Half-breeds, Hybrids, Homunculi and Chimera

Despite the similarities, there are a great deal of differences between half-breeds, hybrids, homunculi and chimera.   Half-Breeds
It is not at all impossible for two different races to co-mingle and have children in this world. However, there are some strange laws of nature. A child born from an inter-racial union will often look like the same race of their same-sex parent. No one knows the reason for this. However, there may be some slight evidence of a co-mingled parentage. For example, were and elf woman and an orc man to have a son, he would appear as an orc, but might be slightly slender framed, have a slightly longer life and be magically inclined. Meanwhile, a daughter born between a human man and a dwarven woman would appear as a dwarf, though may be slightly taller and slender of frame.   For a child to physically match the gender of their non-same-sex parent, or to appear as a true half-breed, there is often the need for powerful magic to occur during conception and/or the pregnancy.   Hybrids
Hybrids do exist, but are not half-breeds. A hybrid creature is any creature that has been gifted traits from another but without the bonding of any other souls to the original soul. Often serving as powerful servants of magi, hybrids may also occur from curses, blessing and a whole myriad of things.   Homunculi
Homunculi (or singlular: homunculus) are beings that were never born. Homunculi are created by magi and powerful beings for whatever reason that being desires. Often appearing as a singular race, homunculi may have other species parts perfectly merged inside them (for example a human with a dragon heart or dwarven liver, or even both). Almost indistinguishable from other races, homunculi have a great affinity for magic, often because while their body may have been crafted, their soul is often that of a fey (though sometimes other sources such as demons are used). Unlike the mindless golems, homunculi have minds, free will and self-awareness.   Chimera
Chimera are wretched beings, often referred to as abominations, but they are more than that. Created by magic, chimera are the fusion of two or more beings into one singular entity. The looks, abilities and even sentience of the new creature varies greatly on the species used and the skill of mage. Most will have split personalities, and are extremely dangerous. However, in some cases the fusion is perfect and a new being is born with a new personality that reflects the essense of those souls used. This process can only be reversed by gods or the magi that created it.