Okay, so in my story there are four races of “men”. During one point in my story one of the main characters makes some inner observations about the four races. Here is an excerpt briefly describing them in a generalized form.

Several Caldarians, like herself, were present. It was they who were the remnant of those loyal to the murdered Lord and King of Calvaria. It had been they who dwelt in these stone dwellings for so many years, they who headed the rebellion against Thalvrin and his son Dunndar.

The majestic Orphlins were present, represented by several of their elders. The beautifully fine clothing, light and flowing with a subtle wilderness feel, was not the only thing that caused them to stand apart among the multitudes. Their taller, willowy thin stature and luminescent skin made them regal, but their vibrant coloring made them an exotic beauty. Alonah often thought of them as alluring jewels with their electrifying gazes and wild hair coloring. Their race was unlike any other, their appearance causing them to stand out in many ways.

The race was one of peace and harmony. Inner wisdom, commitment to healing everything they touched, and faithful hearts made them friends to many. Their multigenerational commitment to ministering had been the reason their blood lines contained the gene of longevity, allowing them to minister longer than any other race, their bodies resting when another came to take their place. The Lord Endolf, first Elder of the land, was seated at her right hand of honor.

The Minescurians were accounted for, their fine, solid armor and weapons kept close to their sides. They were a mountain dwelling race, shorter than the Caldarians, but with an impressive physique that more than made up for the foot that the Caldarians had on them. Everything about the Minescurians reminded Alonah of earthen properties. Their skin was dark, almost sun burnt. Their long, wooly beards trailed down their hardened chests, thick plated hair trailing down their backs in scraggly toned locks of rusty brown or unbaked clay. At their waists were clasped leather belts displayed with each Minescurine’s family insignia. The pride of their race hardened their features and coupled with their powerful strength, made them a terrifying force. They were the iron workers, craftsmen by trade. They had spent their histories forging breathtaking tools and mesmerizing cities.

Also gathered was the fourth race of men. Oneedads. Tiny people the length of a full grown man’s forearm. While their size could cause them to be overlooked, their other attributes made them a hard people to ignore. The Oneedads were a forest dwelling race. Everything about them, from their physical attributes to their attire, spoke of invisibility and blending into their surroundings. They wore durable clothing made entirely from nature and all of its natural materials. Leather boots strapped up past their knees while leggings, woven from the Momba’s silken webbing, protected their limbs. Leather jerkins came down to mid thigh on most of the men, while the women adorned their skirts with tiny encrusted shards of precious metals and jewels.

Despite inferiority in height, these men were fierce assassins. By covering their luminescent skin they were able to become virtually invisible with their surroundings. Their delicate looking heads were encased by two long, pointed ears that rose above the tops of their heads. These somewhat disproportionate appendages, gave them a pixyish type beauty and elegance, their hair flowing around them. The large ears served a valuable purpose though; giving the Oneedads a superior sense of hearing. It was said that an Oneedad could hear the wind gently moving a blade of grass. The Dundarian Caldarians feared the Oneedad’s gift. Among the enemy’s men, ghost stories were invented about these glowing aberrations having the ability to shoot men in the dark, simply by listening to them breathe. However, what truly set this race apart was neither height, nor ears, but the gossamer-looking wings sprouting from their backs, giving them the ability of flight.

Hope you enjoyed.

Nice job, I love the names. Do they ever intermarry? Are any of them unfallen? Are they different in appearance or are they differently characterized by traits too?

Unfallen? Explain please .

The four races do occasionally intermarry, but it is definitely frowned upon. The Oneedads and Minescurins especially do not mix. They choose to keep their blood pure by ostracizing any who choose to disobey this unspoken command. The Orphlins and Caldarians are more tolerant when it comes to intermarriage.

Oh yes, they are characterized by different traits too! Here, let me give you a sampling of a council that involves all four of these races.

