Humans
Humans were once the dominant race in Tyria, but now they hold only one region as their own. As such, Kryta is a land of refugees and survivors; it has a diverse populace, composed of people from all over the world. Humans have a large variety of skin, hair, and eye colors, with a wide range of heights and body shapes. As a culture, humans tend to be spiritual, and they look to their gods for guidance and morality. eir faith has bolstered them in dark times, and although the gods may be silent now, that hasn’t stopped humans from standing fi rm against evil. They possess abundant determination, cleverness, and courage. This will serve them well in the trials to come.
Norn
Norn are built in proportions similar to humans, but they stand larger and stronger. These 9-foot-tall people can withstand great hardship and cold temperatures. As a culture, the norn prize skill, personal achievement, and prowess in hunting and battle; success is the greatest measure of worth. Still, the norn are a tolerant group. When the hardest test is survival, it doesn’t help to get hung up on trivialities. When they aren’t focusing on individual accomplishments, norn spend their time warming up with their companions around a good fi re, drinking beer, and telling stories of renown.
Charr
Fierce, strong, and cunning, the cat-like charr are made for war. Standing slightly taller than humans, the charr usually settle into a hunched posture, but they will drop to all fours while running. ey have tails and short fur, in a variety of colors and patterns (like those of tigers, leopards, lions, and cheetahs). Their elongated muzzle hides sharp, long, canine teeth. While charr do have retractable claws, they prefer to fi ght with weapons. With their ferocity and intelligence dedicated to battle, the charr may find it more challenging to adapt to peace.
Asura
Small, wide-eyed, and quick, it might be tempting for the uninformed to think of the asura as whimsical or saccharinely cute. Nothing could be further from the truth. A closer look demonstrates how the asura have been marked by their subterranean origins. eir small stature and fast movements allow them to traverse tunnels, and their wide eyes let them see in the dark. Any lingering doubts about “adorableness” can be dispelled by the asuran smile: they possess a mouth with abundant, small, shark-like teeth. And while the asuran temperament does value some level of lightheartedness, behind it all is the keen calculation of a researcher. These tiny geniuses have supreme confi dence in their intellect and the use of applied intelligence. They are not shy or modest about their skills, and the path of the world has no choice but to be shaped by their will.
Sylvari
The sylvari are a race of humanoid plants. Slightly shorter and more “willowy” than humans, the sylvari have a fey cast to their features, with pointed ears and tilted eyes. Instead of hair, they have leaves or petals; some of them even have bark-like skin. Sylvari come from large seed pods on the Pale Tree. The first 12 sylvari emerged about 25 years ago, with more arriving as the years went on. They are a young race in Tyria, and they are still trying to fi nd their way in the world. Although a bit naïve, sylvari culture prizes the search for knowledge and an individual’s quest to fi nd a welldeveloped morality. rough it all, they look toward friendship and joy. In a dangerous and dark world, they off er light and a happy spirit.
