Human
Among the diverse races of Bandia, humans occupy a unique and tumultuous place. Though they rank at the bottom of the racial hierarchy, their story is one of resilience, ambition, and eventual redemption. Humans, not the strongest nor the most magically gifted, excel in their sheer determination to survive and thrive. When they first arrived in Bandia, feeling unfamiliar and desperate, humanity's greed and desire for dominance led them to declare war on all other races. Fuelled by a belief in their superiority, they sought to conquer the land, but their efforts backfired. A hundred years of relentless battles decimated their numbers and resources, forcing them into exile on a remote island. It was on this island, with dwindling supplies and time for reflection, that humanity began to evolve. Stripped of their hubris, they turned to the other races for aid, asking for a chance to prove themselves. Over the years, humans worked tirelessly to integrate into Bandia’s complex society. Through perseverance and humility, they not only survived but began to thrive. Some humans rose to greatness, becoming leaders, innovators, and symbols of the potential within their race. The journey of the human race in Bandia stands as a testament to the power of adaptation, unity, and the ability to overcome even the darkest chapters of one’s history. Culture Humans brought a wealth of culture and innovation to the new world. They sprouted in this unfamiliar land with their traditions, lifestyles, and culinary mastery, enriching Bandia's vibrant tapestry. Their architectural designs, known for their elegance and sustainability, became a dominant feature across cities, blending beauty with practicality. Yet it is their cuisine that truly sets them apart. Human dishes, with their exquisite flavours and diverse ingredients, quickly captured the hearts of many, including the refined palates of the La Bestians. To this day, human food is celebrated as one of the most delightful and heavenly cuisines, its delicacies savoured across races and regions. However, humanity's complex nature also revealed a darker side. Their inherent fear of what they did not understand often led to conflict. This fear bred a sense of superiority, not only toward other races but even within their own ranks, fostering divisions and aggression. Despite these flaws, humans remain a force of creativity and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on Bandia’s culture and society. Their story is one of contradictions—of remarkable contributions tempered by struggles with acceptance and unity. In a world shaped by imagination, humans continue to evolve, balancing their imperfections with their boundless potential. Religion Humans in Bandia are renowned for the complexity and diversity of their beliefs, a defining trait that has both empowered and divided them. Unlike many races that revere a singular deity or philosophy or many but not as much as humans, they are fiercely individualistic in their faith. Each nation worships its own gods, and this multiplicity of beliefs, while a source of cultural richness, was historically a major cause of conflict on Earth. When they arrived in Bandia, humans attempted to replicate their fractured spiritual systems, seeking to establish their gods and enforce their beliefs on others. However, the other races of Bandia, not easily swayed by dogma or compulsion, often met resistance to this effort. The humans’ attempts to impose their ideologies frequently led to tensions and struggles, much as they had on Earth.
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La Bestia
The La Bestians, a proud and formidable race, have a deep connection to the animal traits they embody. With physical forms and abilities resembling those of various beasts, they harness unparalleled agility, strength, and instincts. Ranking second in power after the mighty Samak race, the La Bestians constantly strive for supremacy but often find themselves thwarted by the dominance of their stronger rivals. In their homeworld of Savannah, they lived in scattered tribes, fiercely independent and often at odds with one another. This changed with the rise of Nimir, the legendary Tiger King, whose commanding presence and strategic brilliance united 80% of the land under his rule. Nimir's reign brought unprecedented unity to the beastkind, transforming their fragmented society into a cohesive force. However, a betrayal and trickery ultimately led to his death, cutting short his ambition. Though his life ended in tragedy, Nimir’s legacy endured. His unification of the La Bestians tempered their aggressive tendencies, fostering a spirit of understanding and cooperation that persisted into their struggles in Bandia. This newfound unity became their strength in the new world, enabling them to adapt and thrive despite the challenges. The La Bestians are a race of contrasts—simple in their way of life, yet profound in their thoughts and aspirations. Their journey in Bandia reflects a balance between primal instincts and the wisdom of unity, showing that even the fiercest races can find strength in harmony. Culture The La Bestians in Savannah divided into two primal factions: the meat-eaters and the grass-eaters. Under the universal law of nature, "the strong eat the weak," the carnivores ruled supremely, dominating the food chain. Yet, this power often descended into chaos, as hunting for sustenance turned into brutal acts of intra-species violence and cannibalism. The visionary Tiger King, Nimir, broke this destructive cycle by declaring the Code of Consumption, a decree that forbade the La Bestians from eating those they had slain. They were to consume only the naturally deceased or the prey of sanctioned hunts. This revolutionary law not only brought stability but also allowed the population to flourish, growing a hundredfold. The grass-eaters rejoiced at the newfound security, while the meat-eaters begrudgingly adapted to the code, valuing order over instinctual chaos. The La Bestians, known for their delicate taste buds, were not known for their culinary finesse. Their diet consisted of