Enia gently took Alannah’s hand. “Duty calls, we know. You must take the head of the table. The council should be underway.”
Alannah nodded, yet again amazed at her friend’s perception. But Enia was an Orphlin, the mysterious, beautiful race of men whose years were long and who’s healing and use of the bow was profound. Latharian smiled as they parted, but Alannah could see she had put concern in his eyes.
Alannah quickly made her way to the head of the long table and stood silently as Argon positioned himself just to the side of her. For a moment she watched the different groups of people who surrounded her. The Mistrial stood to her other side, deep in meditation. His standing had long grown rare through the world, the Mistrials perishing with the glorious reign of Chalverin.
Several Caldarians like herself were present. It was they who were the remnant of those loyal to the murdered Lord and King of Calvaria. It had been they who dwelt in these stone dwellings for so many years, they who headed the rebellion against Galverin and his son Dunndar.
The majestic Orphlins were present, represented by several of their elders. The beautifully fine clothing, light and flowing with a subtle wilderness feel, was not the only thing that caused them to stand apart among the multitudes. Their tall stature and luminescent skin made them seem regal. The Lord Endolf, first Elder of the land, was seated at Alannah’s right hand.
The Minescurines were there with their fine solid armor and weapons kept close to their sides. They were a ground dwelling race who was short of stature with dark sun burnt looking skin. Their long wooly beards trailed down their rounded bellies and their thick hair fell down their backs in scraggly locks. At their waists were clasped leather belts displayed with each Minescurine’s family insignia.
Also gathered was the fourth race of men. The Oneedads, tiny people the length of your forearm, with flowing hair and durable attire made entirely from nature and natural materials. They wore leather boots past their knees with leather jerkins that came to mid thigh. They were very earth toned in their garbs and were fierce warriors despite their small appearance. They seemed to have roots among the Orphlins because of the similarity in their translucent skin tones and their pointed ears. However the Oneedads had the power of flight which was unknown to the Orphlins.
Alannah glanced over at Argon who was watching intently for her signal. She nodded her head ever so slightly, but her movement was perceivable to the creature whose very delight was her commands. A piercing screech rang through the air and silence fell to the hall as everyone looked to the head of the table. Alannah spread out her hands in a gesture to indicate that those present seat themselves.
All sat as Alannah remained standing. She motioned to two guards to shut the doors as she placed her hands upon the massive table. She was silent a moment as she looked over the assembled faces. These people had done so much, seen so many things, and hoped for so long.
Finally she spoke, authority and power in her voice. “I believe you are all aware of the reason you have been called forth from your dwellings. Long have we been ally’s in the cause concerning the true king. For many years we have struggled to maintain existence and secrecy. There have been times that we were almost jeopardized. Many we loved and held dear have been lost in this cause. There were times we wished to give up. Some questioned whether the long foretold Diegose would ever be raised in order to help restore order and justice to this kingdom. Friends, brothers, people of the true kingdom, that time has come.”
There was a stirring in the room but none spoke. Alannah lifted her hand in invitation for Fledgrin to approach the table. “Many of you have heard of, if you do not know, the wise Mistrial who is versed in the old lore. He has been our comrade since the beginning, serving the king in the days of Galverin, a time which only some of the Orphlins can remember. He was adviser to the rightful King, lord Chalverin, but when the kingdom was taken and the king’s blood spilt in murder he managed to place himself in a position to serve under the usurper. He was forced to flee from the palace when his true loyalties were discovered almost seven years ago, just before Lord Calverin was killed in battle. Since then he has remained in hiding with our people, the Caldarians.”
Alannah sat down in her expansive seat and rested her arms upon the stone at her sides. Argon moved closer to her. Fledgrin stood, his powerful voice wizened with age resounding through the room. “My friends, as the Lady Alannah has stated the time so long awaited has finally come. The Diegose has been raised and its chosen master discovered. Now is when we must begin to mobilize our forces, plan our attacks. We must seek to devise how we will win back the kingdom for our people. This can only be accomplished with the Diegosian rider. Without him all attempts to restore the true kingdom would be futile, as we have witnessed in the past.”
A Minescurin rose. His large frame displayed his finest chain mail and highly ornamented pieces of armor. His crimson beard and hair were braided with heather and clasped with gold clasps. Alannah recognized his family insignia and knew at once that he was one of the sons of the great Minescurin Emperor. “Then what exactly are you proposing we do old and wise man of the cloth.”
Alannah glanced over at Fledgrin’s full robes. Once they had been beautiful, a soft, deep gray, so rich in color it had a blue depth to it. Now after so long in hiding Fledgrin had grown to have a slightly wild look to him. His robes were grim gray; his long sleeves tattered and stained from catching on things. His old gnarled hands had grown rough, and his hat lay lopsided on his grizzled head. He was not quite the impressive figure he had once been. Alannah was unaccustomed to hearing Fledgrin referred to as a man of the clothe, but the term was not foreign to her. She recognized it as a phrase used by the Minescurines to describe the Mistrials.
