Matings that commonly produce half-elves, half-orcs, and Goliaths (and, rare rumor suggests, Tortles) still sometimes produce changelings--though the inverse has never yet occurred. Changelings are held as proof that even non-native species may evolve on Meohmair. They are revered by some as agents of the land, as they can shift their forms much like the land itself.
Danann
The Danann, the inscrutable and unique beings native to Meohmair, captivate with their distinct form and remarkable abilities. These sentient creatures possess a natural bipedal humanoid shape, standing tall and graceful. Their lithe bodies are covered in a fine layer of light fur, which can range in color from earthy browns and greens to vibrant blues and purples, with intricate markings adorning their skin, reflecting their individuality.
One of the most striking features of the Danann are their four arms, positioned symmetrically on either side of their torso. These additional limbs provide them with exceptional dexterity and multitasking capabilities, allowing them to perform intricate tasks with ease. Each arm terminates in nimble hands with long, slender fingers, making them adept at manipulating objects and crafting intricate creations.
Regardless of gender, the Danann possess majestic stag horns that crown their heads, adding to their regal appearance. These antlers come in various sizes and shapes, often representing an aspect of their individual identity. From towering, branching antlers to elegantly curved ones, the horns serve both as a symbol of their connection to nature and as a means of expressing their unique traits.
The Danann are known for their exceptional intellect and inquisitive nature. They have a natural curiosity that drives them to explore the world around them and seek knowledge in all its forms. This thirst for understanding is reflected in their vast repositories of wisdom and their dedication to the pursuit of higher learning.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Danann is their ability to undergo a process called shefa. This phenomenon involves rapid and drastic transformations within a single generation, where a Danann can evolve into an entirely different species. The shefa is a mysterious and awe-inspiring occurrence, often influenced by environmental factors, magical energies, or the Danann's own desires. It is through the shefa that the Danann adapt to the changing world, ensuring their survival and growth as a species.
Despite their remarkable capabilities, the Danann are generally peaceful and docile beings, preferring harmony and cooperation over conflict. They have a deep reverence for nature and the natural world, often aligning themselves with the forces of balance and preservation. Their close bond with the land and its creatures has led to their development of sophisticated agricultural and architectural practices, and a profound understanding of the natural rhythms of Meohmair.
The Danann's unique physical attributes, intellectual prowess, and capacity for transformation make them an extraordinary and wondrous race. Their presence in Meohmair brings a sense of mystery and enchantment, as they navigate the complexities of their ever-evolving existence and leave an indelible mark on the world they call home.
Dralai
Source: Shefa
It is believed that the Dralai evolved from the Danann's desire to placate the Beit, shaped under the shadows of dragons as they first spread across Meohmair. In a thousand years, they have evidenced no interest in anything beyond serving their given role. As such, Dralai are highly valued by nobles and any community they live in.
Dralai divide themselves into factions, serving for life as either an administrator, artist, guard, engineer, courtesan, or servant. It is not known if these are roles they are born into, or a choice they (or their culture) makes.
Their homeland is a relatively small village--as most Dralai are integrated into other kingdoms--on the cusp of the Ssaraa Caves, also named Dralai. There is a notably large meindwr in this village, believed to be the gift of a particularly generous former Emperix. It is common for this village to be shifted to the kingdom of a highly favored Primus, along with the caves, during a Succession.
When a Dralai is pregnant, they return to their homeland without fail. They return to their former role in short order, having left their child behind in the village.
Elves/ Half-Elves
Source: Beit
Sometimes referred to as slow-witted Danaan, due to their seeming ability to evolve in conjunction with their environment, but over the course of millenia. The Elves are known to be a haughty race regardless of where they're from, though fiercely loyal and humble when it comes to the Emprex--presumably to better keep the lands they each need to thrive.
It is said--by the Elves, and only the Elves--that there were other gods before the Qodam, and that the Elves are the firstborn of those gods. This insistence causes contention, pity, and mockery from the other races.
Genasi
Source: Shefa
It is believed that the few Genasi on Meohmair are the evolutionary result of the Danann struggling to better understand the changes to the world resulting from the arrival of the Beit. This is supported by the fact that Genasi children are almost exclusively born to Danann parents shortly after a Succession has altered the world.
Gnomes
Source: Beit
Gnomes arrived with many of the other races during the great migration, although rumors have persisted for centuries that there were already Gnomes here. One of the first of the Beit to grasp the functioning of the motes, Gnomes are highly-regarded as artificers and architects.
Virtually every noble house in Xustilan is of Gnomish origin.
Minotaur
Source: Shefa
A race that evolved from the danann during the Age of Tarnished Providence. A minotaur encountering a danann will commonly use the honorific "Athair."
Orcs/ Half-Orcs
Source: Beit
All that is known of the Orcs when they first migrated, is that they were proud warriors. Then they disappeared for a few centuries. Now, Orcs are known for their deep love of the Xovos, and their beautiful, fey architecture. Orc artificers are highly sought after by nobles looking to build new works in their cities. The vast majority of Orcs are pacifists, though the rare Paladin or Barbarian sometimes emerges from their ranks.
Tieflings
Source: Beit
One of the more prolific peoples of Meohmair, the Tiefling have an established kingdom in cooperation with the Aasimar. In recent generations, the bond between the two races seems to have grown so strong that Aasimar have birthed Tieflings, and vice versa.
Ancient manuscripts suggested the Tieflings were bound in some way to then-unknown entities called 'Devils.' It wasn't until Baalzebul infiltrated their society during the Age of Rectified Clay that the peoples of Idural came to know what a Devil really was. As a result of this, the Tiefling and Aasimar dedicated themselves to a more ordered, justice-oriented society in order to prevent another wave of corruption in their midst. The scholars of Idural were subsequently at the forefront of discovering the planar portals previously undiscovered on Meohmair, and their effects.
Tortles
Source: Beit
Tortle lore indicates that only a very small number of Tortles immigrated with the Beit to Meohmair, as the honor guard of a dragon. It is suggested in some circles that this means that wherever it is the Beit originate from, the Tortles were at best an after-thought. That said, as a result of their participation, there is one noble family, laying claim to the only small settlement the otherwise nomadic creatures call a homeland. They have never had a representative on the Imperiex.
While not particularly numerous, Tortles are no longer a dismissable force. Most operate in tribal bands that never stay too long in one place, known for their musicality and the bright colors they paint their shells. In every third generation, 11 Tortles are selected by means determined by their tribe (competition, self-selection, divination) to serve the Maithiúnas, subsequently committing their children and grandchildren to the task as well.