Races
The Major Races
Human
The favoured children of Ilúvatar , man possesses the greatest capacity for change and innovation. While they may not have the magical connection of the elves, or the innate smithing capabilities of the dwarves, the possess the drive and innovation to master any craft, true embodiments of progress and change - but this can come as a burden as well, as men are often the easiest to corrupt. Men originate form the western side of Arda, in what is now Rhudaur. As the elder born dwindle, men have spread out across the continent in their stead.
Elf
The firstborn chidden of Ilúvata , the elves were born under the stars and moon of Varda. Due to this, Elves have always held the light of the stars and moons to be holy, and the purest form of light. Once the Elves possessed the mightiest and most proud civilization on the face of the planet, but the Elves bore the brunt of Melekor's assault on Arda, and their numbers were devastated, and their heroes of old were laid low. A travesty that the Elvish people have never recovered from, retreating back to Hithliniath and the veil that covers it. Few now venture beyond the veil, and much of the kingdom lies in mystery to the outside world.
Dwarf
The favored children of Aule, the dwarves have taken to the crafts like no other race - save magics. Dwarves have the lowest penchant for magic out of any of the other races, but their smithing skills are second to none, and any individual who comes to own dwarvish gear can consider themselves blessed.
Dwarves are fast to anger and slow to trust, but any individual that has come to find themselves as a friend of a dwarf will have a friend for life. Many dwarves do not claim a homeland or country, but their are occasional dwarven strongholds scattered across Arda acting as refuge.
The Uncommon Races
Halflings
A quiet people, they tend to congregate into small farming communities. Known for knowing how to have a good time, and throwing the best parties.
Tabaxi
Claiming ancestry in the lost lands, the Tabaxi's natural climbing ability have made them into fantastic sailors. They are world renown for their large ships that they create and sail the ocean in, with many never actually setting foot on shore, preferring to live their entire lives in their large vessels.
Dragonborn
Once slaves of Melkor, breed as perfect soldiers, the dragonborn broke free of Melkor's will during the war of sundering. As a reward, Ilúvatar granted them souls, but in his hatred Melkor cursed the race so that no more would be born - any young dragonborn are from old eggs stashes that have been found, and their numbers dwindle.
The Common Monstrous Races
Lizardfolk
Initially arriving in small ships and rafts from the south, lizard folk, or Ghaarrichk'k as they call themselves, are constantly expanding and conquering new lands. They view themselves as apex predators, and all the world is their food. Rarely capable of having an original thought, Ghaarrichk'k often steal and copy others' technologies, and consuming the original owners.
Orcs
Orcs are the second of Melkors creations, breed for both broken mind and savagery. They may lack the physical brutality of the dragonborn, but they are entirely subservient to Melkor's will, and serve the echoes of his will readily. Nowadays orcs are most often found in the Helcaraxë or Fos Almir, but raiding groups can be found throughout most of Arda,
Goblins
Goblins have a great many theories on where they originate from, but the prevailing theory is that they were rejected from Morgath's service for being lesser orcs, and over time without the domination of Morgath have become more feral and undisciplined, making their way deep into the mountains or other untamed places
Kobolds
Nobody is quite sure where from whence kobolds sprang - perhaps a weaker race of the dragonborn - but now they tend to be viewed as energetic nuisances with a predisposition towards tinkering, traps, and shiny things.
Drow
Elves that did not embrace the light of the Sun and instead tunneled into the earth seeking the shimmer of gold. While not definitively evil, Drow tend to be more brutal than their brethren
Gnoll
Another of Morgath's imitations, gnolls were ultimately rejected for being too... unintelligent. Now they roam through Arda in packs making violent nuisances of themselves unless a strong enough mind comes along to subjugate them.