Idea Working on Races for Army Management Fantasy Character-Driven Roleplay - Need Feedback

Darkraven · Jan 21, 2018

So I've been slowly chipping away at some of the lore of my future roleplay, and a week ago, I've arrived at the all-important race section. Anyway, I need feedback, because I've noticed some possible problems...

Have I gone overboard and created too many races?
I'm beginning to notice that some of the races are starting to sound too much alike. The Minotaurs, for one - I have no idea how to make them different. Should I just ditch them?
Are there any races that are too undesirable to play as?
As you know, my writing is rather content-heavy. Is that alright? Or am I just killing myself for no reason? I mean, I enjoy writing, but there must be a purpose to it too...
Also, I haven't started on the Orc-sympathetic races yet. Any tips on how to write them?
Plus any other feedback would be nice.

I know that my race section looks like 75% done, but it's actually far from that. It's more like 33% done. I have yet to add a few more sections per race. I plan to add a Cultural, Political and Military section for each race. There won't be statistics, but I'll add a summary list to rate them in each race aspect for quick viewing.

Anyway, here's the Race Section of Empire: Augura in Jeopardy:

THE MAJOR RACES OF AUGURA

The major races of Augura are known as such because of their dominance and influence in the world's affairs, from diplomacy and culture to politics and war.

(UNPLAYABLE)
Common Name: Angels

Other Names: Known to be the First Race and Lord's Servants by the Humans. Elves know them as the Wise Ones and Starchildren, or Sarashilren.

The Demons spit on their image, and calls them Fairy-Tale, while the Orcs and other fell races of the South know them to be the Enslavers, Jailgods or Arg'Turan.

The Dwarves know them as the Masons, Great Carvers, Worldbuilders, and also Huraldin in their own tongue.

Description: Angels are said to be servants of the Lord, who came down from a sky ship to make Augura paradise. They are also said to be perfect in every way, living long lives like Elves, yet smarter than them and stronger than Orcs. As the myths go, they destroyed themselves in a cataclysmic war, and seeded Augura with life, as well as the numerous races.

Psychology: Nothing is known about the way Angels think except from holy texts and oral tradition. Angels are said to be perfect in every way, and that is down to the way they think. Despite this, they are still capable of war.

Biology: Angels are said to resemble human beings, but infinitely more beautiful. They are generally taller, unafflicted with any disease and physically superior in every way. They can live as long as Elves, if not longer. It is written that they are all gifted with magic, using it in a great variety of ways, both known and unknown to the various races of the present, and to great effect.

Most would say that they have a very high grasp of morality, logic and are incredibly intelligent all around, more so than the Elves.
Common Name: Humans

Other Names: Synonymous with Uesan, though rebels now disown the name. Venezian has gained some prestige. Demons call them Dreamers derisively for their belief in Angels.

The Elves know them as the First Men, and claims that there are other men in other corners of the planet. The Elves also call them Huramen in their own tongue. The Dwarves call them Maraldin.

Orcs know them as Northerners, and claims that there are Southerner Humans too. Otherwise, they call them by what they call the angels: Enslavers, Jailers, Arg'Turan'Ghee

Description: Taking a lion's share of the continent are the humans. Once united under the benevolent Uesa Empire, centuries of warfare and corruption and poor leadership had fractured it into one barely-intact half and dozens of squabbling successor kingdoms. Said to be the direct descendant of the angels who created the world, at least believed to be by the majority of humanity, they worship the Angels of Light, representing life, growth and creation. However, numerous smaller belief systems exist, including nonbelief and belief in religions of other races.

Psychology: Humanity is hard to define - that is what most of the other races, even the Elves, has come to know in their contact with them. It is theorised that this is how they work, in that they have incredible potential and are, in general, multi-taskers and adaptable. They may not be able to learn 'deep' all the time, but they are certainly able to hold a broad knowledge on many things. However, they are also frequently criticised for their short attention span.

Biology: Humans are said to be made after the image of the Lord himself and the Angels. Of course, this is what Humans claim. In reality, the only element of truth in that is only superficial. While it can be argued that Humans do look like Angels, it is the only similarity.