raw and unembellished meals, reflective of their primal lifestyle. However, their exposure to human cuisine in Bandia transformed them. The rich flavours and artistic presentation of human food awakened a dormant appreciation in the La Bestians, turning the once raw-eating race into esteemed connoisseurs celebrated for their refined palates. One aspect of their identity, however, remained unshaken: their love for the hunt. Hunting is not merely a means of survival but a sacred ritual, deeply tied to their reverence for their goddess, Savannah. Every hunt culminates in joyous dances and rituals, celebrating both their connection to nature and their triumph over it. Religion The Religion of Hunt: The Legacy of Savannah and Nimir The La Bestians deeply integrate their spirituality with their natural instincts and environment. Their faith, known as the Religion of Hunt, centres around the goddess Savannah, the name of their planet. Savannah, in their mythology, was once a mortal hunter who ascended to godhood. Her people saw her divine act of reshaping the world—raising vast lands and limiting the waters—as a gift, creating a perpetual haven for hunters by ensuring the prey could thrive and repopulate. For generations, the Religion of Hunt dominated their way of life, its teachings celebrated through rituals, dances, and the act of hunting itself. However, as time passed, the steadfast belief in Savannah began to wane, particularly during the era of the legendary Tiger King, Nimir. Nimir, though never proclaiming himself divine, achieved what many deemed impossible: the unification of the warring tribes. Through his Code of Consumption and revolutionary introduction of practices like animal husbandry and land cultivation, Nimir fundamentally reshaped La Bestian society. While he himself was a carnivore, he sought a balance that reduced senseless hunting and fostered sustainability. His unparalleled accomplishments caused many to revere him as a god, believing he had transcended mortal limitations. Yet, with Nimir's untimely death—betrayed and defeated—chaos engulfed Savannah once again. The fragile unity he had established crumbled, and many interpreted the calamities that followed as divine retribution from Savannah herself, reclaiming her place as the one true deity. The return to old ways sparked a resurgence of faith in the Religion of Hunt, though now tainted by the legacy of Nimir's influence. Today, the La Bestians' spiritual landscape remains fractured. While some continue to venerate Savannah as their goddess of the hunt, others hold Nimir as a symbol of mortal greatness and societal progress. Their history is a poignant reminder of the balance between tradition and change, faith and pragmatism, chaos and unity.
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Slime
The Slimes, a race characterised by resilience and transformation, have a history steeped in overcoming overwhelming challenges. Originally, they were creatures with leather-like skin, built to endure the harsh conditions of their homeworld, Ebrasia. However, the catastrophe known as the End of Time irrevocably altered their world due to the rampant and reckless use of terra magic. This devastating event destabilised Ebrasia, reshaping its terrain, unleashing intense heat, and ultimately rendering it uninhabitable for its original inhabitants. In response to these extreme conditions, the Slimes underwent a remarkable evolutionary transformation. Their leathery bodies gave way to a more adaptable, gelatinous form that allowed them to thrive in the sweltering heat and volatile environment. This change not only preserved their existence but also redefined their identity as a race. Central to their survival and unity is their deity, known as The Whole. The Slimes revere this being as a symbol of completeness and harmony, embodying their communal spirit. They attribute their transformation to The Whole, who instilled in them a peaceful and nurturing nature. This newfound ethos fostered cooperation among the Slimes, compelling them to set aside individualistic tendencies and work collectively to endure the hardships of their ravaged world. Culture Deeply rooted in their history and the harrowing events that shaped their race is the Slimes' religion, known as The One. Unchecked terra magic devastated Ebrasia at the catastrophic End of Time, leaving only a single being—their deity, The Whole—alive. Once a creature like any other, The Whole’s transformation into a slimy form symbolised survival and adaptation in a desolate world. Through sheer chance, The Whole discovered a miraculous ability to reproduce by dividing parts of his own body. This act of creation offered him hope in the face of utter desolation and marked the beginning of a new chapter for the ruined planet. Over the years, he birthed countless offspring, building a colony he called Rebirth, a name embodying his mission to restore life to Ebrasia. When The Whole finally passed away, his legacy endured. His hundred offspring honoured their progenitor by continuing his work of repopulation and rebuilding. Their actions, initially a necessity for survival, gradually evolved into a revered tradition and ultimately became the foundation of their religion. The Slimes constructed a city they also named Rebirth, rising from the ashes of their ancestors’ ruins. United in purpose and bound by their faith, they transformed a barren wasteland into a thriving community. Yet, life was far from easy. With almost no flora or fauna to sustain them, the Slimes adapted their physiology and habits. Their unique, slimy bodies shaped the way they consumed food. Unable to chew or contract muscles, they developed a practical method: mashing food into a pulp with their hands and slurping it directly into their gelatinous forms for digestion. This method, while simple, reflects their ingenuity and resilience in the face of scarcity. Religion At the centre of the Slime city of Rebirth stands a massive, revered structure: the Well of Unity, a spiritual and cultural symbol that embodies the core beliefs of their religion, The One. This well is more