Here's a quote from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzom
http://experts.about.com/e/t/th/the_saga_of_ryzom.htm
There are four homin (playable) races, which are intimately related to the four starting ecosystems:
* Matis - A proud and noble race of forest dwellers. They have mastered the art that is a fusion of botany and genetic manipulation, and consequently they have constructed their kingdom and castles from massive trees grown for that very purpose. They are closely allied with the Karavan, while their imperialistic tendencies tend to put them at odds with the other cultures.
* Tryker - A fiercely independent and hedonistic race of lake dwellers. They build large floating cities on their lakes, and networks of wind-powered water pumps around them. They are officially allied with the Karavan, though many take a neutral path or side with the Kami, which tends to distress the Matis.
* Zorai - A spiritual and tranquil race of jungle dwellers. They build their temple-cities within naturally fortified areas of the jungle. They seek enlightenment through their close relationship with the Kami, who they revere as the living embodiment of Ma Duk. So much so that all Zorai are born with a genetically grafted Kami mask covering their face to make them look more like the Kami. (whether or not they actually join the Kami).
* Fyros - A tough and obstinate race of desert dwellers. They have mastered much fire technology, which they like to build into their weapons and architecture. Though not prone to religious belief (preferring to see tangible evidence where possible), they have allied withselves more with the Kami and Zorai in recent times, a process much influenced by the friendly relationship between their rulers.
I have to say that in my experience in game I see a lot of players personalities matching the above. One thing, aside from faction issues, to take into account is race fame with tribes.
The fame table here:
http://ryzom.raum.com/?t=itemdb&s=fame&menu=0
shows that the individual races seem to have different numbers of tribes PO'd at them. This can be significant when you looking for safe havens from mobs in harvesting or hunting areas. Can't vouch for the accuracy or completeness but, if accurate, the fact that trykes have no negative fame could be significant. According to the table:
Matisians seem to have the most tribes mad at them with 12.
Zorai follow next behind with 9 tribes.
Fyrosians are 2nd best in this respect with 8 tribes not liking them
Trykers have nbody made at them
There's been times in PR where I have thought if I could only put my Fyros toon in the dryer and shrink him down to tryker size, I might not get killed running over to the Cockoroaches camp in PR.
... GoC can be a pain sometimes, But so can SC, Atleast when it gets to dark to see >.> Both are pretty easy IMO.
