Demi-Human

The demi-human races form a vitally important group in the Flanaess. These races; elves, dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, do not have a shared racial origin by any means, although the dwarven and gnomish peoples are judged by many sages to be closely related.

The Dwur — Dwarves (called "dwur" or “dwurfolk” in the Flan tongue) are about 4 Feet tall, broad-shouldered and muscular, and of stocky build. Both males and females are bearded. They prefer to live underground in vast cavern and tunnel systems, where they mine precious metals and gems. Their skin comes in earth tones, from red-brown to tan to gray. They tend to be dour and suspicious, but grudgingly helpful. Dwarves live long lives, though not as long as the elves, and they reproduce slowly. Dwarves are sturdy, vengeful warriors with long memories of everyone who has done them harm.

The Hobniz — Halflings (“hobniz”) are half the size of humans and look much like human children, though their faces age like those of humans. A light covering of hair runs over most of their bodies, especially the backs of their hands and the tops of their feet. Halflings usually travel about barefoot, their thick-soled feet protecting them from the ordinary pain humans would feel in stepping on briars, sharp stones, and so on — though such protection only extends so far, of course. Most halflings build shallow burrow homes or cottages in grasslands, forests, or hills.

The Noniz — Gnomes (“noniz”) are thought to be related to dwarves, though they are smaller and enjoy the open air and forests much more than their cousins. Gnomes have wood-colored skin in a variety of shades, from light ash to dark oak. Many gnomes live underground in shallow burrows, often in hills and forests. They enjoy work as much as they like merrymaking. The gnomes of the Flanaess are aggressive in defending their territory and figure strongly in wars against humanoids and tyrants.

The Olve — Elves (called “olve” or “olvenfolk”) inhabited the Flanaess for many centuries before the destruction of the Baklunish and Suloise Empires. Suloise, Oeridian, and Humanoids invaders pushed the elves from their grassland and prairie homes, forcing them deep into ancient forests. Fortunately, the elves preferred forests to other environments, and they were able to hold their own in many ancient timberlands against human and humanoid aggressors.