Dwarfs

Homo sapiens pumillonis

Short, stocky, and barrel-chested, a dwarf typically has shorter legs than other metatypes. Dwarfs have natural thermographic vision (which helps fuel the stories that they prefer living underground—a stereotype that is only partially true as the 21st century marches on). They also have a hardy immune system and rarely get sick, even when exposed to toxins. They normally live in small family groups, sometimes isolating themselves from the rest of society.

In folklore, dwarfs are depicted as hard workers, taking on physical labor that no others would do. This holds true in the Sixth World, as dwarfs are known both for their strong work ethic and for an incredible ability to adapt to new technology and processes. When it comes time for megacorps to recognize the true brains behind many innovations, it’s often a dwarf—to the surprise of many. Most dwarfs are quiet and unassuming about their abilities; as illustrated by noted programmer Frank “Friz” Baylor’s live Matrixcast upon receiving the 2069 Innovative IC award: “I’m sorry I could not attend the awards in person, but I didn’t want to take the evening off work—talk to you next year, when I repeat!”

Of all the metatypes, dwarfs tend to be the most assimilated into mainstream society. Dwarfs encounter less prejudice as they are not feared like orks and trolls or seen as glamorous or conspiratorial like elves, but they do often encounter paternalistic attitudes from those that equate short with child-like. Dwarfs must also struggle living in a world built for taller beings, as well as being literally overlooked when it comes to equal opportunities.

Elves

Homo sapiens nobilis

Elves are taller and slimmer than the average human, though their bone structure and musculature are no weaker than a human’s. Their ears are distinctly pointed, and many elves wear their hair—which is normally very fine—long, so they can cover their ears in some social situations. Elven body hair is sparse to non-existent, and their eyes are highly capable in dim light. Elves have the longest gestation period of the metatypes, at just under a year.

Elves hold a position in pop culture unchallenged by any other metatype, partly due to their exotic looks, striking features, and the adoption of Sperethiel, their own “ancient” language (a claim disputed by some). Many media icons—from models to singers to politicians to porn stars to high-profile lawyers—are elves. Unlike dwarfs, orks, and trolls, who are discriminated against on the basis of being “different and ugly,” elves are often looked down upon by the other metatypes due to being “different and beautiful.” According to stereotype, elves are either poncy faux-aristocrats, homosexual, or back-to-nature “dandelion eaters” (though in fact a majority of elves is vegetarian). This intolerance is fostered by the common perception that there is an “elven conspiracy” set to take over the world (a belief that is not entirely without credible support, as illustrated by the foundation of the “elven” nations of Tir Tairngire and Tir na nOg).

A new generation of elves is attempting to dispel these myths and unfair media portrayal, though some reckless youth are going out of their way to paint themselves as rebellious street toughs, swelling the ranks of gangs like the Ancients.

Humans

Homo sapiens sapiens

Humans still make up a slight majority of the Earth’s population, on average. Most stand about 1.75 meters tall and weigh just under 80 kg. Sixty years after the Awakening, humans are still seen as “the norm” by laymen and scientific organizations, and are typically the measuring stick to which the other metatypes are compared.

Orks

Homo sapiens robustus

Orks are proportioned similarly to humans, albeit with a heavier build that adds to their overall bulk. Beyond size, the most distinguishing physical feature of orks are large lower canines, which often look even more alien when paired with the metatype’s characteristic thin lips and flat noses. Ork ears are pointed just like elf ears, though not as  elongated. Also like elves, ork eyes are naturally adapted for low-light situations.

Likely due to their high birth rates, orks often live in large, communal, extended family groups. Children are most often born in litters of four, but some ork mothers have given birth to as many as eight young. When sapiens are born to ork mothers, they will express as robustus at puberty roughly 95% of the time. Ork gestation periods are the shortest of any of the metatypes at roughly 6 months.

In 2060. The Or’zet Codex, published by the Orkland Community Center, established the basics of an ork language and spread through academic and social networks. This was not a new language; Or’zet is an interpretation of an ancient text, one of the many secrets of the old world that the great dragon Dunkelzahn hoarded until his death. Though some tried to suppress this discovery, Or’zet soon became a cultural phenomenon and helped fuel “ork pride” throughout the ’60s. On the other hand, it also has led to an explosion of “orxploitation” media that exploits the stereotyped image of orks as poorly tempered or prone to criminal activities.

Trolls

Homo sapiens ingentis

The largest and most exotic of the metatypes, trolls stand two and a half meters tall and can weigh upwards of 350 kilograms, though weights closer to 300 kilograms are more common. Most trolls have arms that are far longer in proportion to those of the other metahuman races, and their skin is often ridged and lumpy due to natural dermal bone deposits, resulting in a natural armor effect. Like dwarfs, trolls have natural thermographic vision, granting them enhanced sight, especially in low light conditions. A troll’s ears are pointed, and they have two extra teeth—for a total of 32—including prominent lower canines. Trolls also have a pair of horns that grow in all manner of ways—straight, curled, twisted, etc.

Though stereotyped as stupid or frightening, trolls are no less intelligent or well mannered than other metatypes, though they do suffer from disproportionally high illiteracy and poverty rates. Perhaps because they still face a certain amount of prejudice in society—not to mention the daily size difficulties of living in a society primarily oriented towards smaller people—trolls often band together socially and culturally. Like orks, many trolls have been driven to the fringes of society by fear and intolerance, leading to extensive populations of SINless squatter trolls. Some trolls prefer the outcast lifestyle, preferring to live simple isolated lifestyles in wilderness or remote urban settings. On the flipside, many trolls have found gainfully employment for the very traits that make them marginalized: size, strength, and intimidation. Trolls often work as manual laborers and are in high demand as bouncers, bodyguards, and other security positions.