If this is the first of my races you're looking at, stop.
Go read the thread about the lorvald, first. Some of the history mentioned here won't make sense unless you've read that one.
Physical Appearance:
Alceans, first of all, are humans. They are typically tall and strong, usually with brown hair and skin that ranges from pale to medium tan. Eye color is pale green under normal circumstances—certain emotions will change the color. Most notably, battle rage turns the eyes a fiery red.
History:
Before the UpheavalThe Alceans were citizens of a small province, named Alcea, of a larger nation. The majority of them were farmers, but there were some craftsmen and artisans as well. Magicians were a rarity.
The UpheavalThe Alcean province was home to a natural portal. Besides being a connection to another world, it was also a well of considerable magic, and it held an “anchor,” as it were, of the Anti-Life Spell. As magic dissolved and things changed, the destructive nature of the Anti-Life Spell changed the Alceans into berserkers—losing their tempers or physical fighting would send them into a mindless killing rage.
As it happened, a clan of gryphons was in the area at the time. Somehow sensing what was happening, they chose to relinquish a part of their innate magic to soften and alter the curse that was about to fall on the Alceans. Loss of temper would still result in a blind battle rage, but in battle they would maintain their capability of thought.
After the UpheavalAlmost overnight, the Alceans had become deadly warriors. Although most were initially disturbed by their new abilities, the younger generation soon embraced them wholeheartedly. Taking advantage of the confusion most of the rest of the world was in, the Alceans began a war of conquest. Within fifty years, they were ruling a large empire.
Just how long the Alcean Empire lasted and how big it was is unknown. When it finally collapsed, it left little record of itself. The surviving Alceans retreated to their home province and have never made another attempt at creating an empire.
Since then, the majority of the Alceans have kept to themselves. Those who crave war and fighting frequently hire themselves out as mercenaries; this has contributed to small pockets of Alceans scattered around the world.
Powers/Abilities:
Alceans have a natural aptitude for weapons and fighting. Their battle rage heightens their senses and strengthens their bodies, as well as reducing the capacity to feel pain. It also makes them immune to the lorvald powers of Sight and Command.
