RACES

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These are the races of the LSPA world. You may only make characters belonging to one of these races; if the race is a rare one, make sure to double-check the ban list before making one. Each race has its primary traits, magical tendencies, and average lifespans listed below. Happy choosing!

Rare races:

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VAMPIRES

Vampires have one of the worst reputations of all the races in the world. Some of that reputation is deserved. Vampires are those things that go bump in the night, the primary predator you have to fear on the streets after the sun goes down. Many of them are exactly what superstitions would have you believe: bloodthirsty, amoral monsters to whom humans are nothing more than prey. However, there are more exceptions to this than those who fit it. Not all vampires are the same; they are as varied in temperament as humans.

Physical, vampires tend to be on the attractive side since it is a mechanism to attract their prey. They appear human, for the most part, apart from sharper canines and often oddly-colored eyes. They are usually much stronger than they appear, and almost always appear to be young in age (they remain the age that they were changed, if they were changed).

Magical skill tends to very in concentration, though they often have blood-related powers. Vampires are weakened by silver and can be killed by a stake through the heart or by decapitation. Most are vulnerably to the sun, though the most powerful vamps are merely weakened and discomfited by it, without having it do any real harm.

There are two varieties of vampires. Born (or pureblood) vampires are those who are born to two vampire parents, of the race from the moment they come into the world. These are usually stronger than the others, and are more likely to be immune to the sun. Made (or mixed-blood) vampires are those who were once a different race and were changed into vampires for whatever reason. They tend to be weaker, but their power is often directly proportional to the power level of their maker.

There are vamps on all sides of the gods conflict.

approximate lifespan: until they are killed.

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DEMONS

Demons are the dark-spawned counterparts to angels. They were created by their patron goddess Lucifer and are primarily beings of chaos. As a general rule, demons are not necessarily evil, but they are predisposed to love violence and mayhem, with a deep-seated disdain for rules and laws. They tend towards criminal behavior and piracy. However, as with all races, there are plenty of exceptions to the general rule.

Appearance wise, demons largely appear the same as regular humans. They have a tendency towards unnatural eye color. Some demons have black, batlike wings; these tend to be the more powerful ones.

Demons are creatures most closely associated with chaos and fire; as such, they often have powers stemming from those two elements. Most demons have at least a rudimentary control of fire, and many have the ability to manipulate thoughts or emotions. The strength of these powers tends to grow as the demon ages.

In the conflict that has recently begun, demons tend to be on the side of either taking the power of the gods, or letting them die. Very few have any interest in reviving them, since apart from their patron Lucifer, none of the gods have any liking for this irreverent, chaotic race.

approximate lifespan: until they are killed.

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WEREWOLVES

Werewolves are those magical creatures called by the moon. They appear human most of the time, but when they choose or when the moon is full, they take the form of (often unnaturally large) wolves. They are long-time enemies of the vampires, and though they are not at open war with them at this time, tensions are, as always, high between the two races. Wolves tend to have a rigid pack structure; though there are lone wolves, most follow the leadership of their alphas and betas. Wolves are often territorial, more so than most races, and many have short tempers.

In appearance, wolves look just like humans when in human form. Those more in tune with their canid side may have elongated canine teeth. It is not unheard of for wolf ears and a tail to manifest on a wolf’s human form, but it is uncommon.

Werewolves’ primary power is that of their transformation. Other common powers include enhanced senses, particularly night vision, hearing, and smelling. Like their rivals the vampires, werewolves are weak to silver. Their power waxes and wanes with the moon. Young wolves often have more trouble controlling their change and themselves in wolf form, and may not remember what they do while running on four paws. Like vampires, wolves come in both born and bitten varieties, with the born tending to be more powerful and better controlled than the bitten.

Werewolves are on all sides of the conflict over the artifact. The Alphas have not yet taken a side officially.

approximate lifespan: up to 3000 years.