Humans of the present can only live up to a century, and some just beyond that. This can drop because of various hardships endured in life. Their height varies from 1.6 metres to 2.0, their weight even more so. They are not all blessed with the gift of magic - in fact, Humans have fewer of the gifted compared to the other races, except for the Orcs.

Humans are not the toughest, strongest or most agile of races, but they have enough of everything to pursue whatever they want, where members of the other races are more restricted by their mind and body.
Common Name: Elves

Other Names: Humans call them Elvish, Sindarins, and Woodspeople if derisive. Elves know themselves to be the Lord's Children, Starkin, or Sarakined.

The Demons call them just like what they called the humans: Dreamers. Orcs call them Enslavers, Jailers as well, and Arg'Turan'Mhee.

The Dwarves knew them to be Sinraldins, in addition to Jadecarvers, for the one gelogical and mineralogical trade that the Elves are better than them in. Flowersniffers and Treehuggers are some derogatory terms that are perpetuated by Dwarves.

Description: Second to the humans in terms of territory are the Elvenkind. They are said to be the most perfect creation of the angels, having been made with sharper senses, longer lives and unrivalled beauty. They live in numerous independant towns, cities and states, under many leaders and yet are united under a common cause: the preservations of the Lord's lore and his paradise. There are now two main kinds of Elves: Those who still dwell in the woods they were so used to, and those who dwell in the plains, having built impressive cities and countrysides. The former are known as the Wood Elves, while the latter are known as the High Elves.

Psychology: Elves differ from humans in that instead of trying to do many things at once, individual Elves tend to go deep, and specialise. It is only when they perceive that they have reached their peak that they move on to other things. This is not to say that they are incapable of multi-tasking - it has more to do with their culture of perfection. Thus, an Elvish farmer could spend half a century building up a splendid estate, before moving on to become one of the deadliest Elvish sniper in wartime over the course of another half century.

They are said to be very focused, and highly intelligent, a far notch above humans. They tend towards refinement, preserving the knowledge of the Angels, and if not, art and then their understanding of the world.

Biology: Elves are some of the longest-living individuals of Augura, living for an average of three centuries before passing on, with some able to live on for 350 to 400 years. Despite this, it is unheard of for Elves to have multitudes of children.

With so many years in one lifetime, it is thus logical that Elves take longer to mature. An who is 32 is considered an adult, as opposed to the common 14-16 years for a human. Despite this, Elvish children aren't any slower in learning, giving the impression that Elvish children are far more mature and knowledgeable than how they look.

Elves tend to be tall, with the shortest possible stature at 1.75m and the tallest 2.1m. However, they are not built bulky, and don't have the same potential for strength in some areas as humans. They are said to be as beautiful as the angels, and their defining facial features are their long, sharp ears, which allows them to hear very well. Their eyes tend to be of a piercing hue, like pale blue or even silver. They tend to be pale in skin tone.

The strange fact of Elvish biology that so surprised Humans is that male and female Elves are very similar in terms of physical and mental abilities where male and females of the other races are more specialised physically and mentally. The Elvish culture is thus one of the most egalitarian society in terms of gender matters.
Common Name: Dwarves

Other Names: Humans call them Dwarvish and Mountain Men in addition to Dwarves, and some have taken to calling them Nomes, which is now considered derogatory by the Dwarves as it implies a child's height.

The Elves, on the other hand, call them Dawashilren.

Demons know them as Mountain Moles, or Mountain Dreamers while the Orcs call them Enslavers, Jailers and Arg'Turan' Da

Description: Dwarves are a reclusive race due to their preferred dwelling - they live underground, some in mines and caverns while others deep in underground biomes that resemble the surface surprisingly much. People say that it was due to Angel magic that the underground could be so livable. Because of the prestige of their underground dwellings, they are often held in awe as amongst the chosen races of the Angels.

The Dwarves are just as divided in terms of politics, and it is said that they are ubiquitous, though not as populous, throughout the world.

