The setting itself features none of the standard D & D races, like elves, dwarves, halflings, etc. With the exception of orcs, humans are the only real race. However, because of the deep and thorough saturation of elemental energy that leaks from other realms of reality, various Bloodlines of humans who are more or less equivalent to the D & D �plane-touched� races have developed, and make up some 30% of the population. Indeed, in most places, these bloodlines occupy every role in society, while humans are technically outside of the class system entirely, and are �non-citizens� by default. There are many of these basic bloodlines, with a few cross-breeds, or new breeds occasionally springing up, making racial selection (from both a mechanical and a role-playing point of view) varied and interesting. In Cassant, the center of action for at least my games, these differences are a little bit minimalized -- Cassant was originally an orc fishing village that became an important trading stop for early humans, and grew from there. The Bloodlines came later, and although they wander the streets of Cassant, the primary population remains human and orc.

In addition to the different races, the setting differs from traditional fantasy in that it has some higher technology, including black powder, flint-lock pistols and muskets. It is also more advanced than the typical pseudo-feudal middle-ages type society -- instead the society is relatively modern in many ways. The PCs all work for the Inquisition, an FBI-like organization that the king uses to protect his realm from supernatural threats.

And finally, the setting differs from standard D & D in that casting spells is pretty much always dangerous and unnatural if not downright evil. The feel of this setting is something of a medley of the X-Files, Call of Cthulhu and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplaying. Demons, cults and other dark powers lurk in the underbelly of the kingdom like maggots under a rock, and it is the PCs job to hunt them down. PCs will very frequently be outclassed, outgunned and outmatched, but with skill, caution and luck, they can survive and fight the long and inevitable defeat as best they can.