The Faces of Sapiency

by Dr Melville Sabilline

    It is with some sadness I received a ancient manuscript recovered from the badlands. Though initially excited by this new find, my heart sank into my shoes when I studied the ancient text and beautifully detailed artwork across the scrip that I realized a startling image of a creature with the hindquarters of a horse and the upper body of a man. Across the moth eaten parchement I read stories of giants, bird men and many similar species we jostle with on trains and work beside in our places of business. It was but another reminder of the once diverse peoples that walked the lands, built empires and forged the world into a beautiful and thriving civilzation. The Great Devastation took its toll on the world and it enrages my heart to realize that so many cultures and peoples are lost to us now.
    This small brochure is a humble man's attempt to catch a bit of the beauty. I hope to recount the history of the species, their culture and beliefs for the amusement and edification of the masses.
I have been asked on many occasions, both professionally and privately, as to my views on the origins of Homo sapiens, namely whether all subspecies were created at the same time by the Heavenly Host or whether, as my previous works suggest, one subspecies may have evolved from another. This is a worthy question, as quite understandably there are many who would bristle at such a question, as the answer may challenge the social order and, indeed, one’s place in the universe.
    Perhaps more at issue is my insistence on using the term ‘subspecies’ rather than ‘race’ or ‘species’ when speaking about the variances amongst intelligent creatures. At times these differences dominate the discussion; what can a fragile Gnome have in common with the mighty Ogre, or why do the Huldufolk live for 50 years on average while the Eldren live four times as long? Why do the Beastfolk so resemble the lesser animals?
    While these are legitimate questions, they overlook the obvious: the various subspecies are not that different from each other. Each is bipedal with similar muscles, senseorgans, hair, bones, and reproductive organs. Each shows similar variances when exposed to particular natural conditions for generations. Most importantly, albeit with varying outcomes, the subspecies can interbreed. It is this latter point that makes the various ‘races’ of humanity a single species. If anything, my observation that collections of dominant traits result in similar children should call into question whether the various groups of Homo sapiens are separate subspecies at all or simply members of one species: Sapient.
    I leave this point now so as to enlighten the reader to the specific points of each subspecies and a brief recount of their history.

Humans Homo sapiens communis

    Humans seem to share a common trait with many of the other species, though perhaps, not to the full extent. I was sitting on a train and commented on the similarities of a Dogman in a bowler and grey suit and the Human beside him. Their whiskers, build and posture were so similar it quite amusing. Humans are the most populous of all the subspecies, and account for the majority of Faerun's population.They vary greatly in build, and have many possible hair and eye colours. They are an adaptable bunch and have managed to insert themselves into every class in every country across the world. Human scholars tend to believe that the Human subspecies is the dominant subspecies that all others will eventually become. As if to temper the sentiment, Eldren frequently refer to Humans as ‘Common Men’ and note, admittedly without proof, that Humans were a younger subspecies prior to the Great Devastation.
    Humans have widely varying tastes, morals, and customs in the many different lands where they have settled. When they settle, though, they stay: they build cities to last for the ages, and great kingdoms that can persist for long centuries. An individual human might have a relatively short life span, but a human nation or culture preserves traditions with origins far beyond the reach of any single human’s memory. They live fully in the present—making them well suited to the adventuring life—but also plan for the future, striving to leave a lasting legacy. Individually and as a group, humans are adaptable opportunists, and they stay alert to changing political and social dynamics.

Beastfolk Homo sapiens bestius

    It is unclear how the Beastfolk first came to be. Some scholars believe Beastfolk are the result of centuries of breeding of ancient sapients such as feline-humanoids, avien creatures and lizardfolk, among many more. Some claim they were unique in their inception, created by the Heavenly Host from the beginning.

    From the earliest times before the Great Devastation, it appeared that Beastfolk held high positions in society; many ancient cultures revered their archons in Beastfolk form and even some rulers were Beastfolk. Aluminat theologians note that many intelligent Beastfolk reverted to their primal instincts during the Great Devestation. Many were unable to trust their brethren if they were ever exposed to the Maleficium. Some even went so far as to call all Beastfolk a ‘perversion of natural order,’ leading to the downfall of ‘wicked’ Beastfolk aristocracies and the relegation of Beastfolk into the lowest rungs of the social ladder, even going so far as to banish them from proper civilization altogether. It was largely in part to the efforts of the Eldren Marron Endive that Beastfolk, and many of the other species in the lower classes were ever brought back into fellowship with their humanoid kin.

