Races

[Gaelberus]

Races

Tellius is flush with a diverse array of races of all types. However, these races can be categorized into three distinct categories.

Beorc

Beorc are the most numerous race on Tellius, and they are what most would consider "human", although in Tellius that term is used by Laguz as a racial slur. Most Beorc, in comparison to their continental cohabitants, possess no special abilities, though some are able to use magic, an ability that Laguz lack. Because of this, Beorc augment themselves with weapons and armor in order to compete with their naturally stronger brethren. However what Beorc lack in sheer brawn, they make up for in smarts. Beorc are known to be some of the most cunning politicians, skillful craftsman, and diligent merchants, and, in spite of their physical weaknesses, have come to control most of Tellius. Their fortresses and castles are feats of architectural genius, and the wealth of their kingdoms knows no compare.

Beorc have the shortest lifespans on Tellius, living to roughly 70, but they reproduce much faster than Laguz or Branded.

Laguz

Laguz are the beastmen of Tellius, and are called "sub-humans" by some of Tellius's more racist citizens. Unlike Beorc, Laguz have the ability to transform themselves into the forms of giant animals, like tigers, birds, and dragons. Because of this, Laguz have no need to use weapons and armor to fight, preferring their claws, fangs, talons, and breath, which are many times more effective than Beorc weaponry. Laguz can be broken down into three main categories: Beast Laguz, which consist of creatures like tigers and bears; Bird Laguz, which consist of creatures like hawks and ravens; and Dragon Laguz, which take the form of red, white, and black dragons. Appearance-wise, most Laguz also possess traits of their animals forms even in human form, with Beast Laguz having tails, animal ears, and extra hair, and Bird Laguz retaining their wings, allowing them flight. Dragon Laguz, on the other hand, are virtually indistinguishable from Beorc in their human forms.

Laguz have the longest lifespans on Tellius, with most Beast Laguz living roughly 250 years and Bird Laguz living 500. The oldest of Herons was said to have lived 1000 years, and Dragons can even live to reach 2000 years old.

Branded

Branded are the children of Beorc and Laguz, named as such due to the brands that show up on their skin from birth. Branded are much like Beorc, possessing all of the same traits, save for one important difference: They live to be half as old as their Laguz parent, and age accordingly. Branded have been subject to much persecution throughout history. Due to the fact that the Laguz parent permanently loses their ability to shift after mating with a Beorc, Branded have been historically seen as the product of a curse, and have been treated accordingly. While the discrimination has let up in more recent years, especially with the founding of Animus, Branded are still subject to some of the same prejudice they once were.

It is also interesting to note that many Branded don't actually have a Laguz parent, and don't even know they're Branded. They have no brand, and live normal lifespans, and it's not until the brand shows up again in one of their descendants does it become an issue.