The Species of Terra (Patreon)

The world of Terra is similar to ours in many ways, but the presence of magic means that there are a lot more than just humans populating it’s lands. Each corner contains its own unique blend of cultures, and among any given species you will find dozens of variations in appearances, languages, and societies. The number of intelligent species in the world is in the dozens, and the following is a list of those with the largest populations in settlements found around the world.

• Humans - With a naturally adaptive disposition and a sense of determination that borders on foolhardy, humans are possibly the most populous and wide-spread of all the peoples of Terra. If there are lands to explore, oceans to sail, or creatures to hunt, chances are a human will try to be the first to do it. Unfortunately, this gung-ho attitude does not always earn them favor with their neighbors. Something uniquely common to human cultures is how many of them were formed based around the worship of a particular religion or deities; it is only in the last hundred years or so that human culture began leaning in a more agnostic direction. Some of these cultures include the Olympians, the Taiyohito, and the Nehehrama.
• Elves - Being the oldest of the intelligent species, much of early elven history remains a mystery, even to themselves. Agile, long lived, and born with an innate magical connection, it is not uncommon for an elf to dedicate their life to a specific pursuit—a life that spans nearly five-hundred years on average. Ancient elven ruins can be found tucked away in nearly every corner of the planet and are studied the world over in the hopes of unlocking some of their secrets. Though their past may be a mystery, elves today are known for their diplomacy and outreach, often uniting different peoples to work together towards a common goal. Some of the other names elves are known to go by are the Dalaketnon, the Pillanes, and the Yaksha.
• Gnomes - Nearly as ancient and long-lived as the elves, gnomes are known for being far more inquisitive and secretive than their taller cousins. Equally gifted in magic, gnomes also seem to possess a natural talent for mechanics and tinkering, and when these two skills come together it’s no wonder they lead the world in technological breakthroughs. However, one of the most unique things about gnomes is the variations in their height; while one group of gnomes may average three feet tall, another may grow no higher than a few inches. Gnomes can be found living anywhere, from a forest, to a city, to a home hidden inside someone else's home—gnomes are nothing if not ingenuitive. Specific groups of gnomes include the Pukwudgies, the Nuno, and the Aziza.
• Orcs - A hulking and brutish-looking group, their appearance often overshadows a connection to and respect for the natural world around them. Though they seem intimidating to outsiders, orcs can count some of the most skilled and dedicated artisans and tradesmen in the world among their numbers. Their large pointed ears and uniquely formed vocal cords make it much easier for them to both hear and mimic the sounds of other creatures, making many of them avid hunters and trackers. They can primarily be found living in the forests and jungles of the world, a fact which suits their naturally green skin and primarily carnivorous diets. Orc tribes in other parts of the world go by names like the Oni, the Rakshasa, and the Nawao.
• Dwarfs - Stout and sturdy and almost always with a beard, dwarfs can be found living within and on top of most mountain ranges in the world. More than content to uncover the secrets buried in the earth, it was only logical that after living so close to so many precious metals and stones they would become some of the most gifted metalworkers and jewelcrafters in the world. Most dwarfish cultures eschew traditional gender roles; what they value above all else is hard work. Requiring no sunlight and far more physically hearty than most non-dwarfs, it is not uncommon for a dwarf to spend years at a time underground. The Muki, the Vamana, and the Sihirtia are just some of the dwarfs populating the mountains of Terra.
• Halflings - While others look to expand their borders and build new settlements, halflings are more than happy to focus on fortifying what is already theirs. Gifted with an innately accurate internal clock and bodies that are naturally equipped to better resist and process most poisons, venoms, and non-magical diseases, these creatures are masters in medicine and agriculture. The annual yield of a halfling farmer’s crops could feel several small armies, which is a very good thing considering a single halfling household can contain up to twenty or thirty extended relatives—halfling cities on average are almost twice as densely populated as other cities. Some other names for halflings around the world are the Yehasuri, the Korpokkur and the Eloko.