    Despite Endive's best efforst, Beastfolk have thrived as best they can in the lower classes and provide most of the labour and military might of modern cultures. Many cunning folk, shamans, witch doctors, and other conjurer magicians are Beastfolk and demand great respect in rural communities. Some have even regained their places of honor in the highest tiers of society. On the whole they make up a large part of the workforce which keeps the great machine working, performing menial labor jobs and living in places most comfortable to their specific needs. Their ways are simple and motivated by one thing; survival.

    Female Beastfolk only account for approximately one quarter (2-5 on 2D) of the Beastfolk population, so it is more common for Beastfolk to intermarry and breed with Humans (and occasionally Eldren). The lower classes see little wrong with the practice, but the upper classes find it abhorrent. Nevertheless, there are plenty of secret upper class brothels that provide all manner of Beastfolk for secret liaisons with the aristocracy.

    Beastfolk are often judged by their outward appearance. A rat or weasel would live a lonely, shunned life, whilst a noble lion would be popular and possibly be propositioned by the other subspecies. Due to their subservient social position many Beastfolk support political movements, such as anarchy and classless societies, in order to improve their condition.

Dwarfs Homo sapiens montis

    "Stubborn as a Dwarf" or "Hearty as the mountain-folk" are common terms used to describe the stalwart, hardworking and industrious Dwarven folk. While not as long-lived as Eldren, Dwarfs have a stubborn streak that lasts generations; a Dwarf whose family settled in the Dalelands or High Moor three centuries ago still sounds like she just got off the train from Harland or High Kolgan, while a Human may be surprised to find a Dwarf holding a grudge from a slight his ancestor made towards the Dwarf’s ancestor.

    The Dwarfs’ prejudice against Eldren is legendary, mainly due to their irritation with people they consider slow to get their hands dirty (and not a little because of the upper class’ disdain for anyone who actually works for a living). That said, Dwarfs are industrious and make up a large part of the skilled labour in many towns where mining and building are the primary industries. Unsurprisingly, large parts of the nouveau riche are Dwarfs. Dwarfs have a strong work ethic, often shunning anyone not doing something to contribute to society.

    Dwarfs are stocky and powerfully muscled. They have finely lined faces, and the colour of their eyes is always deep and bright. Dwarven hair can be any Human color, although it is coarse and grows thickly on the scalp and face. Dwarven women do not grow beards, despite slurs to the contrary. Their thick, luxurious hair is the envy of women from other subspecies, and often grows long enough to

reach the floor. Dwarfs are hard-working industrialists, and make up a large part of the gentry.

    Dwarfs often live in mountainous regions, operate factories and drive the machine of industry forward, seeking new ways to grow their cities of stone and steel and make their lives more efficient and effective against the ravages of time. Where human's go out, dwarf's go down and up. Though many rarely reach the upper eschalons of society, almost all universally share a appreciation for the finer things of life. Much to the chagrin of those who slight them and the Eldren who pride themselves on their knowledge, Dwarfs remember. Their stories are as famous as their pride, and they are ashamed of neither.

Gnomes Homo sapiens noctis

    Gnomes are short and wiry, easily mistaken for starved Dwarfs or undernourished Huldufolk. Ancient legends hold that Gnomes were magicians of great power, perhaps even greater than the Eldren, but something happened, perhaps something during the Great Devastation, that ripped that capacity from them. Some anthropologists posit that such an incidentcould account for the Gnome’s wizened appearance and frail body. Gnomes often appear older than they are; the face of a middle-aged Gnome is lined like an old Human’s. Their hair can be any colour, and their dark eyes sparkle with shrewd intelligence.

    Being frail, Gnomes shy away from physical work when they can and are at their best when taxing their brains; most find work as academics, accountants, bureaucrats, clerks, lawyers, and researchers. Perhaps the heyday of Gnome magicians is over, but there are as many Gnomes in the Guild as any other subspecies. As an intelligent but fragile creature, a Gnome would logically prefer to work at night, when they are less likely to be spotted and bothered. This accounts for their nocturnal advantages, as Gnomes less equipped to operate at night were weeded out over time.

    Despite their physical deficiencies, they more then compensate for this as philosophers, architects, designers and teachers. They are often solitary creatures or have small communities and prefer the company of other intellectuals over the folk who walk under the sun.

