Let's Rewrite Descriptions!

[Gyra_Solune]

Here is where I am rewriting a bunch of unit descriptions - here is core units, campaign ones are next post.

Dwarvish Steelclad

Spoiler:

Original: The more experienced Dwarvish Steelclad fighters wear heavy chain mail and plate armor, for which they are rightly famous.

Revised: Outfitted in the strongest plate and mail of Knalgan forges, the Steelclads are the vanguard of dwarvish armies. They are renowned for their resilience in the heat of battle, and their mastery of both battleaxe and warhammer make them imposing foes indeed.

Peasant

Spoiler:

Original: Peasants are the backbone of the rural economy, and the soldiers of last resort. While not warlike by nature, they will stubbornly defend their homes. However, if you’re hurling peasants at your foes, you’re clearly out of superior forces.

Revised: Peasants are the backbone of the rural economy, and the soldiers of last resort. While not warlike by nature, they will stubbornly defend their homes. Their lack of training and discipline makes them unfit to hold a line, though, and their reliance on farming tools as weaponry means they are only on the field of battle under the most desperate situations.

Royal Warrior

Spoiler:

Original: Royal warriors are the kings and princes of human noble houses, armed and armored to a degree heavier than that of their knights.

Revised: The kings and princes of human nobility are still often trained rigorously in the combat arts, partly out of tradition from when their ancestors made their wealth in war. Fitted in plate so skillfully made as to incite envy even from some dwarvish smiths, these nobles are well conditioned to the art of moving in heavy armor, and can maneuver across the battlefield much faster than their gilded plate would suggest.

Sergeant

Spoiler:

Original: The Sergeant is a low-ranking officer in the ranks of an army. Though academically trained, he will need some experience in the field before his leadership is sound and acknowledged.

Revised: The Sergeant is a low-ranking officer in the ranks of a human army. Though academically trained, they need some experience in the field before their leadership is sound and acknowledged. Still, their diligent bearing and basic insight of combat means they can more effectively direct civilians and peasants in trying situations.

Lieutenant

Spoiler:

Original: Trained at swords and crossbows, Lieutenants lead small groups of human soldiers, coordinating their attacks.

Revised: Lieutenants are some of the more respected commanding officers among humans, and are often seen leading smaller-scale incursions and managing the battlefield. Trained both with sword and crossbow, they excel at neither, and are somewhat less resilient than the warlords of other races - this is more than made up for by their superior knowledge and training in military strategy.

General

Spoiler:

Original: As the leaders of their armies, Generals are responsible for the protection of large or important areas in the kingdoms to which they have sworn fealty.

Revised: As the leaders of their armies, Generals are responsible for the protection of large or important areas in the kingdoms to which they have sworn fealty. Well seasoned in the art of war, Generals can direct even the freshest recruits to strike strategically against imposing odds and emerge victorious. Recognized by nobility and citizenry alike, they are outfitted in ornate plate armor and granted some of the finest weaponry that human craftsmen can offer.

Merman Fighter

Spoiler:

Original: Skilled denizens of the sea, Mermen are powerful and quick in any watery environment, but lose most of their mobility on land.

Revised: Merfolk societies train their forces rigorously and carefully, and as a result the peace of their realm is kept by soldiers who are the undisputed champions of their aquatic homeland. Their resilience and skill with their iconic tridents makes them mighty foes to try to combat in the seas, but they lose almost all their mobility if forced to fight on land.

Merman Warrior

Spoiler:

Original: The Mermen Warriors form the core of the mermen armies. Wielding powerful tridents, they are a bane to any who dare enter their waters.

Revised: The Mermen Fighters form the core of merfolk armies. They wield their tridents with a skill and diligence impressive even compared to the soldiers of other races, but doubly so considering the difficulties of fighting underwater, as any who try to match them on their homes can attest.

Merman Triton

Spoiler:

Original: Tritons are combat masters of the sea. Skilled in use of the trident, Tritons easily defeat any enemy foolish enough to wander into their preferred environment.

Revised: Tritons are combat masters of the sea. Skilled in use of the trident, Tritons easily defeat any enemy foolish enough to wander into their preferred environment. Their mastery of their weapon affords them flexibility in its use, and the highest-ranking among them use weaponry more comparable to halberds than simple spears.

Orcish Grunt

Spoiler:

Original: Orcish Grunts form the core of the orcish forces. Although slower than human or elven fighters, Grunts can deliver much more powerful blows, and take more hits before falling.