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GRYPHONS

Gryphons are another shapechanging race. Their alternate forms are majestic in appearance, combining the two creatures that are considered the kings of earth and sky. The front half of a gryphon’s body resembles that of a great eagle, while the back half is that of a lion. Where exactly the line between the two is varies from gryphon to gryphon, but the lion generally takes up at least half of the body. Gryphons are, on average, about the size of a large draft horse, though they can be as large as a rhino or as small as a common housecat.

When in human form, gryphons are indistinguishable from humans. Some select few might retain a small patch of feathers hidden beneath their hair, or be able to manifest their wings in human form, but these traits are quite rare.

Most gryphons boast the enhanced sight of an eagle, sometimes possessing other enhanced senses as well, in addition to their transformational power. They also have a strong connection to the element of wind. Where dragons are strong, gryphons are usually very fast – this is what has enabled them to avoid being wiped out by the dragons in the past.

The gryphons have no official standing in the fight, and there is no particular trend for which side members of the race have picked.

approximate lifespan: around 5000 years.

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HALF-BREED

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Half-breeds are the result of two races mixing together in a child. These can be any two races (no more than two); all of them are close enough to be genetically compatible. Half-breeds are generally detested and looked down upon by both races whose blood they share, and are often ostracized because of it. They have no organized government, and so have no royalty or other leaders.

Appearance-wise, half-breeds tend to take their traits from their mother and father, like all children. However, in addition to things like eye or hair color, they may also inherit magical traits. A child of an angel and a fallen, for example, might have one white wing and one black, or feathers of both colors mixed together.

The same goes for powers; some powers tend to be hereditary and may pass to half-breed children, though they are often not exactly the same. In half-breeds, these powers are often less stable or weaker than they might otherwise be.

Half-breeds are present on all sides of the conflict.

approximate lifespan: varies – derived from parent races.

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DRAGONS

Dragons are a rare, proud breed. They have a low rate of reproduction, so there aren’t many of them, but those that do exist are quite powerful. Though they have learned to take the form of humans, their true forms are much grander: huge, winged lizards or serpents (it varies) with the capability of flight. Dragons are the longtime rivals of the gryphons. The population has been growing steadily over the past few centuries, but they are still painfully few in number. The size of their alternate form depends upon their age; dragons never stop growing, so a younger dragon may be as small as a horse, but an old dragon may well outsize a castle.

They appear no different from regular humans while in human form, though some can manifest their wings or claws. The giveaway is their strength; dragons are much, much stronger than humans, no matter how scrawny their form may appear to be.

All dragons have the ability to take either human or dragon form, as well as to breathe fire, though many cannot do so while in human form. The color of a dragon’s flames can very, even straying into unnatural colors, but it is not uncommon to see two dragons with the same colored fire.

They have no particular trend as far as the fighting is concerned, though the dragon royalty has remained steadfastly, officially neutral so far.

approximate lifespan: until they are killed.

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ANGELS

Angels are beings of light, creatures native to Paradise who have, for whatever reason, decided to spend some of their immortal lives on earth. Their reasons may vary; some choose to come of their own accord for personal reasons or on a personal mission, while others are sent to perform a particular task. Angels who are born on earth often choose to stay here, as they tend to consider it their home rather than Paradise.

Physically, angels are as diverse in appearance as humans. In fact, they look exactly like humans but for the one feature they all have in common: each and every angel sports a pair of large, white-feathered wings. Some angels can hide their wings, which then often manifest as a tattoo-like marking on their backs. However, most wear their wings proudly.

Most angels are decently skilled in magic. They tend towards healing powers, which tend to get stronger as the angel gets older. Other than that, angels’ powers very, though many can boast a connection to an element.

In the chaos of the death of the gods, most angels have taken one of two stances. Some have chosen to try and revive the gods, as angels have long been the most devout of the gods’ followers. Others, however, have decided to merely keep people from getting their hands on the power of the gods, as it is not meant for mortals, aiming to preserve the natural order.

approximate lifespan: until they are killed.

