The Races

Sylph

At one end of the spectrum flies the Sylphan Race, who are defined as "those unbound from soil." They all have some sort of flight ability, physical or magical, and the act of flight is limited to only them. Sylphs refer to the humanoids, but someone might refer to a bird or dragon as a sylph as well. Flying variations of soil-bound animals (such as a harpy, a flying lion) are often referred to as the sylphic variation of their genus. (In the harpy example, they may be called Sylphic lions interchangeably.) Since they have historically avoided ever standing (they no longer do this), they are very tall and thin. It is rare for a sylph to have muscular limbs apart from their wings, if they are physical.

Elf

Elves are 3/4 or more sylph than human or nymph. They more often than not have wings.

Half-Sylph

Half sylphs are 1/2 to 3/4 part sylph. They might have wings but it is somewhat uncommon.

Human

Humans are considered the weak, underling race by the whole of Farther Earth. Their entire being is misunderstood as such, when they are in reality, just the unmutated version of Nymphs and Sylphs. This means that all humans can become a nymph or sylph, and this is also why they are able to reproduce with the other races. Other than that, they are basically exactly like real humans, apart from more hair and eye colors.

Half-Nymph

Half Nymphs are 1/2 to 3/4 part nymph. They may have small horns, or some other animal/ plant trait, but it is somewhat uncommon for them to have more than pointed ears.

Imp

Imps are 3/4 or more Nymph than human. They are more likely to be animal or plant adjacent than otherwise.

Nymph

At the other side of the gradation walks the Nymphic race. They are "of the Earth." They often have plant or animal behaviors and traits, and they have a spiritual connection to life itself. Those who still maintain this connection are often more magically inclined, as well as more likely to grow animal or plant-like parts, however, these spiritual practices are somewhat lost to time, so in most cases, true nymphs and imps are indistinguishable.

The World

Overview

The story begins in Farther Earth, a world much like ours but brimming with magic from its stones to its intelligent and wild inhabitants. There is a gradation of the dominant 'humanoid' species, with three main types, however, these inhabitants do not see themselves as one race.

Location and Setting

Experience takes place on the landmass that is analog to Closer Earth's Ireland, and this area is called Verdant. The main characters live in a small settlement north of a major city, Siverial, in the Northern quadrant of Verdant. They had just endured a harsh winter before that narrative, which begins on the first day of Spring, which is a holiday. This holiday was originally ceremonious to Sylphan religion, as a day of rest and refreshment, the only day they would walk on the soil, as it is 'new and not yet corrupt.' During a war a thousand or so years ago, humans and nymphs took advantage of this ritual to ambush the sylphs, ultimately ending the race war and ushering a new era of uneasy peace. The anniversary of this truce is celebrated on this day, as well as the Sylphan rebirth ceremony. This day is referred to as "Salvation Day," and cities and villages often host festivals to celebrate.