“With patience my friend, I shall tell you. Her Ladyship and I have sat in council long with a chosen few. Together we have decided that the best measure of action is to-“
Again the Minescurin rose, slamming his fit upon the table. Alannah recognized the hot temper of his race boiling in his face. “And why were the Minescurines not brought into that council? I suspect that the Oneedads were included!”
A brave looking Oneedad warrior rose in protest. Alannah could see the old feud between the two races still burned strong in their breasts. She rose in intervene.
“Friend Minescurin please, distinguish yourself from among your brothers.”
The Minescurin pounded his fist to his heart and puffed out his chest. His deep and commanding voice filled with pride as he gave his name and family title. “I am Agmar, the second son of Haladin Balaquithian, oldest of the families of Miscurin and the Emperor of the under cities.”
Alannah nodded in respect. She had been raised to understand her people. She had grown up as a child of her race, but was also taught to understand and respect those other races that looked to her people for direction, support, protection, and guidance. She knew the pride of the Minescurines, the hot tempers that waged through their men. Yet she also knew that they were men of stout hearts, fearless in battle, and brave to a fault.
Alannah was grieved by the long waged hostilities between the war like Minescurines and the Oneedad warriors. The personalities of the two races seemed to collide. While the Minescurines were hot tempered and proud, the Oneedads tended towards arrogance and could not let go of the past. They were a jolly people led to trick playing. They took pride in their prerogative as excellent scouts because of their size and ability to blend in with nature.
The Minescurines were the welders and craftsmen among the people. They provided the armor and swords to the resistance. Both were valuable assets to the cause. Yet it always seemed that even in times of need the two races could not burry the past behind them.
“My good Agmar,” Alannah began soothingly. “Neither the Orphlins, the Minescurines, or even the Oneedads were chosen to converse in this inner circle of councilors. It was comprised of those who dwell here as Caldarians. As the chosen race of the Diegose and Lord Protectors of all the races of men we found it best to discuss among our chosen leaders what was best before bringing the council together, as you all had some distance to travel in secrecy. As one of the principle members I can assure you that no favoritism was shown to either race.”
Agmar ran his thick leather glove through his beard before nodding. “Forgive me my Lady. You will understand that I meant no accusation against you.”
Alannah returned the nod that the Minescurines gave her and then returned the table to Fledgrin with a nod.
“Fellow people, in this chosen council much was discussed and many topics touched upon. Through it all we have come to one conclusion. We must find this Rider before the Usurper does. That is our main object. We cannot do much without first finding and consulting he who is chosen.”
Again Agmar rose. “Appoint us Lord Mistrial. The Minescurines will see the deed through.” Alannah fought to keep back a smile as the assembled Minescurines ‘hear heard’ to their leader, pounding their breast with their fist in agreement.
An Oneedad rose, hovering in the air above his chair. “It would be a foolish thing to send so clumsy a race as the Minescurines to find this bold Rider. They are large of frame and loud of voice. They trample down the forests and prefer to keep their heads under the earth.”
Agmar’s voice surged forth in protest as his followers rose to their feet in remonstration for their people. Yet the Oneedad continued, raising his voice above their din. “We are the race best suited to scouting. It is we who are the obvious choice. We Oneedads dwell in the trees. We are familiar with all nature and travel light and swift. We are hard to detect, so well we blend with our surroundings-“
“Well of course when you wear grass skirts all the time!” The Minescurin roared, his face red.
The Oneedad remained calm and arrogant as he folded his arms and lifted his chin slightly. “This, my misguided and blind fellow, is called a jerkin.”
Alannah rose to protest at this shameful display when suddenly a whizzing arrow flew through the air and landed with a shattering thud into the middle of the table at an angle. The thin, beautiful shaft was obviously of Orphlin make. All eyes turned to where Latharian stood, bow in hand, staring down the crowd. Enia watched silently from where she sat beside his chair, the Lord Endolf seated at her left, an amused and thoughtful expression upon his face.
“Let the Lady Alannah speak.” Latharian called authoritatively.
Alannah took a deep breath and nodded her thanks to her friend as she tried to devise what she would now say. Slowly Endolf rose to her right, larger than life. He stood a head taller than the tallest Caldarian, his race taller than her own. He cut an imposing figure, his dark hair contrasting his skin. His face was etched with wisdom and age, his eyes were watchful and perceptive. Deep wells of brown shone out of his luminescent face. He was known throughout the kingdom as a man of few words but great intellect.
Fledgrin was a man of science and forward thinking, a tinkerer and inventor who had gained knowledge through many years of study. Endolf was wise by birth and mind. He had obtained wisdom through age. It was said that he had seen the birth of king Mahalel when he was a young man. Yet his face wore little more age than a warrior in his prime.