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HUMANS

Humans are by far the weakest of the existing races, both magically and physically. However, thanks to a large population, high reproductive rates, and a surprising resilience in the face of danger, they have managed to survive in a world of magical creatures. They often have a greater tendency towards creativity than other races, as they must be inventive if they want to stay alive and independent. Right now, humans are, at least officially, of equal standing with the other races.

Humans are as varied as can be in appearance. In fact, it is the lack of odd features that allows them to be distinguished from the other races. There has recently been an increase in unusual hair and eye colors due to their widespread exposure to magic, however.

Each human has only one magical power, if any at all. These powers tend not to be hereditary, and are rather random and unpredictable in who they will manifest in. They are, in general, weaker than nonhuman magic.

Though they do have a central government, humans are fairly equally distributed among the various factions.

approximate lifespan: around 100 years.

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FAERIE

There is a lot of myth and superstition surrounding the faerie (also known as fairy, fayrie, or fae), only some of which is true. It is true that the fae are an ancient race, with a lot of history of meddling in the affairs of other races, particularly humans. Many fae are tricksters by nature, playing pranks for their own entertainment at the expense of others. All fae have a passion for stories, particularly unique or interesting ones. They vary widely in temperament, so it pays to expect the unexpected when dealing with them.

Most fae are easily distinguishable from humans. They each sport wings, like many other races, though theirs are always some variation of insectoid in appearance. They tend to be shorter and more slender than the average human, giving them a fragile appearance.

Many fae are skilled in illusion magic, while others have more directly manipulative powers. Some have the ability to mesmerize with their gaze. They are also known to have a strong connection to the elements, particularly air. Faeries are weakened by cold iron, and most dislike steel for the iron it contains, though they are not affected as strongly by it.

There is no trend in the faeries’ participation in the current conflict.

approximate lifespan: until they are killed.

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FALLEN

Where there are angels, there are those who have fallen from grace. Known colloquially as “Fallen”, these one-time angels are as numerous as their white-winged counterparts. They have a tendency to be fairly low on the morality spectrum, but that is by no means a universal trait. There are plenty of Fallen who are genuinely good people, but made one fatal mistake, or who simply don’t always succeed in doing the right thing. There are also those who are born Fallen, whose race has no bearing whatsoever on the content of their character.

Fallen are almost identical in appearance to their angelic counterparts. The difference is primarily in the color of their wings; where angels’ wings are pure, unblemished white, Fallen wings are pitch black. Older Fallen, or those who had a particularly violent Fall, will sometimes have permanently tattered wings. Also, all Fallen have a mark somewhere on their body, depicting a broken chain, that declaims their race; many of them go out of their way to hide these marks, as they cannot be removed.

There is no particular trend to the magical powers of Fallen. Some retain healing powers, or some corrupted form of said powers, but it is by no means universal.

Fallen are so diverse that there is no trend to their involvement in the conflict over the fading gods.

approximate lifespan: until they are killed.

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DEMIGODS

Demigods are exactly what they sound like. They are lesser deities, often the offspring of two deities or a deity and a mortal. They are very rare, and aren't often seen or spoken of. One might be born once every million years, depending on who the parents are. If the parents are two deities, they have the chance of becoming a full deity, depending on what thing they control. Also, if they are born of two gods, they will always be in more control of their abilities than one of a mortal and a deity will. One with two deity parents will also be more powerful, for obvious reasons.

Both deity and mortal half-breed demigods often take after their parents. So say that a demigod has a parent that is in control of animals, they might be able to control a certain animal or animal kingdom. Like bugs or felines. It doesn't really matter if they're “pure” or not, it's the same for both. It has only happened once that a demigod is born with a completely different ability than that of their deity parent(s). It is also very difficult for a demigod to ever raise beyond the rank of demigod.