They believe in the Lord as well, but their religion has a strong 'Second Coming' streak to it, in that they believe, too, that they will return soon, and a new war might start because of it. As such, their entire civilisation has devoted much time in preparing for this arrival, building underground fortresses and bunkers and stockpiling supplies and weapons and armour for the occasion, in case the Angels deem them unfit to be in their presence...

Psychology: It is said that Dwarves are as hard-headed and stubborn as the rock they have been mining out over the centuries. While usually true, it isn't always so. The truth is, they are a hardy people, and due to their history as an underground society, they tend to be a highly technical and defensive people. They are intelligent, but in a different way from Humans and Elves - their thinking tends to be narrower than even the Elves, but also even more sharply focused.

Dwarves are rarely as susceptible to mental maladies as the other races, due to their time spent underground where such problems would have been common to the other races.

Biology: Dwarves aren't tall, ranging from 1.3 to 1.7m. However, they are a wide and densely built race. Their bones are said to be ten times as tough as that of humans (though this is no doubt an exaggeration), able to withstand firelock balls (this is not an exaggeration). Their muscles are just as dense. The average Dwarf could carry his weight in load easily, while Dwarves trained in strength could carry twice that, or more. Some theorised that their underground lifestyle is a natural cause of this. Others pointed to Angel interference, believing that this is a gift from them.

Due to their size, build and short legs, they are neither the fastest nor the most nimble of the races. This is reflected by their martial arts, which emphasises strength and defensiveness and endurance. However, Dwarvish runners could potentially outrun the otherwise taller races through sheer endurance alone... If they can track them first.

Dwarven women do not have beards - the idea that they do is the result of rumours and satires aimed at Dwarves during their brief past conflicts with Humans that endured to this day.
Common Name: Orcs

Other Names: The Humans have lots of names for them, almost as many as Demons. To refer to them as Orcs or 'Orcish' is considered unusually nice of a human. Everything else are spoken with hate and prejudice, and at best ignorance, such as: Tusks, Pigfaces, Lumberers, Spawns...

Even the Elves struggle to maintain neutrality when dealing with the Orcs, as all they have seen are mostly hostility from them. They are known also as the Mork'Shilren. Otherwise, if an Elf is particularly peeved at them, s/he will refer to them as Axeheads.

Demons know nothing about the Orcs except for scattered accounts of them. They have no name for them except for what is already used by the other races.

Description: Orcs are a race from the south, and are usually allied with Ogres, Trolls and other perceived dark creatures because of their shared history. Some say that they will find kindred spirit with the Demons, should they meet. The Empire of Uesa has, thus, even made efforts to ensure that they never make formal contact.

Orcs are believed to be stupid, lumbering creatures, full of superstition and lacking in magic and technology. The truth is that in addition to being built strong and tough, they are just as intelligent as any human beings. Their troubled beginnings, as mythologised with the Angels, have stunted their growth as a civilisation, and as such their science and technology and magic and understanding of the world are not as advanced as the other races. However, they make up for this in other ways.

Psychology: Orcs are a highly militarised society, and military thinking tends to dominate their society. As such, even in the domestic or diplomatic setting, they tend to think in terms of advantages, disadvantages, positions, strategies, tactics, preparations and contingencies, more so than the other races. This is due to their troubled past, and constant warfare against the other races, including the humans, as well as each other.

Orcs are surprisingly like Dwarves, though the latter would stubbornly deny such a charge. Orcs think in narrow terms, and are thus very focused, and highly specialised - most Humans choose to believe that it is a sign of stupidity, while hypocritically assuming intelligence in the Dwarves, who have the same traits.

Biology: Orcs are said to have the greatest potential for war. This is evident in their body, which is thick with muscles and bones, rivaled only by Dwarves, but ultimately eclipsing them because of their size. They have a wide range of height, and they can be as short as 1.6m and as tall as 2.4m. They can heal fast, and bounce back from severe wounds that would have killed human beings. Some say that their ruined organs could even rebuild themselves, though unlike Demons, they cannot regrow lost limbs.
Common Name: Demons

Other Names: All the names that the humans could give to the demons are considered derogatory and used as such. Other than Demons, they are also called Devils, and Ifreets, Imps (even though Imps refer to only one of many subrace of the Demons), Dems, Magogs...

