The Benign

The Thri Kreen are wise and humble nomads who mostly roam the deserts and savannahs of Gevadun. They are renowned for their intriguing telepathic abilities. Thri Kreen communicate with each other using a unique language that consists of chattering and clicking sounds. Additionally, they can engage in telepathic communication with other races; however, this ability is limited to conveying fundamental ideas and concepts, which is usually sufficient for social interactions. As they journey from oasis to oasis, the Thri Kreen graze on the available vegetation. They have a particular fondness for sweets, which has led them to keep bees and cultivate crops like watermelons at the oases for short periods. Their cultivation methods are simple—often just dropping a few seeds into a hole and covering them up—but this basic practice is still considered a form of cultivation.

With their numerous arms and compound eyes, the Thri Kreen excel as artisans, and their rare goods are highly valued in places like Neopolis. Their society is straightforward and egalitarian; every clan member is considered equal, with no elders or leaders. The only exception to this principle is children. However, once a Thri Kreen nymph comes of age, they gain an equal say in clan matters. The Thri Kreen are especially well-known for their acts of compassion and kindness. When travelers become lost and stranded in the desert, they are fortunate if they encounter a Thri Kreen tribe, as these nomads often guide them safely back to civilization.

The Fire Newts are a peculiar and solitary race that inhabits the blackened beaches of Gevadun. Any beach that is situated on a sea of fire can be home to Fire Newts. They communicate in the Foul tongue, making it difficult for outsiders to interact with Fire Newt villages. This choice of language seems intentional, as virtually every Fire Newt settlement tends to resist social interaction with non-members. Fire Newts swim and hunt in lava oceans, preying on the numerous obsidian-scaled fish that thrive under the smoldering waves and the sparse vegetation found on the black beaches.

They have been observed actively hunting two primary foes: packs of feral Dregs in The Ash Cleft and the Foul. It is believed they target feral dreg packs out of necessity, as these creatures can be dangerous and unpredictable. The Fire Newts possess a natural animosity toward the Foul and show a significant degree of resistance to foul magic. Despite occasional aggression from Fire Newts towards the more civilized areas of the Ash Cleft, their ability to control and manage foul growth has led to their protection. Every governing body within the Ash Cleft safeguards Fire Newt villages and strongly advises citizens to avoid approaching their fiery coastal settlements.

The Lizardfolk were once in a position to rule all of Phoenix, but now they primarily inhabit the jungles of Phoenix. This curious race once boasted mighty and towering cities within the jungles, but those cities have crumbled over time. Now, the Lizardfolk live in villages, roam nomadically, or dwell in the ruins of their former cities, which the jungle has reclaimed. Renowned for their mystical abilities, the Lizardfolk offer their services to outsiders in exchange for goods. Those who know them well often describe them as having a distinctive sense of dry humor and being reasonably practical. Among the various tribal races that inhabit the jungles of Phoenix, the Lizardfolk are the most populous. As a result, they are the most studied of these wild races. Some Lizardfolk have left behind the nomadic life, and have integrated with the rest of society across the realms of Gevadun.

Lizardfolk lore suggests that their current circumstances in Gevadun are a consequence of the incredible hubris of the old empires. Lizardfolk soothsayers weave tales about the magic wielded by ancient Lizardfolk, who were said to have constructed floating cities, created flying machines, and even rivaled the gods in matters of creation and destruction. This hubris ultimately led to their downfall. However, the lore keepers believe that the Lizardfolk will rise to prominence again when the prophesied chosen one is born. This individual is said to possess a tongue black as night, scales white as snow, and eyes red as fire.

The Merfolk are the celebrated aquatic artists of Gevadun, found in most realms with sizable seas and warm coasts. They reside in underwater villages near the ports of major coastal cities throughout the region. Unlike the more brutal Sahuagin, ocean-dwelling cultists, or even some of the ocean's natural predators, Merfolk seek protection from the civilized races. In return for this protection, they offer their talents as artists, specializing primarily in the performing arts, although many are also skilled in the fine arts.

The natural allure of the Merfolk has made them popular and admired among the civilized races, leading some to achieve considerable wealth that supports their coastal villages. Among all the peoples of Gevadun, Humans, and Goliaths seem most captivated by the Merfolk. This fascination is so intense that harming a Merfolk is deemed a serious crime in Goliath society, punishable by death. Furthering the mystery of Merfolk is their ability to quickly learn and master Sacredus, leading some to believe they were crafted explicitly by to be muses by The Divine.

The Aaracockra and their Kenku cousins inhabit the highest points in all realms, with their origins traced back to the mountain tops of Gevadun. While there is some debate about the origins of both species, it is generally accepted that the Aaracockra came first, with the Kenku being placed under their care. Avian settlements in mountainous regions tend to be solitary, and the Kenku produce the goods that the Aaracockra rely on for survival. This symbiotic relationship ensures that the two species are always seen together.

Both avian species primarily consume meat, and the Aaracockra utilize their ability to fly to herd ibex and other goats up the mountains. The thick feathers of both species are valuable, but the trade of Aaracockra and Kenku feathers is universally banned in Gevadun. Aarakocra warriors sometimes serve as mercenaries, accompanied by Kenku, to manage and repair their equipment. Although the Kenku are flightless and unable to speak, requiring some protection, their skilled craftsmanship and penmanship make them valuable allies.