Races of the Frontier
The peoples of the Frontier represent a diverse tapestry of cultures, origins, and connections to the spiritual and material worlds. Each race brings its own perspective to the eternal struggle between tradition and progress.
The Firstborn
Connected to nature and spirits, the Firstborn are the original inhabitants of the Frontier. They have a deep bond with the primal sources of Sun, Moon, Stars, Earth, Sky, and Ocean, which forms the basis of their unique abilities and culture. These spiritual guardians of the land must now grapple with the encroaching tide of human progress that threatens their way of life.
The Firstborn occupied the lands of the Frontier long before the arrival of humans. They have a natural affinity with spirits. Most Firstborn undergo a 'coming of age' ceremony called the Binding which bonds them with a Primal elemental spirit. Those not yet bonded are known as 'Unbound'.
Lifeblood (Earth - Nature)
[Details to be developed]
The Lifeblood Firstborn are connected to the living essence of the natural world—the pulse of growth, the cycle of seasons, and the verdant power of flora and fauna.
Moonshadow (Moon)
[Details to be developed]
Moonshadow Firstborn are touched by lunar mystery, walking between light and shadow, reality and illusion.
Skywing (Sky)
[Details to be developed]
Skywing Firstborn embody the freedom of open air, commanding winds and storms with natural grace.
Startouch (Stars)
[Details to be developed]
Startouch Firstborn are guided by celestial patterns, their connection to the cosmos granting them insight into destiny and cosmic balance.
Stoneskin (Earth - Stone)
The shortest and stockiest of the Firstborn. Their skin has a stone-like texture that becomes more worn and craggy as they age. Their hair is made of very fine, flexible crystal. Genders are almost indistinguishable.
Stoneskin Firstborn embody the enduring strength of mountains and the patient wisdom of ancient stone.
Sunfire (Sun)
[Details to be developed]
Sunfire Firstborn channel the dual nature of solar power—both the nurturing warmth of daylight and the purifying fury of flame.
Tidebound (Ocean)
[Details to be developed]
Tidebound Firstborn flow with the rhythms of water, embodying adaptability and the depths of emotional understanding.
Voidheart (Eclipse)
Firstborn that undergo the Binding during an eclipse (solar or lunar) will become a Voidheart Firstborn. They exhibit pale skin, black eyes, and either silver or black hair. They are considered a bad omen, and are usually exiled.
Void spirits can occasionally form bonds with Firstborn who undergo the Binding during an eclipse. These Voidheart Firstborn are considered a rare and often misunderstood group, their connection to the enigmatic void spirits granting them unique and unpredictable abilities that set them apart from their kin.
Humans
With a relentless drive for innovation and advancement, humans have made their mark on the Frontier through industrialisation and technology. As they forge ahead, their ambitions often clash with the Firstborn and the delicate balance of the natural and spiritual worlds.
Humans see the spirits not as partners but as resources—raw power to be harnessed, captured, and exploited for the sake of progress. Their cities rise on foundations of coal and steam, their prosperity built upon the suffering of imprisoned spirits.
Half-Bloods
Born of both Firstborn and human parentage, Half-Bloods are outcasts who must navigate a world that shuns their dual heritage. They often find themselves caught in the middle of the escalating conflict between their two ancestral cultures.
In the rare cases when a Firstborn and human have a child, they're known as a Half-Blood. They appear mostly human, save for the tell-tale pointed Firstborn ears. They are usually considered outcasts amongst both Firstborn and humans, and tend to hide their nature.
Innate Magic
There have been recorded cases of Half-Bloods manifesting innate magical abilities. This is usually caused by a triggering event which awakens their previously dormant spiritual side. They are able to manifest a limited form of magic, e.g. lightning magic, without the need for spirit pacts or rituals.
Beastkin
Descendants of Firstborn who made ancient pacts with powerful animal spirits, Beastkin possess both bestial natures and appearances. Their unique connection to the spiritual world makes them valuable allies or coveted research subjects, depending on who you ask.
Beastkin are flesh-spirit hybrids—living bridges between the mortal and spiritual realms. They bear physical traits of their animal spirit ancestors while maintaining intelligence and agency. Some display subtle features (enhanced senses, slight changes in appearance), while others are more dramatically transformed.
Giants
These towering beings are a race unto themselves, adding another layer of complexity to the tapestry of life in the Frontier.
[Details to be developed]