The graceful movements of the man were fluid and almost mesmerizing. Alannah quickly stepped down for him to speak. He surveyed the room with those compelling eyes before addressing the assembly. “Fellow men of this great world in which we live, let us leave off quarreling. Each race is known for their own realm of superiority. With the permission of our Lady I should like to make a suggested plan of undertaking.” Alannah nodded, wondering why the majestic Endolf would ever feel the need to seek her approval.
Endolf bowed ever so slightly to her, his arms extended, before turning his attention back to those gathered. “I propose that each order of mankind be appointed to find the Rider foretold of old. Each member of this group will have their strengths and weakness; it is that which will make them successful. The party should not be large but sufficient in the undertaking. They should be men of honor and truth, valiant among their people and as shrewd as serpents.”
Silence fell among the people. Agmar was the first to speak as he rose. “The wisdom of this Orphlin is humbling.” He said respectfully, his hand pressed against his chest as he bowed to Endolf.
“Let it be known,” Agmar continued. “That I will accompany whoever is sent on this mission. I will put aside all matters of difference and serve my people by bringing back this rider who will be brought to help mankind of all races. I alone shall go from my race, for I will send my men back to Miscurin to prepare armor and weaponry for the troops that will be called at a later time.”
Endolf nodded to Agmar. “You are a worthy ally my good Minescurin. Your offer is accepted and your proposal is good. Miscurin steel is some of the finest. We will rely upon your people for their well fashioned war tools.”
Latharian rose and waited out of respect for his Father to acknowledge him. Endolf readily acquiesced, pride evident in the Father’s eyes. “I too shall go. You will need a skillful bowman. I am also wise in the ways of tracking. In whatever capacity I am needed I will serve. The danger is apparent, but without this rider our lives will not be worth much in many more years. The freedom which has been taken from us some hundred years previous is a gift that I wish for my own children to know.” He looked down at his young bride and grasped the hand that she offered. Pride was evident on her face, but Alannah as a close friend noticed something else in the loving look of her Orphlin sister. Concern for the man she loved.
“I am strong and able Latharian, I am known as a great healer among the people. I would be useful to the party.” Enia responded.
Alannah saw indecision in Latharian’s face. She had grown up with both of the Orphlins and knew them well. Latharian understood that Enia would be an asset to the group, but as his wife and the bearer of his child he would fear for them to make such a journey. Enia was listed amongst the greatest of healers. It was in her blood. She would also rival many in the use of the Orphlin’s primary weapon, the bow. The Orphlins were known for their precision in the use of the weapon. Enia was strong and she was courageous.
Alannah waited for Latharian’s response. Endolf watched and listened to hear what his son would decide. With a heavy sigh Latharian shook his head. “I want to know that you and my child are in safety, I could not live if something happened to you during the journey.”
Enia nodded acceptance. Alannah knew it would be hard for her to remain behind when Latharian left, but she also knew Enia would not ask him again, and no one in the room would see her shed a tear when Latharian left without her.
“I too shall accompany my brother.” Another Orphlin replied. He was older than Latharian, and his hair was a dark shade of brown. He seemed fit for the position.
The Oneedad who had spoken before rose again from his seat, suspended in the air. He had a young face with dark curly black hair and eyes the color of blue steal. “I am Kale, the son of a great warrior among my people in Losdensha. I am brave and wood wise. I will endure whatever hardship is asked of me, and will serve with the Minescurin even to the death.” Fledgrin coughed to hide his chuckle at this statement. There was no greater dishonor to either people than to die side by side in battle together.
“I too shall accompany the group, for two Oneedads are indestructible.” A young male called as he made himself known. “This is my cousin, Misale. He too is capable and willing.”
Endolf smiled. “You are very welcome among the following, my small but brave friends.”
A Caldarian rose from his seat and Alannah immediately recognized him as Thonolor, captain of the guards. “With the permission of my Lady, I too should like to be of the party. It would be an honor I would treasure for life. I could think of no greater task than to thus help bring the long foretold defender of our people to them when they have anticipated him so long.”
Alannah rose and nodded to Thonolor. “It would be an honor I could not bring myself to deprive you of Captain. Go with the blessing of your people who will prayer for your safety and swift return.” The man bowed his head to her and then returned to his seat.
“I too my lady. I am not one for speeches as my friend the Captain. I am not eloquent and thus I must just ask simply that my service would be accepted.”
Alannah nodded to the young man. “Your simple words speak from your heart young warrior. Go.”
Endolf clapped his hands at this proclamation. “Then I think it has been decided. We are now looking upon the chosen seven who will speedily travel in search of this rider and his creature.”
Endolf slowly sat back down and looked to Alannah to finish as she saw fit. She felt humbled in the great leader’s presence. “Thank you Lord Endolf for your wisdom in uniting the four races of our people to undertake this mission. I hereby pronounce that this council has accomplished its task. We will thus separate for the time and again recommence a meeting this very eave with those whom have surrendered their services for this task. May you go in rest and in peace, knowing that the time has come for us to restore our people to the freedom they were born to live in.”