The Elves, on the other hand, call them Fasarashilren, Fallen Starchildren or simply Fallen, the Wicked Ones. Dwarves simply know them as the Malragadin.

Demons took all of these in their stride, and are unoffended by these names. The orcs have never met them before, believing them to be superstition and folklore.

Description: The Demons are said to be the third most numerous of the races, and are known to be evil, malformed angels who were the most corrupted of them all - they were those who precipitated the War of the Angels, leading to the extinction of those they betrayed. They are mostly found north into the icy wastelands and the hot undergrounds that are found there - an extreme of hot and cold. While some found it surprising that they could live in such conditions, the wiser and more knowledgeable have noted that they were perfectly suited to their environment, having numerous bodily forms they could take, and being able to grow some unique crops and live off the strange fauna found on their lands.

They are so much like Elvenkind, more so than the Elves themselves would like to admit. Their territories are made up of many factions presided over by personalities, and they are usually peaceful to one another, though war between factions is said to break out occasionally. With the little formal and friendly contact they have made with the other races, they divulged that they are 'atheists'; they believe in no Gods or Angels. Such blasphemy is often what led to premature termination of parleys. Other than that, they hold a very strong concept of freedom, and 'democracy' (like the Elves). They are said to be beautiful in a terrifying sort of way, though no one would care to admit it.

Psychology: As much as the many races hate to admit it, Demons show clear lineage to the Angels even in the way they think. They are a highly intelligent race, on par and if not more than the Elves. They could learn deep as well as broad in equal ability and are as technical as the Dwarves. Spies report that they hold just as much reverence to art and culture and language as the Elves.

How they differ, however, is in their sacred concept of freedom - they do what they want, when they want to, and they allow themselves to be ruled over only if they choose their leaders. Some say that this was how the Angels once functioned, but most consider it blasphemy to even consider such a theory.

However, due to the extreme differences between the various sub-races of the Demons, there is still some level of specialisation amongst the Demons. Imps tend to be crafty and cunning, Nephilims are broad learners and adaptable, while Succubi and Incubi are diplomatic, sly and elegant. Lords are the most stubborn of the lot, and aggressive.

Biology: Demons come in many forms. It is said that no two demons are alike at all, and it is not even a guarantee that they may have four limbs each. However, some archetypes exist, and some features are common. Wings, hooves and forked tails are common, as are horns.

From the smallest to the biggest:
Imps are known to be stunted in size, growing no taller than a human child. As such, they tend to be cunning, calculative and devious.
Next to the Imps are the Nephilims, who seem to be the 'generic' demon, who are human-sized, and fulfill the role of a human, albeit better and worst in some ways.
Then there is the Succubus and Incubus, who are like a twisted mockery of the Elves - beautiful in a terrible yet mesmerising way, tall and gracefully built. They are even skilled the same way and areas as the Elves, with a most potent talent in seduction and trickery.
After them are the Lords, as they named themselves so - humans tend to think of it as a mockery of their religion. The Lords are enormous in size, built full of muscles. They can be anywhere from 3.0m to 4.0m tall. Their normal occupation is obvious.

No one knows how long a demon could live. Some say as long as the Elves, others claimed that a few demons from the War of the Angels still live - thousands of years, in other words.

Despite their vastly different physical looks, Demons have some similarities in biology that binds them as a race. They are unafraid of searing temperatures and the freezing cold - however, this does not mean that they are immune to more unimaginable temperatures. There are accounts of Demons dying rather quickly in lava, and eventually freezing to death. Other than this, they can regrow lost limbs and other body parts - the more flesh lost, the longer it takes - and heal most scar tissues, though heavier scarring will take a long time to disappear entirely. Damaged or destroyed organs can repair themselves, if the Demon does not die first.

Heretical doctors and naturalists have suggested that there is a link between Demons and Angels, but that avenue of thought is not explored widely.

