Humanity is not the only sentient race of humanoids on Earth, despite holding this belief for thousands of years. The other races have always been there though, dismissed as stories and fables. In the fires of World War Two, the other races were forced onto the world stage to escape enslavement by the very people who discovered them. Although the most prominent of the new races have joined the GA, some still isolate themselves in hiding just as they have done for thousands of years...
Collated Racial Summaries (There are also available on each appropriate page)
Humans
Hunters
A Hunter is an ordinary human who has dedicated themselves to fighting the supernatural and protecting humanity from the encroaching darkness. In the Guild, their versatility makes them excellent at policing the other races and watching out for humanity's interests. Most are fiercely loyal to the Grand Alliance and will be the first into the fray against its enemies.
Sorcerer
Magic has been a part of human society for decades but is gradually being pushed out in favour of science and reasoning. However, there are those to cling to the old ways, mostly living as hermits on the outskirts of humanity. The Guild offers a better life for these outcasts and a place to practice and hone their skills in the service of the Grand Alliance.
Immortals
Over the years, there have been some humans who have transcended mortality. Whether gifted with divine power, bathing in the blood of innocents, or taking over younger bodies, these humans have been alive for hundreds of years. They bring valuable knowledge to the Guild, as well as unique fighting styles, but most Immortals are distrustful of new technology, believing the old ways are far superior.
Risen
Frankensteins
Named after a novel written by English author Mary Shelley, Frankensteins are the most numerous of the Risen. They are made in a variety of ways, from scientific resurrection to occult rituals, and come in all shapes and sizes. Most are patchwork people, made from different parts of different humans stitched together and revived by varied means, but there are also accounts of Voodoo raised Shadowmen, clay bound Golems or even reborn Christians claiming to be the messiah.
Mummies
Mummies are arguably the first Risen, having their origins in ancient history. They are made in a variety of ways, but most were created through exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, very low humidity, or lack of air, as well as an element of dark magic. Nearly all Mummies would have spent thousands of years in hibernation before during WW2, being sought out and coerced into fighting humanity’s wars. There are instances where new Mummies have been created through experimental means, but all these methods have never been recreated successfully.
Banshees
Banshees are spirits of vengeance, wronged souls that return from the afterlife to seek vengeance against those who have spurned them. They take physical form in the world shortly after death and some never leave, their desire for vengeance keeping them anchored to the world of the living. However, if their physical form is destroyed, their souls are dragged back into the afterlife from whence they came.
Vampires
Impalers
Impalers are the aristocracy of the Vampire race. They take their name from Vlad the Impaler, also known to be Dracula, and revere him as a messiah like figure. Impalers are great warriors and leaders, charismatic and charming whilst also dangerously ruthless and cunning. They believe themselves as the pinnacle of the Vampire race, and often look down at their less cultured kin.
Draugr
If Impalers are the nobility of the Vampire bloodline, the Draugr are the peasants. Historically, they are the ones who serve Impalers as bodyguards, groundskeepers, servants and maids. Nowadays however, Draugr have more freedom than ever, and have spread fast across the human world. This is seen as alarming for Impalers, who still see them as subservient to themselves, but most Draugr ignore the pre-existing stereotype of their race, and instead strive to live life to the fullest.
Strigoi
Strigoi are akin to what Vampires were in primordial times: large monstrous predators. They should however never be thought of as primitive. Strigoi tend to be very sophisticated and cunning creatures despite their appearance, and think of themselves as the true lords of the night. They shun modern society and like to occupy dark, dingy places where they can brood and scheme away from prying eyes. That is, until the sun goes down and they can hunt in the open once more.
Werewolves
Fenrisians
Fenrisians are the most numerous of the Were Clans, and the wildest. They take their name from Fenris, the oldest and most powerful of the Five Children. Fenrisians tend to hail from Scandinavia, Russia and Central Europe, and are known for their love of hunting, feasting and drinking. In the Guild, they are used in a mixture of roles but are mostly found where the fighting is thickest.
Therian
Werewolves from the Therian clan have a strong connection to nature and the wild places of the world. They are known to prefer solitude and seclusion to human towns and cities, but are also the widest ranging of the species. Therians can be found across Africa, the British Isles, Asia and Oceania. Some Therian exhibit a divergence from the normal wolf aspects of the species, and reports have been had of Werecats, Wererats and even Weresharks. These deviations are treated with some suspicion by normal Werewolves, but they are still accepted as part of their race.
Leshen
Even amongst such a race as the Weres, Leshen are considered savages. Over time, they seem to have lost the ability to switch back to human form, instead remaining a beast for their entire lives. In this aspect, they are more akin to primordial Werewolves than their modern brothers and sisters. Leshen therefore live in almost complete isolation from the modern world, protected in their isolation by the Grand Alliance. In return, a select few are called upon to serve in the Guild and in doing so, guarantee protection for the rest of their tribe.
Fae
Pixies
Pixies are the most common of the Fae and are characterized by their wings, which they believe give them status over the other Fae. It’s true that most ruling Fae are Pixies. They are haughty and uptight individuals, assured that everything they do is correct (even when it isn't!). Pixies that have joined the Guild do so out of an interest in humanity and our realm.
Sirens
Sirens make up a lesser proportion of the Fae than Pixies. They lack wings, but possess the most beautiful and alluring of voices and have a affinity to water. Sirens have been know to hold their breath for hours on end and populate the great lakes that litter the Green.
Trolls
Until 2019, Trolls were considered their own race along side Goblins. Now however, evidence points that they originated in the Green as with the other Fae. They are large, humanoid creatures ranging from 5ft – 7ft in height, with powerful builds. The have ice white skin from years of living underground, with pointed teeth and ears. They are a deeply spiritual race and hold places of spiritual significant in high regard, often acting aggressively to any trespassers (a trait they share with Goblins).
Goblins
Goblins range from size between around 4ft and 6ft, with large ears and noses and blue skin. Unlike their cousins the Trolls, Goblins are not amphibious but still live underground. Their communities are split into tribes which have their own territory within the boundaries of Svalbard. The tribes trade between each other and sometimes the human settlements above ground. Some Goblin tribes even set up stalls for tourists in the human towns but no humans are allowed in Goblin caves unless invited.