Playable Races

Below are options for playable races we currently offer; additional races may be discovered, added, or unlocked through game progression, special events, and more! If you have an idea for a new race you'd like to see added, please let us know using your private support channel. While we can't guarantee we can add it immediately, we will definitely keep it in mind and see where it might fit in in future; in the meantime, you may be able to join a character from this race using the Custom option explained below.

Important Note: "Paid" indicates that something can be unlocked through the use of in-game currency, which you will earn through posting, participating in events, etc. If there is something you really want but can't afford, contact Signe and she can assist you by either providing opportunities for you to collect the additional currency needed or set up a way for you to unlock what you want through in-game participation. You will NEVER be asked to pay any form of real-life currency in order to access ANY aspect of the site.

Core Races (Unlimited, Free)

We currently offer two Core Races, which can be joined for free at any time; there is no character cap for these races, so you can join as many as you feel comfortable playing!

Humans

• Human characters may originate from Old Ognos, any Five Faction kingdom, or any planet/time/place.
  • If they came from elsewhere, they may be whatever you want (an animal, rock, flower, alien, etc.) before they arrived as long as they become Human upon arrival.
  • The trip to New Ognos is usually due to a portal or trap left over from ancient times; this is a "one-way ticket" and they will be unable to return home without the assistance of a deity.
• Humans typically have both a first and last name; this is not required (it's fine to join with a single name), but would be considered the norm socially.
• Most humans are born with the ability to summon and control a small number of nanites.
  • Nanites allow for very minor interactions with the environment, for example, forming a small temporary bandage; behaving like telekenesis for small/light objects; or acting as a weak scanner.
  • One's control over their nanites is typically at its most unstable during puberty and strongest in old age.
  • A user's condition can also change how strong their control is; for example, some people experience stronger/smoother control while pregnant, others might lose control of their nanites easily if stressed or upset. This varies from person to person; one person's weakness might be another's strength and vice versa!
  • Characters can choose to study nanites by opting into the Character Progression System; this allows characters to create and control more nanites that are stronger and "smarter" than average.
• Humans typically cannot use magic or shapeshift.

Humans from Old Ognos

• Humans were once the dominant force in Ognos with larger, more concentrated populations and higher social/political power; they held primarily leadership positions in all five of the Old Ognos territories with many families having held the position for generations, and in their territory their power was second only to the High King's. As one might expect, this lead to many opportunities for corruption and cruelty against their subjects -- especially Valka.
  • The most anti-Valka territory was the desert territory to the North; the most inclusive and diverse territory was the swamp-like territory to the West. Generally, things weren't too bad for Valka living in the prosperous middle territory, which also housed the Capitol.
• They had a very strict and rigid class system; wealthy nobles had more social power but fewer liberties than the poor commoners.
• Human society was heavily patriarchal, with men and boys having greater social privileges and autonomy than women and girls. Women were generally unable to inherit titles and positions, and were considered the property of the men in their lives (typically their father or eldest brother, then their husband). This was the case even for same sex couples, who were "managed" by a male relative.

Customization Options + Free Appearance-Only Trait

Typically, Humans will have a "natural" appearance, meaning they have the same eye, hair, and skin variations as on Earth, but characters may choose to alter their appearance; hair dye, color contacts, etc. are all permitted. Please include a character's natural skin/hair/eye color in the designated sections and mention the use of alterations in the Detailed Appearance section. Each character may also be joined with a single appearance-only trait; these are traits that provide no offensive or defensive capabilities, but alter your character's appearance in some way (often using technology, surgery, or other "high tech"/scifi manipulation of the body).

• Options might include, but are not limited to:
  • Cybernetic eyes - Allows for various colors, shapes, or artistic designs that don't provide enhanced vision
  • Cybernetic hair - Hair that can change color or looks unusual, like flowing tentacles or fiber optic strands
  • Luminescent skin - Skin that faintly glows or has embedded LEDs to create decorative patterns
  • Holographic tattoos - Tattoos that appear to move or change shape on the skin
  • Metallic-colored skin/designs - Weak, shiny metallic coating on parts of the skin for aesthetic purposes
  • Embedded jewelry - Cybernetic jewelry like ear studs, facial piercings, or body chains that are surgically embedded
  • Programmable hair/eye color - Ability to change hair or eye color on command through cyberware
  • Decorative subcranial lights - Small lights embedded under the skin of the scalp or face

Human/Valka Relations

• Valka and Human relations were strained by a 300-year-long period of conflict called the Silent War, but things were improving quickly before the disaster.
• The varied lands where the refugees of Ognos settled shaped how the relationships between Valka and Humans evolved during their time away.
  • In some regions, grief brought Valka and Humans together, forging unexpected bonds of mutual understanding and cooperation. United in hardship, old enmities faded as they supported one another.
  • In other areas, traditional segregation persisted - while they inhabited the same lands, Valka and Humans kept to themselves, maintaining the divisions of old. Interactions were sparse, bound by custom.
  • Still other lands saw age-old conflicts reignite, or new oppression arise. Old hatreds or fear led Valka and Humans to vilify and subjugate each other once more.
• On New Ognos, one's capability and contributions have typically defined their status, rather than their wealth, race, or gender. Merit and achievement typically dictate an individual's respect and renown, and their access to opportunities, in this fledgling land. However, the winds of change may shift as more settlers arrive.