Written by Onag Garafol
Virana
Aves Dal Garidor
Aaroanan
Lisse Nurelle Ascilla
Chase Kelcena
and
Terren of the Black Sand

[Races Main] [General Races] [Elves] [Nymphs] [Elementals] [Spirits] [Ethereality] [Vampires] [Undead] [Fairies] [Werefolk] [Trolls & Goblins] [Angels] [Demons] [Golems]

Many races of the world and beyond do not fit into fixed categories. Here is a short guide to various races of heaven and earth. There were "Three Races" in ancient beliefs, which are listed below.
Any species with no asterisk next to its name is based on traditional myth or folklore.
* These species have been created in books or movies etc or by people outside of Lan Mesinsure.
** These species were created for the Atlantis series by Lan Mesinsure staff.

Humans (The First Race): Humans seem to be the most basic of beings. They have a pair of arms and legs, no wings, no tail, and speak verbally. Humans are the most populated of the dominant races, and exist all over the world. Skin pigmentation ranges from dark brown to pale beige, and their hair colour (natural hair colour) goes through most of the spectrum, although the lower colours, green through violet, are avoided. Humans have limited strength, and intelligence. They are instinctually territorial, and the more powerful ones in the world seem to want to expand their territory. Although their society acts with little respect for ecology, there are many who are profoundly gentle and compassionate. They are mammals and give live birth.

Gargoyles (The Second Race): Gargoyles have the basic humanoid design, but tougher. Some scientists believe that Gargoyles are the next stage in evolution to Humans. Gargoyles have a tough hide, wings, a tail, and razor-sharp talons and claws. Gargoyle design varies widely, this includes wing-design, and facial growth, such as horns, crests, or spikes. There are also cases when the legs are different. Gargoyles turn to stone in the daytime to collect solar energy for their wings to function at night. Gargoyles once were quite numerous and lived all over the world, but Humans, who the Gargoyles instinctually protected, feared them, and took advantage of their stone forms to destroy them. Very few Gargoyle clans exist to this day.

Oberon's Children (The Third Race): Oberon's Children is a term that covers quite some ground. Often referred to as Dark Elves by the Vikings (which they are most certainly not), Oberon's Children were created by a demi-god-like entity known as Oberon, and his Lady, Titania. The appearance of Oberon's Children, or Fey, varies widely. Some appear to be human, while others are monstrous creatures. Fey have potent magical powers, and most, if not all, can shapeshift. Fey are supposed to serve him unquestioningly, but some have been known to defer. They are native to the mystical land of Avalon, and have been featured in a play of Shakespeare. They are immortal, but can be killed. They are vulnerable to iron.

Centaurs: Centaurs are a race with the body of a horse and the torso of a human. Centaurs have exceptional longevity, strength, and wisdom. Centaurs were once savage creatures who often warred with the warrior race of femme fatales, the Amazons, but have since then repented their ways and become a more docile race of philosophers and artisans. As a result of the Amazons' burning and animal-like hatred to the Centaurs, they are now much rarer than they once were.

Merpeople: The Merpeople have the torso of humans, and fish-like tails for legs. They are a sophisticated race who dwell in the depths of the ocean. Merpeople have been known to save humans from sinking ships and swim them to shore, but they have little more to do with the human race.

Dwarves: Commonly mistaken for Gnomes, Dwarves are the pint-sized creatures who excel in the art of the blacksmith. Dwarves are geniuses in machinery, and developed advanced equipment, such as submarines and cannons, generations before humans ever thought of it. They are also renowned for being stoic warriors and noble fighters.

** Ice Witches of Malkedor: The Ice Witches of Malkedor have pale blue skin, black hair, and small, unuseable wings sprouting from their shoulders. The Ice Witches have dwelled in the Antarctic regions for untold generations, and are a secluded and secretive race. They have had little to do at all with humans. Males are called Ice Warlocks of Malkedor.

Gnomes: Closely related to Dwarves, Gnomes are also quite small and quite the craftsmen, but not for weapons and machines. Gnomes make food, shoes, paper, Star Wars merchandise, tables, windows . . . the list goes on and on. There are slight differences between Gnomes and Dwarves. 1: Dwarves usually have darker hair, 2: Gnomes are shorter 3: and fatter. 4: Gnomes don't have wisdom teeth.

* Amphibious Merpeople (Amphipods): The Amphibious Merpeople are a humanoid race of fish-like creatures. They can easily walk on land, as well as dive into the water. However, on or off land, they are speedy and agile. Amphibious Merpeople, or Amphipods, are known as evil savages by the Merpeople, as there has been a blood feud between the two races since prehistory. However, the Amphipods are an intelligent and interesting people, and are in long consideration of joining the Alliance.