As I said, they are very different.

That is really good. By unfallen I meant any who didn't fall when sin enter through another race.

Nope, all fallen.

Thanks for the compliment.

Wow... you did an awesome job with your races!

Thanks PrincessoftheKing. My writing journey has been a long process.

Oh my word!!! This excerpt was so old. Ick!

Okay, so this excerpt actually comes from the first book in my trilogy, the one my beta readers are finishing, and which has gone through some major changes since I first posted this on HW! *is so excited *

I inserted the current section, which is significantly fuller than the original one.

*grimaces over the council scene excerpt she gave * Eventually I need to change that out too. So outdated! So... not nearly as impressive. But For now, you all can look at this, and I'll change that excerpt out when I get a chance!

I really like your races.

I like that you like my races, Jonathan.

I like that you like that he likes your races, because that means if I say that I like your races, you would probably like that I like your races. Which I like

eru

*laughs * I do like the comment, Andrew, especially since it has your creative flair. You've been staying in the tongue twister thread too long.

Course, you already knew all of this stuff, didn’t you?

I am posting these here because Jonathan said I should.

This depicts how I envision the ears on the Oneedads in my book. The first picture gives the correct shape and length of the ear, while the second one gives the correct size (bigger bases and tips) and positioning. Hope you all enjoy.

FEMALE:


MALE:

Now if I could only convince you to draw pictures of your other races.

*rolls eyes fondly *