THE MINOR RACES OF AUGURA

The minor races of Augura are known as such because of their lack of involvement in the world stage. They are often subjects of another race, or allied. However, it is said that since much of the world remains unexplored by the Uesan Empire, it is possible that there could be countries consisting of so-called Minor Races out there.

Common Name: Raevyens

Description: The Raevyens are an avian race who claims to be travellers from another realm to the west, over the ocean. They resemble their namesake, Ravens, or crows, very much, but stand slightly taller than humans. They are not found in the Uesan Empire in any great numbers, and are not subjects of the Empire because of their nomadic nature in the local continent. They are few in number, but despite much misgivings and controversy centuries ago when they had first landed, are well regarded by their mammalian peers to be incredibly bright but also straight-forward and even harsh in their opinions. Hence, they are known infamously to be bearers of evil news.

Psychology: Raevyens aren't hostile nor aggressive, and are highly inquisitive and curious. They claim to never have fought an aggressive war in their home continent, but have nearly been subjugated by another Avian race, the Eagerlers. Due to their long lives, rivalled only by the Demons, they are incredibly patient and forgiving towards the flaw and mistakes of others. In fact, they are troubled by the lack of these virtues in the other races, and the war that are constantly waged in and around the Uesan Empire. Raevyens prize intellectual pursuits - both the arts and the sciences most, and see honesty and clarity as good characters, sometimes to the chagrins of others who prefer not to hear the truth.

Biology: Raevyens live incredibly long lives, from 800 - 1000 years, if they are to be believed. Some interpreted this as a sign of favour with the Lord and Angels, while others associate them with the Demons. Authorities of the Uesan Empire, to the Raevyen's benefit, has chosen not to burn the Raevyens at the stakes because of their non-belligerence. They stand rather tall, comparable to Elves and Orcs, from 1.7m to 2.3m. Their wingspan is even more prodigious, spanning three times their height.

Despite their size, they are not a strong race, which is, again, comparable to the Elves, though they are worst off. While in flight, they couldn't carry beyond a quarter their weight, and they are not much better on the ground. In the martial pursuits, even smaller creatures such as Imps and Hobbits might stand a chance at overpowering it, with only the strongest of Raevyens being capable of matching an Elf in strength. However, Raevyens could fly, and fly very well. Their testament lies in their presence in the continent of Uesa alone is enough. Raevyens crossed with regularity the ocean that sailors reported to be endless. They are also unmatched in agility in the air.
Common Name: Centaurs

Description: Centaurs are like an amalgamation of men and horses. Their relationship with the Uesan Empire goes back millennia, to the Kingdoms era of Uesa, when, after a period of warfare, they settled for peace and have co-existed ever since. They roam the rolling plains of the Uesan Empire in large herds, as nomads with their civilisation on their lower back and carts. Despite being primarily vegetarian, they have a strong warrior streak, which is necessary for them to survive those who threaten them. It can be argued that the Uesan Kingdom would have eventually been defeated back in the day had it not sued for peace.

Psychology: Centaurs are free spirits, and as nomads accepted by the Uesan Empire, are not restricted too badly. They are not tied to any land, and are only taxed for entry into a new region. This has preserved the Centaur's honour and way of life for millennia, and for good reason. They are considered a highly honourable race, with their own specific moral code governing their behaviour in and out of a herd. They even have minor influence on the Uesan Empire's policies.

Centaurs love being in huge crowds, and are generally much more afraid of being alone. They get claustrophobic very easily, which some naturalists attribute to their large size.

Biology: Centaurs are built powerfully and strong, rivalling the Orcs. They stand tall, naturally like a man sitting atop a horse. A single kick from a Centaur could kill a man, and they don't lack in upper body strength either. Like horses, Centaurs are fast runners, making them a natural cavalry force, without the need for arduous training for men and horse. However, their stamina is not as deep as the two-footed races. Though they could cover great distances in a short time, a Human, with enough marathon training, can outrun a Centaur just like how Dwarves could eventually outrun a Human.

