"Thunder Canyon has the largest variety of races for any given area in the whole world.  At times it holds dozens and dozens of completely unique races that call the canyon home.  Many have been part of it history for thousands of years, some centuries, and others only a few decades.  For whatever reason Thunder Canyon draws these races... it's diversity of land and climate.... maybe its ever changing society structure... or possibly its always threatening environment.

Many come to the canyon seeking something they couldn't find anywhere else.  A place to call their own, a chance to make their fortune and fame, food necessary to survive, or just to escape the law.  Fate and destiny have contributed to much of Thunder Canyon's diverse racal population.  It's like something bit and better is meant to happen.

There are many reason for this great wealth of multi-cultural societies living in a relatively small area.  But what's most important is that there is always a hint of danger and change.  What once may have is suddenly gone... what once was empty is suddenly filled.  This has always been the way of Thunder Canyon... that could be the biggest reason in itself.

Another tid-bit of fact is that only the strong survive... rarely do the weak last long in the canyon.  You're either in control or your in line to be slaughtered.  Not a very pleasant thought.... and one that should be made very clear to all new comers.  Yet, all this would make Thunder Canyon a dull place to live if no one new came in.  It's obvious to everyone that the canyon isn't big enough to support extremely large populations.... so no one race has been the dominating force.

And in the same fashion... every race feels that they could take over and rid themselves of it's nasty unwanted neighbors.  Why don't they?  Because everyone must watch their backs.  To attack one faction is to leave yourself open to attack.  So mostly everyone sets themselves to waiting and protecting oneself.  Like it's understood... something bigger and better is just about to happen.

The most common races -- the more intelligent races -- are the humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, and gnomes.  The lesser races include the orcs, goblins, kobalts, hobgoblins, and ogres.  There have been known to be special races too but those are best left unsaid... because they are the most changing (small tribes or clans make their homes in the canyon and then leave)... plus it's part of the wonder called Thunder Canyon." - Wulfgar Dra Guun