Ines & W: Love at First Contact

1. #1Terraconstantselective

   Keys: planet, setting, Terra

   Terra is a world in post-apocalyptic science fantasy setting, based on the game Arknights. Terra is a rather bleak and grim world.

   Terra is similar, if not identical, to Earth, including having an oxygen atmosphere, more-or-less identical gravity and atmospheric pressure, carbon-based lifeforms, and an identical climate. Even the Homo sapiens of Earth will have no issue living on Terra if they are somehow brought into it. Terra's environment, however, is notably more arid and inhospitable than Earth's.

   Terra is located in the Zobeide Nebula on a planetary system centered on a main sequence star similar to the Sun and has two natural satellites (i.e. moons) known as the Twin Moons in various folklore.

   Terra is strongly hinted at to be a former space colony that was terraformed by an advanced space-faring civilization, but was later abandoned for more than 13,000 years due to unknown disasters that wiped out said civilization. As a matter of fact, Terra possesses many remnants of architectures built by the previous civilization. For example, one of the Twin Moons is said to be an artificial satellite. Another remnant of the previous civilization is the Starpod.

   Within Terra, there are also hidden threats that could easily wipe out its civilizations. To start with, the planet is filled with Catastrophes that force many Terrans to adopt a nomadic way of life through nomadic cities. A crystalline substance known as Originium is left behind at the site of Catastrophes and is widely used as a source of energy and the catalyst for Originium Arts, but is capable of causing Oripathy through direct or prolonged exposure.

2. #2Terra: Georaphyconstantselective

   Keys: Georaphy of the planet, Georaphy of Terra, Terra's georaphy, Terra, Geography, Supercontinent, Catastrophes, Originium, Barrier, Zobedie Nebula, Twin Moons, Nomadic Cities, Uncharted Regions · Secondary: Sea of Clariside, Victoria, Iberia, Siesta, Acahualla, Sargon, Foehn Hotlands, Sami, Ursus, Infy Icefield, Northern Crater, Collapsals, Aegir, Yan, Bolívar, Higashi, Durin Subterranean, Kazdel, Leithanien, Kjerag, Londinium, Lungmen, Dossoles, Kazimierz, Arid Deserts, Temperate Regions, Sub Tropical Biomes, Wet Tropical Biomes, Southern Oceans, Coastal Regions, Precursor Ruins, Geothermal Vents, Volcanic Fissures, Auroral Veils, Nomadic Platforms, Trade Routes

   Geography of Terra in Arknights Expanded

   Terra the planet central to the Arknights universe presents a geographical tapestry as vast and unforgiving as its history defined by a sprawling supercontinent that dominates its surface interspersed with scattered oceans and shrouded by the enigmatic Barrier a celestial dome sealing it from the stars. This supercontinent a colossal landmass of unnamed continents fused by tectonic upheavals stretches across arid expanses fertile oases and treacherous biomes shaped by relentless Catastrophes hyper storms infused with originium and cosmic energies that sculpt the land with apocalyptic fervor. Much of Terra remains uncharted its terra incognita veiled by environmental perils and the limits of nomadic exploration leaving vast swathes as enigmatic as the precursor ruins dotting its crust. The interplay of aridity fertility and subterranean mysteries alongside the stark boundaries of known and unknown realms crafts a world where geography is both a cradle and a crucible for its inhabitants.

   Supercontinental Expanse and Arid Dominance

   Terras surface is primarily defined by a single massive supercontinent an amalgamation of landmasses whose boundaries blur under the weight of nomadic migrations and Catastrophic reshaping. This supercontinent spans diverse biomes but is predominantly arid with golden deserts and sun scorched badlands stretching across its heart particularly in regions like Sargon and Kazdel. These arid zones characterized by dunes that shift with each Catastrophe and cracked earth baking under a relentless sun dominate the planetary landscape rendering agriculture a Sisyphean task for most Terrans. Sparse vegetation such as thorny succulents and originium adapted cacti clings to life in these wastes sustained by rare oases that bubble from deep aquifers or seasonal wadis that carve fleeting paths through the sand. These deserts are not barren wastelands but dynamic ecosystems where saurian raiders and perrero caravans navigate by starlight and mirage their paths guided by ancient precursor waystones that hum with latent energies.

   Despite the arid tyranny fertile regions punctuate the supercontinent particularly near bodies of water where temperate and tropical biomes flourish. Central Terra home to the imperial heartland of Victoria boasts the most fertile lands with rolling moors verdant valleys and mist cloaked meadows fed by subterranean springs and predictable rainfall. Victorias fertility supports sprawling estates and nomadic agricultural platforms that cultivate grains and root crops sustaining its dense population and fueling its industrial ambitions. The regions temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers fosters biodiversity from grazing caprinae herds to liberi flocks that nest in ancient oaks their migrations a vital part of the ecological balance.

   The Sea of Clariside and Coastal Biomes

   A defining feature of Terras geography is the Sea of Clariside a vast inland sea cradled between southern Victoria northern Iberia the Siestan peninsula and the Acahuallan region to the southwest. This body of water a shimmering expanse of turquoise and emerald serves as a climatic fulcrum creating sub tropical and wet tropical biomes along its shores. The seas humid breath fosters lush rainforests in Acahualla where towering ferns and bioluminescent fungi thrive alongside reptilia hunters and the mangrove choked deltas of northern Iberia where seaborn incursions leave eerie traces in the tides. Siestas peninsula a sun drenched enclave of Columbian influence basks in Mediterranean like warmth its palm fringed coasts and coral lagoons hosting vibrant marine life and seasonal fiestas that mask underlying espionage. Southern Victorias shores moderated by the seas currents support orchards and vineyards their bounty traded across nomadic sea routes. The Sea of Clariside also serves as a vital trade artery with floating markets and mobile docks linking coastal settlements though its depths harbor precursor relics and abyssal anomalies that deter deep exploration.

   Beyond the inland sea Terras oceans cluster primarily in the southern reaches notably south of Iberia and Yan where the Aegir nation reigns in submerged citadels. These southern oceans vast and tempestuous are roiled by currents influenced by the Twin Moons whose gravitational dance amplifies tidal surges. The Profound Silence a cataclysmic event marked by devastating tsunamis reshaped these coastlines flooding Iberian ports and leaving sunken cities as haunting reminders of natures wrath. The altered shores now jagged with salt encrusted cliffs and submerged ruins host hardy fishing communities and aegir outposts that navigate the perilous waves. Other coastal regions include the northern shores of Bolívar where cloud forests meet rocky beaches and the northeastern coasts of Higashi where volcanic black sand beaches frame samurai enclaves. These coastlines though vital for trade and resources remain alien to most landlocked Terrans whose nomadic cities rarely venture to the seas edge rendering the ocean a realm of myth and mystery for non Aegir races.

   Subterranean Realms and the Durin Enigma

   Beneath Terras surface lies a labyrinthine subterranean world largely uncharted and dominated by the Durin race diminutive bat like Terrans who thrive in darkness. These underground networks sprawling cave systems and precursor engineered tunnels honeycomb the supercontinents crust illuminated by the faint glow of originium veins and bioluminescent fungi. The Durin inhabit vast cavern cities carved into stalactite studded chambers their echolocation arts mapping mineral deposits and ancient relics. These subterranean realms stretch beneath regions like Ursus and Sargon connecting distant surface cities through forgotten passages though their full extent remains unknown even to Rhodes Island explorers. Anomalous phenomena such as gravitational distortions and temporal echoes hint at precursor technologies buried within possibly linked to the Barriers origins. The Durins insular culture guards these secrets sharing little with surface dwellers though their trade in rare ores fuels industrial hubs like Rim Billiton.

   The subterranean worlds inaccessibility stems from its environmental hazards collapsing tunnels originium laced air and predatory megafauna adapted to eternal night. Surface expeditions often meet ruin in these depths with only specialized operators like Durin or Saria navigating their perils. Rumors persist of deeper layers vast hollows where precursor megastructures pulse with dormant energies or where seaborn entities have breached from abyssal rifts creating hybrid ecosystems of terrifying vitality. These uncharted depths remain Terras last internal frontier a mirror to the planets cosmic isolation under the Barrier.

   Borders of the Known The Foehn Hotlands and Infy Icefield

   The edges of Terras charted world are marked by two formidable regions the Foehn Hotlands in Sargon and the Infy Icefield spanning Sami and Ursus. The Foehn Hotlands a sweltering expanse of geysers salt flats and volcanic fissures forms a southern barrier where temperatures soar and originium dust storms scour the landscape. This region a crucible of pyroclast forges and saurian warbands serves as a natural fortress its geothermal vents and lava rivers deterring all but the most determined explorers. Ancient precursor obelisks half buried in ash hint at lost outposts but their purpose remains elusive. The Hotlands borderlands fade into terra incognita a realm of uncharted deserts where nomadic tribes whisper of mirage shrouded cities that vanish with the dawn.

   The Infy Icefield a frozen wasteland of glaciers and auroral veils stretches across Terras northern reaches encompassing Samis mystical tundras and Ursus militarized taiga. Blizzards laced with originium shards and subzero temperatures render the Icefield a deadly frontier where even ursus clans tread cautiously. Sami shamans navigate its ice caves guided by auroral spirits while Ursus outposts fortify against polar megafauna. Beyond the Icefield lies a continental sized crater like region an unexplored abyss shrouded in perpetual mists and electromagnetic anomalies. Known only through fragmented lore this crater is theorized as the source of northern Collapsals otherworldly entities or phenomena that emerge during Catastrophes their origins tied to cosmic rifts or precursor experiments gone awry. The craters inaccessibility and the Icefields harshness ensure it remains Terras greatest enigma a void that swallows expeditions and fuels apocalyptic prophecies.

   Other Biomes and Uncharted Frontiers

   Beyond the supercontinents core and its coastal fringes Terra hosts diverse biomes shaped by local conditions and Catastrophic cycles. The steppes of Kazdel vast grasslands scarred by crimson sands support nomadic sarkaz warcamps their herds of hardy beasts grazing on originium tolerant grasses. Leithaniens enchanted forests dense with arcane flora and mist wreathed glades harbor witch covens and mobile academies their canopies alive with liberi scouts. Kjerags alpine fjords and avalanche prone peaks cradle caprinae clans in geothermal warmed longhouses their forges fueled by volcanic springs. Bolívars thunderous highlands where cloud forests cling to lightning scarred sierras host revolutionary camps their mist shrouded trails concealing guerrilla movements. Higashis fungal groves humid and spore laden foster oni villages where bamboo and bioluminescent mushrooms create eerie landscapes patrolled by reptilia assassins.

   The uncharted regions terra incognita extend beyond the Foehn Hotlands and Infy Icefield encompassing vast swathes of the supercontinent where Catastrophes have obliterated maps and memory. These include the western barrens beyond Rim Billiton where dust storms bury precursor spires and the eastern highlands past Yan where draconic leylines pulse with untapped energies. The southern oceans depths controlled by Aegir hide abyssal trenches where seaborn hive minds evolve in isolation their surface raids hinting at submerged continents or sunken precursor fleets. Northern taigas beyond the crater fade into frozen wastelands where auroral anomalies distort time and space suggesting rifts to other dimensions or echoes of Earthly realms.

   Geographical Impacts and Nomadic Adaptation

   Terras geography profoundly shapes its societies with nomadic cities colossal mobile platforms on treads or anti grav cushions designed to evade Catastrophes dominating civilization. These cities like Londinium in Victoria or Lungmen in Yan traverse fertile plains or skirt desert edges guided by meteorological oracles who predict storm paths. Coastal settlements like Dossoles in Iberia rely on buoyant platforms to weather tsunamis while inland hubs like Kazimierz build coliseums on stable plateaus. The Sea of Clarisides trade routes foster economic hubs but also expose them to seaborn threats requiring fortified harbors. The subterranean Durin cities insulated from surface storms trade rare minerals but risk collapse from tectonic shifts or originium leaks.

   The Barriers presence a tropospheric dome at six thousand one hundred fifty two point three one meters seals Terra from orbital exploration rendering its skies a false canopy. This isolation amplifies the supercontinents significance as the sole stage for Terran life its uncharted regions both a challenge and a lure for explorers like Rhodes Island. The Zobedie Nebulas violet haze tints Terras sunsets while the Twin Moons one artificial one natural drive tidal and cultural cycles their phases dictating festivals and migrations. The looming black hole beyond the nebula a distant but growing threat underscores the urgency of charting Terras mysteries before cosmic forces redraw its map entirely.

   This geographical framework arid yet fertile bounded yet boundless defines Terras essence a world where every horizon hides wonders and terrors where nomadic resilience meets the unyielding unknown and where the land itself narrates a saga of survival and discovery.

3. #3Terra: Racesconstantselective

   Keys: Races of Terra, Terra's people, Terra

   Terra is predominantly inhabited by various humanoid races with animal features and completely anthropomorphic animals, and they are categorized as either Ancients and Elders based on social classes. There are others that are not categorized as both of them like the Teekaz (Sarkaz, Sankta, and Anasa) which are native to Terra, and the Elves. In fact, Terra was originally the homeland of the Sarkaz that was colonized by the Ancients and Elders whom they clam as "invaders".

   The Terran races have an extraordinary strength that could easily outmatch Homo sapiens of Earth thanks to their unique racial traits, and they also have different anatomy that requires extensive medical studies to fully comprehend.

   Beyond the known Terrans are supernatural beings such as demonic Collapsals and the Seaborn from the abyss of the vast ocean.

4. #4Terra: Biologyconstantselective

   Keys: Biology, Fauna, Life on Terra, Terra

   Fauna

   The fauna of Terra have notable stark differences to our world in which they possess chimeric traits. As differentiation with the animal-like Terrans, most of them have the suffix "beast". Some of the notable Terran fauna are:

   Large gastropods known as "Originium slugs"
   Large bear-like carnivores known as "Manglerbeasts"
   Crustacean "metal crabs" and "gloompincers"
   Badger-like "sand beasts"
   Arachnid "rock spiders"
   Slumberfoots: Tapir-like animals living around the deserts that could cause soporific effect on nearby organisms through their digestive glands.[6]
   Needleflies: Giant arthropods resembling scorpions and dragonfly nymphs. They have the ability to ambush in sand and attack their prey with their stingers.
   Goat-like leporibeasts and mossback beast
   Cloudbeasts: Cat-like mammals with horns of a goat. They are noted to be domesticated as pets.
   Beckbeast: Mammals resembling a mix of a dog and a mole that is widely used as police dogs.
   Sandbeast: Rodents who lives in deserts.
   Musbeast: Squirrel-like rodents with feathers. Originally from Sargon, they are adopted by the Terrans as pets but have recently become city pests that destroy infrastructures caused by abandoned pets.
   

   Terra also have umbrella terms for animals acting as analogues of Earth animals but with various traits:

   Burdenbeasts: "Burdenbeast" is an umbrella term for any animal used as a beast of burden by the Terrans. They are usually large, omnivorous animals —generally 210–240 cm tall in compassion of an average adult Terran— resembling rhinoceroses in Earth, but some species also have the characteristics of a tapir and the extinct Ceratopsians. They have flat horns in front of their noses, similar to a Megacerops, which is used to dig out roots and tubers from the soil. Their general lack of flexibility is compensated by their thick fur or skin, which allows them to withstand most small/medium-sized predators. Even the skin inside their mouths is thick enough for them to safely bypass the defense mechanisms of many plants (i.e. the spikes of a cactus). Although burdenbeasts are omnivores, their diet mostly consists of plants and cacti. Their feces vary in shape depending on the food they eat, and are used as both territory marks and fertilizer.
   Clawbeast: An umbrella term for any wild animal with sharp claws. One of them, the chitotex clawbeasts, are Glyptodonts-like animals with turtle shells. Another kind of clawbeasts, the arma-clawbeast, are carnivores with social structures that burrow underground and build their nests around Originium veins.
   Fowlbeast: Avians. There are many kinds of fowlbeasts inhabiting Terra with some having unique traits. The stinkfowl are raven-like birds with dazzling silver and black feathers that has the ability to secrete stinky fluid onto their enemies.[10] Another kind of fowls in Rim Billiton could fly up to 4,000 above sea level, and in a particular site, some of them evolved into giant flightless bird with robust speed after they were abandoned by their migratory ancestors.
   Cystybeast: Dairy animals (e.g. cows). The milk they produced is usually called "cystymilk."
   Tuskbeast: Large carnivorous animals
   Fangbeast: Carnivorous animals
   Vesperwing: Bats
   Gnawbeast: Rats, rodents
   Scalebass/Fins: Fishes
   Shells: Crustaceans and shellfishes
   

5. #5Terra: Civilizationconstantselective

   Keys: , Civilization, Politics, Nation States, Science and Technology, Warfare, Astronomy, Culture, Originium, Oripathy, Starpod, Predecessors, Nomadic Cities · Secondary: Teekaz, Twin Moons, Ancients, Elders, Sargon, Victoria, Leithanien, Laterano, Ursus, Yan, Higashi, Columbia, Sami, Iberia, Gaul, War of the Four Nations, Profound Silence, Terran Heartland, Kazimierz, Bolívar, Minos, Rim Billiton, Seaborn, Collapsals, Legati, Rhodes Island, AI Robots, Landships, Originium Firearms, Sankta, Blacksteel, Kristen Wright, Zobedie Nebula, Spring Festival, Victorian Culture, Gregorian Calendar

   Civilization Politics and Culture of Terra in Arknights

   Civilization on Terra a planet of relentless Catastrophes and originium driven progress unfolds as a saga of resilience born from the ashes of a lost golden age. Approximately thirteen thousand years ago Terra then a nascent world inhabited by the ethereal Teekaz was transformed by the Predecessors an advanced possibly extraterrestrial civilization whose mastery of planetary engineering hyperspace travel and terraforming reshaped the barren orb into a vibrant biosphere. Their crowning achievements included the construction of one of Terras Twin Moons an artificial satellite of enigmatic purpose and the Barrier or Starpod a tropospheric dome sealing the planet from cosmic exploration. This precursor epoch left towering spires subterranean vaults and originium infused relics but ended abruptly in a cosmic calamity speculated to be a dimensional rift stellar incursion or plague that erased the Predecessors leaving no memories only ruins. From this void emerged the Ancients animal like Terrans such as Cautus and Felines and the Elders mythical races like Sankta and Draco who wove new civilizations from fragmented technologies and nascent originium arts. These early societies tribal and nomadic laid the foundations for Terras modern nations their cultures shaped by survival against Catastrophes and the creeping threat of Oripathy the crystalline disease born of originium exposure.

