Unnatural Races

Unnatural races in Valthor are those whose existence deviates from the world’s natural order, often created through magical manipulation, corruption, or interference. They are not products of evolution but rather the result of deliberate or accidental tampering with Essence or the fabric of life. Examples include the Stygian creatures, who embody shadowy corruption, or the Unliving, transformed through alchemical and magical processes. These races often exist in conflict with Valthor’s natural balance, either by their very nature or due to the circumstances of their creation, and are often regarded with fear or mistrust by the natural races.   Unnatural races in Valthor can be further categorised into mutations and monsters. Mutations are beings that have been created or transformed by magic, relying heavily on the magic or event that gave them form. They originate from magical rituals, alchemy, or curses, often retaining remnants of their former self or form, leading to a sense of duality within their identity. Examples include the Mor’dari, the Unliving, and ghosts. These beings are directly tied to and sustained by magical sources, often facing emotional complexity as they struggle with remnants of their prior existence.   In contrast, monsters are beings born as they are, without undergoing transformation. They exist independently of magic or external forces, stemming from intrinsic nature, ancient phenomena, or realms of their own. These creatures are fully integrated with their identity as monsters, often lacking the inner conflict seen in mutations. Examples include Stygian creatures, witches, and other true monsters. While monsters may use magic, they do not depend on it for their existence, and they exist as complete beings with fewer internal struggles. Together, these categories reveal the diverse and often tragic nature of unnatural races in Valthor.