Canvas plays host to a diverse set of races and factions, each with their own history, norms, and unique physical traits.
Monsters- the first rulers of Canvas. The majority have been reduced to beasts today for their forefathers’ transgressions against the Governors, but a limited few still possess their original intellect. These rare specimens are known as Elders. These Elders are distinguished from modern monsters by their ability to speak. The speech they use is that of the gods, and so the words they utter can often be used for attacks or to grant boons to the speaker.
Humans- Perhaps the most populous group on the planet. Indeed, most of the humanoid races trace their lineage back to humanity in some way. Originally created as a form of cattle for the monsters, humanity was ultimately given the gift of intellect and the ability to use Links by Prometheus, the Governor who was responsible for creating the first humans.
Demihumans- When humanity first began to rebel against the monsters, Demihumans were bred as hybrids of monster and man to keep their fellow humans in check. Their monstrous side manifests as animal traits such as claws, fangs, stingers, horns, and a whole host of other physical qualities. The kinds of traits they can have are just as varied as the number of survival mechanisms animals have developed to survive on Canvas. Unfortunately, when humans earned their freedom they were not quick to forget the subjugation they faced by the Demihumans, and so they have frequently been subjugated in kind.
Elderkin- A rare breed of Demihuman who were born with the tongue of an Elder, allowing them to access the same powers of speech. This makes them quite a force to be reckoned with. A human’s status as an Elderkin usually isn’t visible until later in their life where their favored words begin to alter their physical appearance. For example, they may begin to grow claws if they often use a word that temporarily gives them claws, or they may have draconic scales on some parts of their body after extensive use of words corresponding to breath attacks. Elderkin can have the traits of multiple animals if they use several types of words, leading to exotic combinations that make them look like chimeras.
Orcs- Another group that were used by the monsters for the subjugation of humanity, though they were far more difficult to control. Isolationist and fiercely territorial, the orcs were never easy for the monsters to control. The second their grip on the world weakened the orcs aided the humans in their fight for freedom before retreating northward to the world’s icecaps, which is considered to be their homeland. The orcs never really travel south, and so their existence is largely considered a myth, but every so often a particularly adventurous orc ventures down to show the legends are true.
Tieflings- Similar to orcs, tieflings are similarly considered to be the stuff of legend. The story goes that the tieflings were once part of an advanced ancient civilization known as Myrm, who were responsible for the ritual that left the Badlands in the state they’re in today. In an attempt to repent, some in Myrm returned to the badlands and attempted to restore the lands to their previous splendor. By living in the Badlands, these humans were irreversibly changed by the dark forces that still lingered there, taking on an almost demonic appearance. Every so often there will be rumors of a purple- or red-skinned adventurer who arrived in a town outside the Badlands, but generally they keep to themselves. Due to the conditions of their homeland, the ones who do venture out are often highly sought after as warriors.
Sapfolk- Completely disconnected from monsters and humanity are the Sapfolk, a race of humanoid plant people. They are a hidden presence across all of Canvas, endeavoring to uphold the natural order of things and ensuring the beauty of Canvas’s greenery is preserved no matter what. It is rare to see one, and it is often not advised to provoke them, as it is said you pick a fight with Mother Nature herself when you upset her children.