Howdy all,
In my world I have what are called the Nomahar. All I have worked out thus far is that they are taller than humans, slightly orange-tinted, and have the gift of Wisdom (the humans have the gift of Will). I need something...anything...to make them unique from elves (which is the whole reason I created them in the first place). I'm inclined just to make them humans blessed with Wisdom, and make the Western Humans blessed with Will, but I don't know if I want a humans-only world.

eru

How fixed are you on having these have Wisdom? I think it might be a nice balance for humans to be gifted in Will, elves in Wisdom, and this other race gifted in Compassion.

@kingjon: I don't actually have elves. This is the race I've made up to use instead of having elves.

eru

Ah. I see. Hmm. That complicates things; "elves" have been portrayed in so many different ways by so many different authors that your some readers might insist on thinking of your not-elves as elves despite all protestations to the contrary. But ...

Here's one idea. If you're set on Wisdom for them, how about making it be wisdom beyond their years and making them be the comparatively short-lived race?

Ooh, I do like that idea *decides to do so*

Do you think they could maybe also be not skilled or choosing not to fight in war or something? Or perhaps just less-inclined than the humans?

eru

Well, there are two parts to wise action---the wisdom and discernment to know what actions are wise and necessary, and the courage and will to carry them out despite the costs. We know from history (Solomon being but the most notable example) that neither wisdom nor knowledge is sufficient. Perhaps among your not-elves the courage, determination, and will to carry out a wise but costly plan---or even to act at all, if they see the costs of all the options and are wise enough to shun the evil but not brave enough to choose the good---would be as rare as wisdom is among human beings.

That's also a good idea I really should write up a piece on these guys for my subforum now. Thanks for your help!

eru

Kingjon, thanks for all your help! Here's the thread I've updated to include this:

www.holyworlds.org/fantasy/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=2249

eru

I just had to add this question in. Is it necessary that they be orange-tinted? How orange are we talking about here?

*chuckles* You sound like eru whenever I mention Murel's purple-tinted sky.

I imagine it wouldn't be tinted much... *pokes eru*

No...I just needed something to distinguish them from humans and orange skin was what I settled on. Too much like Avvytar, though Any other ideas?

@Sui:Is it necessary that the sky be the forbidden color? How forbidden-colored are we talking about here?

eru

Avatar wasn't just tinted, it was completely dyed.
I think it works as is.

*chuckles*
What makes purple forbidden?

I actually like the idea of a purple sky...A LOT.

but more on topic...orange just reminds me of oompa loompas.

*chuckles*
I imagine the Nomahar with a very light tinge of orange. Not much at all.

(I should post about Murel's sky someday...)

It is quite light. *must think of a couple other more interesting features as well*

(Yes, you should )

eru

One problem may be that some humans are orange tinted. I like the idea of making them wise, wavering, and short-lived. What about the idea of them having cleft, or grooved, nails? Or long eyebrows?

Long eyebrows?

I'm liking the things that have already been brainstormed in the thread, but these are not physical things - I'd like some things to physically distinguish. But I can't think of anything that isn't cliche/overused. The only thing I have now is some ideas with their hair

eru

Webbed toes. I would need to know what they tend to do physically to know what they should look like physically. You could make their limbs proportionally long for their bodies...

You could make them have almost no hair. Perhaps they have no body hair and the hair on their heads grow only an inch naturally.
*is not sure if he likes his own ideas*

@Sui: Well, they do live mainly in warmer climates.

@Riniel: Webbed feet are interesting; but that makes me think of Marsh-wiggles

Hm. I think the warmer climate thing could be worth investigating *gives Mark cupcakes for reminding of that*

eru

*grins* I'm not sure how the one reminded you of the other... but I'm glad to help. (the cupcake isn't too bad either )