Frost Giants of Jötunheim: The realm of Jötunheim is accessible by the giant ash tree Yggdrasil in Norway. The Frost Giants are a race of massive humanoids with great strength and power. The Frost Giants have some form of isenkinesis, which makes them a formidable enemy, not the mention the fact that they have a habit of eating smaller people they aren't fond of. Allying with these creatures is a good move.

Dragons: Many variations of these creatures appear in several different mythologies. Arthurian folklore depicts dragons as massive, fire-breathing lizards, while Chinese myth considers them creatures of good luck who live in the sky and the sea. Dragons are actually neither. Usually quite large, (wyverns are a smaller race of dragons) dragons are beautiful creatures of wonder. They do, on the most part, have wings and are capable of flight. Dragons are highly intelligent and usually quite docile, unless provoked or threatened. Then, Dragons are forces to be reckoned with. There are many races of dragons, each with many differing characteristics. For a guide to some of these, refer to "The Discovery of Dragons" by Graeme Base, and "Dr. Petree's Guide to the Wonderful World of Serpentology" by Dr. J. W. Petree.

Valkyries: Odin is a Child of Oberon, but he was given considerable power. He created the Valkyries, led by his wife Freya. The Valkyries were a race of female norse warriors he created to bring the souls of worthy and dying warriors to his palace at Valhalla, on his realm of Asgard. The Valkyries were defenders of Asgard and fought many wars on the side of good, but every race has a darker side. Freya was duped into treachery by Jafiisk and destroyed Atlantis. Valkyries, despite their downfalls, are still respected members of the world.

Manticores (Tridua): A Manticore is a creature with a human torso, a lion's body, and the tail of a scorpion. Manticores travel in packs and can be quite savage if they don't get what they want. Manticores avoid contact with humans, and trade in markets with the other races of Elves and Gargoyles. Do not provoke these creatures, however, as their tails can deliver lethal dosages of venom which will lead to slow and painful death.

Ogres: Ogres are similar to humans, except larger, more muscular, and much dumber. Ogres aren't too much of a threat to a fast travelling party, as their footspeed is not a force to be reckoned with and their attacks are sloppy and unorganized. Do not, however, let this fact go to your head, for Ogres, like all other creature, are apt to surprise you whenever they feel they want to.

Basilisks (Cockatrice): Basilisks are closely related to dragons, although they don't have wings and have incredible power. In ancient myth, they had the heads of a rooster, and will be very offended if you bring this subject up. There are two major genuses of Basilisk, which look identical, save for their skin colouration.

Golden Basilisk: The Golden Basilisk shoots poisonous darts from glands near its eyes. They also have poisonous breath, when they want to, but are for the most part docile and agreeable. Golden Basilisks are also extremely fast.

Red Basilisk (Blood Basilisk): Red Basilisks have stingers hidden in their tail, and when their victim has been stung, a highly concentrated acid will disperse through their bloodstream, effectively melting all flesh off of the bones of the victim. Red Basilisks also possess the poisonous breath, except much more concentrated. They are excellent climbers and dwell in trees.

Amazons (Moonwomen): Amazons are a race of savage females who rape travellers to produce young and hone the skills of these young to be as deadly as possible when they reach maturity. Amazons live in heavily guarded villages and do not allow anyone (unless it's mating season) to enter. Amazons warred with the race of Centaurs generations ago, and once the wars were over, continued to hunt down and exterminate them. However, they have not surfaced for years and are presumed rare and possibly endangered.

Unicorns: Amazingly cunning and possessing great powers are the Unicorns. They are regular horses with a single corkscrew horn which hones their magical abilities. The horn they have allows them to focus energy into a single bolt, and release it. Their horns also allow them to produce illusion, portals, and several other magics. Unicorns travel in marvels and are highly nomadic. During earlier times, Unicorn marvels abounded the European, Asian, and current North American countryside, but the value of their horns, since they were made sometimes of pure diamond, gold, silver, ruby, or other stones and metals, drove them to near extinction and now they hide away in caves and untrod areas of land. Their numbers are beginning to stabilize, and they honour their ancient alliance to Atlantis.

Gorgons (Grim Ones): Sadistic creatures known as Gorgons inhabited Greek isles in ancient times. They had snakes for hair, golden scales all over their bodies, massive, feathery wings, and a snaky tail for legs. The most famed of these is Medusa. She was one of the three original Gorgons, the other two were Stheno and Euryale, both were immortal and one is still living today. Modern Gorgons cannot turn people to stone like the mother three could. The origin of an entire race of gorgons is, as of yet, unknown.