Much like half-breeds, demigods that are born of a mortal and a deity are looked down upon. In a sense, they are basically the same as a half-breed, though much more powerful. They are often kept under wraps and have their abilities nullified, for their own protection. This is because most of the time, they cannot control their abilities like a pure demigod can. While their powers are normally nullified, they still have their own benefits, such as mostly-immortal life and invulnerable bodies. Like all mortals, they will eventually die. Though since they have a god for a parent, they live for a very long time. Unlike deities, they do not completely run on the faith of mortals. This last bit only applies to demigods who are half mortal. If a wound is fatal enough, however, they will die like everyone else.

If one were to walk right past you, you wouldn't have the slightest clue, unless you know what a deity or a demigod smells like. They look like any normal human, and often disguise even their scents so they cannot be recognized. Most of them do not like it when they are pestered about their magical ability. But it is highly doubtful that you will ever meet one, considering how much they are kept sheltered and hidden, so they cannot do something harmful or be harmed. Especially when they're younger, as it is very hard for them to control their powers, whether they're half-bred or not. It is because of this seclusion that demigods are almost always strictly neutral. There have been a few occasions where they choose their own alliance, but it is often either simply good or bad.


approximate lifespan: varies.

written by the marvelous bex.

[ireland]

WITCHES/WIZARDS

Witches and Wizards come in all shapes and sizes. Like most races, they look completely normal on the outside. The only thing that may make you think otherwise is the undeniable powerful scent of magic that lingers on them. The more powerful they are, the stronger the scent will be. There are generally three different types of witches and wizards, which will be listed below.

• White Witches/Wizards are basically, the saints. They dedicate themselves to helpful magic, such as healing or spells that defend. They are often mocked by those of other sections of their society to be “too helpful for their own good”. They are the ones who are mostly elected to the higher statuses and High Council positions. The White Witches/Wizards are almost always either neutral or somewhere on the goodness scale, just as their name suggests. It isn't unheard of for a White Witch/Wizard to go Grey or even Black, though it is obviously frowned upon. Whites are a bit rarer, as they are said they have to “be pure of heart” and have a genuine kindness to practice healing magic. A good healing witch that isn't directly affiliated with the High Council is always high in demand.
  
  
• Grey Witches/Wizards are in the middle. Between White and Black, Grey Witches/Wizards are usually neutral. They just liked to be left alone for the most part. They practice their magic in peace and never really do anything to make any noise. They don't often specialize in any one school of magic, having a whole range of weak healing spells and even some destructive ones. Though it is a known fact that they are the most skilled at elemental magics. They are the most common form of Witch/Wizard, and can be pretty much be found anywhere. It isn't impossible for a Grey to go White or Black, though again, they often just like to be left alone.
  
  
• Black Witches/Wizards are the “dark” or “evil” witches and wizards that are vilified in children's stories. Some of them have been known to actually eat children, though that was centuries ago. Now, most of them just hang out and do whatever the hell they want. Black Witches/Wizards are considered to be outcasts from the Wizarding Society, due to their preferred magics and attitude. They are shunned, and are to be arrested if found. The magic they often preform are spells that directly harm someone or worse. Curses, poisoned apples and even spells that can kill are often used. It is also said that some very few and powerful Black Witches/Wizards can preform Necromancy, which is the art of raising the dead. The skill of necromancy itself, can only be taught by another Necromancer, or often a Deity who is affiliated with Death. It is very rare for a Witch/Wizard to start out as Black. They often start out as Greys, or even Whites. [though that is very, very rare]

approximate lifespan: up to 1000 years.

written by the marvelous bex.

[ireland]

MERFOLK

The existence of merfolk has long been rumored, but only recently has it been definitively confirmed. Merfolk are an elusive race, usually keeping to themselves in the depths of the oceans of the world. They are by and large distrustful of land folk, and will generally only associate with them for short periods of time, if at all. They are a tight-knit civilization within their various settlements, the largest of which inhabits the fabled sunken city of Atlantis. They are very protective of its location, even beyond their general secretive nature.