Revised: Orcish Grunts are the mainstay of the orcish forces, made up of the biggest and strongest orcs the clan can muster, given the most basic of equipment and thrown into the field. Even these basic recruits can be dangerous, as the larger orcs are naturally strong and can take many injuries before finally falling. What makes an orcish horde most threatening, however, is the sheer numbers with which these fighters can be fielded.

Orcish Warrior

Spoiler:

Original: Having mastered the art of dual-sword fighting, Orcish Warriors are highly respected among the Orcs, and highly feared by their foes. Their only weakness is their inability to wield the bow.

Revised: Orcish Warriors are those orcs who have proved their strength on the battlefield, choosing to show their skill by fighting with a sword in each hand. Their prowess in battle leads them to be respected by the other orcs, and they will typically be seen ordering lesser bands of raiders. Despite their position, they rarely possess the commanding skills held by the leaders of other armies.

Orcish Warlord

Spoiler:

Original: Only orcs with both great cunning and unsurpassed strength can become Warlords. Masters of the sword, and even possessing some skill with the bow, these beast-warriors lead their brethren with iron will and iron hand.

Revised: In a race where might is the be-all end-all of supremacy and respect, the orcs who achieve victory time and time again become the rulers of much greater orcish tribes. Wearing the most ornate armor they plunder from their enemies, the Orcish Warlords are true champions of battle, their mastery of the blade able to match even the finest from vaunted elvish and human schools of swordsmen. They even have practice with the bow, their usage of this ordinarily cowardly weapon offset by the sheer admiration their warriors have for them. However, the Warlords lack the insight for strategy and leading charisma of some of the more cunning orcs, and so the hordes they lead often fall simply due to their inability to truly lead.

Giant Rat:

Spoiler:

Original: Given an adequate supply of food, some rats can grow to truly impressive sizes. They can also grow quite aggressive.

Revised: Much larger than the common rats which often inhabit major cities, these vermin can injure an unarmed civilian, and can prove frustratingly elusive on any footing. While notably aggressive at night, these creatures do not pose much of a threat to any serious fighter.

Wolf

Spoiler:

Original: Wolves are aggressive animals that hunt in packs. Although weak individually, a wolf pack can kill even the strongest man in minutes.

Revised: Wolves are predatory canines that are encountered frequently in the wilderness. Quick, tough, and able to survive almost anywhere, a wolf alone is enough to maim or kill civilians and untrained soldiers with ease. Their tendency to travel in packs and attack in an organized manner is what makes them particularly fearsome to many travelers. They tend to stay away from civilization, though, only venturing close to feed on livestock occasionally.

Great Wolf

Spoiler:

Original: Wolves are aggressive animals that hunt in packs. Although weak individually, a wolf pack can kill even the strongest man in minutes.

Revised: Some wolves are much bigger and stronger than those typically found in the wilds - it's unknown if some just naturally reach this size, or if they are a different breed altogether. Hunters and frontiersmen are cautious when it comes to these beasts, especially to the north where they're more common, as they are far more tenacious and vicious than ordinary wolves.

Direwolf

Spoiler:

Original: Wolves are aggressive animals that hunt in packs. Although weak individually, a wolf pack can kill even the strongest man in minutes.

Revised: In the frozen woods and hills of the far north, direwolves are almost kings in their own right, each one being the apex predator of the land they hunt in. Tall as a horse, and much faster, a direwolf shows no mercy to any intruders in its domain, and will chase down its prey relentlessly. Even though one alone is menacing, they command respect from lesser wolves and can lead huge packs of them when there is bounteous game to catch.

Giant Scorpion

Spoiler:

Original: A normal scorpion is dangerous enough — the deadliness of one the size of a man needs little explanation.

Revised: To those living in the arid sands, these enormous scorpions are the most fearsome creature they face. Quick and tough, with armor that makes them nigh-impervious to blunt force, they fight with venomous stingers and their powerful front claws. Usually a recurring threat to desert villages, just one of these scorpions is more than a match for an armed soldier - though they greatly fear fire, and are known to be easily repelled and slain by flames.

Mudcrawler

Spoiler:

Original: Mudcrawlers are magical constructs of soil and water. They attack by belching lumps of mud at their foes.

Revised: Crude beings conjured up from earth and magic, mudcrawlers fend for themselves by spitting globs of mud with surprising force. Even though they are slow, fragile, and vulnerable to fire, their quick and easy creation, along with their resistance to a common citizen's improvised blunt weaponry, makes them the tool of choice for ambitious but inexperienced summoners.

