The Free People

The Free People were races of intelligent beings created by the High King. By the time of Flames of Hatred (FOH) only three of the original races remained, plus one which came later. When the Children of Fire (COF) fought and nearly destroyed the Sea the High King declared the Sea would be taken from the COF and given to the Free People. Originally, there were five.

Nomads:
Nomads were the tallest, ranging in height from six to eight feet. They were also the only race to not build permanent villages. They lived on the grasslands, near forested regions, but out under the sun where they watched over Kensington's marvelous herds of winged horses. They lived in small family groups of fifty or more, but usually never more than one hundred. Should a group grow too large in size it would split. Mostly, they were hunters. However, they did trade at whiles with humans who lived near the forrests' edges. This race was virtually wiped out during the Great War which nearly destroyed the Sea. It is purported to have died out entirely when Massimo, last of the Nomads, died. Nomads typically lived around six score years.

Pennans:
Pennans were also tall, but not so much as the Nomads. They were also the only race which had been granted the skies: Pennans had wings. They were a shy people, living in the mountain high places. The Byth and Wyth dragons, which shared the mountains with the Pennans, taught them much. They were amazing not only because they flew, but by reason of their imperviousness to the cold. Even in freezing weather Pennans only wore light garments. But they did trade at whiles with humans and dwarfs, using knowledge taken from the great dragons to produce crafts and jewelry coveted by other races. During the Great War the dragons foughtfor the Pennans' protection. But the effort only seemed to draw focus and ultimately the Pennans went the way of the Nomads. Elva is said to have been the last. Like Nomads, Pennans lived roughly six score years.

Humans:
Humans were the most populous race, multiplying much faster than the other four. Thus, human settlements could recover much quicker than those of dwarfs or figgits. It also helped them survive the Great War, which devastated the other races. Humans took immediate advantage of the Windows created by the COF to help the Free People disburse after the breaking up of the First World. So it is that humans can be found on nearly every world. They engaged in all manner of means to survive, from hunting to fishing to farming. They were incredibly adaptable - and wayward. Humans proved to be the easiest race for Zenephone to pervert to his will. Perhaps this was due to the human need to always know more. Coveteousness was probably their greatest weakness. Human lifespans were greatly determined by the world in which they lived and so there was a great span of projected years, ranging from as low as three score to as high as seven or even eight. They also had a wide variation in height - even within a world - from five to seven feet.

Dwarfs:
Dwarfs were a rugged and stocky people, averaging around five feet tall. Although not shy, they were secretive and protective of themselves and what they considered to be theirs. They were a hairy people, all growing long, thick beards which they trimmed to personal fashion. They were loyal to their friends and unforgiving to their enemies, but even amongst friends they would anger quickly. They were noted for four things: fishing, farming, mining and war. Dwarfs had no problem involving themselves in wars which had nothing to do with them. Sometimes, if the prize was great enough, they would fight all sides. Although short in stature, even Nomads and Pennans tended to hesitate before attacking a Dwarf army. Like dragons, Dwarfs tended to be lured to worlds containing large quantities of precious gemstones.

Figgits:
Figgits were the smallest people, never passing five feet in height. They were mostly a farming people, but what they are most renown for is their navigation of the Great Sea. Of all the races only the Figgits truly heeded the council of the COF and learned the ways of the Sea, making maps to help them navigate. The Figgits were also the only race not to intermingle with the mortal followers of Zenephone (called Overlords). In the Years of Disbursion the Figgits did not use Windows to move from world to world. They sailed the dangerous waters into the Cloud, learning to trust the natural currents the ocean provided. In later years, after the Windows had been shut down, Figgits became the conveyers of people from one world to another.