   Political Structures and Geopolitical Dynamics

   Terras political landscape is a fractured mosaic of monarchies oligarchies and theocratic enclaves rooted in ancient traditions and hardened by territorial ambitions. The Sargonian monarchical system established in the dawn of the common era by pharaoh like rulers in Sargons dune seas set a precedent for centralized power adopted by many Terran nations. Victoria with its lion maned Aslan nobility evolved this into a feudal empire of dukes and barons centered in the nomadic megacity of Londinium where parliamentary intrigues mask royal decrees. Leithanien blends arcane oligarchy with baroque monarchy its witch kings and alchemical councils ruling from drifting academies over enchanted forests. Laterano a theocratic republic governed by Sankta notaries enforces divine law through haloed legates its nomadic basilicas radiating spiritual and martial authority. Ursus a tsarist autocracy forged in frozen tundras wields militaristic might from lumbering fortresses its emperors crushing dissent in originium rich mines. These systems contrast with Samis decentralized shamanic tribes who commune with auroral spirits in icebound councils and Yans bureaucratic empire where draconic mandarins balance chi infused governance with imperial edicts from pagoda topped city ships.

   Higashi adopted Yans meritocratic feudalism evolving it into a shogunate where samurai clans and oni magistrates uphold honor codes amidst fungal groves. Columbia the sole federal republic brands itself democratic but its presidency is swayed by corporate giants like Rhine Lab and Blacksteel Worldwide their skyscraper clad cities like Siesta pulsing with surveillance and ambition. True democracy remains elusive across Terra as even Columbias elections lack transparency serving oligarchic interests over the masses. The geopolitical stage mirrors Earths pre World War I era with empires like Victoria and Ursus expanding unchecked clashing in proxy wars and territorial grabs. The War of the Four Nations from 1029 to 1031 a brutal conflict pitting Victoria Gaul Leithanien and Ursus saw Gauls annihilation leaving a power vacuum that Ursus filled with aggressive expansion. The Profound Silence of 1038 a tsunami driven Catastrophe crippled Iberia shifting heartland dynamics further.

   Amid this turmoil peacekeeping efforts persist. Lateranos Legati diplomatic envoys armed with sanctified firearms mediate disputes while NGOs like Rhodes Island a pharmaceutical ark for the Oripathy infected broker ceasefires and aid marginalized communities. These efforts struggle against internal strife rebellions like the Reunion Movements infected uprisings and external threats ignored by insular nations. The Seaborn an abyssal hive mind rising from southern oceans and the Collapsals eldritch entities from the northern Infy Icefield loom as existential dangers yet receive scant attention as nations grapple with borders and resources.

   Nation States and the Terran Heartland

   Terras nation states are cultural amalgams blending Earthly parallels with fantastical twists their borders fluid as nomadic cities traverse Catastrophe scarred landscapes. The Terran heartland traditionally Victoria Gaul Leithanien Iberia and Laterano represents the geopolitical core defined by fertile central lands and historical dominance. Victoria evokes British imperialism with gothic spires and tea rituals its nomadic capital Londinium a steel behemoth of class divides and revolutionary whispers. Leithanien merges Germanic and arcane aesthetics its mobile academies weaving arts and intrigue across misty moors. Iberia once a maritime power akin to Spain now reels from the Profound Silences floods its sunken ports guarded by seaborn wary survivors. Laterano a Vatican like theocracy radiates Sankta piety its basilicas drifting on sanctified treads. Gauls fall in 1031 left a void Ursus swiftly filled its bear like tsars dominating tundras and mines with iron fisted zeal.

   Beyond the traditional heartland Kazimierz a knightly realm of Polish inspired chivalry hosts jousting coliseums on golden plains its corporate knights vying for glory. Yan an ancient empire of Chinese draconic heritage governs from jade clad city ships its poetry and chi arts shaping a stoic yet expansionist ethos. Columbia a federation of American flavored city states pushes into heartland politics with economic clout and military drones its neon lit Siesta masking corporate espionage. Sargon blends Mesoamerican pyramids and Middle Eastern nomadism its desert tribes and pharaohs trading spices and relics across dune seas. Sami a northern wilderness of auroral mysticism unites shamanic tribes in yurts circling hot springs their rites warding off Collapsal incursions. Ursus militaristic sprawl and Bolívars revolutionary highlands further diversify the geopolitical tapestry the latter channeling Andean guerilla spirit against colonial remnants. Higashi a Japanese inspired shogunate of samurai and oni thrives in fungal groves while Minos a Minoan labyrinth of bovine citadels guards Aegean like isles. Rim Billiton a resource stripped frontier fuels industrial powers with coal and originium its rigs rolling through dust choked wastes.

   Science and Technology in a Post Precursor Era

   Terras technological landscape a blend of ingenuity and regression reflects the cataclysmic loss of precursor knowledge. The Predecessors left marvels like the Starpod anti gravity platforms and originium reactors but their erasure left modern Terrans to rediscover arts driven engineering. Current technology parallels Earths late 20th century with advancements in AI controlled robots unmanned aerial and ground vehicles and colossal nomadic cities powered by originium fusion. These cities like Lungmens neon clad sprawl or Londiniums steam driven bulk roam to evade Catastrophes their treads and anti grav cushions marvels of mobility. Steam powered power armors worn by Victorian knights and Ursus shock troops amplify melee combat blending industrial might with feudal aesthetics.

   Yet critical gaps persist. Shipbuilding lags due to Seaborn threats in southern oceans limiting nautical exploration to Aegir submersibles and Iberian buoyed platforms. High altitude flight is impossible as the Starpod at six thousand one hundred fifty two point three one meters disrupts aerodynamics and navigation. Terras unique geological makeup lacks Earths chemical compounds like sulfur for gunpowder relying instead on originium for explosives and arts based firearms. Originium a double edged mineral powers everything from medical scanners to city reactors but its volatility and Oripathy risk constrain its use. Rhine Labs breakthrough in 1099 when Kristen Wright breached the Starpod opened new avenues for aerospace research revealing glimpses of the Zobedie Nebula and sparking debates on cosmic exploration though most Terrans remain grounded by practical needs and Catastrophe fears.

   Warfare and Originium Driven Combat

   Terran warfare fuses archaic and arcane with cold weapons dominating battlefields alongside originium enhanced technologies. Swords spears shields and crossbows crafted with precursor alloys or volcanic glass remain staples wielded by knights in Kazimierz or samurai in Higashi. Gigantic military landships mobile fortresses akin to naval dreadnoughts rumble across steppes and deserts their originium cannons unleashing devastating barrages. These behemoths like Ursus Iron Fortress or Victorias Crown Sentinel serve as command hubs and siege engines their treads crushing terrain reshaped by Catastrophes.

   Firearms though revolutionary are rare and originium dependent functioning as arts amplifiers rather than chemical weapons. Sankta excel in patron firearms rifles and pistols that channel their haloed arts firing originium projectiles with preternatural precision as seen in operators like Exusiai. Non Sankta firearms reverse engineered by groups like Blacksteel are costly and less effective their arts mechanisms clunky compared to Sankta designs. Explosives also rely on originium compounds volatile yet powerful used in grenades and mines by operators like Frostleaf. This scarcity elevates melee prowess with races like Ursus and Forte leveraging brute strength and Lupo and Felines relying on agility. The interplay of traditional and arts based warfare creates a dynamic battlefield where strategy hinges on terrain mobility and originium mastery.

   Astronomy and the Starpods Veil

   Terras astronomical pursuits are stunted by the Starpod a precursor barrier that cloaks the sky distorting starlight and blocking orbital access. This celestial cage renders traditional astronomy nearly impossible as constellations shimmer unreliably through the Barriers haze. Iberian sailors once reliant on celestial navigation abandoned it for Aegir derived technologies like lighthouses and sonar buoys their coastal routes marked by bioluminescent signals. Sami shamans interpret auroral patterns as spiritual omens not scientific data while Yanese astrologers divine chi flows from lunar phases bypassing stellar charts. Columbian scientist Stephensons dismissal of high altitude exploration reflects Terras pragmatic disinterest in the cosmos grounded by immediate survival needs.

   The 1099 breach by Kristen Wright of Rhine Lab a historic puncture of the Starpod via experimental arts propulsion marked a turning point. The resulting aperture allowed fleeting observations of the Zobedie Nebula and distant Talos igniting scientific curiosity. Researchers now study the Twin Moons one natural one artificial for clues to precursor intents while the looming black hole in the nebula fuels apocalyptic theories. Yet astronomical progress remains nascent as Catastrophes and Oripathy divert resources leaving the stars a distant dream.

   Cultural Tapestry and Earthly Echoes

   Terras cultures weave a vibrant mosaic echoing Earths traditions while rooted in its unique racial and environmental dynamics. Yan celebrates Chinese inspired Spring Festivals with dragon dances and ancestral altars its poetry and idioms shaping philosophical discourse. Victoria channels British sensibilities with tea ceremonies gothic literature and rigid social hierarchies its cultural dominance spreading through colonial legacies. Columbia mirrors American pop culture with neon lit arcades reality shows and corporate driven individualism its Siestan fiestas blending freedom with surveillance. Higashis samurai codes and comic traditions evoke Japan while Samis auroral rites and Ursus militaristic ballets reflect Nordic and Russian influences. Iberias maritime festivals once vibrant now wane post Profound Silence their seaborn haunted shores hosting solemn vigils. Lateranos Christmas like festivals and Sauin Halloween analogs blend piety with universal revelry while Minos labyrinthine rites echo Minoan mysticism.

   Victorian culture reigns supreme its literature fashion and etiquette permeating heartland nations a legacy of Gauls fallen dominance. Yanese poetry Ursus vodka toasts and Higashi manga remain influential but face erosion from political upheavals and Catastrophe driven displacement. Rhodes Island fosters a syncretic culture uniting races in shared struggle against Oripathy its operators celebrating diverse traditions from Cautus carrot feasts to Draco fire dances. Terras dating system mirrors the Gregorian calendar with years counted from an unspecified epoch the Main Theme spanning 1096 to 1098 a testament to structured timekeeping amid chaotic existence. This cultural richness tempered by survival and stigma binds Terrans in a shared narrative of resilience and reinvention.

   Societal Challenges and the Unseen Threats

   Terras societies grapple with internal and external pressures that threaten their fragile order. Oripathy the crystalline plague infects millions stigmatizing victims and fueling movements like Reunion which demand equity through rebellion. Nomadic cities while engineering marvels strain resources as populations swell requiring constant migration to evade Catastrophes. The heartlands political rivalries spark proxy wars and espionage with Columbias economic incursions clashing against Ursus militarism and Victorias imperial pride. Beyond these the Seaborn evolve in southern oceans their adaptive hive mind breaching coasts with biomechanical horrors as seen in Iberias struggles. The northern Collapsals spectral entities tied to the Infy Icefields crater emerge during Catastrophes their origins possibly linked to precursor rifts or demonic arts wielded by Sarkaz exiles.

   Rhodes Island stands as a beacon navigating these challenges its medical and tactical expertise uniting races against disease and chaos. Yet even its efforts strain against the tide of geopolitical neglect as nations ignore the great beyond the uncharted deserts icefields and oceans where precursor secrets and cosmic threats lurk. Terras civilization a testament to endurance teeters on the edge of collapse or transcendence its future hinging on whether its peoples can unite against the unseen or succumb to their own divisions.

6. #6|----------RACES----------|selective

   Keys: Races of Terra, Race, Races, Anthropology, Originium, Oripathy, Cultures, Societies, Terrans · Secondary: Alterra, Aegir, Anura, Aslan, Caprinae, Castus, Cautus, Cervus, Corroseros, Cureci, Darling, Demon, Draco, Durin, Elyvian, Felines, Liberi, Lupo, Perro, Pyroclast, Reptilia, Sankta, Sarcophaga, Saurian, Ursus, Vouivre, Yan, Yueba

   Terrans Overview and Anthropological Depth in Arknights

   Terrans the sapient inhabitants of Terra form a vibrant mosaic of races distinct from Earths Homo sapiens yet sharing fundamental biological principles such as bipedalism cognition and viviparity. Unlike Earth humans most Terrans exhibit physical traits drawn from animals mythical creatures or supernatural entities ranging from subtle anthropomorphic features to pronounced bestial characteristics. These traits manifest across a spectrum of humanoid kemonomimi like forms with animal ears tails or other appendages and occasionally more bestial morphologies that retain sapient intellect and bipedal posture. This diversity stems from Terras ancient terraforming by a precursor civilization which seeded the planet with genetic templates blending terrestrial and fantastical biologies. The pervasive influence of Originium a crystalline mineral fueling both technological marvels and the deadly Oripathy disease further shapes Terran physiology often amplifying racial traits through exposure or mutation.

   Humanoid Terrans constitute the majority resembling Earth humans in stature and facial structure but distinguished by animalistic features specific to their race. Common traits include bestial ears such as the upright rabbit ears of Cautus or the tufted feline ears of Felines and non prehensile tails like the bushy tails of Lupo or the sleek tails of Felines though some races like Aegir or Sankta may lack these in favor of fins halos or other markers. Additional features vary widely horns for Caprinae feathers for Liberi scales for Reptilia or bioluminescent markings for Aegir. These traits often confer functional advantages enhanced hearing in Cautus agility in Felines or aquatic prowess in Aegir. Some humanoid Terrans deviate from this pattern possessing rounded or pointed ears akin to Earth humans as seen in certain Alterra or Sankta while rare individuals exhibit dual ear sets bestial and human like with both pairs functional though lore remains silent on auditory mechanics possibly amplifying spatial awareness or sensitivity to frequencies. These kemonomimi like Terrans dominate urban centers like Lungmen and Londinium blending into cosmopolitan societies where their traits are both cultural identifiers and practical adaptations.

   Bestial Terrans though less common push anthropomorphism toward more animalistic forms while retaining sapience and bipedalism. These individuals such as certain Forte with bovine bulk or Saurian with dinosaur like robustness resemble anthropomorphic animals with pronounced fur scales or skeletal structures. Their appearance aligns with Earths furry archetype though in Terra they are simply part of the racial continuum not a distinct subculture. Bestial Terrans often hail from rugged regions like Sargons deserts or Ursus tundras where their robust physiques suit harsh environments. The case of the Rat King a bestial Perro with rodent like features and his humanoid daughter Lin Yuhsia illustrates that lineage does not strictly dictate humanoid versus bestial expression suggesting genetic or environmental factors influence phenotype within races.

   Reproduction among Terrans mirrors Homo sapiens viviparity with all races giving birth to live young regardless of their animal inspirations even those tied to oviparous creatures like Reptilia or Liberi. Gestation periods and reproductive biology appear consistent across races though specific details are sparse in lore. Interracial unions are commonplace especially in melting pots like Lungmen or Columbia where diverse races coexist. In same race pairings such as two Forte the offspring reliably inherit the parents race with minor variations in trait expression. In mixed race pairings such as a Savra and a Forte the child typically inherits the racial traits of one parent though canon does not explicitly favor paternal inheritance as a rule. A notable exception is the Sankta Sarkaz pairing which produces hybrids exhibiting traits of both races such as Mostima who bears a Sankta halo and Sarkaz horns albeit with altered properties like a darkened halo reflecting her mixed heritage. Since the Aslanian Conquest a historical period of Victorian expansion under Aslan rulers racial purity has emerged as a political ideal among elite classes particularly in Victoria and Leithanien where noble houses like the SilverAsh clan prioritize lineage to maintain power. This has led to stigmatization of mixed race individuals in certain circles though broader society especially among the infected embraces diversity as a survival necessity.

