Human - the most common of the sentient races of Toisian. Magic is rare among humans; about one in ten thousand is able to use the power, and even fewer have enough power to become an arch mage (thus gaining free manipulation of magic; that is, they no longer need to use incantations or spell components). Consequently, many turn to swordsmanship and martial arts as fighting techniques. Many who are unable to use magic look down upon or distrust the more magical races, and may make outcasts of those within their own race who can use the power.

Elf - a highly magical race with a lifespan three or four times that of the humans. Only two or three thousand exist, and most keep to their isolated cities in the southern end of the continent. About one in seventy have the ability to use magic, and one in five hundred may become an arch mage. They often consider themselves superior because of their magic and their long lifespan, but have on occasion been known to breed with humans. Elves tend to be about a foot taller than humans, with leaner figures and pointed ears.

Drow - a race of corrupted elves who were exiled from the Elvish cities. They keep to themselves, as they are looked down upon by other races and are usually considered hostile. Isolated communities exist, but their locations and populations are unknown (though it is thought that some dwell in the Eastern Mountains). They have magical abilities similar to the regular elves, but with a tendency to practice dark magic and necromancy. They are built much the same as elves, but have black skin.

Creatures of Legend

Drachnid - a magically-created cross between spiders and the dark elves, said to possess the torso and head of a female Drow and the body and legs of a spider. They can only be created through complex sacrificial spells, and because they do not exist in the natural world without the aid of what is viewed as evil magic, they are considered abominations. They have sharp fangs that supposedly can deliver a poisonous bite, as well as strong forearms (in addition to eight arachnid legs) that are dexterous enough to wield simple weapons. Their sentience is questioned.

Dragon - legendary creatures, massive in size with remarkable intelligence and magical powers. They are immune to all but the most powerful of spells, and their scales make them all but impervious to most physical attacks. Because of their incredible size and power, they are woven into many Toisian legends. They once inhabited the most impassable reaches of the mountains and are believed to have died out millennia ago, though the occasional sighting is reported.

Faerie - small, humanoid creatures, resembling elves with dragonfly wings. Most are no larger than a hand. They are rarely seen and live only in the deep forests to the south, though many legends describe them being found elsewhere as well. According to legend, catching a faerie brings good luck, but this feat has never been accomplished, as they are notorious tricksters and liars.

Phoenix - large birds, easily the size of a large harpy eagle, with feathers composed of fire. They are immune to elemental magic, and many legends tell of their feathers having magical properties, though the stories often disagree on what these properties actually are. The consensus among them, however, is that their feathers are cool to the touch and always emit bright light. They are said to dwell in the farthest reaches of the northern tundra, and though they are extremely territorial and sometimes violent, they possess great wisdom.

Index