Syric People
 Syric Races from left to right, Elf, Gnome, Gigans, Dwarf, Human, Halfing, Half-Elf | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 823,000,000 (1744 ASC) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Mathaar, Samitesia, Sebrulia, Ynos | |
| Iblesia | 12.5 million |
| Cartulia | 11.2 million |
| Trodenheim | 24.7 million |
| Languages | |
| Iblesian, Cartulian, Troden | |
| Religion | |
| Syric Triad | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, Gnomes, Half-Elves, Gigans | |
The Syric Races form the largest population group in Aenodh. They can be divided into six main racial groups; Dwarves, Elves, Gigans, Gnomes, Halflings, and Humans. There are numerous variations where intermarriage between these groups has result in offspring, most notably Half-Elves which have a human parent and an elven one. All of the Syric Races are mutually genetically compatible. The Syric Races are all humanoid and mammalian, with the same approximate proportions, this said they are extremely diverse in both appearance and culture thanks to their wide distribution across the world.
Etymology & Terminology
The Syric Races are named after the Goddess Syr of the Syric Triad, and were among the first mortal races to inhabit Aenodh. The first of the Syric Races to be created were the Gigans, followed by the Elves, both of whom were sculpted by Syr herself. Following this came the Dwarves and Gnomes, sculpted by Oldyr the eldest son of Syr. The Halflings were created by Gydo, Syr's only daughter, and finally came the humans who were created by Kaldis, the youngest of Syr's children. All of the Syric Races were drawn from the same spark of the Well of Creation and were sculpted from the same materials and as such all are members of the Mortal Races of Aenodh.
Gigans
The Gigans were the first of the mortal races to be given life and served as the prototype for the races that followed. Among the Syric Races the Gigans are the largest and tallest, but also the shortest lived and least numerous. A typical Gigans stands at around 215cm in height with a weight of approximately 180kg. Gigans are also the strongest and most durable of the Syric races, possessing considerable fortitude and stamina which allowed them to survive during the primal ages of the world when the land was still an inhospitable place. Gigans have a strong resistance to cold and disease, and are able to go for extended periods without food. Unlike the other Syric races though Gigans are entirely carnivorous which makes most of their cultures more nomadic in nature.
The areas most heavily populated by Gigans can be found on the continent of Ynos within the Yniir Foothills which is where the first mortal civilisations were born during the Dawn Ages. In these lands the ancient ruins of ancient Gigans monuments and settlements can still be found and are a point of fascination to the other races. Their nomadic nature however means that the Gigans are not an uncommon sight in the continents of Samitesia and Sebrulia, where individual Gigans, or small groups, tend to travel to seek wealth or a more comfortable life. Gigans are generally well regarded and accepted by the other Syric races because they tend to be willing soldiers and bodyguards and this martial culture has made them popular as mercenaries. The practice of recruiting young Gigans from the nomadic tribes found in Ynos continues to this day.
Gigans share a similar diversity in appearance to humans, though they tend towards slightly dark skin tones. Blue eyes are rare among them, with green eyes being the most commonly seen as the gene responsible is a dominant one where the blue and brown are recessive. A Gigans's flesh is thick and toughened like leather making dexterous movement difficult, but adding to their natural resilience. The most common hair colour range among the racial group is brown.
Magically speaking the Gigans are not particularly gifted, such magic as they are able to wield tends to be subtle and indirect and heavily adulterate by cultural practices and ritual. Very few Gigans are able to directly grasp the Thread and tap into its power and those who can typically struggle to manipulate large quantities of energy in any meaningful way.
Gigans reach adulthood at around the age of 14, and have a maximum life expectancy under ideal circumstances of about 60 years.