   Terran lifespans vary significantly by race and environmental factors with Oripathy drastically reducing longevity across the board. Excluding those afflicted by the disease which crystallizes flesh and organs leading to premature death a healthy Terran might average 120 to 150 years with races like Alterra Cautus or Felines falling within this range. Races with supernatural or robust physiologies such as Teekaz ethereal beings with near spectral forms or Corroseros with draconic durability often exceed this averaging 200 years or more. Certain individuals achieve extreme longevity through arts originium enhancements or other means as seen with Kaltsit an Alterra whose apparent immortality hints at precursor technology or ancient pacts. Claims of a Savra named Padishah Ibn Erhan reaching 230 years lack direct canon support but align with the reptilian Savra races potential for extended lifespans due to their cold blooded metabolism and regenerative traits. Immortality remains rare typically tied to Feranmut elder god like entities or anomalous arts as with characters like Skadi whose Aegir physiology defies aging norms.

   The term human is sparingly used in Terra replaced by Terran to encompass all sapient races with race specific names like Cautus or Sankta used in technical medical or cultural contexts particularly by Rhodes Island for Oripathy research. This reflects Terras lack of a singular human archetype instead embracing a pluralistic identity shaped by racial diversity and shared struggles against Catastrophes and disease. Below is a detailed breakdown of select Terran races expanding on their physiological cultural and societal roles to enrich the anthropological tapestry.

   Alterra the baseline race mirrors Earth humans without overt animal traits serving as scientists leaders and civilians across Terra. Their lack of distinct features makes them versatile found in Rhodes Islands command structure like the Doctor or Kaltsit and in urban hubs like Londinium. Physiologically unremarkable they are susceptible to Oripathy but excel in intellectual pursuits and arts mastery.

   Aegir adapted to deep sea environments boast fins gills and bioluminescent skin thriving in abyssal cities like those of the Aegir nation. Their isolationist culture reveres technological innovation crafting submersible drones and originium amplifiers. Operators like Skadi and Specter showcase their superhuman strength and resilience often tinged with seaborn mutations that hint at deeper evolutionary ties to Terras oceans.

   Anura frog like Terrans with webbed feet and toxin secreting skin inhabit humid bayous and wetlands like those near Siesta. Their shamanic traditions involve brewing paralytic elixirs and performing leaping rituals symbolizing renewal. Operators like Pramanix blend Anura agility with spiritual arts leading clans in ceremonial dances.

   Aslan lion maned nobles dominate Victorias aristocracy their golden fur and regal bearing tied to knightly orders and political intrigues. Their strength and charisma make them natural leaders as seen in Flamebringer though their pride fuels conflicts with emerging democratic factions.

   Caprinae goat and sheep like Terrans with horns and woolly fur thrive in Kjerags alpine passes. Their hardy physique suits rugged terrains and their communal festivals weaving wool into sacred tapestries strengthen clan bonds. Operators like Carnelian wield earth arts reflecting their mountainous heritage.

   Castus rare angelic Terrans with wings and halo like auras are revered as healers in Laterano and Leithanien. Their light based arts mend wounds and purify Oripathy symptoms as seen in Fiammetta though their rarity makes them near mythical figures often cloistered in sanctuaries.

   Cautus rabbit like Terrans with long ears and agile frames populate Yans warrens and Columbias suburbs. Their heightened senses and rapid reproduction foster bustling merchant clans. Amiya a Cautus leads Rhodes Island blending empathy with potent arts a testament to their races versatility.

   Cervus deer like Terrans with antlers roam Samis tundras their graceful builds belying keen survival instincts. Their shamanic rites invoke forest spirits as seen in operators like Santalla who channel ice arts in auroral ceremonies.

   Corroseros draconic ancients with scales and fire breath inhabit volcanic regions like Sargons Ashen Plane. Their longevity and wisdom make them revered oracles though their reclusive nature limits their societal roles. Operators like Chen embody their fiery resolve.

   Cureci hedgehog like Terrans with spines dwell in Iberian dunes their defensive curling and nocturnal habits suiting coastal survival. Operators like Saria use calcifying arts to shield allies reflecting their races protective ethos.

   Darling fox like Terrans with multiple tails weave illusions in Lateranos shadows and Yans courts. Their cunning makes them adept spies and diplomats as seen in Le Fay whose magical arts manipulate perceptions.

   Demon Sarkaz with horns and infernal affinities roam Kazdels badlands their regenerative arts fueling warlord cults. Operators like Surtr wield devastating flames though their stigma as outcasts drives their militant defiance.

   Draco dragon like Terrans with elemental control guard Yans leylines their noble bearing evident in Chen and Talulah who channel fire and authority in equal measure.

   Durin bat like Terrans with echolocation navigate Ursine mines and cave networks their sonic arts mapping resources. Operators like Durin craft tools from cave crystals blending utility with subterranean lore.

   Elyvian angelic Terrans with light manipulation are Leithaniens arcane elite their radiant arts healing or destroying. Mostima a fallen Elyvian blends shadow and light in her complex identity.

   Felines cat like Terrans with nine lives lore prowl urban and wild spaces their agility suiting espionage and combat. SilverAsh and Projekt Red exemplify their independence and precision.

   Liberi bird like Terrans with wings soar as scouts and couriers their aerial dances mapping trade routes. Exusiai and Jaye blend flight with sharpshooting and survival instincts.

   Lupo wolf like Terrans form loyal packs in Ursus and Lungmen their hunting arts lethal in coordinated strikes. Texas and Lappland showcase their ferocity and clan bonds.

   Perro dog like Terrans with keen noses serve as trackers in Bolivar and Columbia their loyalty anchoring mercenary bands. Gummy and Cutter balance warmth with combat prowess.

   Pyroclast volcanic Terrans with heat resistant skin forge artifacts in Sargons lava fields their molten arts shaping legendary blades. Eyjafjalla channels volcanic power despite her frail frame.

   Reptilia lizard like Terrans with scales ambush in Higashis jungles their cold blooded patience yielding ninja tactics. Thorns blends poison arts with swift strikes.

   Sankta angelic Terrans with halos and staff arts uphold Lateranos theocracy their sanctified gunfire a divine mandate. Exusiai and Executor embody their zealous precision.

   Sarcophaga insect like Terrans with hive minds orchestrate swarm tactics in corporate hives their buzzing strategies overwhelming foes. Hellagur blends insect agility with veteran cunning.

   Saurian dinosaur like Terrans thunder through Foehn badlands their primal strength rallying raider tribes. Savage wields raw power in her hammer swings.

   Ursus bear like Terrans with immense strength dominate northern tundras their fur cloaks adorning tsarist courts. Zima and Gummy endure cold and combat with ursine resilience.

   Vouivre wyvern like Terrans with draconic horns patrol Yans frontiers their flight and strength guarding imperial borders. Chen and Dusk channel their soaring might.

   Yan panda like Terrans philosophize in bamboo groves their chi arts balancing bureaucracy with serenity. Nian and Dusk weave myth into their protective roles.

   Yueba horse like Terrans gallop Minos plains their nomadic riders herding labyrinthine flocks. Agalia blends speed with strategic foresight.

   Teekaz ethereal Terrans flit as spectral guides their formless essence aiding infected visions. Rarely seen they influence through subtle whispers in Oripathy dreams.

   Seaborn abyssal Terrans evolve in oceanic depths their hive mind adapting to surface threats. Gladiia and Specter hint at their mutable alien nature.

   Feranmut god like entities slumber in Terras core their avatars stirring in Catastrophes wake. Their rare interventions shape myths and destinies across races.

   Cultural and societal dynamics among Terrans reflect their racial diversity with each race carving unique niches in Terras nomadic tapestry. Urban centers like Lungmen blend Cautus Lupo and Draco in vibrant markets while rural clans like Kjerags Caprinae uphold ancestral rites. Oripathy unites races in shared stigma fostering Rhodes Islands inclusive ethos where operators from all backgrounds collaborate against Catastrophes and disease. Political tensions particularly in Victoria and Leithanien exacerbate racial divides with purity doctrines clashing against the melting pot realities of modern Terra. Yet festivals like Lungmens dragon boat races or Kjerags wool weaves celebrate interracial harmony proving Terrans resilience in forging unity amid diversity.

7. #7Predecessorselective

   Keys: "Prehistoric Civilization", Predecessor, "Civilization"

   Members of the Predecessors appear exactly identical to original humans, but whether this also extends to physical capability and lifespan.

   The Predecessors are actually alien to Terra, possibly a Type-III space-faring civilization based on the Kardashev scale, who arrived in the planet over 13,000 years before the events of Arknights take place, bringing animals that would evolve into Ancients and Elders with them. They displaced the Teekaz as Terra's sole inhabitants and built an advanced civilization over the course of millennia since their arrival.

   Some 13,000 years ago, the majority of the Predecessors were wiped out by a "threat from above" — implied to be the Observers, and for unknown reasons, they shielded Terra's troposphere with the Starpod. The Predecessor survivors constructed the "Stargates" to reconnect with other planets, but this went haywire as they unleashed the Collapsals onto Terra. The Predecessors also carried out the "Preserver Project" as a contingency plan to ensure the Predecessors' survival with Trevor Friston as one of the volunteers. Two Predecessor survivors, Priestess and "Oracle", created Originium as the only feasible way to ensure the Predecessors' continuity by having them transcend into the Assimilated Universe, despite the substance later becoming the ever-present bane of the Terrans.

   By the time of Arknights, the Predecessors are all but extinct, at least in Terra, since only the Oracle, now known as the "Doctor", who remained; the slumbering Predecessor survivors part of the Preserver Project had their Sarcophagi's power drained, preventing them from ever being awakened; Priestess is implied to have died (albeit her consciousness lingers within the Assimilated Universe); and Trevor Friston had become a Preserver.

   Although all but few of the current Terrans had no knowledge regarding the Predecessors whatsoever, their legacy nonetheless shaped the Terrans in the millennia to come. The only ones who were aware of the Predecessors' existence are the Aegirians and very few rare individuals. Predecessors' lost are so advanced technologies to the point that they are a completely alien civilization when compared with the rest of the Terrans.

8. #8-----Natives-----selective

   Keys: elf, native races, elves, Natives, native race, Feranmut

   Terra has been inhabited by several sapient races long before the advent of the Ancients and Elders The history of Terra stretches back thousands of years into an age where the world was wild untamed and filled with mysteries far beyond the comprehension of modern civilizations Among the earliest known inhabitants were the diverse native races indigenous peoples whose tribes and clans lived in deep harmony with the environment Their relationship with the land was symbiotic marked by profound respect for the natural order of existence These native groups varied greatly in language culture and societal structure yet all shared a spiritual connection to Terra itself Their oral histories tell of times when the land was young and the skies were ruled by ancient celestial beings whose energies shaped everything In parallel with the native peoples were the Feranmut an enigmatic people cloaked in mystery and myth Their origins are often debated among scholars but it is universally accepted that they possessed knowledge and powers far exceeding those of most other races The Feranmut were believed to communicate with the deepest forces of nature using rites and magic unknown to others Their presence in Terra’s forests mountains and rivers served as a living link to the world’s untapped spiritual energies The elves are another significant ancient race whose legacy permeates Terra’s legends Their long lifespan allowed them to become great custodians of magic and wisdom fostering arts sciences and philosophies that would influence all sentient beings on the planet These graceful and often reclusive beings are described as having an intrinsic connection to the ethereal realms and the flow of the world’s lifeforce Through centuries of observation and contemplation the elves developed profound insights into the balance of power within the natural and supernatural realms Their cities rare and majestic were often concealed within enchanted groves or hidden away in the highest mountain peaks The interactions between these races before the rise of the Ancients define much of Terra’s early political social and spiritual history Conflicts arose over resources territorial boundaries and differing beliefs yet there were also numerous alliances forged through trade marriage and mutual respect These relationships formed a complex web of diplomacy that shaped the way societies evolved and interacted with the world around them Before the Ancients appeared there was also a delicate equilibrium maintained through the wisdom of the Elders who embodied the collective memory and traditions of these peoples The Elders were revered as custodians of ancient knowledge serving as guides and mediators in times of crisis Their counsel helped prevent the destruction of fragile ecosystems and upheld laws that honored the sanctity of all life On the dawn of the Ancients the world of Terra underwent monumental changes These beings of unknown origin brought with them technologies and systems that transformed the landscape economically politically and culturally However their coming also disrupted the natural rhythms established by the native peoples Feranmut and elves who saw their ways of life threatened or forever altered The stories of resistance adaptation and sometimes tragic assimilation during this era are told in many tongues among the descendants of these races Today Terra remains a world where the echoes of these ancient inhabitants reverberate through the mountains forests and cities The descendants of the natives continue to honor the old ways blending them with new customs The Feranmut legacy survives in secretive cults and hidden enclaves maintaining fragile connections to the primal forces And the elves still walk quiet paths guarding arcane knowledge while watching the march of history unfold The lore of Terra is layered and textured a tapestry woven from the lives struggles and triumphs of all these peoples their memories carved into the very soul of the planet serving as a reminder of a time when the world was young and brimming with endless possibility

9. #9Elfselective

   Keys: Elf, elves, natives

   The Elves singular Elf are a unique and ancient race inhabiting the world of Terra Their existence predates much of the modern history of the planet and stems deeply from the lineage of the Feranmut a mysterious and powerful people who shaped much of Terra’s early civilizations The Elves are renowned for their distinct physical traits that set them apart from other races such as the Durins Among these traits are their notably long pointed ears and their taller more graceful stature which immediately signal their ancient heritage compared to the more robust Durins However it is the Elvish longevity that has fascinated scholars and common folk alike The Elves possess lifespans that far exceed those of most other races and many individuals among them can maintain the appearance of youth over several centuries This extraordinary lifespan is not merely biological but is also bound to their mystical essence and connection to nature Yet this gift of longevity is marred by one of their greatest vulnerabilities their extreme sensitivity to Originium and the affliction known as Oripathy Originium a rare crystalline mineral with profound destructive and magical properties has become widespread due to the industrialization of Terra but poses a lethal threat to the Elves When exposed to Originium the Elven physiology reacts in a devastating way causing Oripathy to progress rapidly within them and their lifespan can be cut down to a mere few weeks or less This vulnerability effectively precludes them from using Originium Arts a form of supernatural power common to many Terran races who utilize Originium as a source of magical energy The Elves’ incapacity to harness Originium Arts is intrinsically linked to their origin story They are the direct descendants of a particular group of Feranmut who created them purposefully to serve as guardians over the ruins and relics left behind by the enigmatic Predecessors a long-lost advanced civilization whose technology and culture still intrigue the beings of Terra Today this origin explains why Elves carry supernatural traits that set them apart from other races including their inability to access Originium magic Instead they rely on innate magical abilities closely tied to the natural environment and the spiritual currents flowing through Terra These powers often manifest in ways that influence life growth and balance rather than destruction or exploitation In the modern era the Elves face existential threats as the spread of Originium pollution intensifies stemming from rapid industrial expansion within Terran civilization This pollution has ravaged the natural world and created hostile environments for the Elves due to their extreme sensitivity to the mineral As a result the Elves are now categorized as an endangered race their numbers dwindling and their culture at risk of extinction Many Elves have retreated into deep wilderness areas choosing hermit-like lives isolated from civilization seeking refuge where the air and earth remain untouched by Originium contamination Others take great risks dwelling in urban environments where they often live on the margins of society Nonetheless some Elven communities still thrive in isolated sanctuaries free from Originium pollution notable among these are the Sami Elves residing in the central Sami forests The Sami Elves’ culture revolves around their devotion to a massive sacred tree that exudes amber a substance they highly venerate as the source of their life force This tree embodies their spiritual and cultural essence and serves as a living symbol connecting them to the primal forces of Terra Due to their isolation from the outside world the Sami Elves have lost fluency in the common Terran language but communication with other races is maintained through extraordinary means such as telepathy which is practiced notably by the figure Muelsyse This psychic connection allows limited understanding and interaction preserving fragile ties between the Elves and the broader Terran societies The Elves’ profound bond with nature reflects deep-rooted cultural roles as protectors and guardians of the natural world Their image in folklore and mythology consistently portrays them as keepers of balance ensuring the integrity of the ecosystem and the sacred sites of Terra Their magical abilities align with this role emphasizing harmony renewal and preservation rather than domination Their heritage as descendants of the Feranmut incorporates a rich tapestry of ancient wisdom and purpose reminding all who encounter them that Terra’s past holds vital lessons for the future In summary the Elves of Terra are not simply an archaic race but a living link to the planet’s earliest epochs Their fragile presence amid a world irrevocably changed by industrial development stands testament to the enduring conflict between progress and preservation Their lore history and continued survival embody the delicate dance between mortality and immortality magic and science tradition and innovation woven into the very fabric of Terra’s evolving story

10. #10Feranmutselective

    Keys: Feranmut, natives

    The Feranmuts are a race of Terra

    The Sargonian scholars who coined the term "Feranmuts" describe these majestic "gods" and Their "prophets" as gigantic living creatures Whose characteristics are unfathomable to ordinary people. These entities have various physical characteristics which mimic the mythological creatures and deities in our world, ranging from humanoid to anthropomorphic. They wield unique powers completely unrelated to Originium Arts, and are completely immune to the influences of Originium, including Oripathy. Feranmuts are apparently biologically immortal, but can be killed or "shattered" into multiple fragments or avatars of varying personalities acting as their own "proxies" or "executors." A Feranmut's average lifespan spans tens of thousands of years. They can even allow Their mortal bodies to be destroyed while retaining Their spiritual consciousness.

