Favourite depiction of a fantasy race? (and why?)

Acedus

Half a month ago, KAnuGrymm posted a discussion about what are people's tropes and/or cliches. So I thought that I'd post discussion of my own asking fellow MQ authors what are their favourite depictions of a fantasy race (and why). Other than being fun and games, this would also be genuinely useful as a way to examine what works and what doesn't when it comes to writing these fantasy races.

For me, it would be the orcs/orks from Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40k respectively. This is mainly because of the fact that they are 'technically' not evil despite being an antagonistic force who leave death and destruction in their wake. The 'how' and 'whys' of the greenskins in both series are so over-the-top, yet still make sense and fit seamlessly into the context of their universes.
To put it bluntly, "in a hopelessly grim world filled with war and strife, the greenskins are the only ones who are having fun."
To elaborate, they don't philosophise or think like we humans do, they just 'do'. They (instinctively) go to war and fight (often with themselves) because it is simply in their nature to do so, the best way to 'have fun' for a warhammer greenskin is to go to war and crush a few heads.
That, combined with their straightforward and happy-go-lucky attitude when it comes to both everyday life and warfare makes the greenskins such an entertaining species in both Warhammer universes.

P.S. yes, you can absolutely choose 'humans' as a fantasy race but there better be a damn good reason why.

Rustle_Roots

I said in discord that I wanted to flaunt my min maxed Elf Bard in DnD, and I will. The Fae are my favorite race, and it includes Elves. Lots of legends about them, their manner of dealing with oaths and vows. Changelings. It's absolutely interesting, whether they be benevolent or malevolent. Although Fae tends to be categorized in my perspective among the Elementals (Undine, Slyph, Gnome, Salamander) under the Gnome category.

I like The Wandering Inn's depiction of 'Elves' or rather 'Half-Elves' (as Elves are extinct). They're almost as flexible as humans, with a capacity for good or evil. Although I tend to go for Neutral Chaotic kinds with their desire for freedom. Depiction of Elves as arrogant, proud and majestic because they actually are that amazing compared to humans? I don't mind it all, I have a flamboyant, charismatic bard for that. But I can also appreciate pacifistic ones, with a penchant for order and following some 'Council'.

Acedus

Rustle_Roots I also remember that some depictions of elves (particularly Warhammer) experience stronger emotions than humans do, they experience greater happiness than humans, but also greater sorrow. As such, that's why in those depictions, they are portrayed as arrogant, proud, and majestic (combined with their long-lives meaning that they are 'inherently wiser' than the younger 'upstart' races), their 'stronger emotions' just enhance their sense-of-self.
All in all, not a bad choice.

Rustle_Roots

Acedus bows Thank you, good sir. I really should find a copy of Warhammer if I get the opportunity to do so. It seems like a really good book for fantasy writers.

Besides orcs, what's your second favorite?

Acedus

Rustle_Roots Just as a correction 'Warhammer' is actually just a table top board game based on its own fantasy world. But its renowned enough to have its own licensed book series such as the 'Skavenslayer' or 'Tyrion and Teclis' series as well as licensed video games such as Total War: Warhammer and Warhammer: Vermintide 2.

And to answer your question, my second favourite would be the Skaven (also from Warhammer). The reasons why are actually totally different reasons than the orcs. They are by far, the best portrayal of 'ratmen' that I've ever seen.

Jyorin

Hmm... I'd have to pick zombies from Z-Nation. Throughout the television show, the zombies advanced as the humans did, but there were still variations of both that were humane and inhumane. They were still people while being something to be feared, for the most part.

Acedus

Jyorin Nice choice, I've always taken a liking to intelligent undead (except maybe vampires if they're execution is boring) and now, I have a show to add to my to-watch list.

Jyorin

Acedus Thinking about it more, I also liked how demons and angels were portrayed in Supernatural as well. Sometimes it was a bit boring and stupid, but for the most part, it showed something believable. Not everything was evil-evil-good-good and I really liked that. I'm not sure if you've seen it, but Rowena, Crowley, Lucifer, and Castiel were my favorite for sure. Again... It's not writing in its rawest form, but it's still good!

iamdeleted

Ooh, interesting topic! Unfortunately I can't add too much because I'm not well-read on fantasy, despite how much I love it xD.

Elves from the Lord of the Rings
This is because J.R.R Tolkein essentially started the elves-are-beautiful-and-perfect trope. Far as I know, elves were more like goblins and naughty faeries before LOTR. It's not the ethereal perfection of elves that appealed to me, but the fact that orcs are tortured elves. You look at elves and you see something that is perfect and untouchable except...they aren't, untouchable. Even something "holy" as them, magical long-living beings who can pass into the revered West, can be taken and turned into something horrible--the orcs. To me, it felt like there was an underlying hypocrisy to the elves. They would damn humankind for being "inherently corrupt and weak", but they themselves are not invincible to corruption. Much of the orc army is made out of them. This added nice layers to the elves for me.

I don't mind when races are made to be perfect when handled in a manner like those elves, when it can be analyzed and you have something to takeaway from it as opposed to perfection for perfection's sake.

I had a couple more races in mind but I have completely forgotten them after writing this out... 😅

Madaras

I've always been fond of half-elves. Humans are magnificent creatures that are often taken for granted. Elves are also magnificent creatures in all of their iterations from paragon of virtue to various conflicted factions. No matter the humans or elves half-breeds tend to be rejected by both of their societies. It is also difficult for them to find a place in either having a much longer lifespan than humans and a much shorter lifespan than elves. This dynamic forces them to find a different way of co-existence with the world. I'm also fond of the changelings, but for a much simpler reason. They can take on the role of any race, but when you can be anyone who are you really? The quest to find their own identity can easily lead to interesting paths.