Races of the Empire

Humans are the most numerous of the races and bicker more amongst themselves than they agrieve and of the other races. Humans are rather industrious, though show more skill in diplomacy and mercantilism than any other skill sets. As the foremost race in the Empire, they have had the most Sovereigns of any races so far, though the Empire's halflings are not far behind.
Halflings are a gentle, stalwart people. Famed for their generosity and kindness, alongside their ability to cultivate even the most barren earth and produce an almost unnarturally bountiful harvest. Imperial granaries have always grown full under the eyes of a halfling Sovereign, along with a drop in skirmishes with the Ulmaran's. However, don't let their kindness be mistaken for weakness or complacency. A true slight against one halfling is a slight against them all.
The elves of the Empire are a rather isolationist lot, save their envoys and traders. Content to weave their fabrics and threads from within the Verdant Horde in the Empire's north-east, occasionally warring with the rock gnomes of the Crest. Elven Sovereigns can be counted on one hand, though each of their reigns legendary. Hadarai Imlaryl, the Jewelled Warlord. Valna Caerdonnel, the Silent Empress. Quelenna Holimion, the Masked Conductor. Few Soveriegns gain additional titles such as these.
Dwarves are a strange lot, rarely seen on the surface these days save in the City of Trades. Choosing instead to work through their orc allies, who dislike the dim of dwarven hollows. The dwarves mine, quarry, and build. Their dislike of the arcane has made them an ingenious lot when physical labour and architecture is concerned.
Orcs produce perhaps the finest steel and the most iron blooded commanders the surface of Ophanis has ever seen. The quickest way to befriend and orc is to give them a damn good fight. It matters not the result of the fight. The determination to see the fight through and give battle well will earn you respect. Though, it would do you well to remember that an orc respects a battle of wits just as much as an opportunity to beat the snot out of a worthy opponent.
The gnomes and goblins of the Empire are as brilliant as they are mad. The greatest enchanters and alchemists in imperial history have ever been of their lot. Do be warned, they're just as likely to help you as they are to sneak a sack of angry badgers into your bed.