Physically, merfolk have the appearance of a human from the waist up. From the waist down, they generally appear to have giant fish tails, with scales of varying color. Many have the ability to transform their lower halves into the semblance of humans, allowing them to walk on land for short periods of time. They usually have very visible gills on the side of their necks. Most still have lungs left over from their creation as a race long ago, allowing them to breathe water or air naturally. However, the gills tend to be more sensitive than the rest of the skin, and are prone to drying out if the merman or –woman is forced to spend time out of the water.

Merfolk often have healing abilities, and many of them have a magical connection to their element. Many also boast the fabled ability to mesmerize with their song. They tend to be more powerful magically than physically, and are easily overwhelmed while on land. Most of them draw their power from the sea, no matter what form that power may take.

There is a rare genetic defect among merfolk, caused by the remnants of the magic that created the species, that causes about 1 in 500 merfolk to be born with shark features, rather than those of a fish. These unfortunates are usually killed at birth, as most inevitably go mad from with bloodlust before reaching twenty years of age. There are a select few who have survived, but they are ostracized by society and live their lives alone, as it is the only way to prevent the madness from taking over sooner or later.

The existence of merfolk has come to light recently due to the uproar over the death of the gods. Many believe that the merfolk are the only ones who know where the fabled island is, or that the secret is hidden somewhere in Atlantis. As such, many of the factions have begun to target and hunt the merfolk, who have in turn become more secretive and cautious than ever.

approximate lifespan: around 2000 years.

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PAPERJASTS

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Paperjasts are a manufactured race, created initially by the demons at the urging of their patron deity, Lucifer. Known colloquially as “Jasts”, these artificial beings are humans mixed with small amounts of animal DNA, producing mostly-human hybrids. They are a young, recently created race and are still fairly rare. Since they are lab-made, Jasts are treated as slaves, property of whoever buys or commissions them. However, not all Jasts are content with this, and many have run away or bought their freedom to live as their own masters. There is a nasty business for Jast hunting, where people capture runaway or freed Jasts and sell them back into slavery for a quick profit. Many people have begun to speak out against the slavery of these sentient beings, but nothing has been accomplished as of yet.

They are easily distinguishable from other races by the presence of animal features on an otherwise human body. The most common manifestations are ears and tails, but it varies depending on what animal the Jast’s human DNA was mixed with. Some are more obvious than others. The most popular animal to mix with is a cat.

Paperjasts’ magical abilities are chosen by their makers, so they tend to be defensive or useful only to their masters, with little thought for the backlash effect on the Jast. They do sometimes develop unexpected powers, however. Jasts are sterile, and cannot reproduce.

Most Jasts do not have a side in the conflict, except to side with their master. Those who have escaped generally are too busy trying to stay free to care.

approximate lifespan: unknown, though none are currently older than 400.

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GOLEMS

Golems, much like merfolk, have only recently become known to the rest of the world. They are a race that values privacy and anonymity, preferring to blend in in order to get by. They have a hugely slow rate of reproduction, and so are very rare. Most stay in their main center of civilization beneath the mountains, where a labyrinth guards deeply buried caves in which the golems make their home. They are, in general, patient and humble, as well as having a predisposition towards helping people. They are easily taken advantage of, especially when young, as they tend to be naïve and slow to react.

Golems are difficult to distinguish from the rest of the races. They tend to be dark-skinned, but their hair and eye color vary widely. Many golems are solidly built, but it is not a universal trait.

Naturally, golems draw their power from their connection to the earth. All golems are skilled terramancers, particularly as they get older and wiser. They also tend to specialize in defensive magic, such as shields and immobilization methods. Golems cannot swim; they are too dense and sink like rocks in deep water.

Golems have refused to take sides in the conflict, preferring to let nature run its course without their interference.

approximate lifespan: until they are killed.