Do not fear, for in replacing darkness light also creates the shadow.
Just as shadow is only found at the edges of light, less common races eke out a meagre existence on the outskirts and margins of civilization. While their numbers are often few, their presence is not so uncommon as to automatically elicit alarm. The following seven races are most common in a single region, or are attracted to settlements of a certain culture. Some may play an important role in the functioning of the larger community, but rarely are they afforded the recognition or position that is common to the races of light.
Catfolk
Often acting as hunting parties or elite units, catfolk can be found included in elven tribes across the
Blistering Expanse. Many catfolk are able to identify each other by associated tribe on sight (or scent?) although non catfolk often fail to perceive such distinctions. Favoured among catfolk more than other races is the slayer class.
Oread
These humanoids with an earth affinity can often be found in the canyons and caves common to the
Warwarion Steppe. Unlike the nomadic oroc, most oread prefer to create permanent underground settlements, often focused around the worship of lesser known gods. In fact, oread clerics typically hold positions of authority in oread culture. Most oroc have availed themselves of the hospitality of oread centres at least once, seeking knowledge, healing, or simply rest.
Ratfolk
Shunned by many other races, ratfolk are often mistaken for wererats. Many settlements in the
Blightmark have at least one ratfolk slum. These communities are usually tolerated as ratfolk reduce the waste and garbage produced by large settlements. However, this tendency to collect apparently abandoned goods, and the fact that many ratfolk train as rogues, often leads to suspicion and accusations.
Tengu
These bird headed humanoids are relatively common in the
Phoenix Kingdoms, especially on the islands closest to
Sea of Niniesh. Many tengu find employment as entertainers in the Edari noble courts, while others prefer the freedom found on many pirate vessels.
Undine
While most undines are not able to survive underwater indefinitely, access to water is a common feature to undine settlements around
Lake Haven. Many undine dwelling are built on the water, using either stilts or floats, with direct access to the water below. Interactions with the more populous humans are common and usually peaceful. Undine water sorcerers are especially sought after as guides on the mountain lake.
Vine Leshy
Vine leshies are one of the few sentient and mobile plant species found in Riesa. Other than the obvious biological differences, vine leshies have much in common with the halflings of the Ringard forests. While most druids in Riesa are halflings, it is also a common choice for vine leshies too. Both races are of similar stature and a family or two of leshies can often be found living in abandoned halfing tree dwellings.
Vori
Vori are the largest of the shadow races, towering even over most oroc. They are most comfortable in the higher altitudes of the
Ringard Peaks, and as such have the least interaction with the races of light. Their mountain craft is valued by dwarves exploring the mountains and the vori who descend the slopes are generally welcomed into dwarven communities.
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