----Aquarians- Descendants of the fabled Merfolk, this race has a close affinity to the ocean and sea creatures. Aquarians maintain close ties to the sea, often becoming captains of their own ships or skilled traders, plying their wares across the open sea. Aquarians are wary of ventruing far from the sea, often choosing to live in coastal areas, although there have been many renowned Aquarian adventurers who travelled throughout Paradyce.
Elves- One of the eldest races in the world, Elves can be found throughout the kingdom, though they prefer being close to their forest homes. Elves closely resemble humans, although they are generally thought to be more slender and graceful. However, this appearance often belies their prowess as warriors, skilled with both bows and melee weapons. Elves are generally a peaceful, solitary people, but maintain friendly relations with all races except their evil cousins the Drow and Dwarves, who they often see as loud, ignorant brutes.
Goblins- Goblins are one of the most chaotic, yet also most amicable, races in the land. Goblins generally consider caves and mountainous areas their homes, although many goblins have become civilized enough to live in cities among other humans. Always curious and eager to discover new things, they often get themselves into trouble by going where they don't belong. While others sometimes find them annoying and troublesome, they believe they are helpful, productive members of any group. Goblins make excellent tinkers and adventurers because of their natural curiosity.
Shadow- The Shadow Warriors are a mysterious group in Paradyce, only rumored to exist at all. Shadow Warriors are stealthy, quiet killers who pride themselves on using subtlety rather than force in combat situations. Often employed as assassins or poisoners, Shadow Warriors literally live for their art, forsaking any ties to homes, families or countries in order to more efficiently achieve their goals.
Faerie- The faerie folk are an ancient race of Paradyce, mysterious folk who maintain close ties to their forest homes. Faeries are gentle, benevolent entities who live in harmony with nature and with those around them. Faeries are non-violent folk who will only fight to defend themselves and seek to avoid conflict. Faeries rely on stealth and knowledge of their surroundings to protect themselves and their homes.
Entling- Entlings are another race descended from people of the forest, but in the case of the entlings the bond is much closer. The great ranger/mage Vicanthia lived in the woods for so long that she developed a rapport with the trees that can only be described as personal. She learned the secrets of the trees by living among them and sharing her secrets with them, until eventually the trees became a part of her. Ever since then, the descendants of this bond have understood the stoic power and majesty of the trees, and have sought to keep this bond strong. Entlings make masterful rangers, scouts and hunters, able to track their prey through their communcation with the trees.
Tuskan- The Tuskans are a hardy race of desert-dwelling nomads who are able to survive in any sort of conditions. Bred in the harsh heat and sun of the deserts of Paradyce, Tuskans have developed survival and tracing skills that allow them to prosper where others would die. These skills, coupled with cunning and shrewdness, make Tuskans a race who can thrive among others as well as they can on their own. Tuskans can be difficult to deal with, but make strong allies in difficult situations.
Dwarven- Dwarves are as stubborn and hard as the mountains they call home. One of the eldest races of Paradyce, they are also the most stubborn. Dwarves are extremely hardy and tough due to the difficult conditions they are raised in, and they have learned how to forge excellent weapons and armor through thousands of years of practice. Dwarves are renowned for their blacksmithing and forging skills, and also make powerful warriors. Dwarves prefer axes or blunt weapons, as swords are often too long for them to wield to full effectiveness. Dwarves lack the subtle social skills of other races, but their iron strength and resolve see them through difficult times.
Celestials- The origin of the Celestials is shrouded in mystery. They claim to have been left in Paradyce by elder gods who will one day return. They are regarded as a sort of cult by many other races, due to the fact that they are very secretive and have many rituals known only to their kind. They claim to possess vast amounts of powerful knowledge far beyond the realm of human understanding, and will not share this information with any non-Celestials. They believe that all will be revealed with the return of the elder gods to Paradyce, but even they do not know when this may occur.
Drow- Drow are the evil cousins of the elves. Many centuries ago, a prince of the elven kingdom felt that the crown given to his brother was rightfully his. After leaving the elven kingdom, he swore revenge on his brethren and their allies, the humans. He began seducing away the outcasts of elven society and turning them into killing machines, capable or extreme acts of cruelty and violence. His legacy continues to this day, as the Drow are a powerful, malevolent force, always posing a threat to elves and humankind alike.
Vampire- Vampires are extremely powerful undead creatures, blessed, though some might say cursed, with eternal life. Once a human is bitten by a vampire and tastes the vampire's blood, they too become infected with the need to drink blood regularly. It does not matter from what animal the blood comes, though they prefer that of humans. Vampires on Paradyce prefer the night, but are able to travel about during the day. They are not always malevolent, and are generally able to blend well in our society due to their powerful abilities of intrigue and seduction. Vampires are truly a force to be reckoned with.
Draconian- Many ages ago, a powerful elder wyrm lived in the deepest recesses of Destard. He began capturing and imprisoning adventurers who came into Destard seeking his demise. Through the use of powerful magicks, the wyrm infected the humans with a part of his blood and essence, transforming the valiant warriors into evil, destructive creatures. Draconians possess the spirits of the dragons in them, though some have learned to fight against the evil nature of their blood-curse and have become valiant warriors once again, trying to right the wrongs perpetrated by their predecessors.
Necronian- Necronians are undead warriors brough back by the magical powers of liches. Necronians maintain the general appearance and abilities of the person they were before their death, but are devoid of all human emotions. They are a lifeless husk, albeit a deadly and strong one. While many gain freedom from their liche masters after the demise of the liches, they usually continue their destructive behaviors and evil ways. It is only years of constant inner struggle that they can hope to regain their former human capacities, but due to their eternal undeath they have all the time in the world.
Orcs- Brutish, nasty, mean and short, orcs are a menace to humankind everywhere. Making their homes in forests and mountains, orcs often lead raids on towns in an effort to drive out the "yoomies". While not particularly bright or civilized, orcs more than make up for their mental shortcomings with brute strength, ferocity and single-minded drive. Individually they lack the means to wipe out humankind, but when they band together in tribes they make an unstoppable force. That is, if they could ever stop warring with each other long enough to organize...
Lunar- Many eons ago, there existed a sect of priests who vehemently worshipped the moon goddess Luna. They prayed to her nightly to be delivered from the evil corruption that held the land in its grip at the time. They performed secret ceremonies in an attempt to divine the will of Luna and how they might serve her better. In the meantime they performed acts of charity and kindness to the inhabitants of Paradyce in an attempt to ease the suffering of the common people. Seeing the selflessness and virtue of these priests, Luna granted the priests their wish and invested their souls with a part of herself, changing them physically and spiritually so that they might be closer to their goddess.
Solarian- Several hundred years ago, a great plague swept the land of Paradyce. At its base was an evil Drow sorcerer who sought the destruction of all humankind. At the same time, a great Drow force swept down upon the cities, wreaking destruction and mayhem throughout the land. The future looked dim for humans. Just when all seemed lost, a brave noble by the name of Lord Solar led an army of followers out of Trinsic in a final attempt to combat the Drow and banish them out of human cities. After a series of hard-fought battles in Serpent's Hold and Nujelm, Lord Solar engaged the Drow sorcerer in single combat. Despite receiving a mortal wound, he managed to behead the Drow with his final breath. Though the plague was broken and the land was freed,the people were saddened at the loss of their most valiant warrior. As a sign of gratitude, the ruler of Paradyce had his most powerful mage permanently mark the skin of the followers of Lord Solar as an eternal symbol of their sacrifice, valor, and prowess as the mightiest warriors in the land.