Race

Race refers to groups of humans distinguished by shared physical characteristics and/or cultural traditions.

According to Terran tradition, humanity on Talos-II is classified into three major racial categories: the Elders, the Ancients, and the Sarkaz.

The Elders and Ancients constitute the majority of Talos-II's population. The division between these two categories originated from early Terran social dynamics described as "nurturance and protection" versus "subjugation and dominion". These distinctions were based on social relationships rather than physical characteristics. When classified by physical traits and cultural traditions, typical Elders include Draco, Hippogryph, Lung, and Kylin, who represent a smaller portion of the population. Notable Ancients comprise Feline, Liberi, Cautus, and Forte, encompassing the vast majority of human individuals.

Conventionally, the term "Sarkaz" refers to the majority of this racial category, with few exceptions such as Sankta and Durin. Unlike the Elders and Ancients, they trace their ancestry to a distinct lineage. After the Ancients, the Sarkaz form the second largest demographic on Talos-II. Throughout Terran history, the Sarkaz engaged in significant racial conflicts with both Elder and Ancients. On Talos-II, these historical hostilities have largely been resolved. However, the Sarkaz now face a series of unforeseen challenges on this new frontier. Currently, Seš'qa serves as the primary representative of Sarkaz cultural traditions within the Civilization Band.

The following is a list of common racial descriptions used by the Terrans:

1. Ancients

Archosaurian: A race whose members usually have bulky tails. Archosaurians are proud of their culture and prefer living in rainforests. Adapting to the climate of Talos-II has been quite a challenge to them.

Ægir: A race with close affinity to water. Their ancestors built an entire nation under the sea, complete with undersea metropolises. They also played an important role in the history of Terra.

Aslan: A subgroup of the Felines that diverged because of their unique culture and traditions. Characterized by their golden hair and tails, Aslans could also claim descent from a royal family that ruled some Terran nation. However, the modern Aslans have already come to terms with this fact — There are no kings or queens in Talos-II.

Caprinae: A race with great love of their horns. Terrans stereotypically view Caprinae as expert casters of the Originium Arts. After all, the legendary "Witch King" was a Caprinae.

Cautus: A race characterized by their long ears and short, fluffy tails. Cautuses prefer living in Cautus communities and place great importance in familial ties. These are Terran traditions that they kept alive.

Elafia: A race sporting branching antlers atop their head. Their ancestors mostly lived in Terran countries with plenty of forested regions.

Feline: One of the most common races. Most Felines have pointed ears, long tails, and keen senses. They are widely distributed across the entire Civilization Band.

Forte: A race that usually sports horns, powerful physique, and excellent endurance. Fortes proved to be indispensable for the exploration and development of Talos-II.

Kuranta: A race with exceptional endurance and skills in running and jumping. The Kuranta were the ones who established the knightly and chivalric traditions.

Liberi: A populous race characterized by feathers and lighter builds. They are one of the most common races in both Terra and Talos-II.

Lupo: A subgroup that diverged from the Perros. The famous Landbreaker Clan known as the Pack have many Lupo members.

Perro: A race with puffy, furry tails. They usually live in large families and place great emphasis in keeping peace and harmony with each other. Perros are also one of the most common races of Talos-II.

Phidia: A race with tall, slender builds, long tails, and pointed ears. Some may also have scales growing on their bodies. Phidians were already quite rare in Terra, and became only rarer in Talos-II.

Savra: A scaled race known for their longevity. Like Phidians, many Savrans have long, scaly tails as well. Unlike the Phidians, their skins tend to be rougher and more resilient.

Ursus: A race characterized by their bulky stature, endurance, and cold resistance. The Ursi once established a nation of the same name in Terra, and are now active throughout Talos-II.

Vouivre: A horned race whose members commonly serve as mercenaries. Most Vouivres are valiant and capable of warriors. They are sometimes mistaken as Dracos.

Vulpo: A subgroup that diverged from Perros. Vulpos are known for their light, nimble builds.

Zalak: A race with light, nimble bodies and characterized by their ear tufts. Zalaks are already famous for their tenacity and ability to survive harsh environments in the Age of Terra.

Other Ancients: Anurans, Ceratoes, Itra, Manticores, Petrams, Pilosa, and Reprobas also crossed the Cosmic Gate and arrived at Talos-II. These races were already quite rare in Terra. Their rarity has not changed in Talos-II.

2. Elders

Draco: An Elder race with magnificent horns and majestic tails. Dracos are often mistaken as Vouivres due to their rarity.

Kylin: An old race that hailed from the Terran nation of Yan. The Kylin were the ones that created Lei Fa (thunder arts), a unique form of the Originium Arts still being used by the Tianshi from the Hongshan Academy of Sciences.

Lung: Widely held as the "oldest race of Terra", the Lung occupied prestigious roles in the Terran nation of Yan.

Other Elders: Established Terran traditions of racial classification regard many Ancient subgroups as Elders. Examples include the Hippogryph subgroup of Liberi, the Cerberus subgroup of Perros, and the Nine-tailed Vulpo subgroup of Vulpos.

3. Sarkaz

Sarkaz: The Sarkaz are the original natives of Terra and the only true "visitors" of Talos-II. Their incredibly complex history and relations with other races cannot be summarized in a few pages. However, most Sarkaz living on Talos-II have chosen to leave the past behind. While the Sarkaz can be further subdivided, most still prefer to call themselves 'Sarkaz' for convenience.

Anasa: An ancient Sarkaz leader migrated to the eastern lands of Terra and his Sarkaz followers adopted a new cultural identity known as the Anasa. They also created a unique and long-venerated philosophy that still exerts influence over people living on Talos-II.

Durin: A Sarkaz race characterized by their smaller statures. Generations of subterranean life caused the Durin to diverge from other Sarkaz. They are renowned for their technological expertise as well as appetites for drink and merrymaking. Life in Talos-II hardly changed these customs.

Sankta: A Sarkaz race whose cultural identity was changed by the Precursor's "Personality and Cognitive Synchronization" (PCS). The Sankta are often called "angels" as they are born with halo and wings. This name fell out of use for obvious reasons — However, most Sankta don't really mind.