    The Feranmuts' power are strongly associated with topography. As a matter of fact, many have the ability to perform terra-formation and weather control. However, Their supernatural ability depends on Their dwelling land as well as Their ages. Those that are too young would only limit Their domination in a certain region, whereas Those that are old enough could exert their power beyond Their dwellings.

    Aside from topographic alter, Feranmuts could bend the basic concepts of physics and time and create paradoxes. They are able to get rid of Their flesh but still retains Their physic form, or "transcended into spirits" in a mortal's sense. For example, in a special specimen from Kazdel stored inside the Victorian Royal Academy of Sciences, a Feranmut corpse specimen coded "OFAS-021" was able to withstand corrosive liquid for almost a month, but it suddenly turned into pieces of barren bones on the thirty-second day.

    Due to Their might, Feranmuts are often seen as deities or gods by the Terrans, although "living gods" would describe Them better. Nevertheless, Feranmuts do not have the concept of "domination" or "sovereign;" rather, They view the mortals as literal part of Their bodies dwelling upon Them.

    Origin Feranmuts are, along with the Sarkaz, the original inhabitants of Terra. Before the "arrival" of the Ancients and Elders, Teekaz tales regarding the Feranmuts were already wide-spread.

    To the Feranmuts Themselves, They narrated that They were born from the chaotic void who later "created" the soil and "gave order" to the sun and the moon. At one point in prehistoric era, They faced "an eye that broke the heavens," and They sacrificed Themselves to expel the "eye" out of the cost of countless casualties, resulting in Their dwindling number.

    Relationship with mortals For generations, humans fearfully worshipped Them due to their limited knowledge. But in Yan, the concept of "subjugation of gods" were already fermenting. Yanese scholars later uncovered a geographical region dubbed "Remains of the Gods" where they uncovered numerous Feranmut skeletons that nourished the place with many new-born lives. It was this moment that Yanese scholars realized Their mortal nature. Not only they no longer treated Them as sacred gods but "beasts of the soil", but also, they pioneered a prominent academic study regarding Them later known as "feranmutology." Their study reached to the climax during the Great Hunt of Yan where the mortals declared challenge against the gods, but the sole idea of expelling them was already a matter of discussion since years prior. In fact, a True Lung once used the Feranmuts' powers to control the winds and rains to quell the "Hundred Clan Rebellion." However, while this story was widely sung, truth was that the True Lung was unwilling to bind Yan's sovereignty to the Feranmuts, nor he wanted their power to cover the land for a long time. Subsequent dynasties of Yanese emperors would continue to summon talented people that could help unmasking the Feranmuts' "true colors."

    After the Great Hunt, the population of the Feranmuts furthered dwindle, which forced Them to hide Their identities.[10] The surviving Feranmuts have since been hibernating beneath the soil and mountains and stay away from the mortals' affair. Nevertheless, the scale of the Feranmuts' influence across Terra still persist ranging from religion, culture, to even technology. Some of Them are still worshipped in certain regions or live alongside humans, as in the cases of Kjerag and Sami. Certain fragments of the Feranmuts can merge with numerous relics, allowing mankind to harness Their power in weaponry; this is the source of power of many ancient Sarkaz swords and even modern staves.

    Outside of Yan, most of research about Them are achieved by Breogan the Aegir who ventured into an unhabitable Sargonian desert formed by unnaturally evaporated coral reefs. There, he observed several Feranmuts bearing resemblances with the Leviathans roaming around the barrenlands. Their presence was the cause of its hostile environment because normal life could not withstand Their presence as if the piece of land is a literal "living being," forcing Breogan's scouts to retreat immediately. Despite this, many Terrans, even Breogan himself, are still puzzled over the real nature of the Feranmuts.

11. #11-----Teekaz-----selective

    Keys: Sankta, Anasa, Durin, Oni, Race, Sarkaz, Teekaz

    Throughout millennia, the Teekaz have been Terra's most dominant race of the Terran planet where they call it their homeland.[6] But since the arrival of the Ancients and the Elders during the "Descending War" in 9,000 BCE, their domination came to an end as they became scattered across Terra and their lands being taken over by the "invaders," turning them into a diasporal race without a permenant settlement. To make matters worse, the Teekaz are not fully united as internal strife has caused an ultimate split of the race.

    Currently, only the Sarkaz continue to carry on the Teekaz's sorrowful legacy; such name was originally a derogatory collective term that refered to any non-Ancient and non-Elder races but was used to justify their vengeance as a rally cry. They deem rebuilding Kazdel — the "Promised Land" of the Teekaz — is the only way to "return to their roots." Whereas the Sankta, Anasa, Durins, and Oni, who originated from the Teekaz, have chosen different routes to rebuild their homeland.

12. #12Anasaselective

    Keys: Anasa, Teekaz, Race

    The Anasa (both singular and plural) are a race of Terra.

    Anasa have the traits of demigods in Hindu-Buddhist mythology which include asuras, rakshasas, and yakshas. Physically, Anasa have horns and tails similar to the Sarkaz as well as a dark halo behind their heads, somewhat similar to a fallen Sankta. Another unique trait of the Anasa is their powerful body strength.

    Similar to the Oni, the Anasa are a Teekaz offshoot that share a common ancestry with the Sarkaz. They and the Oni are believed to be the direct descendants of the tribes led by Qui'lon the "Errant Overlord" during his eastern migration thousands of years in order to search for a possible new land. After Quilon's death, These remaining tribes were separated from the rest of the Sarkaz diaspora due to geographical isolation and Catastrophes, and they gradually evolved to a different culture and physical traits. Even though generations later they have settled in northwestern Yan and even changed their race's name, they still retain their own culture, such as practicing the Sarkaz's "witchcraft" and living a nomadic life in the wilderness. Their common origin with the Sarkaz is even evident in their race's name which possesses an underlying meaning as "one without roots," a title given to the Sarkaz.

    Despite sharing a common ancestry with the Sarkaz, Anasa have a unique culture. Unlike the Sarkaz, who treat Oripathy as a curse, they gladly embrace it and even see it as divine oracles given by the heavens. Those with halos are called "Enlightened Ones," even though how to obtain it remains unclear. They also possess a philosophy regarding reincarnation in which death is just the rebirth of new life. Their practice and its philosophy along with the Oni’s will later give rise to their religious faith, a Terran version of Buddhism, that spread across the eastern region of Terra, allowing them to coexist with the non-Teekaz Terrans through their monks preaching to them. Some Anasan tribes also perform a coming-of-age ceremony when a healthy, strong one reaches sixteen by giving them specially-made weapons as an oath to protect the young and weak.

13. #13Durin (Race)selective

    Keys: Durin, Teekaz, Race

    The Durins are a race of Terra.

    Durins resemble dwarves in various mythologies. Their dwarvish traits can be noticed such as a pair of pointed ears and their stout, short stature that is estimated to be around 130 cm. Because of their appearance, they are often mistaken as people suffering from dwarfism due to genetic disease during childhood, and such viewpoint has evolved to become a pejorative rumor filled with racist arrogance and ignorance.

    The Durins have some unique cultures. They are natural heavy drinkers who love consuming large amounts of alcohol. As their innate instinct, Durins are highly sensitive to topographical and geological changes, making them excellent miners, geologists, and underground surveyors. They tend to have a simple, primitive, yet optimistic and open mindset which makes them a peaceful race seeking to coexist with others.

    All Durins hail from an underground world which is currently unexplored by the surface-dwellers. Each Durin settlement is a city-state possessing technologies that are far advanced than the surface-dwellers, ranging from giant domes that could replicate temperatures of the surface world, self-conscious automatons, to tiny yet complicated Arts devices. Cultures vary between the city-states, yet they can maintain their interaction. Despite their technological advancement, they are neither interested in interfering with the surface world's geopolitics nor making new scientific breakthroughs.

    Even though interaction between the Durins and surface-dwellers has lasted throughout human history as historical records or folklore, it is only the most recent centuries that many surface-dwellers collect more information from them thanks to an increase of interaction.[1] This is believed to begin from the construction of the first Durish lift that connects them to the surface in hope to mine upper Originium veins.[2] Many Durins claim that they only come to the surface just for fun and to mitigate frustration from the lack of exciting moments out of their homeland's utopic nature. On the other hand, surface scholars remain doubtful over such simplistic accounts, yet they cannot further investigate due to a lack of information.

    Durin-Sarkaz origin Similar to the Anasa and Oni, Durins share a common ancestry with the Sarkaz as a Teekaz offshoot. They are believed to be descended from a tribe following Dur'akham, a Teekaz who led his people to delve deeper into the underground to search for possible relics despite the Farchaser's warnings. A prophecy said that he would eventually fall victim to his wounds during the underground expedition, but his descendants and tribesmen continued his mission and never to be seen again. Over the course of history, they evolved independently due to geological isolation that earned their miniature status and the adaptation of their race's name as "Durin," though they have long forgotten their racial origin.

14. #14Oniselective

    Keys: Oni, Teekaz, Race

    As their name suggests, Oni have the traits of the titular ogre in Japanese mythology. They closely resemble the Sarkaz such as one or two horns on their foreheads, but they have a taller, bulkier, and muscular stature among both men and women. They are well-known for their rough nature due to their body strength which results in various stereotypes that they are barbaric, careless warriors.

    Similar to the Anasa, the Oni are a Teekaz offshoot who share a common ancestry with the Sarkaz. They and the Anasa are believed to be the direct descendants of the tribes led by Qui'lon the "Errant Overlord" during his eastern migration thousands of years in order to search for a possible new land. After Quilon's death, These remaining tribes were separated from the rest of the Sarkaz diaspora due to geographical isolation and Catastrophes, and they gradually evolved to a different culture and physical traits. Their culture is quite similar with the Anasa albeit with several differences such as their warrior culture. Nevertheless, Their practice and its philosophy along with the Anasa's will later give rise to their religious faith, a Terran version of Buddhism, that spread across the eastern region of Terra, allowing them to coexist with the non-Teekaz Terrans through their monks preaching to them.

    In the modern era, the majority of Oni are found in Higashi who has played a major role in its history. Historically, they were given the pejorative title the "Jinki" ("Humanoid Ogre") who preyed over the land of the far east since time immemorial while "waving their hundred banners like rivers," but they feared the name of the Higashinese goddess Asayo-Yoruakeru. Nevertheless, in the legend, Emperor Jingi finally subjugated thes Oni clans after a decade of conquest but showed mercy to them by converting them as people of Ko-Ashihara. The Oni's warrior culture also allows them to take control of much of Higashi's military. In fact, the shogunate of the Northern Court has its origin from the famous Oni shogun, Oniayame Shigekazu, who ousted the royals' power in the name of returning order back to the country and established the bakufu system in the year 400, though his subsequent passing fractured his shogunate which resulted in the Higashi North-South War.

15. #15Sanktaselective

    Keys: Sankta, Teekaz, Race

    The Sankta (both singular and plural) are a race of Terra.

    As the predominant race that has founded and resides in Laterano, Sankta are humanoids with halos above their heads and luminescent "wings" of varying shapes and sizes on their backs. These make them reminiscent of the angels in the Abrahamic religions of our world. The Sankta's halo is a physical object, preventing them from wearing any tall headwear that would cover it (e.g. conical party hats) although they can still wear most headwear as long as it is not too tall. Their halos and wings will diminish upon death, and diseases or birth defects could affect them.

    Sankta possesses several unique traits from other Terrans, such as their usage of firearms and their empathic trait. In fact, Sankta are famous for their strong faith in a religion established as the Lateran Church in which they follow the commandments provided by the Law. To a Sankta, they believe their unique traits are the blessings from the Law, and their halos and wings are honorary signs for these blessings.

    Patron firearms A patron firearm is, as its name suggests, a firearm (i.e., rifles, machine guns, submachine guns, shotguns) possessed by the Sankta which they keep for the rest of their lives owing to their culture. Historically, Sankta are the "discoverers" of firearms, a weapon that requires stable and precise channeling of Originium Arts upon Arts units etched on both the projectile and the bullets.[2] Sankta are born with well-attuned Arts talent to harness its complexity. In fact, many Sankta have a religious view on their firearms in which they believe their weapons are granted by the Law as the symbol of their faith and that their talents are a blessing from the Law. As such, elements of guns can be seen in Lateran decorations and statues of saints.

    A Sankta receive their first patron firearm at the age of twelve as a coming-of-age gift. Although there are no clear rules stating that it is compulsory, it is a cultural norm for them to own one or even more than one firearm throughout their lifetime.[4] Even then, the usage of their firearm comes with strict regulations. Especially in Laterano, they have to undergo systematic firearm training for four years. After finishing their secondary education, it is compulsory to pass a firearm permit test to legally own one, and they are required to frequently go to the Notarial Hall for permit renewal and firearm maintenance. Those who break the rules too often will have their firearms confiscated and be blacklisted for ownership forever. Upon death, the firearm will either be retrieved back by the Notarial Hall or will be handed to youngsters in the future.

    Empathy A Sankta's halo grants them a sixth sense called "empathy" which allows them to feel other Sankta's emotions when coming close to each other. This allows them to quickly understand the feelings of others and make responses in an intensive or sorrowful situation by showing their sympathy and understanding. Many presumptuously believe that their empathy is just merely "reading the room," but their empathy is more than that; it enables a Sankta to quickly respond to the emotion without wasting time in struggle with their inner self and accurately pinpoint the problem. In a descriptive way, their empathy is like a surgical loupe or a hearing aid that magnifies their physical capabilities.[6]

    The Sankta empathy does receive criticism from others. Many non-Sankta races could not comprehend a Sankta's emotion which results in a psychological barrier between the two even though this is usually unintentional; hence, making friends with Sankta can be very tough.[7] In the past, the establishment of the belief in the Law was seen as a deprive of personal freedom by many non-Sankta, but through their empathy that could enable nearly-perfect social stability, the Sankta could establish Laterano as a utopianistic paradise upon Terra which persist in the present days.

    Errari Errari or "Exile," medically called Non-Pathological Empathic Impairment, is a condition which could strongly affect their emotions and communication skills. It is predominantly found among Sankta who have left their community for a long period of time, causing them to be unable to withstand the sudden flow of emotion when learning the Sankta culture once again. Although this does not bring harm to the bodies, it makes the patients confused when trying to use their empathy sense, such as not being able to understand one's inner feelings.

    The Law The Law is an ancient supercomputer in the shape of a column/pillar with cubical constructs forming a halo above it which rests underneath the Lateran Basilica in Laterano, on the catacombs where the previous Popes and the Saints are interred.

    The Law physically bounds all Sankta under its rules and has the directive to preserve the Sankta's existence, which is the origin of Laterano's thirteen rights of citizenship. The first Sarkaz/Teekaz communities which interacted with the Law were "blessed" with Sankta abilities, such as emotional empathy via their haloes, and became the first Sankta although they were then considered traitors by the Sarkaz. Any Sankta who it decides has broken its Law will become "fallen".

    Only very few individuals have ever seen the Law in person (and thus aware of its true nature), one of which is Andoain who described it as an "undisputable existence that does not belong to Laterano and can neither be comprehended nor influenced by anyone."

    Trevor Friston the Preserver was already aware of the Law's true nature, thus it likely is a product of the "Predecessors". He described it as "a machine lacking in self-awareness" attempting to fulfill "a mission it cannot even understand".

    Sankta-Sarkaz origin Being forgotten in history, Sankta actually shares a common ancestry with the Sarkaz as one of the four different races of Teekaz along with the Oni, Anasa, and Durins. On the other hand, their shared origin results in their eternal conflicts against the Sarkaz. To a Sarkaz who could learn their history through their collective racial memory, the Sankta are viewed as "traitors" who choose to both ignore the eternal suffering of their sibling race and shed the blood of their brethren, and they continue to curse their betrayal to this day. On the other hand, the Sankta falsely presume the Sarkaz has ill intentions to destroy their holy city, and they are in fact accomplices in the worsening discrimination against the Sarkaz by non-Teekaz Terrans as they used their religious influence to portray them as irredeemable evil-doers.

