One big difference between Tezera and Earth is the presence of certain non-human humanoids. This file exists as a quick reference for racial¹ differences, especially those which are unique to Tezera’s setting.

Genus Homo #

Like in our world, humans are in genus homo. Most of the non-human humanoids are. This section exclusively refers to true members of genus homo².

Homo sapiens (Humans) #

The most boring fantasy race and the jesters for the great old ones, humans are (unknown to basically everyone) the genetic ancestor of all true members of genus homo. These mutations occured due to Tezera’s unique metaphysical status, which is also the reason for the entities they call gods³. Other than that, I have nothing to note.

Homo repetens (Elves) #

It’s the hoity toity, long lived, pointy eared blokes!

Tezera’s elves are living proof of the existence of souls, or at least something vaguely resembling them. Other races can (and will) attest to their knowlege of past lives, but the odd workings of the elven brain remain unknown to all but the most skilled psychics⁴.

See, the reason they argue for the existence of souls and past lives is because all these lives are constantly available for comment. Elves are generally not considered adults until they can control the exceptionally-chaotic zoom chat in their brain; this naturally causes elves to develop resistance to psionics. With this evidence, it is generally agreed there is a finite number of elf souls, which they estimate to be around 74 million. Thus, they argue, elves are naturally going to become less common as the world’s population continues to grow.

They offer no answer to the mathematical mismatch between this number, the size of the earth, the estimated population per square foot of planet, and the abundance of Anilian elves.

Homo turmans (Dwarves) #

The burly guys who hate elves.

The reason they hate elves is due to their long history with the elves’ repeated forrays into elf supremacy. Ironically, the elves have no rivalry with the dwarves: In fact, some elves will observe dwarven behavior for warnings they’re going fascist, and will leave the burgeoning empire with them. Partially so they can join in on the dwarven national hobby of punking the elves.

More generally, dwarves are known for getting shit done. When the dogs of war slip their leashes, or it otherwise benefits them, they are infamous for their ability to go from sitting in the middle of a forest to sitting in a castle bristling with artilery in less than 24 hours. Although these stories are usually mildly exaggerated, the dwarves achieve these sorts of feats thanks to their minor psychic abilities. This is also why their dances are infamously prone to ending with all the dancers in a heap if even a single non-dwarven dancer joins in.

Homo parvulans (Halflings and Gnomes) #

Although scholars of Anilios continually argue whether Halflings and Gnomes are 2 unique species or simply 2 expressions of a single species, they are generally agreed to be closer than the other members of genus homo; interracial children between them (commonly known as tooks) always maintain fertility, and are hetrotic past the first generation.

Homo parluvans esurere (Halflings) #

The scaredy-cats who could reasonably have nuclear weaponry in their basement.

Although known for their high pain tolerance and monsterous appetites, neither of these traits is as it appears. Oddities in the structure of the amygdala cause halflings to experience chronic pain and chronic hunger – the sole exception being a bizzare shock response that keeps them from feeling any pain at all.

The general build of the halfling is “curvy”: they’re built broad, and often have extra weight on their bones (whether it be muscle, fat, or both). Their hair is wavy, and often comes in ginger or light brown. They are lovers of good food and good company, generous hosts and polite companions. Finally, they have led the counterattack every time the fae came knocking in recorded history.

Homo parluvans chaoere (Gnomes) #

The hyper-impulsive idiot-savants.

One would think the gnomes would be known for their feats of agility, their beauty, or their acts of heroism: in practice, they’re known as those impulsive dumbasses with brilliant ideas that are too clever by half. If all halflings have anxiety⁵, all gnomes have adhd.

The second most famous feature of this race is an odd phenomenon called the Gnome Distribution System. Like the cat distribution system, gnomes tend to end up in people’s lives without their input – and they enter in some pretty bizzare ways. It’s said that Ebenezer Raldifix, the first head of the Diocian enforcement branch, met the 85th battalion after being catapulted into the back of a wagon. His daughter Marilyn wrote in her memoir that one of her first encounters with her “ride or die companion” required her to be extinguished after the latter threw a Molotov cocktail at her. And there are many other stories of this kind.

Generally, gnomes are more lithe than halflings, with more muscle on their frames than fat. They trend toward more equatorial features, with curly or coiled hair and darker skin tones than halflings. They are incredibly curious, and can find beauty in the simplest of things.

Homo parluvans taciture #

???⁶

Non-Homo humanoids #

Although these people are capable of having children with the other races, they are not descended from humans. This does not make them lesser – simply different.

Draco sapiens (Dragonborne) #

Shonen protagonists with a penchant for breathing fire, honorably boasting, and starting rebellions.

Created during the Age of Dragons, the dragonborne have since obtained their freedom and a homeland. As a result of their origins, they are the most critical of the dragons’ intent, the most critical of authoritatian regimes, and the most honor-focused as a society. They resemble their progenetors, albeit with humanoid form, and have some of the same abilities. Dragonborne can breathe fire, lightning, or frost like they do, and they share their creator’s abilities to shrug off blows that slay weaker beings.

Their emotions come stronger than for most, resulting in a group of noble heroes and despicable villans with few in the middle – although they are prone to downplaying their feelings in public, especially around those they aren’t familiar with, as a form of social masking. Their culture emphasizes honor, and they consider kindness a form of strength.

Homo simulans (Ha Rié) #

Wandering sneks request: not being persecuted. You recieve: protection from whatever mystic threat is running aro— OFFER REJECTED

A long time ago, there was a great schism among a star-spanning culture of snake people: One group wished to aid humanity, the other wished to bring it to heel. The latter slumbers in gilded tombs, waiting for their plans to reach fruition – the former became the Ha Rié. Unfortunately for them, the Age of Dragons and some overly paranoid elves led to a pattern of discrimination which continues to this day. As a result, they operate in the shadows, and have gotten very good at quickly packing up and leaving town.

They have an incredibly strong sense of community, and are familiar with being demonized by the historians.