Base Ancestries

Ancestries of Ance

Human:

Humans are an adaptable ancestry. Known for their durability and hardiness, they're well known throughout Vessel for their ability to suffer grave wounds and truck on, consume strong toxins and poisons recreationally, and have one of the widest ranges of comfort within all the ancestries of Ance. They arrived in Vessel as pilgrims under Morana, and greatly value Family.

Elf:

Elves are a people of magic, grace, and longevity. Their ties to the magic of the world and having descended from the gods' chosen peoples, elves are one of the more diverse ancestries in Ance, reflective of the gods who brought the various ancestries to Vessel.

• Arctic Elves

  dwell in the colder climates in the far north and far south. Known for the pale white skin and blonde-grey hair, they came along with the Arrival of Seren, and revere the cycle of life above all.

• Cave Elves

  typically live in underground cities known as "Forgeholds". They rarely see the sun, and have a darker purple complexion compared to their super-terrianous cousins. They arrived with Varanthe, and chose to pursue Her Great Hardship deep below in elegantly carved cities.

• Desert Elves

  are more commonly known as Solar Elves. They have a firey complexion, from tan and brown tones to near-crimson in color. They heralded the arrival of Sol, and are the dominant ancestry in his cult.

• Whisper Elves

  established themselves in the open plains across Ance, preferring the wide open fields to accomodate their heightened senses. They were one of Lyra's many pilgrims, and have quickly spread throughout Ance.

Dwarf:

Dwarves are stout, hardy folk known for their skill in craftsmanship and love for stonework and ale. Hailing from mountainous fortresses, dwarves are defined by their strong sense of tradition, unyielding courage, and a deep connection to their ancestral lands. They journeyed to Vessel along side Varanthe and the Cave Elves.

Gnome:

Gnomes are whimsical, vibrant beings, driven by insatiable curiosity and a knack for invention. They cherish the joys of life, displaying colorful personalities and an affinity for magic. Their small stature belies their immense spirit and capacity for creativity. They're deeply in touch with the Fae, having worshipped nature as pilgrims of Breen.

Goblin:

Goblins are energetic, resourceful, and at times, mischievous beings. Often misunderstood, these small creatures possess a unique perspective on life, valuing freedom and adventure. Goblins are quick and agile, making them elusive and surprisingly resourceful survivors. The god they made their pilgrimage under isn't well documented, but they enjoy hearing about whatever beliefs you may hold!

Halfling:

Halflings are agile, resourceful, and good-natured, often living alongside other ancestries. They are known for their unassuming demeanor and ability to slip out of trouble. Despite their small size, halflings are brave and loyal, making them excellent allies. They came along with the arrival of Aurelius, along with the Dragonkin.

Orc:

Orcs are known for their formidable strength and fierce demeanor. They have a reputation as fearsome warriors, but orcish cultures are rich and varied, with deep-seated traditions and a strong sense of community. Their resilience and martial prowess make them powerful allies. They came along with Morana, alongside humans as pilgrims to Vessel.

Kobold:

Kobolds are small reptilian creatures, often underestimated due to their size. They are clever and tenacious, with a strong affinity for mining and trap-making. Kobolds are fiercely loyal to their kin and can be surprisingly brave in defending their communities. It's hotly debated as to whether they were Ancian native, predating the gods, or came along with Aurelius and his dragon brood.

Angelborn (Celestial Nephilim):

Angelborn are beings of celestial heritage, often marked by their striking appearances and divine aura. They feel a natural calling to stand for the ideals of the god their inherit, and many possess supernatural abilities. Angelborn often struggle with high expectations and their place in the world. While not common, they're usually born of either a forbidden relationship with an Angel, or shear luck and the alignment of the Thrones as a blessing from a god. Due to how difficult it would be to know the truth, the gods typically keep their noses out of the matters of the Angelborn, while Ancians regard them as heralds of a future blessing.

Devilborn (Infernal Nephilim):

Devilborn carry infernal or fiendish bloodlines, which manifest in their unique appearances and abilities. They're descended from a time where the Devils broke the Law of the Gods and taught the people of Ance magic, but arcane and occult. While the gods once saw them to symbolize the betrayal of their beloved peoples, the Devilborn as now often seen as a sign of unexpected hardship and the hope to overcome it. They hold an affinity for the arcane that surpasses the natural affinity found on average in other ancestries. Noteably, Novaterians often see Devilborn as especially trustworthy, and more easily come to trust them.