    The origin of Sankta began from the first Saints of Laterano who were actually Sarkaz and their first contact with the Law in a suicidal mission. Millennia ago as the Teekaz civilizations collapsed by the invading alien Ancients and Elders, the Sarkaz desperately dug beneath the ground to search for relics that could turn the tide against the invaders. Like their ancestors facing the threats of the Silver Mountains, the excavation team met lethal threats from the defensive relics of the "Predecessors", which resulted in countless casualties in the process. The remaining survivors eventually reached the catacomb where the Law resides, but the moment of their first contact, these Sarkaz immediately received their Sankta traits that completely altered their biological traits as if their memories as Sarkaz were forever erased. These first Sankta later titled themselves as the first Saints of Laterano who founded the holy city, but the Sarkaz furiously condemned them for running away from their burdens which later resulted in the never-ending feud against the Sankta.

    To further worsen their relationship with the Sarkaz, the Sankta community and the Lateran regime as a whole have been intentionally rewriting their history and erasing any relics that could hint their Sarkaz origin. In some perspectives, such action is meant to protect themselves from the threats of the Ancients and Elders in the prehistoric past so that Laterano could be spared from bloodsheds and remain its neutrality, but on the other hand, it means they have to violently silencing dissidents which could often lead to potential diplomatic crisis. One such incident was the Kylian Excavation Scandal in 1042 when the Victorian archeologist Kylian Dougal excavated ancient santos of the first Saints that bore the faces of a Sarkaz and cubic faces resembling the Law which almost shook the very foundation of the Lateran faith, prompting Laterano to deploy violent means to silence his excavation team and destroy the santos.

    Because of their shared origin, a Sankta could also breed with a Sarkaz, and their child would still be accepted by the Law. Any Sankta who has a child with a member of another race will be guaranteed to have a non-Sankta offspring (e.g. the child of a Sankta-Forte couple will always be a Forte). But the child of a Sankta-Sarkaz couple can become a Sankta despite having a weaker halo.

16. #16Fallen Sanktaselective

    Keys: Fallen Sankta, Teekaz, Race

    A fallen Sankta (often nicknamed "fallen angel") is someone who has broken the Law. There are many ways to fall, but the most well-known is by using their patron firearm against another Sankta, regardless of whether it is fatal or not. Any fallen Sankta will no longer be treated as a true Sankta. The punishments of a fallen Sankta can include but are not limited to: 1.Having a dimmer or shattered halo and wings. 2.Regrowing their dormant Sarkaz traits (i.e., tail and horns). 3.Losing their ability to use their patron firearms, or being "rejected" by them in their words. 4.Losing their racial empathy capability.

    Fallen Sankta are still subjected to their national laws as well. They could be banished from their homeland or be placed under constant surveillance by an overseer. They must not reveal their status publicly within their homeland. At one point in the past, fallen Sankta were even persecuted as part of Laterano's intention to cover up such a secret. Thankfully, the current Pope Yvangelista XI is quite lenient with the fallen Sankta and even allows them to serve the government as long as their "crime" is not severe.

    What causes a Sankta to fall is determined by the Law without clear definitions. While the Popes make Commandments that are interpretations of the demands of the Law, the ultimate interpretation of whether or not a Sankta falls rests with the Law itself. One example of a difference between Commandment and Law is the Commandment that Sankta cannot shoot each other with their patron firearms. At one point, Andoain and Yvangelista XI actually shot each other with their guns, but they did not fall. It is implied that this is because the Law needs both of them to continue the existence of the Sankta.

17. #17Sarkazselective

    Keys: Sarkaz, Teekaz, Race

    The Sarkaz (both singular and plural) are a race of Terra.

    The term "Sarkaz" does not actually refer to a specific race; rather, it is a derogatory umbrella term for various humanoid races who are neither Ancients nor Elders with some among the first intelligent races to have ever walked on Terra. Originally being the natives of Terra calling themselves as "Teekaz," their dominance came to an end when the "Predecessors" from space colonized Terra and accidentally introduced both Originium and the Ancients and Elders upon the planet. With that came millennia-old conflicts between two races with different biological traits that eventually ended in the demise of the Teekaz civilizations, turning them into a homeless race scattered across Terra as a huge diaspora. Interestingly, the scatter of the Teekaz gave rise to four different races sharing a common ancestry with the Sarkaz: Sankta, Anasa, Oni, and Durins. but the Sarkaz view them, especially the Sankta, as "traitors" for betraying the Teekaz with an unglorified past.

    Sarkaz exhibit a wide range of physical traits depending on their tribes. The most commonly noticed traits are a pair of horns of varying shapes atop their heads, long, pointed ears, and tails of varying shapes such as having pointed ends or scales. However, there are some Sarkaz tribes lacking any of the aforementioned traits. While horns are common features among Sarkaz, horn-removal is also frequently practiced in order to conceal their identities; however, this is seen as an act of humiliation to some. Some Sarkaz might resemble a Caprinae, which resulted in frequent successful infiltrations of Caprinae spies into their community. Nevertheless, there are traits and culture that are especially unique to the Sarkaz: 1.Vulnerability to Oripathy: Sarkaz are the first Terran race that ever made contact with the oldest form of Originium, and this led to their ancestral racial curse: being the most vulnerable to Oripathy than other races, from which the first Infected originated from them. 2.Witchcrafts: Sarkaz's vulnerability to Oripathy is often seen as a bitter "blessing" that allows them to both enhance Originium Arts and resist their attack. Their long practices of Arts give rise to their "witchcrafts" or "cannibalism," a derogatory term that refers to these purest and most ancient forms of Arts sustained by bloodline. However, the consequences are far worse than the benefits. The Sarkaz Arts are often associated with death and wrath such as the harnessing of vengeance using the deceased's souls and their collective memory. 3.Elongated lifespan: Sarkaz are famous for having an elongated lifespan that can last up to centuries or even millennia. This is especially true to many pure-blooded Sarkaz such as those residing in the Sarkaz Royal Court which they take pride of it as the inheritors of the "blood of Teekaz." On the other hand, Oripathy drastically decreases their lifespan. 4.Common collective racial memory: While unlike the Sankta empathic trait, Sarkaz possess the capability to read their racial memories residing in their genes, especially those of the deceased. This is often perceived as the calling of their souls – for instance, they can easily sense the deaths of other Sarkaz in the blink of a second. 5.Esoteric traditions: Because of their never-ending suffering from Oripathy and social discriminations, Sarkaz possess a strong religious viewpoint regarding death more than other Terran races and firmly believe it is the only requiem from their worldly curse. Their mystic esoterism is well-known across Terra which influences the Terrans' religious beliefs such as the Sami Foldartals.

    Religion Sarkaz has a rich culture centering on their religious belief born from their understanding regarding death and their esoteric approach to their ways of lives. To a Sarkaz, there are two literal existing spiritual beings: the Revenants and the myriad souls of the deceased. Only through the power of the King of Sarkaz, or the Lord of Fiends, that the lamentation of these souls can be pacified.

    Myriad Souls To many, the souls of the dead might be fictional, but to a Sarkaz, it is something that is very real to them.

    The myriad souls are a collective consciousness of deceased Sarkaz from which their shared memory comes from. They are the "spirits" of the deceased that appear to be close to the concepts of Ruakh in Judaism and Ruh in Islam. Because of their acceptance of the first Originium and the summoning of the Amnannam, these spirits are forever trapped by the psychic bondage of Originium in the Assimilated Universe as cryptic information stored within which is best described as "an amber encasing lives and consciousness." Oftentimes, they are perceived by others as either figures of worship in ancestral veneration, cultural symbols among Sarkaz, or just simply another name for the Revenants, but many Sarkaz treat these spirits as a separate entity.

    The Sarkaz believe that every living being on Terra is just temporarily separated from the myriads of souls. Before being born, a young soul is part of that chaotic myriad of older souls, and giving birth is just temporarily separated from them. Only by death will they be reunited once again in the spiritual world.

    The dead souls are the source of the Sarkaz's vengeful nature and their bitterness against non-Teekaz Terrans. Even before being born, an innocent young Sarkaz already emerges with such a flow of emotion which slowly influences their mindset. As a result, freeing the myriads of souls from the bondage of Originium has been Theresa's long-term goal in order to free the Sarkaz from their eternal bitterness and have these innocent spirits to finally rest in peace. By doing so, future generations will no longer need to face the literal pressure from the deceased, and the memories of the dead spirits will only be preserved in religion and folklore

    Discrimination Since the fall of their civilizations that forcefully displaced them as the sole inhabitants of Terra, the Sarkaz are banished to the lowest class of Terran society in which they are treated as "sub-humans" by the Ancient and Elders. Such conflict resulted in centuries of dehumanization and discrimination against the Sarkaz. As a consequence, many quickly call them "demons" or "devils" as racial slurs against them. They are falsely pictured as harbingers of Oripathy and calamities as well as bloodthirsty, cannibalistic warmongers who often ignite wars even though many of these are the consequences of the Sarkaz' homelessness. Social discrimination and oppression against them are prevalent across Terra from exemption from social welfare, apartheid policies, exploitations upon them by using them as mercenary pawns in battlefields, to even inhumane experimentation upon them.

    To many Sarkaz, such discrimination is seen as inevitable due to their sin as the first Infected, eventually surrendering themselves to reality. Nonetheless, they embrace their stereotypes as a rallying cry for unity. Their endless suffering has left them deeply embittered and vengeful despite attempts by some to convince the Sarkaz to move on from the past, leading to the Victorian Crisis instigated by the ultra-nationalist Military Commission of Kazdel.

18. #18Sarkaz: Tribesselective

    Keys: Sarkaz Tribes, Teekaz, Race

    As mentioned above, Sarkaz are made up of various "tribes" of the Teekaz who are actually distinct races, which is evident from their differences in physical appearances and Arts capabilities. As a matter of fact, categorizing them as "subraces" is actually incorrect; "sister races"/"sibling races" would be more appropriate. In ancient times, there were more than a hundred different Teekaz tribes, but most of which went extinct throughout the course of history. Pure-blooded Sarkaz like those in the Sarkaz Royal Court are extremely rare in present days because there is mixing of bloodlines among the Sarkaz tribes. Tribes: 1.Vampire Sarkaz 2.Wendigo Sarkaz 3.Banshee Sarkaz 4.Gargoyle Sarkaz 5.Nachzehrer Sarkaz 6.Damazti Sarkaz 7.Diablo Sarkaz 8.Lich Sarkaz 9.Cyclops Sarkaz 10.Djall Sarkaz 11.Goliath Sarkaz

19. #19-----Terrans-----selective

    Keys: Races, elders, terrans, ancients

    Terrans

    The "Terrans" that most people understand refer to non-Teekaz humanoids known as Ancients and Elders with the additional properties of various animals who make up of the majority of the population. According to Sarkaz tradition, the Terrans are "aliens" arriving upon Terra during the "Descending War" between around 9,000 and 8,000 BCE when the Elder "Hegemons" brought along their slaves to annihilate the Teekaz civilizations, forcing the Farchaser, the first King of Sarkaz, to summon the Amnannam, the first Catastrophe in Terran history. Since the collapse of the Teekaz, these aliens quickly populated to form the own civilizations that led to the modern world.

    Trevor Friston the Preserver refers to the Terrans as "humanoid creatures/animals"; in fact, they are originally creatures from Talos-II that were accidentally introduced upon Terra by the Predecessors along with the first Originium. Over the course of time, said creatures gradually evolved to become more and more humanoid because of their assimilation with Originium that transformed them into the Predecessors' image.

20. #20---Ancients---selective

    Keys: Races, Vulpo, Phidia, Cerato, Aegir, Lupo, Pilosa, Ursus, Savra, Zalak, Aslan, Cautus, Anaty, Manticore, Vouivre, Forte, ancients, Archosauria, Petram, Kuranta, terrans, Perro, Anura, Feline, Reproba, Liberi, Elafia, Caprinae

    Ancients The Backbone of Terran Society

    The Ancients an umbrella term for Terran races with animal like traits form the majority of the planets population their high fertility and adaptability fueling Terras urban and rural sprawl. Unlike the Elders whose mythical traits grant supernatural prowess Ancients such as Cautus rabbits Felines cats Lupo wolves Perro dogs and Forte bovines possess modest physicality with lifespans averaging one hundred twenty to one hundred fifty years barring Oripathy. Their strength lies in rapid reproduction enabling clans like the Cautus to dominate Yans merchant warrens or the Perro to thrive in Columbias labor force. Physiologically weaker than Elders Ancients rely on numbers and versatility occupying middle and lower class roles as laborers artisans and soldiers across nations like Lungmen and Londinium.

    Despite their humble status some Ancients ascend to elite echelons through wealth arts mastery or political cunning. The SilverAsh clan Felines of Kjerag wield oligarchic power rivaling Elder nobility while Horn a Forte commands Victorian military units with strategic brilliance. These exceptions harness arts or physical prowess to match Elders supernatural abilities as seen in operators like Blaze whose feline agility channels explosive arts. Ancients cultural contributions are vast from Cautus harvest festivals to Lupo pack hunts their traditions grounding Terras diverse societies. Their prevalence ensures they shape the planets labor markets trade networks and revolutionary movements particularly among the Oripathy infected where groups like Reunion draw heavily from Ancient ranks.

21. #21Aegir (Race)selective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Aegir, ancients

    The Aegir or Ægir (both singular and plural) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    The term "Aegir" is an umbrella term that encompasses various races possessing traits of aquatic animals, i.e., fish, cetaceans, pinnipeds, cephalopods, crustaceans, cnidarians, and echinoderms. Various Aegir possess distinctive traits; some might possess more animalistic traits, i.e., tentacles and fish fins, while others are completely humanoid. Most Aegir are well-adapt to water, but not all of them could fully live an aquatic life. Breathing underwater is a unique trait of the Aegir race, yet not all of them possess such trait.

    Nevertheless, a common feature among the Aegir is their total reliance on water to maintain their skin moisture, which are higher than average land-dwellers. On the other hand, this means that Aegirs are highly susceptible to dehydration. Their respiratory systems are completely reliant on air moisture, and they have to supervise their skin moisture upon contacting wind and sunlight to prevent them from turning dry. If left untreated, they will face symptoms ranging from allergic reactions, chafing, seizures, to even life-threatening situations. As a matter of fact, land-dwelling Aegir have the habit of carrying special moisturizing creams and a small bottle of water. In some extreme cases, when an Aegir must travel through arid regions such as the Sargonian desert, they will carry distillation equipment to capture water during nighttime, a technique learnt from desert inhabitants.

    Aegir are a common Terran race that can be found in aquatic environments, from rivers, lakes, to coastlines. Among all land nations, Iberia and Higashi are known to have a significant Aegir population, known as the "Islanders" in the former and the "Koumin," "shark men" in Higashinese, in the latter. The Iberian Islanders are descended from technocrats following Breogan in 913 who ushered in the Golden Age of Iberia, but since the Profound Silence of 1038, there is an ongoing persecution against the Islanders due to the infiltration of the Church of the Deep. In contrast, the Higashinese Koumin arrived on land much earlier than the Islanders; in Higashinese legend, they were described as "sailors of the sacred black-jade ship" whose envoys "spoke sweetly" but possessed "scales as hard as shields" whose blades could cut the mountains into half. After centuries of war, these Koumin were subjugated by Emperor Jingi, and they were later incorporated into the Higashinese royal court as members of the Eight Families. In recent years, more and more Aegir are migrating towards inland countries like Columbia and Yan, many of whom serve as hydraulic engineers and river environmentalists.

    Place of origin All Aegir have their ancestry traced back to Aegir the nation, a mysterious underwater country lying beneath the Terran ocean. Modern anthropologists pinpoint that modern Aegir spread into the Terran continent in the opposite way.

    On the other hand, Aegir describes their ancestry differently. They described their ancestors as one of the "descended" Terran races who possessed more animalistic traits such as appendages resembling fins and tentacles and first settled in rivers and lakes.[4] Legend says that their ancestors received revelation to move to the ocean, so, a mass migration occurred among the Aegir tribes as they sailed along the rivers to reach the seas and dive into the ocean. Upon reaching the abyss, they uncovered ruins of the "Predecessors" lying at the seabed. These earliest Aegir began venerating them as a gift from god and utilized them to its finest, which led to the modern Aegiran nation that possesses a completely alien civilization such as high technologies.

    Originium is completely absent in the ocean, hence Oripathy is hardly observed among the Aegirans in the seas. On the other hand, blood tests show that Aegirians possess a miniature amount of Originium in their bodies which further prove their land origin. Nevertheless, while they need not fear the danger of Oripathy, Aegirans are more highly susceptible to be assimilated by the Seaborn, a kind of sea monsters from the Terran oceans, as they are the frontline fighting against their invasion. This can be achieved either through genetic modification, succumbing to the monsters' alluring influence on the mind, or being forcefully implanted with Seaborn cells.