Centaurs are huge, and therefore require a lot of energy. Thankfully, they can live it rougher than Humans, being capable of eating more varieties of plants without suffering from any ailments and internal injuries associated with such lifestyle. However, like Humans and other civilised races, they do appreciate a good meal, and would sooner exhaust their grain stock first than resort to eating wild grass, bushes and tree leaves all the time. This, however, changes with the seasons. If pressed for food, they could eat meat.
Common Name: Hobbits

Description: Hobbits are a race of farmers, cultivators and cultivators in the rural country. In less agrarian matters, they make good entertainers, chefs, festival and party planners. In less idyllic lifestyles, they are often diplomats and speakers, able to sway many to their side. In less peaceful pursuits, they make good logisticians, scouts and spies at least - or assassins, saboteurs and mass poisoners at worst.

Another race that the Uesan Humans met early in their history, violence against them did not last long because of their peaceful nature. Their willingness to compromise and trade and talk, combined with their child-like appearance, had softened the Uesan Kingdom very quickly. Now, they are found primarily in the countryside, where they apply their green thumb to the benefit of their fun, the empire and all. Somehow, wherever they go, they are always able to grow the biggest and best crops. Human farmers, however, aren't beaten by virtue of their work capacity and industriousness (the Hobbits would say that they are no fun).

Psychology: Hobbits are generally peace-makers and fun lovers, preferring an idyllic and uneventful lifestyle. Beyond agriculture and building the essentials of a fun and comfortable civilisation, they know no other hardships except for the pains of finding something fun to do. As such, they are also fine artists and craftsmen. It can be noted, however, that their need for peace is so strong, stronger than the other races, that they are all the more willing to fight for it. If pushed in a corner with no recourse in diplomacy, they can be as tenacious as any of the warring races, and as underhanded as any demon. In fact, some rebel leaders of Venezia found this out the hard way when a group of Hobbit assassins, motivated by ceaseless raids on Hobbit farms along the coastline, were sent after them. Some were caught and killed, while the others were able to murder their then-sitting Chief Senator and other key officials. A truce resulted after that.

Such extremes are found during only the most desperate of situations, however, as Hobbits are generally very sensitive creatures, and normally wouldn't hurt a fly, which, again, gives others the impression of children.

Biology: Although slightly shorter than Dwarves, at heights ranging from 1.2m to 1.6m, they are built proportionally like a Human, giving them the look of Human children - and making it hard for the larger races to see them as something else. In fact, Dwarves, in good fun, would joke that they would be able to call someone short, while the Elves would jest that Hobbits could probably pass for Elvish children, at least until they see the hairy feet. A Succubus diplomat of the Demon North once joked that the her sexual appetite does not extend to children, while the Orcs, in raucous feasting-mood, once wondered why children were sent in to talk adult business with them (which wasn't fun at first).

Their small built lends them little advantage, as it means that they are weak, and have difficulty in an environment built for the larger races. However, they are reputably fast and nimble, and if trained in the fencing arts, could actually react much faster than a Human and even some Elves ever could. Their small size also makes them hard to notice, which is ideal for sneaking. Hobbits are often, thus, employed in some of the more subtle roles in wartime.
Common Name: Minotaurs

Description: Minotaurs are a race somewhat similar in appearance to Demons. While this in itself is not enough to attract the ire of the Uesan Empire, their belligerence over land rights have driven most Minotaurs into open warfare with them. On finding allies in the Orcs, Minotaur rebels have since migrated southwards, while others have migrated eastwards to the lands of the Human rebels. Those that remained, ironically, got what they wanted - enough land for grazing and raising clans. This had been centuries ago, and now there are Minotaurs living in most states.

Minotaurs are a herd-based race, though unlike the Centaurs, they do not migrate as much. Some way that had they been nomadic, they might have won some of the same rights as the Centaurs.

Psychology: Minotaurs are similar to Dwarves and Orcs in thinking - preferring to go deep in one or two fields rather than learning broadly. In the same way, they persecute their agendas with the same single-mindedness, and this attitude has led them into conflict with the greater powers. However, with conflict with the Uesan Empire out of the way, they express their bullishness in other ways. Being naturally war-like and aggressive, they have found employment in the armies of Uesa. Combined with their strength, they are also ideal for labour that the other races found difficult, and are sought after by the weaker races. Minotaurs, as such, can commonly be found working the farms alongside Hobbits, Humans and Elves, or mining beside Dwarves.