Leprechauns: Related to Gnomes and Dwarves, Leprechauns are native to Ireland and the area. Being drawn to valuables, they enjoy collecting treasures and trinkets. However, unlike their Dwarven or Gnomish cousins, Leprechauns have magical capabilities. They sometimes assume human form to barter for money or other goods. For some unknown reason, they are partial to the colour green, and even in other forms will usually wear that colour. Although they make bad deals to further their own petty greed, they're a fun people who are very agreeable.

Sirens (They Who Bind): Close cousins to Harpies, these seductive birdwomen had beautiful female bodies, and large wings extending from their backs. Their most dangerous attribute, however, is their voice. Heavenly, melodical voices which could lure sailors to whatever island they inhabited. Usually dazed by the sweet music, the ship would crash on the shores, and then the Sirens would feast upon the crew of it. There were, and still are, eleven large flocks of them scattered on different nesting grounds, each possessing different attributes related to their leaders.

Griffins: Also spelt Gryphons, the Griffins are a noble race of secretive creatures. How they look can vary greatly, but usually they will appear with the same characteristics as others in their individual prides. On the most part, however, Griffins have an eagle's head and a lion's body. They also, usually, have furry wings sprouting from their backs. The combination of bird and lion hands and feet varies greatly, but most of the time, the front legs are bird-like talons, and the hind legs are that of a lion, as well as its tail. Griffins used to volunteer as mounts for other races, and were sometimes captured and forced into slavery for the same reasons. Nowadays, Griffin prides are rare at best, but they continue to persevere against any kind of oppression.

Harpies (The Snatchers): The Harpies are a secretive all-female race of birdwomen infamed in Greece for hampering the endeavors of great heroes of legend such as Odysseus. They have massive wings instead of arms, and talons instead of feet which were known for snatching children up and delivering them to whoever had instructed so. Also, in their forearms, the Harpies have glands which can secrete a vile smelling oil. The Harpies are scavengers, and enjoyed invading banquet halls, eating what they wanted, and spraying this oil over the remaining food. This made them a target of a lot of people, and hunting has worn their numbers. But they live on in secluded islands, hunting and scavenging what they can.

Genies: Famed for granting wishes, Genies live inside bottles, lamps, jugs, et cetera. Genies are magical entities who love to enact the wishes of mortals. They are bound to grant wishes by choice only, and will not comply if they do not approve of the said wish. Because of this voluntary submission, Genies are, on the most part, very friendly and not a direct threat to anyone. BCE Genies were precious commodities sold for outrageous prices frequenting African markets. However, they warred with a race of lizardmen called the Martalk in early days, a war that all but wiped them out. Now, on magical black markets, the extremely rare Genies are traded for even more outlandish prices, and bound by spells to obey their master's will. Very few are free anymore.

** Catwomen of Sor: Vain and in an eternal superiority complex, the Catwomen of Sor are humanoid felines. Living on an island of smooth stone and pools of white water called Sor, these immortal felines have claws, a tail, and excellent eyesight. The Catwomen worship the demi-god Val, who visits their island from time to time. The Catwomen have no interest whatsoever in mortal affairs, and will neither help or hinder any efforts of any race other than their own and other felines. Sor is welcome to strangers, if they find it, but will attack with extreme ferocity if threatened whatsoever. They can be playful and docile, but very aggressive as well. Be wary with them.

* Treemen (Ents): These are not Dryads, although sometimes thought to be. Treemen are an entirely male race of sentient plants, which can move like humanoids as well. However, they are assembled from wood and are still plants. Treemen live in and protect forests, and can attack by simply using their brute force and strength. Like trees, they vary in races (oak, maple, birch, etc.) and have different attributes from race to race. They are still a closely knit community, and draw their strength and equilibrium from other "dormant" trees. Because of deforestation, they have become quite rare. To those who do not do them harm, Treemen are wise and gentle. To those that would threaten them or their kin, however, beware, for you will not survive the encounter.

Banshees (Ban Sidhe): Once thought to be a race of fairies, and on other occasions an ethereal race, these are not all too true. Banshees are not of the Sidhe, but humans have called them so. Banshees foretold death by ancient prophecies which were written from unknown origin. These femme fae would then mourn over the death, but if the prophecy proved incorrect, they would make it come true. Using their powerful and destructive voices, Banshees could tear a mortal brain apart simply by screaming at them. The Banshees reside in Ireland and still plague the countrysides there.