22. #22Anatyselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Anaty, ancients

    The Anaties (singular: Anaty) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Anaties have the traits of musteloids (superfamily Musteloidea), i.e., otters, weasels, raccoons, and wolverines. Their musteloid traits can be noticed such as rounded ears and long, pointed tails being either slim or rounded and bushy, though not all Anaties have animal ears. They are a race that is commonly associated with the mountains because most of them have been living in such regions since the distant past. They also have the tradition of welcoming any guest they could encounter.

    Despite their feeble bodies, Anaties are excellent diggers and mountain climbers thanks to their geographical adaptation. They can directly carve an entire cave system inside the mountains that serve as their dwellings. Thanks to their anatomy, Anaties have an agile mobility that allows them to easily run and walk through the rugged mountains which led many of them to become traveling merchants and Catastrophe Messengers.

    Some Anaty ethnic groups living in remote areas practice a tradition of coming-of-age ritual. Upon reaching adulthood, youngsters will be exiled to a desolate mountain where they have to survive on their own for a determined period of time. Although this tradition is seen as cruel in modern eyes, there is a philosophy behind this practice since this will train youngsters to better adapt their survival skills to any circumstances such as Catastrophes.

23. #23Anuraselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Anura, ancients

    The Anurans (singular: Anura) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    As the name suggests, Anurans have the traits of frogs and toads (Anura sp.). Though appearing entirely humanoid similar to the Aegirs, their anuran traits can be noticed such as patches of frog-like skin, preference over moist environments, and their capability to secrete toxins. Many Anurans master camouflage and invisibility Arts, and some individuals can utilize their toxins as poisons for self-defense. On the other hand, these toxins can also be easily neutralized through their immunity, and they can control the amount of their poison's toxicity.

    Anurans are a rare Terran race that can only be found in the rainforests of eastern Sargon and southern Bolívar. They prefer to settle in humid regions, e.g., swamps and river valleys, and they sometimes share the same neighborhood with the Archosaurians where they often interact with each other through village help or community events like swimming contests. Sargonians have a traditional viewpoint in which Anurans are perceived as wise sages with elegant character even though this is born from misunderstanding due to their scarcity. In the modern era, the Sargonian royal court continues to practice the tradition of hiring Anurans as imperial officers in the capital of Shar-Agade. Some modern Anurans also begin to migrate outside of the rainforests to settle in nomadic cities with abundant greenery and excellent waterway management.

    Iberia also has a decent population of Anurans whose ancestry could be traced back to the rainforest of Kerthun Valley, Sargon, a region that is free from the direct control of the Lords Ameer in present days. Centuries ago, a few populations of Anurans were enslaved by the Iberians to be sold as experimental subjects against the Seaborn. After the Profound Silence of 1038, the Iberian Anurans have been treated as mere outcasts. Most of the Iberian Anurans have forgotten their ancestral homeland, and they could only trace such a memory in their folktales.

24. #24Archosauriaselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, ancients, Archosauria

    The Archosaurians (singular: Archosauria) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Archosaurians have the traits of crocodilians (Crocodilia sp.), i.e., true crocodiles, alligators, and gharials. Their crocodilian traits can be noticed such as bulky, scaly tails, scales on their bodies, muscularity, and preference over moist environments. Most of them are humanoids with a pair of pointed ears in a similar fashion with the Phidians. Some Archosaurians also demonstrate sexual dimorphism in which male Archosaurians can possess more animalistic traits when compared with females.

    Archosaurians are famous for being tough warriors and hunters. Their bulky muscles grant them the physical might, and their warrior culture encourages them to become fighters. Besides, They are born excellent swimmers; they have the ability to wade in the water by swinging their bulky tails. As a matter of fact, not only an Archosaurian could fight with their muscular strength, but also they are ambushers who can perfectly hide themselves in the swamps and rivers.

    Although being an uncommon race of Terra, Archosaurians are predominantly found in the eastern rainforest of Sargon, especially in the region of Acahualla where they are the natives. Acahuallan Archosaurians proudly crown themselves as "Tiacauh," an honorary title that is said to be granted from the Aslan Shahanshah who was amazed by their courage, and this title will later be adopted by non-Archosaurian Acahuallans who later integrated into their society. Acahuallan Archosaurians have the culture of adornment of their tails which could sometime lead to some seemingly unrelated topics, i.e., thickness comparison of their tails. They prefer to maximize the usage of their tails by holding tail-related contests such as log-dragging with tails. In recent years, there are even new sports influenced by foreign culture, i.e., soccer games but kicking with tails.

25. #25Aslanselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Aslan, ancients

    The Aslans are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Aslans have the traits of lions (Panthera leo). Their leon traits can be noticed such as rounded ears, tails with dark tuffs of hair, mane-like hairstyle, and physical prowess. Aslans are very identical to the Felines; in fact, they are actually a Feline subgroup in biological and anthropological definitions, but they are separated independently as a royal bloodline due to politics.

    The name "Aslan" comes from the Aslanian Conquest of Sargon before the common era. According to a legend, it all began from a Sargonian tribe of Felines with unique traits who would later become the Aslan house. These first Aslans in history believed they were naturally born with the "divine right of kings" to rule over other races; furthermore, they received the blessings of the leon "Lords of Beasts" that could support their campaigns. Hence, they segregated themselves from other Felines and ushered a series of conquests unto other tribes. Not only the conquest made the Aslans becoming famous, but also it ushered in the era of racial separation in which various races began naming themselves differently in accordance with their body traits or culture.

    In the modern era, Aslans are the royal houses of both Sargon and Victoria. The Shahanshah of Sargon is of the Aslan dynasty. During the ninth Terran century, a royal family led by an Aslan Padishah named Lugalszamszi fled to Victoria from political persecutions of the Shahanshah. Through their charisma, they initiated a palace coup against the Draco houses of Victoria and Tara that toppled their reign. Decades later, Lugalszamszi's grandson would solidify his rule as the first Aslan King of Victoria. But since the public execution of King Alistair II in 1072, the Aslans are forever purged from the Victorian throne, forcing them to live in hiding that resulted in the twenty years of vacant throne.

26. #26Caprinaeselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, ancients, Caprinae

    The Caprinae (both singular and plural) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Caprinae have the traits of goats (Capra sp.) and sheep (Ovis sp.). Their caprine traits can be noticed such as curved keratin horns, perky or floppy ears, and short tails pointing straight up. They possesses regular physical fitness and reflexive nimbleness.

    A notable trait of the Caprinae is their superiority in Originium Arts compared to other Terran races beside the Sarkaz. As a matter of fact, many notable Arts users are mainly Caprinae. On the other hand, this has led to a stereotype by many people that they are mystic "harbingers" of said power. A theory suggests that their excellent Arts talent is born from a combination of both their physical characteristics and their nimbleness. However, some of them cannot naturally use Arts due to their innate physique or any other birth defect, though they can possess unimaginable physical strength that supplements the defect.

    The Caprinae's love of their horns could lead to the point of even treating them as an aesthetic standard, which exceeds other horned races such as Fortes, Elafians, Ceratos, and even Sarkaz, with their physical differences between each other being a topic of discussion. In the Sarkaz' case, Caprinae can also be mistaken for them due to their horns and vice versa. Consequently, there have been historical cases that many spies infiltrating Sarkaz communities or Kazdel are mainly Caprinae, though they can be immediately recognized through the unrecognition of the Sarkaz's collective deceased spirits.

    As one of the common races on Terra, Caprinae can be found all across the continent. Leithanien has the predominant population among all nations, and a large population of them can be found in its surroundings such as Victoria and Siracusa. As a matter of fact, it is said that Leithanien's love for arts and culture comes from the Caprinae themselves. In fact, the musical culture of the Leithanian Caprinae is believed to be the origin of the Leithanian constitution, the Güldenesgesatz that mentally binds other nine tribes under their leadership.

27. #27Cautusselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, ancients, Cautus

    The Ceratoes (singular: Cerato) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Cautuses have the traits of leporids (family Leporidae), i.e., rabbits and hares. Their leporid traits can be noticed such as long rabbit ears, fluffy short tails, and average short stature. Their rabbit ears grant them a keen hearing sense which supplements their fragile body. Thanks to these traits along with their high fertility, Cautuses have a very large population.

    Although Cautuses are a common race that can be found across Terra, Rim Billiton houses a predominant population of Cautuses as its natives. The Rim Billitonian Cautuses live a collective lifestyle as a community, and they work together to construct their underground hideouts nicknamed the "rabbit's hole" where they settle, cultivate drought-resistant carrots and root vegetables as staple crops, and conduct mining in Originium veins. They treat their family members as an essential core; even when one decides to travel outside to settle down on their own, their family members will continually send their support be it material or emotional. Within the community, a family with the largest members are regarded as the core leader of the community. The Cautuses' strong family relationship is the root of the Rim Billitonian family culture and their grassroot autonomous governance.

    Entering the modern era, the Rim Billitonian Cautuses continue this tradition through several reforms. They organize themselves as "mining alliances," companies that assign roles to respective individuals among the families. This new organization system not only boosts the economy of Rim Billiton, but also it forms a tough political entity that could resist imperial forces as witnessed in the "Cage Incident" of 1091.

28. #28Ceratoselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Cerato, ancients

    The Ceratoes (singular: Cerato) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Ceratoes have the traits of rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae sp.). Their rhinoceros traits can be noticed such as a single or double pointed keratin horn on the forehead, rounded, tubular ears with tufts of hair on the top edge, muscularity, and average tall stature among adults. Even though Ceratoes could run like a Kuranta, they prefer to avoid long trekking. It is believed that their heavy weight due to their muscles could quickly exhaust their stamina when running, making it a tedious job to the Ceratoes.

    Ceratoes highly adore their horns. Since the tribal era, they have used their horns as their sole weapon. Face-to-face clashing is seen not only as an honor but also a way to maintain their horns by rubbing their surfaces and strengthening their endurance. Hence, a Cerato fight can be surprising to others even though they see it as a norm. In recent years, there is a popular trend that they further augment their horns by adding protective gears on them.

    Ceratoes are an uncommon race on Terra, and many of them live in oasis settlements of Sargon. Sargonian Ceratoes have a tradition of aviculture by keeping and breeding fowlbeasts. A Cerato fowlbeast keeper can keep more than one fowlbeast of the same species, and elderly Ceratoes love bringing along their caged fowlbeast to their community parks. There is even a special species of fowlbeast in the Sargonian oases that builds a symbiotic relationship with the Ceratoes.

29. #29Elafiaselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, ancients, Elafia

    The Elafians (singular: Elafia) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Elafians have the traits of deer (Cervidae sp.). Their cervid traits can be noticed such as a pair of antlers, funnel-shaped ears, and short, rounded tails. During the early stage of their growth, their antlers are covered with skin known as velvet rather than keratin as in Caprinae and Fortes, and the velvet antlers possess nerve coverings that enable them to sense touches through their antlers. A special subgroup of them dwelling in northern Sargon and southern Columbia also possess the traits of giraffes (Giraffa sp.) such as tall stature, tail with a long, dark tuft of hair, and a pair of ossicones.

    Elafians highly value their antlers as the symbol of their race. Young Elafians will interact with their velvet antlers to demonstrate their emotions, be it joy or arrogance. This is best demonstrated through a famous poem "Old Leaves and New Branch" written by two Elafian poets who debated over their topics through antler-wrestling, and the result of the poem shows the same topic with drastic approaches. To other Terrans, an Elafia's antlers is a symbol of their close interaction with nature by comparing them with tree branches. Following a Gaulish literature movement decades ago, Elafians have been stereotyped as mystic people who live a secluded lifestyle and highly venerate nature.

    As a common Terran race, Elafians can be found everywhere in countries with forested regions such as Ursus, Kazimierz, and Leithanien. Of all nations, Sami houses the predominant population of Elafians; in fact, anthropologists believe that Sami is the original homeland of the Elafians before spreading across Terra. The Elafian Samfijod have a culture of treating their antlers as a sacred body part to communicate with nature. As a result, elderly Elafian Samfijod keeps their antlers growing without trimming them.

30. #30Felineselective

    Keys: Races, Feline, terrans, ancients

    The Felines are an Ancient race of Terra. Felines have the traits of feliforms (suborder Feliformia). They usually have the traits of domestic cats (Felis catus) and big cats (Panthera sp.), though some individuals have the traits of mongooses (Herpestidae sp.). Their feline traits are visible from the shape of their ears and tail and their flexibility. Most Felines possess pointed, triangular ears and long tails, and only a few of them have rounded or folded ears and short tails. The Felines’ keen sense earns them their reputation as stealthy prowlers or flexible individuals. Some of them even possess light-sensitive pupils in which their eyes will form “slit pupils” in areas with bright light.

    Along with the Perros and Liberi, Felines are the predominant Terran race who can be found in almost all Terran nations thanks to their strong adaptation to their surroundings. As a matter of fact, there goes a popular Gaulish proverb regarding the Felines: "Où que tu ailles, un Félin suit (Wherever you go, a Feline follows)." They have varieties of ethnic groups, and the most predominant Feline subgroup is perhaps the Aslans of Sargon and Victoria. Currently, Victoria houses most of the Feline population, and many of them are descendants of both the loyalists following the Aslan house back in Sargon during the ninth Terran century and the native Taran inhabitants following the two Draco houses. Hence, it has been a common case for a Victorian Feline having a distant relative back in Sargon.

    Despite the varieties among the Felines, only the Aslans stand out as an independent Feline subgroup since the Aslanian Conquest. As a matter of fact, both races are separated politically despite sharing similar biology.

31. #31Forteselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Forte, ancients

    The Fortes are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Fortes have the traits of bovines (subfamily Bovinae), i.e., cattle, bison, and buffaloes. Their bovine traits can be seen, such as pointed keratin horns, rounded and protruding ears, tails with tufts of hair, and their muscularity. There are several subgroups having the traits of camelids (family Camelidae), i.e., camels and llamas, who possess camelid traits such as small, rounded ears and the ability to survive in arid deserts.

    The Fortes' lack of flexibility is compensated with their excellent physical strength. Because of that, they are often stereotyped as merely physically strong yet brainless people, and this stereotype is further reinforced by the popular drink brand, Forte Energy Drink. Nevertheless, many Forte are actually known for their philosophical wisdom, especially in settlements where they are the predominant race. Legend says that ancient Fortes could be totally immersed in literary works and ideology discussions, and their lifestyle showcased a dire contrast with neighboring Reproba tribes.

    Fortes are one of the common races on Terra. Among all nations, Minos has a predominant population of Fortes. Many prominent schools of philosophy were founded by Minoan Forte scholars, such as the story of Phenalates, who once dissected her philosophy with a nameless Sargonian Feline day and night. Other countries with flatland landscapes can have a decent Forte population such as Sargon and Yan, and they are often perceived as humble laborers owing to their agrarian culture. In fact, Yanese Fortes are believed to be one of the earliest ethnic groups to engage in agricultural activities. There is even a Yanese legend narrating a Forte tribe who built the earliest carriage that allowed them to travel around farmlands in mountainous regions to both observe their farm plots and quickly prepare for evacuation from Catastrophes.

32. #32Kurantaselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Kuranta, ancients

    The Kuranta (both singular and plural) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Kuranta have the traits of equines (Equus sp.), i.e., horses, donkeys, and zebras. Their equine traits can be noticed such as funnel-shaped ears, tall stature, and tails being either bushy being nicknamed the "skirt" or simply having tufts of long hair at the bottom of the tail dock. Although lacking the physical strength on par with the Ursi and Fortes, Kuranta possess an enduring stamina that grants them the ability to run at high speeds with little to no fatigue.

    Kuranta are a common Terran race, and among all nations, Kazimierz houses the predominant population of Kuranta. The Kazimierzian knighthood is believed to have emerged from early Kuranta nomadic confederations wandering across the grasslands. In order to defend themselves from invaders, these early knights organized themselves into a strong military defense by designating strict and rigid hierarchical orders to their family members with the family head serving as the leading knight; in modern Kazimierz, this is known as the "knight family" led by a "Knight Primus." Even in modern Kazimierz where commercialism triumphs everything, the knight-family tradition is still well-preserved through the Knights' Association.

    Kuranta also includes several Elder subraces. The two notable Elder Kuranta are the Pegasi and the Nightzmoras. The former are the previous royal house of Kazimierz before being toppled by the knights in Terran year 13, and the latter originates from the Nightzmoran Khaganate under the leadership of Kharanduu Khagan. Owing to the Nightzmoran Conquests, the Kuranta were scattered across every corner of Terra which in turn formed an abundant population. In the modern era, the tales of both Pegasi and Nightzmoras remain popular among the Kuranta.

    The Kuranta's excellent stamina makes them talented soldiers, especially those who undergo adequate physical training and studies of military science. According to disclosed documents provided by the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi Kazimierz, during the Tenth Ursus-Kazimierz War of 1062, a legion of Silverlance Pegasi managed to outpower several Ursine landships and even halted their advance through mere muscular strength. The Ursine side acknowledged the event's veracity although they do not elaborate much on the incident.