Biology: Minotaurs are incredibly well-built and strong. Standing at heights from 1.8m to 2.4m, they are also imposing and a match to Dwarven and Orcish strength. Their horns are said to be tough enough to break swords - though to bend swords is closer to the truth.
Common Name: Lizardmen

Description: Lizardmen are commonly found in marshes and forests where they are most at home. There, they have developed their own unique way of cultivating the food there. Being primarily meat-eaters, their agriculture often involves fish farms. Due to their control of certain rivers, they have grown wealthy in their own rights. In the Uesan Empire, they strengthen the borders by protecting the marshes and forests, where otherwise undetected incursions would have occurred.

Some do not trust them, and believe that when the Uesan Empire is weakened enough, they will ally themselves with another great power and dispose themselves of their previous benefactor. This distrust is not unfounded, as Lizardmen have acted in self-interest before, acting more like an autonomous state more than subjects and states of the Uesan Empire.

Psychology: It is true what they say, that the Lizardmen are as cold-blooded in their heart just as they are cold-blooded physically. This assumption, however, is not quite true and it is obvious from their impressive metalwork and diplomacy. While the usual characters that mammals deemed most positive do not occur as naturally in Lizardmen, the Lizardmen learnt fast - they knew that their survival hinged on it. War with the other races will certainly wipe them out for they aren't the most populous of races - a fact that has only recently begun to change.

Biology: Lizardmen are about as strong as Humans, living just as long. They stand only slightly taller than Humans, from 1.75m to 2.2m. However, what is different about them is their serpentine agility, which lead to an evolution in an equally serpentine martial arts. They are also well-suited for swimming, and could move much faster and more gracefully than every other races. Being cold-blooded, they are least active at night and during the winter. They are also more level-headed during the day than at night.
Common Name: Steelskins

Description: Steelskins are often found wandering the land in all three known continents around the world. They are said to have emerged out of holes in the ground, as if spontaneously. Thus, many believes that they have underground cities which were normally situated in uninhabited land that is difficult to settle in the first place. No one has ever entered their domain and live to tell the tale, but adventurers have seen the entrance into their unseen realm; they consist of ancient staircases and corridors, with signs of metal-working that were likely decorative - had they been functional, their use woudl have ceased a long time ago. In the Uesan Empire, there aren't many of them as there are only but a few of these Steelskin entrances within their borders. They can be found on virtually every Angel Isles (those square islands), and more commonly in the Demon North and the Orcish South.

They usually take the form of a rough humanoid, if men could squeeze themselves into such thin armour. Many who have taken to watching them as a hobby or mission had noted that they will neither disarm themselves nor take off their armour. They have never been known to sleep, but they have been seen standing out in the open field, under the sun with no shelter.

Psychology: Very few Steelskins have been known to ever speak to members of the other races, but those that do are incredibly and enigmatically straight to the point, demanding information. They never seem to divulge their intentions unless it will help them. They are known to be incredibly dull, as they neither talk about their interests or culture. Despite their highly ornamental armour and weapons, not many could even believe that they created them themselves.

Some Steelskins have been known to help one faction or the other, but their interests are a complete mystery.

Biology: Steelskins are not like any of the other races in that they appear to be made of metal, and do not need to eat. However, they have been seen drinking - a marginal few have been entered taverns, demanding water or very specific types of alcohol. Initially, they would never pay for their beverage but recently, they have begun to abide by local customs. People who have gotten close to the Steelskins aren't even sure if they even need to breathe at all.