Doppelgangers: Magical creatures called Doppelgangers have been being created since prehistory. Special spells cast will create a Doppelganger, a replica of the caster, only willing to do things that the caster would never dream of. Sometimes created unconsciously, Doppelgangers are deadly and have been known at times to turn on their creators to become that person. They are completely identical to the caster, and will even grow scars and wounds in correspondence with the caster.

Djinni: Closely related to Genies (and pronounced exactly the same), the Djinni are also spirit-like entities with magical powers who live in artifacts. However, they are sadistic in their nature, and are impossible to be controlled. If Djinni ever grant wishes, it is only to further their own ends. Sometimes, they have been known to masquerade as Genies in order to dupe the wish-maker into using them. Djinni cannot simply use their powers at their whim, and it must be wished, but they are not bound to grant wishes, and have been known to physically beat their "masters" to death if their wishes don't correspond with the Djinni's plans.

* Wargs (Darkwolves): These deadly creatures resemble wolves, only slightly bigger. Little is known of Warg society, only that they seem to lack the sensible calmness that normal wolves abound with. The motives of Wargs are sometimes confusing, as they are most famed for their alliance to Mountain Goblins but have also been known to rescue children from fires and warn of incoming danger. However, one should be sure of the ground they trod on before giving their trust to a Warg.

Fauns: Famous for being merry drunken half-men goats, Fauns are actually quite dangerous at times. Often confused with Satyrs, who are eternally merry and drunk, Fauns have the torso of humans, with the hindquarters and tails of goats for legs. Fauns live, for the most part, in homes carved in rock faces and live amongst their families, but not in large communities. They can be very fast and will use this when attacking. They usually raid villages for food, being not ambitious enough to make it or catch it themselves.

Ch'i-lins (Ki-rins): Closely related to Unicorns, the Ch'i-lins are Asiatic creatures of grace are deer-like in appearance, but instead of antlers, have a single horn sprouting from its forehead. The horn is kind of fleshy, and contains a magical liquid that can cure disease and grant magical attributes, and if punctured or cut off, it will grow back after a time. The Ch'i-lins are native mainly to Japan or China, and they have several special powers. First, they can run at amazing speeds, and walk on grass without crushing it. They can also sense the guilt in mortals. Ch'i-lin marvels are very secretive and little is known of their society and behaviour.

Rocs: Massive Indian raptors are called Rocs. These birds of prey were extremely rare even in ancient times. Rocs are gigantic birds. They usually have green and red feathers, but perhaps the size of the creatures have not bee properly conveyed. The Roc is so large that it can (and will) snatch an elephant up in its talons with little difficulty. Rocs dwell on only the highest and most secluded mountains in their area, and will raid grazing elephants for meals. However, Roc sightings are down heavily of late and it is feared that these majestic but stupid birds are extinct.

Serpentians: The entirely female race of Serpentians are closely related to and mistaken for Merpeople, but their torsos are exactly like a human woman's, and their legs are long eel-tails. They are often seen on the surface when sailors go by, singing and combing their hair. They also have magical properties, and can sometimes grant powers to humans by compulsion. The origin of Serpentians are unknown, but they will sometimes fall in love with humans and entice them to join them beneath the sea, which, well, doesn't work, unless the Serpentia changes him in some way first by her magic, which is not unheard of. Serpentians are usually kind enough, but many are known to drink blood and kill their victims.

Willowisps: These Willowisps are actually formed from fog and swamp gases. They collect into lighted balls of air, and look very eerie. Willowisps are, on the most part, utterly mindless, but there are numerous unexplained cases where they can verbally interact as well as act with specific goals in mind. These are also said to be able to possess a physical body if they are breathed in by the unfortunate. Usually, this is to see to it that those aforementioned goals are met, and in some cases, this can be dangerous. Unless in control of a mortal form, Willowisps are not at all dangerous, and on the most part friendly.

Janias (She-Genie): A female race closely related to Genies, Janias resemble human females with the "mark of the Jania," a small silver bead beside their left eye. Janias once were mortal, but are usually turned into Janias by Genies, Djinnis, or Efreets. Janias aren't usually too happy with the new arrangement. They are bound to their master for three wishes, but their spiteful nature usually causes them to twist their words, which is why it it frightfully important to be specific with them. If freed, they do not retain their powers, but instead revert back to their previous, mortal form. Note that this is not a female form of a Genie, but an entirely different species.

Efreets: Resembling large, flaming creatures of immense power, Efreets are the most powerful known Genie. While still in the genus of their lesser brethren, they do not do business or consort with other types of Genies. They are bound to their masters, although not as much as their masters would like. They judge their masters, and if they don't think their wishes are suitable, punish them with a variety of punishments. The most common is to become a species of genie themselves. No "free" Efreet has ever been documented, but they don't seem to mind.

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