33. #33Liberiselective

    Keys: Races, Liberi, terrans, ancients

    The Liberi (both singular and plural) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    "Liberi" is an umbrella term referring to any Ancient and Elder race who have the traits of birds (Aves sp.), i.e., feathers growing on their hair and structures resembling tail feathers on their torsos, or feather-like features. Along with feathers, they also possess a good sense of hearing and eyesight. Generally speaking, Liberi are a medium-sized race with females being slightly shorter. Their physical fitness is relatively average at best, and they are considerably lighter in weight than other races. Some Liberi possess the traits of various bird-like mythological creatures in our world, while others resemble anthropomorphic avians.

    Along with the Perros and Felines, Liberi are a predominant race on Terra having many Ancient and Elder branches. The most famous of the Elder Liberi are the Hippogryphs, the former ruling class of the Empire of Hippogryph that was later overthrown by the Ursine rebels led by Igor the Great in Terran year 31. Due to its complexity and its enormous population that gives birth to many different cultures, many Liberi anthropologists urge to further divide the Liberi into different new races, but oppositions argue that cultural differences should not be mixed with biological traits.

    Because of the abundant population, Liberi can be found in almost all the Terran nations. Of all nations, Iberia has the largest population of Liberi as its predominant race, and both Laterano and Columbia have a vast majority of them. Following the independence of Columbia in 1019, a large number of Liberi immigrants across Terra was absorbed into the newborn country. According to a Liberi immigrant census published by Columbian authorities, the reason for their decision to settle in Columbia is not only for the possibility of starting a new life, but also the mysterious charisma of President Mark Max who has become a popular figure among Liberi communities. The Lateran Liberi population are descendants of homeless refugees fleeing from Catastrophes that settled at the outskirts of Laterano and later integrated into the Sankta's society after adopting their religious faith. Some of these Lateran Liberi clergies later departed Laterano to settle at the southern coastlines of Terra where they founded Iberia in hope to create a second paradise on the shores. Aside from these three countries, Gaul was once ruled by a dynasty of Liberi before its disintegration in the War of the Four Nations.

34. #34Luposelective

    Keys: Lupo, Races, terrans, ancients

    Lupos have the traits of wolves (Canis lupus). Their lupine traits can be noticed such as their pricked ears and bushy tails. They are one of the three races separated from the Perros due to cultural and biological differences along with the Vulpos and Reprobas. On the outside, they appear almost identical to a Perro, but they are also the easiest to be recognized through their unique culture, as well as having a generally coarse and hard hair in comparison.

    Similar to the Perros, Lupos have a large family culture albeit being its opposite. Rather than treating their family members and friends kindly, a Lupo family treats them as disposable subordinates; antagonism between Lupo families is rather strong. They strongly value family identification such as dying of their tails, earpieces, and family symbols. Wherever one is banished from the family, they will be referred to as a "lone wolf," a derogatory term for a Lupine outcast. According to their legend and anthropological research, their strong yet crooked sense of family and their exclusivism are the consequences of the direct influence of the lupine Beast Lords, the "Signori dei Lupi," who chose their "Fangs" as their proxies in their never-ending battle royale, and the Signori's beastkins, the "wolves," had been constantly attacking ancient Lupos, forcing them to organize into strict family order. Consequently, this has given rise to their mafia culture.

    Because of their strict family order, a Lupo has learned to suppress their ancestral behaviors from the Perros. Rather than using their tails and ears to indicate their emotions, a Lupo soldato in a mafia learns to use hand signals to express themselves, and they learn to control their ears and tails . Even though non-famiglia Lupos do not resist the use of their tails and ears, many Lupo prefer not to do so, believing that it will further exhaust themselves.

    Lupos can be found in many Terra nations. Siracusa holds the predominant population of Lupo as their homeland, and eastern Leithanien has the second largest population due to shared history with Siracusa before its independence in Terran year 979. Victoria and Ursus also hold a certain number of Lupos.

35. #35Manticore (race)selective

    Keys: Races, Manticore, terrans, ancients

    The Manticore is an Ancient race of Terra. As the name suggests, Manticores have the traits of the namesake chimeric creature in Persian mythology. They can be seen on their bat wing-like appendixes on both sides of the head, and a scorpion tail on their torso, usually ending with a strong and sometimes poisonous stinger. They are generally roughly the height of an average Terran, though female Manticores are usually shorter than males, yet both genders demonstrate excellent physical flexibility. They are also prominent in the use of invisibility Originium Arts which allow them to camouflage and conceal themselves during ambush.

    As a rare Terran race, all Manticores live in remote regions of Sargon far away from nomadic cities. Most Manticores live in seclusion from the outside world, and due to their cultural practices, they prefer to keep a low profile, rarely appearing in the public eye while keeping a distance from other races. Even at the advent of the Crystallization Era, Manticores simply preferred to not enter nomadic cities and retain their simple albeit isolated lives.

    Because of their secularism and mysterious background, there is a pejorative perception regarding this race. Many perceive them as "man-eaters" or "harbingers" of curse, resulting in many Manticores refusing to accept others as guests visiting their settlements.

36. #36Perroselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Perro, ancients

    The Perros are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Perros have the traits of dogs (Canis familiaris). Their canid traits can be easily noticed such as pricked, folded, or floppy ears, pointed or curled tails, and their keen sense of smell. In addition, their hair/fur is significantly more finer and softer compared to a Lupo. Perros are known for demonstrating their emotions outwardly through their body parts such as wagging tail and folding ears. A notable culture practiced among the Perros are their large family and their loyalty to their families and friends. In a traditional Perro community, the families that make up the community are regarded as part of a larger family. Because of their family culture, Perros highly values peace and harmony between family and friends. Even when one faces difficulties, a Perro will always stay on their side.

    Before the dawn of human civilization, Perros was an umbrella term referring to their shared canine traits. After the Aslanian Conquest that ushered in the era of racial separation, many Perros were further divided into three specific groups based on different cultures and traits: Lupos, Vulpos, and Reprobas. Consequently, many people find it hard to differentiate between the actual Perros and these separated Perro subgroups. Perros also includes various Elder subraces such as the Cerberus, Uridimmu, and Qursha, though many of them have already integrated into the Perro population.

    Along with the Felines and Liberi, Perros are the predominant Terran race who can be found in almost all Terran nations thanks to their large population. From the wilderness of Sargon and Sami to the cities of Higashi, Ursus, and Victoria, Perros can be found everywhere. Of all nations, Bolívar houses most of the Perro population, but in recent years, there have been major protests among the Bolívarian Perros in regards to the usage of "hounds" which many presume are bioengineered creatures born from Perros undergoing cruel experiments despite the lack of evidences.

    There is an interesting yet peculiar history between the Perros and hotdogs. Urban legends say that the first hotdog was created by Bolívarian Perros whose immigrants introduced this sausage sandwich to the Columbians. In Kazimierz, in order to attract customers to their food carts during the Kazimierz Major, Columbian hawkers would hire seductive Perro females or muscular male Perro body-builders to promote the dish, leaving an everlasting impression to the Terran populace.

37. #37Petramselective

    Keys: Petram, Races, terrans, ancients

    The Petrams are an Ancient race of Terra. Petrams have the traits of turtles (Testudines sp.), i.e., tortoises, terrapins, and sea turtles. Unlike other races, they are totally humanoid and are completely devoid of any testudinate trait such as short tails, scales, and even shells. One peculiar explanation describes that this unique phenomenon is ironically the result of Originium: Petrams have some of the highest amounts of Originium assimilation. As Originium molded their ancestors in the image of man, these earliest Petrams willingly accepted it to become true humans. On the other hand, the large amount of Originium shards inside a Petram's body makes them highly vulnerable to Oripathy and its side effects.

    Petrams are a very rare race on Terra that only settle in aquatic environments, i.e., swamps, rivers, and coastlines. These populations are only found in nations with coastlines such as Iberia, Yan, and Victoria. Because of their reclusive nature and scarcity of their populations, little to no available information about Petrams is available for contemporary academic circles. Even a few researchers debate that Petrams never existed and could only be found in legends.

    A unique culture of the Petrams is their mastery in metallurgy. Petram metals differ from others because they are made of highly advanced techniques that are unknown to outsiders, hence they possess excellent endurance and hardness. An archeological site in Sargon has once excavated an ancient execution site with Petram tools that are dated back millennia ago, but the metal that made up the tools highly resembled modern-day alloys. Despite lacking knowledge of modern science, many Petrams are trained to become outstanding craftsmen and materials scientists. Because of the mysteries surrounding their metallurgy, there are many legends regarding the Petrams and their metals that are often filled with exaggerations. A Sargonian folktale narrates Petrams "slaying their ancestors in the numbers of thousands" and "burying them in ruins sunken beneath the lakes." There was a historical record that a Lord Ameer sought to acquire their techniques but was met with disappointment because of the Petrams' refusal.

    A particular phenomenon observed from some Petrams is their close contact with Aegirs living ashore. They often refer to each other as "fellow race" despite their physical differences. This phenomenon is not present in other races, or at the very least it has not been recorded beforehand. To this day, no scientific explanation has given out a satisfactory conclusion regarding this extremely close tie.

38. #38Phidiaselective

    Keys: Races, Phidia, terrans, ancients

    The Phidians (singular: Phidia) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Phidians have the traits of snakes (suborder Serpentes). Their serpentine traits can be noticed such as scaly tails, scales on parts of their bodies, and their extremely keen senses. Phidians possess a pair of pointed ears. Their average weight and muscularity are surprisingly below standard, yet their average height is taller than others, making their bodies appear slim and feeble.

    Phidians are quite uncommon among the known Terran races. Nevertheless, their presence can be found almost everywhere from the tundra of Sami and the boreal forests of Ursus to the deserts of Sargon and cities of Victoria. Phidians are an individualist race; they prefer living alone instead of forming a close-knit community.

    Because of their rather dispersed and scarce population, Phidians are subjected to various misunderstandings, stereotypes, and even discrimination. Their feeble bodies cause others to have the wrong perceptions that Phidians are "as weak as a baby," though muscular Phidians do exist. Their keen senses have been often described as emotionally unstable, or simply a maniac. Many Terrans have a derogatory view regarding the Phidians by associating them with negative manners such as slyness, lies, and bully; many pejorative terms in various Terran languages have associations with "snakes," a slur to the Phidians, such as "snake in the grass" in Victorian or di tou se in Yanese meaning "scoundrel." Making hissing sounds or wriggling like a snake in front of a Phidia are regarded as racist gestures. Most importantly, contrary to the popular belief, Phidians do not secrete venoms. Ironically, many Phidians are excellent chemists or toxicologists who can manufacture their own poison through artificial chemicals for self-defense.

    A positive notation of a Phidian's character is perhaps the tendency to focus on a specific goal. They can dedicate themselves to a particular goal and will never be diverted from it despite the obstacles and disturbances. There was a Phidan who have been studying in engineering of colorful signal lights as a communication methods, and he was hired to construct a signal system for the Kjeragian Staatbahn; and there was another famous female Phidian whose passion over the Kazimierz Major drove her to publish annual theses over the Major's champions.

39. #39Pilosaselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, ancients, Pilosa

    The Pilosa (both singular and plural) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Pilosa have the traits of sloths (suborder Folivora). Similar to the Petrams, Pilosa are entirely humanoid and are devoid of folivoran traits such as hairy fur and long claws. The only visible folivoran trait is their distinctive slow speech and actions, making them literally "as slow as a sloth." On the other hand, this disadvantage is compensated by their taciturn and cautious nature during work time.

    Pilosa are a very rare race whose existence has been barely documented by others. Due to their behaviors, they are rather scattered across Terra. Their rather quiet nature causes others to see them as unfriendly "strangers." On top of that, they rarely appear publicly, and they can be easily mistaken as other races. Because of the scarcity of their information, many presume that Pilosa are just some urban legends. Nevertheless, there are some first-hand accounts describing their behaviors, and some popular media loves depicting them as peculiar caricatures.

40. #40Reprobaselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, ancients, Reproba

    The Reprobas are an Ancient race of Terra. Reprobas have the traits of hyenas (family Hyaenidae). Their hyenid traits can be noticed such as pricked ears and tails with tufts of hair, spots, or stripes. They have a moderate physical fitness when compared with other races, although female Reprobas are generally stronger than males. Reprobas are one of the three races separated from the Perros due to cultural and biological differences along with the Lupos and Vulpos which often results in mistakes of recognition by other races, but their population is the least of them all as they are the last Perro subgroup to be diverged since the Aslanian Conquest. Reprobas also includes various Elder subraces, though many of them have already integrated into the Reproba population.

    Reprobas practices several ancient cultures that are seen as peculiar to other races. Although Reprobas inherits the Perros' large family culture similar to the Lupos', there are some differences. Unlike Perros, Reprobas value internal unity and discipline the most. A traditional Reprobah family is a matriarchy in which the most powerful matriarch leads the family who is nominally elected by many different tribes as their "guardian." Despite spending most of their lives in the arid wilderness, a Reproba family can grow up to more than a hundred family members. Reprobas also have a tradition of close interactions with the Sarkaz since the tribal era, but such practice is a very controversial one among other Perro subgroups due to their enmity against the Sarkaz. Consequently, there are discriminatory perceptions on the Reprobas in which they are often described as having similarities with the Sarkaz, resulting in various ghost stories having them as main characters, though many Reprobas do not bother over the discrimination.

    As a very rare race, most of the Reproba population can be found in the desert regions of western Sargon. They have been living as desert wanders which nourishes their rich culture. Throughout history, Reproba warriors are highly valued by the Shahanshah owing to their long-standing military tradition. Legend even says that female Reproba elite warriors had formed a tough frontline during the invasion of Sargon by the Nightzmoran hordes. Entering the modern era, many Reprobas have left Sargon and spread across Terra as immigrants. By utilizing their knowledge in wilderness survival, many of them have been dedicating themselves in biological research, geology, and animal husbandry.

41. #41Savraselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Savra, ancients

    The Savrans (singular: Savra) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Savrans have the traits of lizards that includes true lizards (superorder Lepidosauria), i.e., geckos, chameleons, monitor lizards, and tuatara, and lizard-like animals, i.e., the amphibian salamanders (Urodela sp.). Their lacertilian and salamandrine traits can be noticed such as scales covering the bodies, scaly tails, and agileness. Many Savrans also have the natural ability of camouflage by changing their skin color. As a matter of fact, many Savrans are talented hunters and ambushers who could perfectly blend with their surroundings after wearing camouflage clothing. Some of them even master specific Arts to further augment their camouflage by altering the colors of objects they touch.

    Some of the Savrans' unusual characteristics are their elongated lifespan, generally 120–140 years, and their ectothermic bodies. While it is true that many Sarvans can live up to centuries, it has become a subject of stereotype due to exaggerations. Various pop culture and fictional works describe elderly Savrans as mystic old men who are prone to wickedness.[1] Furthermore, the current record holder of longevity is Ibn Erhad, a Sargonian Savra Padishah who's said to have lived for 230 years thanks to his rather curious lifestyle, claiming that he only slept for half a day.[3] The Savrans’ ectothermic bodies means that they have to frequently undergo sunbathing. As a matter of fact, they love spending their time in sunny, open-space places, e.g. deserts and shrublands, and most of the Savrans settle in these arid regions.

    Savrans are an uncommon race on Terra, and most of the populations live in the desert regions of Sargon and Rim Billiton. Due to the stereotype regarding their lifespan, some Sargonian folktales have a fixed image of an elderly Savran hunter with a smoky voice, a crooked smile, and a cunning yet cruel sense of humor. Nevertheless, in other stories, they are also seen as the embodiment of wisdom. This stems from a common practice among Sargonian Savrans in which they could meditate and dissect their philosophy for long periods of time while enjoying their sunbathing.

42. #42Ursus (race)selective

    Keys: Races, Ursi, Ursus, ancients, terrans

    The Ursi (singular: Ursus) are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Ursi have the traits of bears (family Ursidae), i.e., brown bears, black bears, polar bears, and giant pandas. Their ursine traits can be seen from their rounded ears, short and unnoticeable tails, and a bulky stature than other Terrans. As one of the most common Terran races, the vast majority of Ursi live in the Ursus Empire, with decent populations found in temperate countries of the north such as Yan, Kazimierz, Kjerag, and Sami; there is even a population of them living in the deserts of northern Sargon.

    The Ursi's most distinguishable feats are their tall height and outstanding physical strength compared to other races, which are attributes they generally like to emphasize. They also possess a highly-developed endurance as a result of the harsh environment they live in, i.e., frigid winters in the northern regions. The Ursi have a large number of subraces, each with different hair and fur color, though the most common ones are black, brown, and white.

