|2| RACES

[GRIN]

hexe. they are the cursed ones; once human when they first came to this land they are still humanoid in appearance, though they are far from it. The colonists were constantly trying to figure out how to gain powers like the natives of these lands, and a small percentage of the colonists slowly began to change and show signs of unique powers. The first thing to happen was each one gained an animal familiar called the Animus, which translated to "Soul", and were to keep close to the Hexe. They were unable to move more than roughly fifteen feet away or else extreme pain would rip through both Hexe and soul. The next was each of them noticed they had an affinity for a certain school of magic, and the first and oldest Hexes began to teach the ways of each school; though it was common to teach within the family since bloodlines usually told what school you were to be in.

human. Your standard homosapiens, folks. They come in all shapes, sizes, genders, and colors. They are easy to spot in Aeterna, as most of them still dress in their Above-World clothes, and have items such as guns and other modern-world technologies. Humans are always Colonists (either military or civilian), as humans were wiped out as a species in Aeterna long ago. They also still maintain the social classes of the world far above.

skinwalker. Or "shape-shifters". Skinwalkers are a race of humanoid creatures who have the ability to transform into different animals. This race was created as a result of Syrens and Wood Nymphs (now extinct) inter-breeding. When Skinwalkers are young, they are able to shift into any animal they see and take on it's abilities. However, when they reach the age of 16, their sporadic shifting settles into three common forms. These three animal forms usually reflect whatever calls to the Skinwalker's personality or "soul", and can be of any animal. Skinwalkers are not known to have any shift forms of "mythical" creatures such as dragons and hippogryffs, but some might be lucky enough to be blessed by the Gods with this gift (aka - you can only get a special shift if you win a contest! XD). Skinwalkers can communicate with all living animals and are known to have very special bonds with them. They are often found to have enhanced physical abilities, such as scent, hearing and strength (more info in Abilities thread). Their animal forms can often have some colorful tribal marks in their fur, but no unusual colors for their entire body (blue, pink, green etc)

syren. aka "merfolk." Syrens are a reminiscent of mermen and mermaids and are divided into two classifications, the Auqui and the Nix. Syrens, both Auqui and Nix, have the ability to shift into a "Land Form", which enables them to have two legs and to walk and survive on land for up to 3 to 5 days.

❧ AUQUI. The Auqui are an ancient race of mer-people that dates back even before the creation of Aeterna. They are a very noble and peaceful people, who do not readily stand for injustice. They are a mostly-female dominated race, with powerful female warriors and rulers. Auquians live only in the oceans or bays surrounding Aeterna and cannot survive for long in fresh water. In appearances, the Auqui are similar to humans. They have two legs, but instead of feet they have long, flowing fins. They often have fins underneath their forearms and may have fin-like ears. Their fins can be from any species of fish (lion fish, parrot fish) and can come in a variety of colors and patterns, though they tend to be of lighter colors and complexions. Auquians are more likely to be seen using their Landforms, as they are common allies of the Royal Family. They run the Ferry systems that provide quick island-to-island transportation, pulled by their trusty Hippocampi steeds (more info on them located in the Bestiary).

❧ NIX. The Nix are descendants from the original Ancient Syrens; who after political turmoil were banished and forced to become fresh-water Syrens, able to survive in the rivers by a gift from a merciful goddess. Nixians are concentrated in the rivers and make their home in the Great Lake. The Nix are often a dark-minded and conniving people, who tend to use their Syren abilities to seduce and lure young men and women to their deaths. They are single-finned Syrens, reminiscent of a more classical mermaid, and their fins can be from any fresh water fish, and even a snake or serpent. They may also have fin-like ears, but tend to be darker in coloration. The Nix are not often seen on land, but when they do come ashore they frequent riverside villages. Nixians ride and breed creatures called Kelpies. (more info in the Bestiary)

z'dali. or "elementals." Pronounced [zeh-dahl-ee]. Z'dali are in essence, humans with the ability to control the natural elements; Air, Earth, Fire and Water. Z'dali are only able to bend one type of element, meaning a Fire Z'dali cannot learn to control Water. However, Z'dali who have mastered one element may often learn a very advanced and special element to bend; in example, a Z'dali who masters Fire can then create and control Electricity such as lightning (more info in the Abilities section). In appearance, Z'dali are not very different from humans, however they do tend to tattoo their skin with tribal markings according to their Element. Z'dalialso tend to resemble their elements in appearance; Earth Z'dali are usually very muscular and well built, with darker skin and dark hair. Fire Z'dali are often dark haired as well, with very bright expressive eyes. Water and Air Z'daliare often light-skinned and light-haired. However, this is not set in stone as many Z'dali families are of mixed elemental lineage.