The Seven Races of Man

There are seven player character races to choose from. Though some of them share names with the straight D&D races, there are important differences in the races on Valel. According to the creation story there were thousands of humanoid races created, but only these seven showed respect to Valel. For that reason they were allowed to expand their influence across the world. Each race is fully explained in a subpage, but here is a summary of each race:

Cyclopes have one eye, are 7 1/2 feet tall and weigh 400 pounds and are students of battle. They view battle as an art; an individual cyclops takes measure of himself by his purity in his quest for battle mastery and prowess in combat.

Dervishes are about 5 feet tall with light builds and dark skin. They are specially adapted to live in the desert. Quickness is their greatest attribute.

Dwarves are 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall with thick builds and beards (even the women). They are the caretakers of Valel (the earth) and treat her well-being very seriously. They are almost stone-colored and have thick skin. Their piety and reverence for the earth is their most obvious difference between stock D&D dwarves and dwarves on Valel.

Gnomes are 3 to 3 1/2 feet tall, weigh 50 pounds, and have bulbous noses. They're quick talkers and quick thinkers; they make great entertainers and politicians. Their personalities range from outrageous but shrewd to downright silly, but they're always extroverted, filled with energy, and willing to take risks.

Humans are represented by three strains: Ballesorians (tall and olive-skinned), Ostorians (fair-skinned), and Corsairs (short, stout, and dark-haired). They are by far the most numerous and diverse in personality of the seven races. Their size -- tall and well-proportioned -- gives them a strength bonus, and their adaptability and flexible mindset give them a charisma bonus.

Phremits are seven feet tall, reedy, pale-skinned, and highly curious and intelligent. They have an almost childlike fascination with lands not their own; it is estimated that there are more Phremits outside their own countries than inside. They are innately magically attuned, but rather thin and frail.

Woodalves are five feet tall and stocky; they dwell in the great forests of Valel. A woodalf would rather trust his first instinct than think things out; though often considered rash and impetuous by other races, they appear to have heightened instincts. They make excellent rangers and druids.