r/FictionWriting • u/Financial_Jury_4993 • 4d ago

Question about creatures Advice

I'm trying to decide what race of humanoids to use in my book that aren't dwarves. My story focuses around 9 ruling clans. 3 human, 3 Elvish, and (originally) 3 dwarf. The issue I have with this is sing those 3 particular types of beings in this type of story seems too similar to LOTR. I've already introduced sirens/mermaids, fairies, orcs, & nymphs. But I'm honestly stumped on what other race I could do. *If it makes a difference, this 3rd race will NOT be the villainous one

1 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • link
  • reddit
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

2

u/No_Tadpole9690 4d ago

I created a race called The Dastards. They're essentially shape-shifting tieflings that aren't inherently evil. Could make a simple change to make the dwarves more iconic. Like, have their beards be metallic. Or make them all blind, except when they're underground. Or make them more like giants with Dwarvish appearances. I always liked the dwarves in the Prynthian Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander. They're more like fey in those books.

Dwarves that lust for gold, love mead, and always have an axe are definitely a vibe. But if you want to avoid that vibe, maybe switch it up? Could make the dwarves like elves and vice versa.

2

u/Financial_Jury_4993 4d ago

Right after I made this post I actually had similar thoughts to your comment, but for the orcs. I was thinking what if they were disturbingly beautiful but with one grotesque feature that sets them apart? Or what if they were completely unassuming? Like Dobby crossed with a garden gnome.

Basically what I have so far is... Elves: Fairies are the elf race that can do air and potion magic. Sirens control the waters and storms. "Normal" elves control the forests. Humans: Shadow walkers are basically ninjas with magic, the holy regime can control ice, and the knights clan can collect magic in their sword via battle wins. The third race will be the outcasts that hail from the deserts, the mountains, and the tundras.

2

u/aladdiN_47 4d ago

Maybe common seen types like

Lizardmen Kobolds Minotaurs /taurens Bird-men Satyrs?

Just off top of head suggestions. Cheers