The Thuim
The seven sapient peoples of Ithasen are called the Thuim. They are, strictly speaking, one species: all lineages can produce children together. Mixed-lineage individuals are called Thylini and carry traits from every bloodline in their heritage.
What distinguishes the Thuim is not just culture or geography. Each lineage carries an inherent attunement to one of the Laws of Ren, a resonance written into their blood that shapes how they experience and wield Ren. This is called their lineage polarity.
Rennim and Renak
Section titled “Rennim and Renak”Not every Thuim wields Ren. The vast majority do not. Those who lack this ability are called Renak. Those who have awakened to it are called Rennim.
No one is born a Rennim. The ability is awakened, not inherited. Any Renak can potentially become one. Rennim make up roughly one in a thousand of the general population. Across all nations, they are treated much as cultivators are in ancient martial traditions: respected, feared, and understood to exist apart from ordinary life.
Bloodline and Power
Section titled “Bloodline and Power”Lineage blood carries political and practical weight far beyond cultural identity.
Daruner blood is the foundation of nobility across the continent. The legal, financial, and infrastructure systems of most nations are built on Daruner-polarity Ren: currency minting, prison wards, binding oaths, dynastic seals. Any individual with measurable Daruner heritage in a noble house is called Highborn.
Haqol blood amplifies other polarities, making it extraordinarily valuable to Highborn families seeking to strengthen their lines. The Haqol have been hunted nearly to extinction because of it.
The Seven Lineages
Section titled “The Seven Lineages”| Lineage | Law of Ren | Origin | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anamor | Conversion | Remnant Continent | Transform the body by consuming apex creature blood |
| Daruner | Coalescence | Lost | Jet-black skin, geometric glowing mark on the forehead |
| Elkyr | Flux | Continental Kyr | Metallic silver complexion, sea-attuned |
| Haqol | Harmony | Remnant Continent | Golden metallic skin, immediately identifiable |
| Janim | Elasticity | Shattered Lands | Fewest visible markers; strong scholarly tradition |
| Nyl | Influence | Shattered Lands | Ashen complexion, glowing eyes, all-or-nothing emotion |
| Okoi | Recurrence | Remnant Continent | Copper complexion, legendary smiths, city-state culture |
Mixed-lineage individuals are covered on the Thylini page.