In the world of Nihm, the races that populate its lands and cities bear a strong resemblance to the classic archetypes familiar to many realms of fantasy. However, a distinctive aspect of Nihm's races is their lifespans. Unlike other worlds where elves, dwarves, and other long-lived races might count their years in centuries or even millennia, in Nihm, even the longest-lived among these races seldom see more than 150 years, with few expections such as dragons, who rarely interact with the people of Nihm and have become more creatures of legends.
Despite these differences in lifespans, the afterlife in Nihm is a universal concept that transcends racial boundaries. While all races share the same ultimate destination in the afterlife, the paths they envision to get there, and the rituals surrounding death and mourning, exhibit a rich tapestry of diversity. Each race brings its own unique cultural and spiritual nuances to the universal principles that underpin their beliefs about what lies beyond.Death and afterlife in Nihm
The players can choose from any of the typical and standard races. Should one wish to play a race outside of the standard, one can discuss it with the DM but should have a good reason as to why the race would enrich the character.
In the diverse world of Nihm, humans stand as the predominant race, their settlements and cultures sprawling across the landscape and shaping much of the realm's history and society. Alongside humans, other races such as Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes are also fairly common, contributing to the rich tapestry of communities that dot the land. The mingling of these races has led to a vibrant mosaic of villages and towns where a variety of races coexist, sharing their traditions and ways of life.
While many of Nihm's settlements boast this racial diversity, there are still places where a single race's influence is dominant. Dwarven mine towns, carved into the heart of mountains, showcase the industrious and sturdy nature of their inhabitants, while secluded forests may cradle communities of Elves and Gnomes, living in harmony with the natural world that mirrors their own ethereal and earthy spirits.
However, races such as Tieflings and Dragonborn, with their more exotic and, to some, unsettling origins, find themselves on the fringes of this societal mosaic. The origins of Tieflings, touched by the infernal, and Dragonborn, with their draconic lineage, often evoke a mix of awe, fear, and mistrust among the less cosmopolitan populations. In smaller, more insular villages, these prejudices can manifest in overt wariness or even hostility towards these rarer races, making such places less hospitable for Tieflings and Dragonborn. Conversely, the capitals and larger cities of Nihm, with their bustling streets and diverse populations, offer a more welcoming environment for all races. The cosmopolitan nature of these urban centers fosters a level of acceptance and integration not found in more rural areas.