Huldufolk Homo sapiens furpes

    The Huldufolk are a short subspecies that seems to be constantly on the move, usually because their peculiar fascinations and (unfounded) reputation for laziness tend to get them into trouble (and a Huldu’s fragile physique prompts her to choose discretion over valour most of the

time). The largest concentration of Huldufolk live in the Dalelands. When I asked why there were so

many, the local Huldu leader shrugged and said they ran out of places to run. The Huldufolk had taken to living in burrow-like homes, hence their name (‘Huldufolk’ means ‘Hidden People’).

    Huldufolk are rarely more than 3 feet in height and have thick soles on their feet (most Huldufolk go barefoot when convention allows). As a naturally slender subspecies, Huldufolk consider a portly frame evidence of good luck, as it’s a sign that the Huldu was able to remain in one place for a considerable length of time. They are also relatively short-lived; a Huldu reaches maturity at 12 and her average lifespan is 50 years. Given their challenges, it’s no wonder that Huldufolk take great pleasure in food and drink, tall stories and a warm fire. Perhaps to offset their shorter lifespan, Huldufolk are rather fertile (a trait often used to insult them) and often form strong family bonds, so most of them come from large families.

Orcs Homo sapiens agrestis

    No subspecies is more feared and vilified than the Orc. Almost all Orcs in metropolitan cities are immigrants; there seems to be little known about the Orcs and where their homeland used to be. Seen as little more than savages, the Orcs are forced to make their homes on the outskirts of civilisation and are expected to move whenever the wilderness they inhabit is tamed. Little effort is made to integrate Orcs into civilised society; even in the rookeries, Orcs are set apart from other residents. Mothers whisper

to their children to fear the Orc, as it is clearly a demon manifest on this world.

    Anthropologists attribute this to an instinctive fear that Orcs are the evolutionary endpoint and must therefore be resisted. Of great concern to those who believe this theory is the Orc’s affinity for machinery. While science and sorcery often work hand-in-hand, there was a time when sorcery

was much greater and now, in the wake of the industrial revolution, science is quickly overtaking it. If the Eldren are a reminder of an age when sorcery was king, then the Orc is a symbol of a new technological age. In spite of this, Orcs have a strong sense of spirituality and are less likely to abandon Old Gods for the Heavenly Host. 

    An Orc’s skin colour varies by region but is always slate-like and coarse to the touch. Orcs generally have dark hair; Orcs born with silver hair are believed to be Divinely-touched and are often trained as

cunning folk. Orc eyes have cat-like pupils and white or pale metallic irises; their lobeless ears come to delicate points at the tips. An Orc’s lower incisors are pronounced and often protrude even when their mouths are closed.

Ogres Homo sapiens magnus

    The Ogre is a humanoid powerhouse. On average 8 ft. tall and almost as wide, an Ogre is best described as a large slab of pure muscle. Ogres may have any colour hair or eyes; their skin is usually rough and callused all over. Often their teeth are overdeveloped tusks (about 75% of the time, or 2-8 on 2D); facial features are always very deep set and crude.

    History has painted the Orge as a formidable foe once, a adventurer's worst fear on the open road. They were even once rumored to possess an ability to charm unwary strangers right into the stew pots.. Given their large size and dull wits, Ogres have always been the hard, unskilled labourers of the lower class and noted High Moor anthropologist Johann Blumenbach claimed that thousands of years of hard labour, little education, and social ostracism has caused the Ogre brain to degenerate. In spite of this, there are a few Ogres that manage to break out of their humble origins and join the middle class. While there aren’t many Ogres within the Guild there are several conjurers and psychics.

    Ironically enough, all Ogres, no matter how witty, are extremely gullible. They frequently believe anything they are told, as they lack the facility to distinguish lies from truth. This often leads to fanatical (and misplaced) devotion to even obscure causes, a fact that the army plays on with glee.

Eldren Homo sapiens aetheris

    The Eldren are the rarest of the subspecies of humanity but most are still in the ranks of the aristocracy. In high society, an Eldren bride is considered quite a prize. The Eldren have lived with, and interbred with, the upper echelons of sapiency for all recorded time.

    The Eldren claim an ancient lineage, one that goes back to the antediluvian kingdoms and many still claim titles for lands that have long since sunk into the oceans. Their very name, in fact, implies that they were first amongst the subspecies, or the ‘Eldest.’ The Dwarves are amongst the loudest refuters of this claim and prefer to call them ‘Elves’ instead, a term most Eldren find in poor taste.

    Perhaps because of their close connection to the aether, Eldren are creative by nature and amongst the greatest artists and artisans in the world. They also tend to be potent magicians due to their already close association to the aether.