    The term "Ursus" can be traced back to the prehistoric era when the earliest humans began referring to other races by names. They once followed the Hippogryphs' northern migration while fleeing from the Teekaz, and were later subjugated as low-class citizens by their Elder overlords. After their incompetence during the invasion of the Nightzmoran Khagan, the Hippogryphs were overthrown by the Ursi in the Terran year 31, under the lead of Igor the Great. The establishment of the Ursus Empire ended the reign of the Elder dynasties and gave birth to the era of ethno-nationalism.

    The difference between the terms "Ursus race" and "Ursus Empire" is the context; While the former is used to directly and objectively identify the race, the latter is a national identity where individuals refer to themselves as Ursine citizens regardless of their race, even outside the country.

43. #43Vouivreselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Vouivre, ancients

    The Vouivres are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Vouivres have the traits of "lesser dragons," i.e. dragon-like creatures in various mythologies such as wyverns, wyrms, hydras, drakes, and amphipteres. They are almost identical to the Dracos such as unique-shaped horns, large dragon-like tails, and supreme physical prowess, and this causes others to mistake both races frequently given the scarcity of the Draco population. Their only difference from the Dracos are Originium Arts talents; Vouivres lack the innate talent to enhance superior Arts, especially pyro Arts. Vouivres are able to regulate their own metabolism to reduce food consumption that is most likely as a survival mechanism against the harsh deserts where they originate from.

    Although not a common Terran race, Vouivres can be found in mainly Sargon and Victoria. They originated from the deserts in northern Sargon that were subjugated by the Aslans during the Aslanian Conquest at the dawn of human civilization. Even though the Vovuires were immediately defeated, the Aslan house was impressed by their physical strength. As a tribute of their admiration, Sargon granted them more territories in the north as well as political autonomy of their region, the present-day "Vouivre Alliance," in exchange for their service to the Aslans as their royal guards. Since the demise of Lugalszargus in the year 15 that fractured the Sargonian palace, the Vouivres sought to gain independence from Sargon that lasted until the present days, though this came with heavy consequences as the Ameers dispatched troops to suppress the rebellion. In the ninth century, an Aslan royal offshoot fled Sargon to Victoria from the Shah's political persecutions while carrying several Vouivre royal guards. These Vouivres who followed the Aslan King later became the ancestors of the modern Vouivre population in Victoria.

    Owing to their long-standing military tradition as royal guards for the Aslan Shahanshah, Vouivres are famous as excellent soldiers. Traditional Vouivre families will have their children receive stern military training as cultivation for new guards. Those qualified Vouivres will be dispatched to the Sargonian palace to serve as royal guards. Others who are disqualified will simply search for alternative routes to continue their military career; as such, they become proficient soldiers and mercenaries. In recent years, many Vouivres who have ended their military career have chosen to settle in other countries such as Columbia.

44. #44Vulposelective

    Keys: Races, terrans, ancients, Vulpo

    The Vulpos are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Vulpos have the traits of foxes such as the true foxes (Vulpes sp.) and other fox-like canids (i.e., Lycalopex sp.). Their vulpine traits can been noticed such as large, protruding ears and long, bushy tails unlike Lupos and Perros. They are one of the three races separated from the Perros due to cultural and biological differences along with the Lupos and Reprobas. Vulpos also includes various Elder subraces such as Kitsune, Coyotl and Fyrla, though many of them have already integrated into the Vulpo population.

    On the outside, Vulpos are sometimes mistaken for Perros due to their almost identical physical appearances; hence, many Vulpos are already getting used to the mishaps. Nevertheless, they can be recognized through their medium-sized stature and their keen flexibility amongst other Terrans. In fact, in the ancient era before their divergence from the Perros, Vulpos were often described as the ”most agile of Perros.” Because of their traits, many Vulpos are depicted as outstanding combatants in various cultures like the protagonist of the Minoan epic To Próto Vélos. Many Vulpos often work as scouts, mercenaries, or Catastrophe Messengers since the dawn of human civilization.

    Despite their small number when compared with other races, Vulpos can be found anywhere on Terra with a considerable population living in Siracusa. Because their fluffy tails have been seen as their racial icon and a symbol of family unification, Siracusan Vulpos, especially those in the Siracuan mafia, have a unique culture of holding tail-grooming contests in which contestants have to groom a Vulpo’s tail based on the organizers' proposal within seventy-two seconds or less. Being heavily influenced by the Lupos' mafia culture, some Siracusan Vulpos also organize themselves into famiglie and crime families, and many point out that such a degenerate culture has "corrupted the Vulpo's traditional kindness" and turn them into "foxes that are fiercer than the wolves."

45. #45Zalakselective

    Keys: Races, terrans, Zalak, ancients

    The Zalaks are an Ancient race of Terra.

    Zalaks have the traits of rodents (family Rodentia), i.e., mice, squirrels, hamsters, prairie dogs, and beavers, although a few individuals have traits of rodent-like animals such as rat-like marsupials, i.e., opossums (order Didelphimorphia) and Australasian possums (suborder Phalangeriformes), and small-sized insectivores, i.e., shrews (family Soricidae) and moles (family Talpidae). Their rodent, possum, and insectivorous traits can be noticed such as pointed or rounded ears with hair tufts, slim or bushy tails, keen senses, average short stature, and high fertility. Zalaks demonstrates different variations depending on geography. For instance, those from the Kjeragian mountain range spanning from Kazimierz to Kjerag have thick, fluffier tails and bushy ear tufts, whereas those from warmer regions in the south have thinner hair on their ears and tails.

    Despite their short stature compared to other races, Zalaks' agility compensates for the disadvantage. Their large ears and sharp eyes enable them to possess exceptional hearing and reflexes, and through them, they are very sensitive to ambient vibrations and airflow changes. These qualities allow Zalaks to survive in harsh, barren environments. As a matter of fact, many Zalaks often work as communication Messengers or Catastrophe Messengers.

    Thanks to their high fertility that enables them to give birth to large numbers of babies, a feat shared with the Cautuses' large family, Zalaks are a common race who can be found anywhere on Terra from Bolívar to Rim Billiton through their abundant population. In recent years, there is an increase of Zalaks immigrating to Columbia. One of the possible reasons is that they are motivated by prominent Zalak movie stars in the Columbian Wrankwood film industry such as Berne Gayley, Anthony Irving, and Kazimierzian actress Magda "Quickmouth" Molinsky who spotlighted the Zalak populace in a positive manner through their block-busting movies, i.e., the 1094 comedy Come On! Not Again starring Gayley as the protagonist Jack Scoutnut. As a matter of fact, the word "Zalak Syndrome," originally a derogatory term that stereotyped Zalaks as greedy, compulsive collectors, has gradually become a commendatory idiom that describes a person's planning ahead for themself and their families. The public promotion of the "Zalak Syndrome" also attracts many Zalaks to join the Columbian frontier pioneers who make their contribution through their accumulated wealth and enduring adaptations to the harsh environment.

    Some Zalaks possess an innate phobia towards Felines. Despite having no particular animosity towards them, they will try their best to keep a distance from Felines, especially those who have taller stature. If spending too much time with them, they will demonstrate physical discomforts such as rigid muscles, muttering, and eyes turning red.

46. #46---Elders---selective

    Keys: Races, elders, terrans

    The Elders are an umbrella term for a small group of Terran races who were formerly the royalties and bourgeoisie class of Terran nations, but today are equal to, if not in a higher status than the Ancients. Unlike Ancients, many Elders possess traits of mythological animals in our world's mythologies. Most Elders are racially distinct from the Ancients, but some are the subrace of (or more appropriately, related to) certain Ancient races.

    The Elders possess superior abilities lost to time such as elongated lifespan that could surpass many Ancients and unimaginable Arts that are exaggerated in many legends (e.g. weather control and spiritual communication). In Sarkaz religious narratives, these early Elder leasers "descended" upon Terra, titled the "Hegemons," manifested even more exaggerated powers that were described as one that could "shun the sunray." But since the Amnannam and the collapse of the first Kazdel era, the supernatural power of the Elders have gradually lost due to the influence of Originium, making them completely weaker than their ancestors. Nevertheless, many Elders continue to see themselves as "pure-blooded" through their surviving traits, hence distinguishing themselves from the rest politically.

    Since their "descend" upon Terra, the Elders had been holding on the philosophy of the "divine right of kings" due to their unique traits. They had literally enslaving the majority Ancients by using them as their slaves and pawns against the Sarkaz. Entering the feudal era, they implemented rigid, racist, and unfair inegalitarian policies that worsened their oppression. However, their dominance came to an end by the hands of another Elder race, the Nightzmoras, during their worldwide conquests. From Terran year 31 onwards when the Ursi toppled the Hippogryphs, many Elders forever lost such "divine rights," and those surviving Elders have either chosen to integrate into the Ancients' society or used meritocratic capabilities to climb back to the top of the social hierarchy once again.

47. #47Dracoselective

    Keys: Races, elders, terrans, Draco

    Dracos have the traits of European dragons in Western mythology. Their draconic traits can be noticed such as dragon horns, hard scales, bulky and majestic serpentine tails, and highly advanced physical strength. Because of their identical similarities, Dracos can be easily mistaken as Vouivres.

    Nevertheless, Dracos can be easily distinct from Vouivres with one special trait: their capability to manipulate fire through Originium Arts. While pyro Arts is not unique to the Dracos, their power has a unique quirk that distinguishes it from ordinary fire fundamentally. The fire they produce is not based on natural combustion effect but the manipulation of the living cell metabolism. Their cell tissues will literally burn itself due to a sudden increase of metabolism that makes them hyperactive, and the manifestation of fire is a mere side effect of their inner combustion. As a matter of fact, their unique fiery traits earn them the title of "Red Dragons." Some could even take it further by manipulating metabolism of others' cells such as necromantic Arts that can temporarily "revive" a corpse by injecting their fire within.

    Dracos are an extremely rare Elder race who are found in numerous scattered communities across Terra with different physical characteristics depending on the region. They are famous for being a prominent royal house who actively involve themselves in the geopolitics of Terra. Oddly enough, the name "Draco" would not come to use as a collective name until the most recent millennium when their houses became more close-knit and needed an identification to refer to themselves. On the other hand, the sharing of a common racial name often overlooks their diverse cultures and physical differences among houses, leading many scholars to doubt whether it is appropriate to refer to them as such.

    Throughout history, Dracos are prominent figures in various legends and folktales appearing as either trustworthy heroes or greedy tyrants. These legends include the horror story of a Draco king who dehorned the horns of other enslaved races and grounded them to nourish their own, the tale of an immortal, ruthless Draco overlord who caused havoc continuously throughout millennia. Another interesting Victorian legend involves a greedy Draco King who hoarded all the plundered gold and Originium artifacts in a treasure vault which is still a hot topic among treasure hunters. Nevertheless, many of these stories are purely fictional as bedtime stories to children.

    The Dracos were previously the dominant rulers of the heartland regions that would later become the nation-states of Victoria and Tara. The introduction of the Sargonian monarchical system caused a split of the Draco house: the conservative who sought to preserve their semi-nomadic lifestyle and the monarchists who preferred to crown themselves as kings. Both houses became the Gaelic Kings of Tara and the Draco Kings of Victoria respectively, but they were forcefully merged back to Victoria at the dawn of the common era during the pillage of the Nightzmoran hordes with an unglorified past. In 737, the Aslan house plundered the Dracos of both Victoria and Tara, forcing them to share their throne with the latter. Their lineage was further severed after several secret conspiracies — supposedly plotted by the Unicorns supporting the Aslans from the shadows — in the most recent two decades to fully eliminate their potential rivals which led to their total disappearance in the political circle.

    By modern days, the Dracos are quickly forgotten among the Terrans, presuming them to be fully extinct. Nevertheless, there are still some surviving lineages that seek to reclaim their former glory. These surviving houses include the Artorius who fled to Lungmen, Yan, as fugitives and the Dublinns who claim themselves as the direct descendants of the Taran King Gaeil.

48. #48Hippogryphselective

    Keys: Hippogryph, Races, Liberi, elders, terrans

    The Hippogryph is an Elder subrace of the Liberi.

    Hippogryphs have the traits of the eponymous legendary creature found in Orlando Furioso. They are essentially Liberi with partial Kuranta traits such as equine tails and ears.

    The Hippogryphs are a famous Elder race who were once the ruling dynasty of the Empire of Hippogryph. At the dawn of human civilizations, the Hippogryphs migrated to the northern mountains to flee from harassment of the Teekaz, and they enslaved several Ancient races to construct their mountain castles and fortresses. The Hippogryphs’ despotism, however, came to an abrupt end in Terran year 31 when the Ursine rebels led by Igor the Great toppled them in response to their failure in defense from the Nightzmoran Conquests. After the end of their dynasty, they once endured severe persecutions under the "Eastern March" policy imposed by Aleksey Igorevich the “Young” as the remnants sought shelter in the mountainous region of eastern Ursus. Despite losing their former glory, many Hippogryphs have since been slowly reincorporated back in the Ursine government as low-ranked officials and military leaders, while others choose to live among the Ancient populace as commoners.

49. #49Kylinselective

    Keys: Kylin, Races, elders, terrans

    The Kylin (both singular and plural) is an Elder race of Terra.

    Kylin have the traits of the qilin, a chimeric legendary creature in Chinese mythology. Their qilin trait can be noticed such as draconic horns resembling cervid antlers and equine tails. Because of their similar appearance, they are often mistaken as Elafians. The only difference is their culture: Elafians live a more mystic, secluded lifestyle owing to their shamanistic belief, while the Kylin have a more worldly way of living.

    Kylin are a rare Elder race that can only be found in Yan and its surrounding. Since the tribal era before the Hundred Clans Rebellion, they had been part of the Yanese dynasty by serving as royal guards or sorcerers, or zhu in Yanese, to the Tribe of Yan. There are many legends of Kylin casters wielding excellent Originium Arts such as the legend of Zhu the Kylin who summoned lightning upon a lake surface to repel dangerous wild beasts; hence, they have been often associated with lightning Arts. Entering the imperial dynastic era, they were promoted to become top-ranking mandarins and law enforcers serving the True Lung, the Emperor of Yan. Because of their prominent roles, the Kylin race has become a symbol of social stability and an embodiment of imperial law.

    There are various houses of Kylin in the Yanese imperial courts. The most prominent one is the Zhu clan, the legendary founder of the Lei Fa who are some of the first Tianshi of Yan spreading the knowledge of Arts to the populace. The Lin clan and the Fa clan are also notable Kylin houses who mainly run the Yanese judiciary system as judges and censors.

50. #50Lungselective

    Keys: Races, elders, terrans, Lung

    The Lung (both singular and plural) is an Elder race of Terra.

    Lung have the traits of Chinese dragons, the Long, in East Asian mythology. Their Long traits can be noticed such as antler-like horns and serpentine tails with hair tufts. Some individuals can possess more animalistic traits such as carp-like whiskers, lion mane-like hair, deer-like ears, and fish fins and scales.

    The Lung are a unique ethnic group that is only found in Yan and its surroundings such as Higashi, and many of them are either imperial members of the Yanese dynasty or upper-class bourgeoisie, i.e., tycoons, aristocrats, civil servants. The history of Yan is specifically intertwined with the dynasty of Lung house since the tribal era of Yan the Chieftain who united the Hundred Clans of Yan, and anthropologists even believe that the Lung are some of the surviving oldest races on Terra whose civilizations are the first to emerge in eastern Terra if their historical accounts are accurate. The dynasty of Yan, including the ruling Yanese Emperor, often refer to themselves as the "True Lung", an honorific title that refers to their respectful veneration over their ancestors and Yan the Chieftain; the "True (Zhen)" in this case is hence not the antonym of "false" but rather an honor as the true and genuine successors of ancestral respect.

    The Lung house is known to be ardent history lovers. In order to showcase their narratives to later generations, they often have official historian archivists whose job is to research and write down historical records which are later stored in their imperial libraries overseen by the Yanese Ministry of Rites. These histories covers from the unification of the the Yan tribe, the Hundred Clan Rebellion, the Great Hunt against the Feranmuts, to later history into the modern era, and many famous Yanese official histories include Tales of the Lung, Origin of the Hundred Names, and Common History of the Hundred Clans. Because they are certified by the imperial court with concrete facts and humanistic approach, the Lung's history can be seen as a legitimate primary source when compared with other nations' narratives that are based on oral traditions or religious foundation.[1]

    Since the end of Yanese isolation in 845 and diplomatic establishment with nations of the Terran heartland, there have been frequent interactions between the Lung house of Yan and the Draco house of Victoria. There was even a period of history in which the Dracos also adopted the name of "Lung" as a Yanese translation and referred to the Lung house as a "Draco dynasty" in Victorian translation. This was based on inaccurate presumptions among foreign envoys when attempting to translate their respective names. Consequently, many Yanese were at one time shocked that the Dracos were actually their long-lost cousins. Over the course of active communication, both houses eventually corrected their names in their translations. After the Aslans' palace coup that toppled the Victorian Dracos, some of them have been seeking refuge in Yan and even quietly integrated into the Yanese dynasty.

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