Folkwynds

Humans

The Folkwynd, known among themselves as Vellan and to others simply as Humans , represent the most widespread and adaptable race across Criozevan. Physically diverse, they typically stand between 5.5 and 6.5 feet tall with highly variable features and an average lifespan of approximately 85 years. Originating near the continent's central rivers and valleys, they are considered the default race that remained after the Crimson Convergence (0 ACC) caused rapid evolutionary divergence in other populations. Consequently, they now dominate the populations of the Kingdom of Vacron, the Republic of Frada, the State of Akison, and the Republic of Oredsey. Renowned for their rapid social mobility and diplomatic ability to bridge gaps between other races , their culture is heavily defined by their location; for instance, Folkwynd in Oredsey specialize in swordsmanship, while those in Frada focus on technology. They utilize a balanced mix of magic and technology , and while their population status is currently stable, they face the ongoing threat of cultural fragmentation. Notable among them is the Crimson Knight, the leader of the Crimson Rooks and the second most powerful being in Eldunary.

Darkmane Elves

Naelvari, Dark Elves

The Darkmane Elves, who call themselves the Naelvari, are a secretive and dangerous race inhabiting the dense forests of the Warring Darkmane Realm. Physically smaller than most races, they stand between 4 and 5 feet tall and are characterized by their grey or obsidian skin, bioluminescent eyes, and carved ears, with a lifespan of approximately 150 years. Their origins are tragic, tracing back to the Crimson Convergence (0 ACC), when their ancestors fled into the shadows of the northeastern forests to escape the red star's light, which killed any elf it touched. Culturally isolated and hostile to outsiders, they live in scattered tribal warbands defined by poison rites, blood-bonds, and soul binding. They are masters of guerilla warfare and stealth, wielding poison-laced daggers and drawing corrupted energy from abandoned Golem runes to perform magical feats such as Shadowstepping and toxin shaping. Their society is currently in decline, threatened by constant internal infighting and "The Fallen"—soulless, dark-magic-possessed husks of their own kin that haunt the woods.

Goldhelms

Solari, Lightbloods

The Goldhelms, who refer to themselves as the Solari and are known by outsiders as Lightbloods, are a tall, imposing race typically standing over 6 feet in height. Distinguished by their ivory-blond hair, fair skin, and striking golden eyes, they have an average lifespan of 100 years. Originally a subset of the Folkwynd, they diverged into a distinct race through self-imposed isolation and strict societal design. They reside almost exclusively in the Goldhelm Kingdom on the northeastern peninsula of Criozevan, centered around the capital city of Ovodon. Their culture is technocratic and elitist; they view other races as inferior and operate under a rigid caste system that values order and perfection. Uniquely, they strictly ban traditional magic, the use of which is punishable by execution, and instead rely entirely on "Holo-tech"—advanced technology that mimics magic to create shields, weapons, and infrastructure

Golems

Durakorr, Stoneborn, Forgelings

The Golems, known among themselves as the Durakorr and often called Stoneborn by outsiders , are a race of massive, sentient constructs standing between 8 and 9 feet tall. Composed of mineral-encrusted rock inscribed with glowing rune veins, they are powered by an internal magical core rather than biological organs. Unlike other races, they do not reproduce naturally but are crafted solely by the Golem King using ancient rune forges, having awakened from millions of years of slumber following the magic surge of the Crimson Convergence. Residing primarily in the rugged terrain of the Nikolem Kingdom, centered around the capital of Suudon , they are biologically immortal and will live indefinitely unless physically destroyed. Their society is structured around a guild-caste system where status is earned through purpose and creation rather than lineage. Possessing a high affinity for rune magic, they function as living batteries for enchanted gear and are respected for their neutrality, though they remain deeply distrustful of those who seek to exploit rune artifacts.

Ipadoras

Tidewalkers, Octo-people

The Ipadoras, who call themselves the Velari and are known as Tidewalkers by outsiders, are a race of aquatic humanoids resembling octopi or squid. Standing between 5 and 7 feet tall, they possess tentacle limbs, chromatophore skin, and beaked mouths, with an average lifespan of 80 years. Residing in the Ipadora Kingdom, which spans both underwater valleys and surface islands, their society is strictly matriarchal, organized into clans led by Matrons who value intuition, flow, and oceanic balance. Historically, they once controlled significant mainland territory but were driven back during a massive war with Fodon and Frada, resulting in the creation of a manmade river that now physically separates them from their former enemies. Despite this loss, they maintain immense strategic power by controlling Criozevan’s major waterways and sea lanes, taxing all trade that passes through their domain. They are masters of water-bending and a unique "ink-sigil" memory art, and they utilize technology based on water pressure and sonar.

Tharnex

Xynari, Insectoids, Hiveborn

The Tharnex, known endonymically as Xynari and to outsiders as Insectoids or Hiveborn, are a critically endangered race of segmented beings standing between 5 and 6 feet tall. Characterized by natural chitin armor, multiple eyes, and venom sacs, they possess unique biological traits including "Echo-sense," self-sacrifice explosion tactics, and a complete immunity to mind control. Evolutionarily adapted to the Criozevan deserts, they utilize organic biotech grafted directly into their bodies. Their society was historically defined by a matriarchal caste system dedicated to the worship of X'zel, the Hive Divinity of Memory, but they faced near-total extinction following the brutal War of Fodon, where racial extermination became state policy. Currently, the race is considered mythically rare with only one known survivor remaining on the continent: a drone named Vorryn, who possesses regenerative armor and is on a violent mission to locate any others of his kind who may have fled across the sea.