That said, while many appears to be thin and somewhat short individuals at around 1.7m tall, who appears to be in armour and arms all the time, no two Steelskins are the same. They appear to have differing ancient runes on different parts of their body, and their armour might differ slightly in details. Their weapons might vary. What is even more strange is that different aged Steelskins appear drastically different from those of another age - yet they do not seem to grow. In another time, they were actually larger, and more gruff in manners. Sometimes, radically different Steelskins might appear out of the blue - such as ones who seem more Human-like or life-like. There are some who seem entirely alien, with the most extreme being a squid-like thing that hovers in mid-air.
Common Name: Ogres
Common Name: Trolls
Common Name: Goblins
Common Name: The Blackswarm

Darkraven · Jan 21, 2018

Bump. EDIT: Well blow me down, this section of my RP must either be so terrible or too perfect that no one has even written a one-liner feedback

Bone2pick · Jan 22, 2018

1. I believe so. Imo you shouldn't include minor races/factions. You could mention that other intelligent species and civilizations exist outside of the world's major factions, but I don't recommend detailing them. Send a clear signal that the players should concern themselves with the legitimate powers of the setting.
2. Consider dropping races from your major list if they're too similar to others. Let each faction have its own niche and not be watered down by competitors.
3. I'm not excited by your standard Tolkien fantasy races. At a glance I would drop elves, dwarves, orcs, hobbits, angels, & demons. If you're going to put a lot of work in, start with creativity.
4. Details are fine. Honestly I like more than less info when it comes to world factions.
5. I don't like the inclusion of orcs here so I can't help you.
6. That's basically it. Fewer factions (half a dozen or so), less traditional fantasy, greater faction differences & distinct cultures, possibly include an NPC or two for each faction, ect.

official clown business · Jan 22, 2018

Oh boy I've been staring at this a while and figure I may as well shoot you some feedback as well, however much that counts for.

Oh, yes. Yes you have. This is a lot of races and a lot of information on each race. If we're doing army-management here then it's kind of a tough case to include the minor races and all of that lore for them if they have little involvement in the world stage.
Well I can't provide any original feedback on this one now. Read the one above. You may not need the minotaurs either, honestly.
Every one of these races is a familiar face, and as such this is a matter of personal opinion and not of actual useful feedback (I play whatever looks cooler and that's basically it): I don't give a shit about the angels, demons, or steelskins, and I'd either be a dwarf or a ca-caw ca-caw raven boy... wait, never mind, they live way too long. Is there, like, a race in here that has a shitty lifespan, far lower than the usual human hundies?
Quite a lot of reading, but that's kind of a subjective topic. We need to know about the details you're planning on adding in, as those are very much relevant, but you don't require nearly as much for the minor races I hope.
I dunno. When I think of orcs, I think of Blizzard. And I'm not much of an orc person either.
Well, let's not get too crazy here. I won't make a half-assed repeat of what Bone2pick has already said, and I believe his suggestions will certainly be of use here.

Darkraven · Jan 23, 2018

1) I guess the next move is clear then. I'm going to have to choose between the Centaur and Minotaur, and I'm gonna get rid of one or more of the Orc-sympathetic races. Probably the Trolls. Maybe the Ogres.

Actually, its because of the fact that it's an army management RP that there's got to be a lot of information though. The minor races are minor only because they don't really have their own sovereign states in this part of the world, but they'll play a part in various ways, including in battles and politics. For example, a player might have to choose between fielding companies of Elves, or companies of Hobbits, for example - and they'll have to decide which is more appropriate for their use. And Hobbits have a use, definitely.

2) So noted as the above. I think some of the minor races need to go.

3) Well, it is true that leaning on traditional fantasy isn't as creative as coming up with an entirely new race... But I have a sci-fi twist behind it towards the backstory and endgame of the RP, so...

4) More lore, coming up then

5) I could always play down the Orcs a little. Besides, the real arch-villain won't be the usual fantasy races, so I probably shouldn't cramp their style with the Orcs.

6) Alrighty then. So... I'm gonna make these races more unique then. I think it's par for the course for any successful RP.

So... Anyone else got any feedback or suggestions?

Idea Working on Races for Army Management Fantasy Character-Driven Roleplay - Need Feedback

Darkraven

Bearer of Evil News

Darkraven

Bearer of Evil News

Bone2pick

Minority of One

official clown business

Okay so our name is Piss and we are the Mafioso

Darkraven

Bearer of Evil News

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