A variety of sentient species inhabit the world of Sha’uru, the following which are available to choose as Player Characters; other species exist in the world; however, they only exist as NPCs under Plot discretion. Each species consists of several sub-cultures, each with their own costuming requirements (which must always be clearly visible). Beyond the specified costuming requirements, characters may dress and accessorize in any many they feel is befitting for the character and setting, so long as it does not imitate or could be confused for the costuming requirements of another species/culture.
Each species and sub-culture also come with specific skill “boons” which represent a general affinity towards such skills as a result of being raised in a specific Species’ culture. This does not mean all characters of the species/culture automatically have these boon skills for free—the boons merely allow the character to purchase the skill at a discounted rate, or grants access to learn the skill at its standard cost if the skill is not on the character’s chosen Class.
Humans are the youngest of the four major Species of the world. Most archeological evidence shows that Dur and Nisse had established cities that are older than any artifacts of ancient human cultures. However, Humans possess a spirit and wanderlust that has made them more prolific than the other species. The Silverthorn Empire, established in 1178, spread through most of the known world and controlled vast sections of land. They were instrumental in ending the Goblin War of 1663 by force, and it was their decision to make Goblins subservient to the Human Empire that eventually saved the Goblins from extinction. As the Dur continued their purge of the monstrous species from the world of Sha'uru, the Humans saw merit in recognizing the Goblins as a people. In 1771 the Humans freed the Goblins from servitude and negotiated their recognition as a sovereign nation with The Bicontinental Pact. Since then, Humans have been the central hub of trade and commerce among the species of the world who prefer not to deal with the others directly for their own reasons. The last empress, Viola-Rose Harewood Silverthorn, dissolved the empire to form the Confederacy of Allied Republics, the current Human government. The Confederacy is divided into 13 Republic States, composed of a variety of distinct cultures.
Dur, whom have been clannish since ancient times, were once divided into noble house united under a single monarch. In modern times, only a few of the great noble houses have survived, as many of the clans gave way to merchant households; Stoneforge, a Mountain Dur house, is the oldest and most powerful of these old clans. A common trait in Durren culture is a deep-seated need to leave behind a legacy of some kind. This is what leads most Dur to seek out their fortune in the world at large, and to join several of the expeditions exploring the new continent of Antioch. Their gruff nature and ancient linage tend to make them appear to be intolerant of other Species; and they have a particularly strong hatred of Goblin-kind, as the Dur and Goblins warred since time immemorial. Many claim (especially the Dur themselves) that they were responsible for the genocide of orcs in the old world.
The core belief of all Nisse is "life is beautiful". They believe that in order to promote life and to enhance its beauty, one should devote themselves to a high art that benefits the world at large. However, understanding that not all possess the talents of an artisan, Nisse culture recognizes that there are portions of that high art which any individual can devote themselves to. To the elves, the greatest aspiration one can have in life is to devote themselves to mastering a single aspect of life in order to heighten the beauty and perfection of the world. Through the ages, like-minded elves gathered in order to support the art which they felt called to them, eventually evolving into the Nisse cultures of the modern age. The most numerous in the world are the Vand Nisse, Slagte Nisse, and Afsla Nisse (though others exist in too small numbers to have notable presence). Even Nisse who did not grow up in one of the three major cultures still share a portion of the Nisse belief in the spirit of art and beauty.
Goblinites (Half-Goblins and Goblin Creations)
Goblinites are so named because they are half-breeds with one goblin parent mixed with one (or more, in the case of Homunculi) other sentient Species. Goblinites have no true society of their own; instead, they tend to incorporate themselves into Human of Goblin settlements (as these are the most tolerant towards Goblinites). Nisse do not welcome any Goblinites into their lands except for Kobolds whom they tolerate due to their part-Nisse heritage. Dur tend to treat all Goblinites save Homunculi as beasts, no better than dogs; many Dur will actively attempt to put down Goblinites—especially Gnomes—found within the borders of Durren lands. Homonculi, however, are at least recognized as property within in Durren settlements, though they are still regarded as unclean and unfit to merit any respect. Goblins freely welcome Goblinites into Goblin lands but tend to exploit them knowing Goblinites entering their lands are desperate and lack better prospects elsewhere. However, due to the terms of the Crimson Ravine Peace Accords that ended the wars between Goblins and the other Species, Goblinites are afforded protections to their existence outside of the sovereign lands of the Nisse and Dur.