Clades
Look, I know this isn't the correct usage of the term clade, but "race" isn't correct either and clade has fewer social connotations and sounds cooler.There are multiple sentient clades in Latefine, including Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, Fae, Centaurs,
Humans
– a clade of innovative, adaptive, social explorers, who love travel, experimentation and knowledge. They have moderate strength but high endurance, and are skilled at pattern recognition and theory of mind, even towards non-humans. Human resilience enables them to live in a wide variety of environments, they thrive on open plains, and require occasional sunlight for their mental well-being. Their short lifespans often lead to relentless pursuit of their goals in an attempt to make their mark on the world.
Elves
a clade of intelligent, withdrawn tinkerers and scholars. Elves tend to seem very subdued, especially compared to some other clades, but they are still lively, just more likely to conserve their energy. They are dexterous, and tend to be uncomfortable in exposed, open spaces. They live long lives, partially due to their natural lifespan and partially thanks to their tendency to avoid taking risks they deem unnecessary.
Dwarves
there can be some confusion, as other clades can have members born with dwarfism, though the dwarven clade, in addition to their short statue, are notably stout and hirsute. Dwarves are resilient, detail-oriented, and traditional.
Halflings
Fuzzy, eusocial, matriarchal. Their small stature makes them a target for many predators, which, combined with the small size of their burrows, means they aren't very accommodating to strangers.
Vatei
Eusocial, matriarchal, brood parasites. Usually live in their own spiritual plane, but frequently visit the mortal plane. Ostentatious, showy, never technically lie but will screw you over and delight in it. Usually they're contemptuous of mortals, and though some are known for their benevolence, their motives are often selfish. They might be selfless if you amuse them, though. Loners are especially dangerous.
Centaurs
Gnome – Helpful, friendly, but have a real vindictive streak if you're rude to them and will wreck your shit and steal your belongings. carnivorous,
Vatei
There is a plane of existence, often called the Divine Isles, home to phantasmagorical beauty, mind-warping horror, and the ageless beings known as Vatei.The Isles are an inconstant place, defying attempts to map it, and though wondrous it is dangerous. For one to spend the sensitive time from conception to adulthood entirely within it is to become warped, losing one's sense of time and reality, with very few exceptions. For this reason, Vatei take their children to a separate plane, to be raised among mortals.
Vatein children are molded to fit the image of their foster parents, as their forms have not yet settled with age, and are transient as mist. Ideally their appearance will make them indistinguishable from those around them, though sometimes their Isle ancestry shows itself in their appearance or behavior. Sometimes these children are found out and rejected – if that happens, one can hope that their instinctive pull to the Isles will allow them to reach out and communicate their need, if not outright travelling there if one is powerful enough.
It is considered bad luck to interfere with the development of a Vatein child outside the isles; they must grow without the influence of their Isle family, for a Vatei grown will radiate magic that will begin to influence the world around it and draw attention to them.
As a young Vatei grows, they will almost always discover a pull to the isles and a sense of homesickness for a place they've never known. With dedication and concentration, they will be able to leave their adopted plane of existence and return to the Isles. In addition to the spiritual growth, they will find themselves able to adapt different forms, with varying levels of resemblance to their foster or original family, though some trace always remains. It can often be difficult for Vatei to stay in one mortal plane for long; their kind has obtained something of a reputation.
While they often survive and return to the Isles, there is another way to keep the population balance: taking children from the planes and taking them to be raised in the Isles, where they will receive a similar transformation. Though adults could, theoretically, undergo this transformation if they remain in the Isles and eat of its food, they tend to be less psychologically malleable to the changes.
Vatei are mischievous, and especially enjoy perturbing humans. They can be benevolent, particularly if you amuse them, but by human standards they are very easily offended and can be vicious if they feel they've been wronged. Though Vatei do not lie outright, this does not prevent them from being misleading, deceptive, or manipulative. Words hold power, and one does not make a promise or share one's true name lightly.
Vatei are naturally sociable, living in large, eusocial coteries. Vital resources within a coterie are shared, and children are reared communally. One Vatei, known as the Prince, is the de jure leader, and they, along with their chosen consort(s), are the only ones able to reproduce. Though relationships are allowed with approval of the Prince, unapproved pregnancies carry heavy social penalties, and can even lead to being cast out of the coterie, which means a loss of structure and support.
There are different coteries with varying customs and rules, and while anyone could theoretically leave theirs and join or form another, they may face retaliation from their "parent" coterie. There are cases in which one coterie becomes too large, leading the Prince to appoint a Vatei to form a sister coterie, with which they have good relations.
Though the Prince is theoretically the ultimate source of authority, they are expected to heed the Council, a group of elderly, wealthy, or otherwise influential figures within the coterie. The methods in which people are chosen for the Council varies based on the coterie.
Though the Divine Isles is a beautiful realm, it contains its fair share of dangers, against which even the Vatei are vulnerable. Thus the coteries are essential, not just for sociality, but for protection against the creatures that inhabit the Isles. Those who survive without a group do not do so for long, unless they have a ruthless danger that makes them fearsome themselves. Some choose to opt to live entirely within mortal planes, where they live often lonely lives, shunned by those from the Isles. .