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There are a total of four human races on Shang-La. Three are called chimeras as they combine human and animal features, and the fourth refers to ordinary people. Despite their significant differences, they all belong to the same species of peira.

Common people

The most numerous group among Peira. Of all the known intelligent creatures, people are not very fast and resilient, they have poor nocturnal vision, narrow auditory range, and they perceive a limited set of smells. But they can boast of a strong Shang, full of potential, which allows them to take up apothecary art or alchemy and master them with the utmost skill. Chimeras, and even more so sahash, are either incapable of this, or it comes with enormous difficulty.

<aside> <img src="/icons/chat_lightgray.svg" alt="/icons/chat_lightgray.svg" width="40px" /> @Lins More to come in the future article about Shang.

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In terms of their mindset, people bear little differences from the sahash, and there is no xenophobia between the two species. They have far more division and misunderstandings with chimeras while the latter are most amenable to “training” by their brethren.

Chimeras

Chimeras are distinguished by their high resistance to extreme temperatures, the ability to survive in wild natural conditions, digest raw meat and blood, and a life-long transformation process that gradually brings them closer to animals.

The older the chimera, the more voracious they become and the more problematic it is to fit into society without risk of harming others. There are medicines and methods of “training” that help them get rid of predatory behavior and reduce this risk. But the beast kin prefer to distance themselves from people and live as hermits in the wild, unable to resist their true nature.

Although chimeras often make friends with other ethnicities and species, they will always remain victims of prejudice.

An opinion in scientific circles states that chimeras have a powerful La, which fully suppresses the ability of their Shang to engage in the Arts.

Are sensitive to the Flat and thus avoid it.

Harpies, the bird-people

Out of all chimeras, harpies are most often found throughout Shang-La. They are the tallest among other chimeras and turn into literal giants in old age. When young, harpies have long necks, short wings, and feathered bodies.

<aside> <img src="/icons/token_purple.svg" alt="/icons/token_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Distinguishing features:

• Have a good memory for details;
• Longevity (up to 200-300 years);
• Nocturnal vision;
• Elderly harpies are capable of flight. </aside>

Harpies often tie their lives with creative professions or perfumes, as they love ethers. They are easygoing and learn common courtesy and refined manners, thus integrating into society easier than others.

Dracaines, the lizard-people and the fish-people

Dracaines are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of eastern El-Balyama. They are easily recognized by their huge snake eyes and wide smile, which hides a row of sharp teeth. Their arms are so strong that with enough effort, they can crush a stone the size of a tennis ball.

<aside> <img src="/icons/token_purple.svg" alt="/icons/token_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Distinguishing features:

• Slow metabolism;
• Prefer heat but endure cold well enough. However, in places where winters usually occur, they would inevitably fall into a prolonged hibernation.
• Terrific swimmers. </aside>

Dracaines have a difficult disposition and do not seek friendship with anyone but their kin. Ridicule and passive aggression are commonplace among them, but their perpetual wide smile confuses anyone and robs them of understanding what's on Dracaine's mind.

Levcones, the dog-people

Levcones are a soft and withdrawn kin. They walk on tiptoes and constantly hunch as if trying to appear quieter and shorter than they are. They hide behind an unkempt, curly mop of hair, and their ears, covered with short fur, are always lowered, flinching from sharp sounds. Under their voluminous clothing designed for harsh mountain winds, Levcones hide a thin, lean body.

<aside> <img src="/icons/token_purple.svg" alt="/icons/token_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Distinguishing features:

• Can sometimes turn into animals resembling dogs or wolves, but the ability requires a lot of energy;
• Have a short fur-covered tail reaching just below their knees. It works as a perfect balancer during hikes through the mountain passes, but remains tucked between their legs any other time;
• Shepherds, communicate with each other using horns;
• Keen sense of smell. </aside>

Levcones lead a lonely life but will gladly provide shelter to a rare traveler. One must keep in mind that the Levcones are reluctant talkers, so it is better not to pester them with conversations. They pose no danger whatsoever and could easily integrate into the life of some distant Parba village, but their timidity and fear of noisy places force them to avoid the crowd.