than a physical landmark; it is a sacred conduit through which the Slimes connect to their deity, The Whole, and honour their departed. The Slimes believe that the well contains The Whole and that their god will return from it to guide them. As an act of faith and devotion, they perform a solemn ritual when a member of their community passes away. They lower the gooey remains of the deceased into the well, symbolising a reunion with The Whole and the hope of ultimate unity in the afterlife. To the Slimes, this act signifies a return to their origin and a step toward becoming whole again, just as their god once was. Deeply rooted in teachings passed down through generations, their actions and traditions reflect their reverence for their ancestors and their gratitude to The Whole. Unlike many creatures who operate on instinct, the Slimes’ behaviours are deliberate, guided by learnt practices and communal values. This meticulous way of life can make them appear simple or monotonous to outsiders, but it is, in truth, a testament to their deep faith and unwavering sense of purpose.
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Shajar
The Shajar, a race of humanoids with skin resembling the bark of trees, were once among the most powerful and fearsome races in Bandia. As one of the earliest arrivals in the new world, their dominance was unrivaled. The Shajar drew their sustenance from the life force of other organic beings, a practice that elevated their strength but also brought devastation to those around them. Over centuries, their unrelenting quest for supremacy led to the extinction of countless other races, cementing their reputation as an indomitable force. Their reign, however, came to an abrupt challenge with the arrival of the Elementals, a race not bound by organic constraints. The Shajar could not consume or subdue the Elementals, unlike other prey. This sparked an epic conflict between the two races, a war that raged for years without reprieve. Neither side managed to secure a decisive advantage. The Elementals' immunity to their attacks turned the tide of battle, rendering the Shajar's reliance on consuming life for strength ineffective. The war ultimately ended in a stalemate, with both races reduced from millions to mere thousands. This devastating loss left the once-proud Shajar severely weakened. Their numbers and vitality depleted, they became vulnerable to attacks from other races that had long suffered under their rule. Overwhelmed and outmatched, the Shajar were forced into submission, a shadow of their former selves. Culture The Shajar, with their bark-like skin and tree-like physiology, are a race deeply rooted in their connection to the life cycle. With the longest lifespan of any race in Bandia—living up to two thousand years—they perceive death not as an end, but as the beginning of renewal. This philosophy shapes every aspect of their society, infusing their culture with macabre yet purposeful traditions. When a Shajar dies, their body becomes the cradle for new life. Babies are planted atop the corpse of the deceased, feeding on it over months or even years, depending on the size of the young. This gory yet symbolic act ensures that the essence of the fallen continues through the next generation, a cycle of nourishment and rebirth unique to their kind. Shajar shed parts of their skin as they mature, repurposing it for tools, weapons, and even as components for their homes. Shajar use their fallen leaves, which resemble hair, to create natural shades for their dwellings, combining practicality with their ecological philosophy. They utilise every aspect of their being, demonstrating a culture of resourcefulness and reverence for their natural form. Their planet, Samad, has a fast seasonal cycle, with each season lasting only a month. This rapid change shapes their way of life, restricting technological advancement and leaving them in a Stone Age-like state. Despite their primitive tools and weapons, their culture is rich in ritual and tradition. The Seasons of the Shajar: Fall: The most active and revered season, where Shajar engage in large-scale hunts. They judge their prey based on its size, food content, and other factors, and they consume the catch whole by attaching themselves to it and directly absorbing its nutrients. Winter: A time of hibernation. The Shajar retreat into dormancy, conserving energy and preparing for the next cycle. Spring: When the Shajar awaken, they reveal the fruits of their fall hunts. They celebrate the hunt winner based on the size and thickness of their skin, as well as the abundance of sprouted leaves it has produced. Summer: A time of rest and celebration, free from rituals or obligations. They enjoy a measure of personal freedom during this season, free from strict cultural practices. The short seasons of their planet and the Shajar's strict adherence to this rigid cycle leave little room for innovation or progress. Their society thrives on tradition and survival, with rituals taking precedence over technological development. Religion For the Shajar, the concept of religion is alien. Unlike many races in Bandia that draw purpose and identity from faith or spirituality, the Shajar’s existence is defined entirely by their rituals and the relentless cycle of survival. With the rapid seasonal changes of their planet, Samad, and the pressing demands of their way of life, they have neither the time nor the inclination to explore metaphysical beliefs. In their eyes, life itself is the ritual. They imbue every act they perform with purpose and necessity, from planting their young atop fallen trees to crafting tools from their own shed bark. Their traditions, though primal and rigid, are their guiding principles, serving as a surrogate for religion. Their focus is singular: survival. The Shajar dedicates their thoughts and energies to ensuring the continuity of their kind in a world of limited time and harsh environment. This lack of abstraction or spiritual exploration does not stem from ignorance but from practicality. To them, actions and outcomes hold more meaning than intangible beliefs.