    Unfortunately, such exposure makes them ‘eccentric,’ and invariably leads to madness if they live long enough. Many a noble was forced to abdicate his throne to his heir after his madness overtook him so completely that he was incapacitated.

    Not only creators of beauty, the Eldren are also legendary for their own physical beauty, as they are tall yet slight of build, and finely boned with delicate features. Their skin shines like the finest porcelain and are unaffected by the sunlight; their hair is usually raven-black or mahogany with little other variation. Eldren eyes have cat-like pupils and white or pale metallic irises; their ears come to a delicate point at the tip.

    I believe that the Eldren are actually a blend of two subspecies, based on his observations of Eldren

and Steppgoblins. I hypothesises that one subspecies favours clairvoyant abilities and the other spiritualist, but the two subspecies have so thoroughly integrated that he can’t assign the hair colours to one or the other. Most Eldren pretend not to care but at least one Dwarf academic has joked that, should the ‘Elves’ acknowledge the possibility, they’d drive themselves insane trying to figure out which type was of higher breeding than the other.

Other Species

Djinni Homo sapiens elementum

A rare species thought to have died out long ago, the Djinni are remored to live in the far lands to the south. These exotic creatures are believed to be the result of relations of old gods, the Divines or much fouler creatures. In some local communities some are revered or even worshipped as children of the gods. It is rare to see one of these sapients, but if you do, you will never forget them. They embody some kind of connection to the natural world in the form of a elemental power or trait. Some have hair of fire or crystal, skin the color of seafoam or earthy brown, and stranger still have eye colors which varied from gold to red.

Shadar Kai Homo sapiens faerie

Twisted by some dark powers, the Shadar Kai are believed to be a race of dark skinned Eldren who gave themselves over to the Maleficium in exchange for power and great wealth. Some believe the Shadar Kai still exist to this day, operating from the confines of their ancient cities and working away from the Light of Truth and Order, preferring the shadows for their nefarious deeds. They are a kind of boogeyman, a demon or other tool of the Maleficium. Fortunately for the Eldren who bear a resemblance to their long lost cousins, the rumors have remained in the nurseries.

Aasimar Homo sapiens caelestinum

The Aasimar bear a strong resemblance to the Eldren, matching them in beauty and long life, their one difference is the magnificent pair of wings that grow from their back. Thought by some to be embodiments of the Heavenly host, messengers and champions for good, the Aluminat are not quick to claim divine intervention as it is held that angels do not breed with sapients for any reason. One popular opinion is that a being given completely to the way of Order and Law ascends as a mortal. Though lacking proof of such claims, others believe these beings are descendants of the Forever Empress who herself was known to bear a pair of ebony wings. Though many of her known family do not possess such a great gift, it is often rumored to be a gift from the beloved ruler to her people and a sign in the High Moors as a extremely rare boon.

Changling Homo sapiens mutabilis

Often portrayed as a evil trickster and agent of Chaos, Changlings are a creature of nightmares and manifestations of fate coming home to bear upon those who dabble in the Maleficium. The stories tell of these creatures changing their appearance, voice and mannerisms in order to pass for a common sapient. They are rarely seen in their colorless form. Some thoughtful scholars believe these to be a rare race of creatures stranded here after the Great Devastation. Seeking to preserve their way of life, they hide in plain sight and adapt to the situation. Though, admittedly, many probably use this gift for nefarious purposes.

Triton Homo sapiens oceanus

Not much is known of the world beneath the lapping waves and green foam of the ocean. Some daring explorer's have sought to explore the inky depths with a dream of discovering some ancient city or lost relic of the past. Some of reported sightings of strange creatures, sapients with tails and gills, and glimpses of cities hidden from mortal man. Many more stories are from those who succumbed to some fate which should have taken their lives only to find themselves rescued and with only a glimps of their saviors darting beneath the waves. Many of the tales of old seaman can be discarded as fanciful rubbish accentuated by too much grog. But a few have come from reputable sources, but lack the evidence to back it up. What is known is that a old race of sapients, perhaps of Eldren descent, once ruled the waves. Their fate following the Great Devastation is unknown to this day.

Lineages 

These humanoids defy categorization. Many Aluminat scholars catagorize these creatures as twisted version of their former selves, altered by the Maleficium and consumed by Chaos and Disorder. They may share traits similar to any of the sapients but they possess aetheric powers which stagger the mind. Agents of the dark powers, they do the bidding of malign beings and seek the unknowable goals. One thing is for certain; whatever they seek, it is not for the good of mankind.