Races

The souls of mortals may end up in any number of places after their death; even the Gates of Judgement are but one stop on their journey. For those souls who have proven their worth the Shining Redoubt awaits. Istensia maintains this grand alabaster castle on the shores of the Golden Ocean and within its hallowed halls dwell the living souls of mortals who have died valiantly in service to the people of Orn. Its members are sometimes allowed to return to aid innocent mortals and combat great evil in the Realms.

Diabolus are a broad category of beings with a strong connection to the realm of the Pit. While most are not actual fiends, to the common person they are hard to differentiate. Those who are able to break away from the influence of the Pit often fall into the life of the adventurer, continually moving from place to place, either because they have worn out their welcome or fear being captured by what pursues them.

Oread (Or-E-ad) are the humanoid embodiment of elemental earth. Stoic, stalwart, and contemplative, they are as steadfast as the earth itself. For those interested in a calm and loyal character who thinks before they act, Oread is the race for you.

One of Orn's races of smallfolk, Halflings tend to resemble short humans with noticeable sideburns and often with body hair covering the backs of their hands and the tops of their feet. 

On the whole the race tends to be marked by their lively, curious nature and their high pitched voices as well as a more than healthy appetite for both adventure as well as food. 

“A mushroom pie is mighty fine,
and beer can ease your grief
but I could do without them both–
If I have lots of leaf!”

Goblins are small, green humanoids who are, at best, viewed as nuisances by the civilized races of Orn. Lacking an organized society of their own, goblins congregate in small camps and prey on travelers. Some of the more ambitious groups try to raid towns and villages, but most goblins are too cowardly to attack a superior foe unless coerced.

The Tordenvaer are a loud and thunderous people hailing from the stormy mountain peaks of Glesmyr. During winter they spend most of their time in their ancestral mead halls where they drink and feast until the relative warmth of spring. They are a boisterous people who pride themselves on both their prowess in combat as well as their abilities to weave epic retellings of past glories.

The Forbidden are a mysterious people that no individual truly knows much about. They are members of an unnamed, wraith-like race of creatures from the Nether who come to the Mortal realm to reclaim escaped souls and bring them back to their rightful place; however, a few of these creatures find the Mortal Realm to be so curious and fascinating that they decide to break their bond with the Nether and live out the rest of their days among those who live in the Mortal Realm. These are the Forbidden.

The Uordeq race has always been shrouded in secrecy and never fully understood by the other races of Orn. They are dark-eyed and almost nocturnal creatures who are treated with hostility, mistrust, and fear wherever they go, even by their own kind. They have gained a reputation as being slavers, thieves, necromancers, and warlocks. And although there are good reasons for this, only one thing can be said with certainty: The Uordeq dwell in the shadows and do whatever it takes to survive.  Survival is everything to an Uordeq.

Humans have existed in Orn before the Age of Ascension, and they are the most prominent and diverse race among the Shards. 

Powerful, free and fearless the Angori are the Chosen of Aramir, Immortal of Conquest.  They value strength and honor in a harsh world.  Angori strive to make their mark and to be worthy to stand in the company of their ancient chief and patron.   Theirs is a path of danger and glory.