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UE
The Ue are the indigenous people of Bandia, living lives defined by freedom, community, and harmony with the land. Unlike many races that build kingdoms or nations, the Ue valued autonomy and decentralised living. Each village specialised in a unique craft—hunting, farming, fishing, or trading—and through this diversity, they thrived in mutual cooperation. Conflict was a rarity, and even when disputes arose, they were resolved without widespread destruction. The defeated would swear fealty to the victors, maintaining order without obliteration.
This peaceful existence came to an abrupt end with the event known as the First Fall. Beams of light brought other races to Bandia, races who were desperate for survival and driven by aggression. The EU, unprepared for this upheaval, found themselves overwhelmed. Their attempts to comprehend and aid the newcomers, including the weak and vulnerable, resulted in significant losses. Villages were destroyed, their lands seized, and their once-thriving way of life shattered.
Fleeing the onslaught, the Ue retreated into caves, living in the shadows of the world they once called their own. Despite their losses, their elders held firm in their faith, sharing a vision of a saviour—a man touched by the light, whom they named Jengalach. To the Ue, the Jengalach was destined to restore balance to their world, to lead them out of the darkness, and reclaim what had been lost.
This prophecy became a cornerstone of their hope, a guiding light in their despair. While they waited for the day of their saviour’s arrival, they clung to their traditions and unity, refusing to let the invaders erase their identity. The Ue’s belief in Jengalach is more than a prophecy—it is a symbol of resilience, a reminder of their roots, and a beacon for the future they dream to rebuild.
Culture
The Ue, the natives of Bandia, embodied a way of life rooted in balance, cooperation, and a harmonious relationship with the land. Their society was decentralised, with each village specialising in a specific role essential to the collective good. Villages were carefully positioned near others that provided complementary resources, creating a vast network of interdependence. Hunters, farmers, fishers, traders, and tool workers each fulfilled their unique role, ensuring that every community had access to everything they needed to thrive.
This interconnected system fostered contentment and sustainability, as no village existed in isolation. Instead, the EU created a seamless web of shared resources and mutual reliance. Their way of life was guided by an unwritten rule: growth and expansion were to be managed with care.
Each family adhered to a strict policy of producing no more than ten offspring. When the children came of age, nine of the siblings were expected to leave their village and establish a new one. These new villages were deliberately created to address gaps in the network, ensuring that they complemented the roles of existing communities. No village was allowed to grow beyond 50 to 100 members, and any new family had to set out to create a settlement of their own.
Before the catastrophic First Fall, this system resulted in the founding of nearly ten thousand villages across Bandia, a testament to the Ue's structured and efficient approach to expansion. Remarkably, despite the proximity of some villages, they coexisted peacefully, with no need for borders or territorial disputes. Their culture emphasised collaboration over competition, making their society a unique example of decentralised unity.
Religion
The Ue, known for their harmonious culture and decentralised way of life, also embody a fascinating contradiction in their spiritual practices. Their religious beliefs are split into three distinct yet interconnected faiths: The Worshippers of the Heavens, The Cycle, and The Waterbounds. Each religion is tied to an elemental aspect of existence and provides a unique lens through which the Ue interpret their world. Remarkably, they view all three religions as both valid and incomplete, embracing the paradox that multiple truths can coexist.
The Worshippers of the Heavens:
This group reveres the three moons of Bandia, seeing them as the three eyes of a celestial being that watches over the land. The moons—Gnoo (white), Ine (red), and Trar (blue)—each hold significant power, and their phases are believed to directly affect the world:
Full Moon of Gnoo: The beasts of the land become feral and aggressive, even the most docile creatures.
