Kith

The dominant, sapient species of Mundus make up the group known as kith. They are distinct from other sapient species of Mundus by virtue of having souls. As such, they are subject to the cycle of reincarnation known as The Path. Different kinds of kith do not share a common ancestry, and are unable to have offspring together. Despite this incompatibility, inter-species romantic relationships are not at all uncommon.

On Mundus there exist seven kinds of kith:

Dwarves: Dwarves are a stout type of kith, notable for their natural affinity to the mountains and stonework. They are known to be hard-headed and resolute, stopping at nothing once they have made their mind about something. They are most commonly found in the mountainous regions of the world, where they build their fortress-cities and extract the riches of the earth.

Elves: Elves have a natural affinity for magic, and are the proudest of all kith. They are very long-lived, and tend to be very conservative in their ways. They live almost exclusively in their secluded forest-homes, or solitary islands where they've built their ancient spire-topped cities.

Firkin: Firkin are a small type of kith notable for their empathetic and curious nature. They have have large, floppy ears and a slender tail which ends in a tuft. Firkin are known to be very socially mobile in their youth, and are usually welcomed in the cities of other kith. Firkin settlements tend to be small, but densely populated.

Godmarked: Sometimes kith are born with the mark of one of the deities. These manifest as physical abnormalities, such as horns, hooved feet, aberrant eyes or strange skin. Common knowledge states that these Godmarked were devoted servants of their god in their previous life, and can face adoration or persecution as a result. Any type of kith may give birth to Godmarked, but they are unable to reproduce themselves.

Gruakhai: Gruakhai are the largest of all kith, strong and long-limbed. Gruakhai are almost entirely covered with thick fur, and their physique lends well to survival in cold environments, where they are most commonly found. Despite their bestial appearance, they are a reserved and intelligent folk.

Humans: By virtue of their indomitable spirit and ambition, humans have adapted to live in practically any environment on Mundus. As such, they are the most numerous and widespread of all kith. However, human civilizations tend to be fragmented and relatively short-lasting.

Setzá: The reptilian setzá are one of the smaller kith, but are ferocious for their size, and can swarm greater with their numbers. They have red scales and leathery, wing-like ears, reminescent of dragons that once ruled the skies of Mundus. They are most commonly found in the hot regions of the world, such as deserts and volcanic sites.