Full Moon of Trar: Imagination is greatly amplified, leading to heightened creativity and, in some cases, chaos.
Full Moon of Ine: (Effect TBA)
When two moons align, the effects are compounded:
Gnoo and Trar: (Effect TBA)
Gnoo and Ine: (Effect TBA)
Trar and Ine: (Effect TBA)
The most feared and revered event occurs when all three moons align, an event known as the Cataclysm. The Worshippers of the Heavens believe this alignment heralded the First Fall, and its recurrence would bring the end of Bandia.
The Cycle:
Followers of The Cycle worship the animals that sustain and enrich the land, viewing them as divine participants in a perpetual process of life, death, and renewal. Central to their faith is Oobra, a mythical giant beast whose movements fertilise the land and bring prosperity.
When a Ue dies, their body is offered to such creatures, symbolising their return to the natural cycle. This act is seen as the ultimate contribution to the land, allowing the deceased to become part of the eternal flow of life. The Cycle emphasises interconnectedness and the sacred balance between all living things.
The Waterbounds:
The Waterbounds believe their origins lie in the depths of Bandia’s oceans. They see their skin’s hues as a gift from the sea and consider themselves descendants of marine creatures that evolved to conquer the land.
Central to their faith is the belief that their ancestors still dwell in the ocean's depths, waiting to guide them. When a Waterbound dies, their body is returned to the sea, a ritual that symbolises their reunion with their ancestral kin. The Waterbounds view the ocean as a source of life, mystery, and ultimate belonging.
Licht
The Licht are luminous beings of extraordinary grace and intellect, known for their slim, ethereal builds and an otherworldly presence. While they are physically the weakest among all the races in Bandia, they possess unparalleled mental capabilities and a unique evolutionary history that has made them one of the most enigmatic and enduring races. Hailing from their low-gravity, dimly lit homeworld of Reter, they developed a floating physique that allows them to hover effortlessly, their legs seldom touching the ground. Their large, flickering black eyes absorb light, granting them exceptional vision in the dark, while orbs of light extending from their hair provide illumination and enhance their radiant beauty. On Reter, they communicated telepathically, but in Bandia, the complexities of social interaction led to the development of mouths for speech, a practical adaptation that complemented their natural telepathy. Survival for the Licht hinged on their ability to control minds, a skill that allowed them to outmanoeuvre predators on Reter and later gain positions of power in Bandia. Their mesmerising beauty, combined with hyper-intelligence and a mastery of manipulation, made them natural leaders, with many rising to roles as kings and queens.
Culture
Reter was a dark and desolate planet, a lonely world where the Licht drifted aimlessly through endless days. With no apparent danger to contend with and a perpetual sun that rarely set, they saw little need for progress or innovation, remaining stagnant in terms of technology. The concept of houses was foreign to them, as shelter was unnecessary in a world devoid of seasons and major threats. The sparse foliage on Reter barely reached two feet in height, offering minimal interaction with the environment. Without mouths to consume food, the Licht developed a unique method of nourishment: grinding food into a mush and placing it on their skin, where it was absorbed into their bodies. Any unabsorbed remnants would harden and become part of their skin, a reflection of their adaptation to their barren and unchanging planet.
Religion
The Licht, in their luminous simplicity, look to the stars for guidance, believing that their destinies are intricately woven within the celestial tapestry. Their lives revolve around the teachings of a Star Caller, a chosen individual who interprets the stars and provides purpose for their otherwise aimless existence. The Star Caller’s influence extends to every aspect of their lives, from the mundane act of eating to their broader sense of direction and meaning. This reliance on a singular figure fosters a life of simplicity and obedience, yet it also sparks profound curiosity and introspection, making the Licht both highly intelligent and deeply reflective. However, this dependence on destiny and guidance has a darker side. When events do not align with their anticipated paths, some Licht succumb to despair, falling into a condition they call Dunkel. In this state, their light fades, their bodies contort and lose their ability to float, and their minds collapse into feral madness. Those who enter Dunkel are considered lost, as their once-radiant existence dissolves into an unthinking, shadowed husk, a tragic reminder of the fragile balance between hope and despair in their star-bound lives.
Edleans (No image available, sorry)
A sentient being that evolved beyond bipedal structure, their physique resembles a centaur, with four legs attached to a long torso and six eyes, three eyes on each side. Although their muscles were built purely of physical endeavours, they'd rather not use it. They excel in magic, especially telekinesis. Compared to other races, Edleans were the most intelligent, most advanced race between all the races. Their intelligence spelt their doomed extinction in the end. (More of the lore will be available further in the book. ;) )
Culture
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Religion
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