Giant Mudcrawler

Spoiler:

Original: Giant Mudcrawlers are a larger kind of Mudcrawler, and are magical constructs of soil and water. They attack by belching lumps of mud at their foes, or by striking them with their fists.

Revised: Much tougher than their smaller counterparts, these golems of mud are much more capable of putting up a fight with a proper soldier with their roughly-formed arms, and are more mobile to boot. Coming about from more powerful conjurers seeking an efficient way to harass civilians and armies, these can also be seen roaming the wild from time to time, their soil-based composition making them immune to wildlife that rely on poison to fight.

Sea Serpent

Spoiler:

Original: Sea Serpents are gigantic monsters, capable of capsizing boats by themselves.

Revised: Sea Serpents incite fearful awe in fishermen and sailors, figuring often in folklore as a wrathful deity of the sea. Capable of destroying ships effortlessly, and possessed of seemingly endless strength and vitality, these elusive leviathans are destructive and relentless to any who try to combat them. Generally living in the deep seas, Sea Serpents are imposing threats even to the elite merfolk warriors, and are the reason they seldom inhabit further than the shallow shore.

Tentacle of the Deep

Spoiler:

Original: Tentacles of the Deep are the appendages of some greater monster that lurks below the waves.

Revised: These tendrils are the appendages of some greater monster that lurks below the waves. They are obviously incapable of venturing far from the water, and not very threatening individually in spite of their ability to mend injuries swiftly. Many are understandably hesitant to approach, though, for fear of being caught and dragged underwater to face whatever beast the tentacles are attached to.

Yeti

Spoiler:

Original: Little is known about Yetis, ape-like creatures said to live in remote and snow-covered mountains. Few profess to have seen one, and their existence is doubted by many.

Revised: Little is known about Yetis, ape-like creatures said to live in remote and snow-covered mountains. Few profess to have seen one, and their existence is doubted by many. Most accounts agree on several factors though - while slow and simple minded, yetis are extremely tough, and can kill any they encounter with their bare fists. This is enough to keep even the doubtful from venturing too far onto the mountains they are said to inhabit.

Falcons

Spoiler:

Falcons are birds of prey, noted for their exceptional speed and agility. Lighter and with less powerful talons than other raptors, falcons instead favor the use of their beak to kill their targets. Their keen eye and capacity for domestication makes them a populous and well-known creature, used both by nobles in sport, and by nomads or tribes who find them useful in hunting for food. Falcons occasionally find a role on the field of war as well, with certain falconers training their birds to distinguish between friend and foe, making them a useful asset to aid in an army's charge.

Saurians

Spoiler:

Saurians are a lesser race of reptilian humanoids, about as tall as a dwarf in stature, but much more frail. They are, however, incredibly agile and thrive in nearly every environment, especially in marshes. These factors lead them to be populous all throughout the Great Continent, especially in the great swamps of the midlands. Most act as little more than brigands and harriers to nearly any they encounter, and are commonly treated much like the outlaws and bandits of any other race. Some saurians have a capacity for occult spellcasting - these serve as chieftains of larger clans, leading rituals to the stars and foretelling prophecies in their seldom-seen script. While they are normally territorial and hostile, they have been known to enter military alliances in exchange for treasure and jewels.

Wolves

Spoiler:

Wolves are canine predators that hunt in northern woods and foothills. They range from the smaller common wolves that populate just about every forest in Wesnoth, to the huge and deadly direwolves only found further north. Fast and able to cross any land with ease, wolves typically fight with their sharp fangs and claws, and can seriously maim or kill those caught off guard and poorly armed. Most wolves prefer to hunt in packs of six or seven on average, though in places more sparsely inhabited these packs can grow as large as thirty members. However, even a lone wolf can be dangerous, especially the larger variants.

While human attempts to domesticate wolves usually end in failure, orcs are known to use them often. In absence of cavalry, they assign goblins to ride into battle on a wolf's back, with mixed success. They certainly cannot compete with the riders of other races, but the wolves afford greater mobility in terrain most horses would balk at, and they have proven effective at opening and supporting larger raids.

Falcon

Spoiler:

Original: Seen as status symbols of the nobles, falcons are precious possessions normally used for sport. The same techniques are employed to rend and tear the enemies of the Khalifate, and their great speed is a boon to scouting out the land.

Revised: Falcons are birds favored by many nobles, often used for sport and kept as pristine status symbols. The same techniques used to teach them to hunt can also be applied in war. Their sharp senses can track distant enemies even from the distant skies, and their swiftness in flight makes them difficult to fight back. A falcon's charge can seriously maim its target, at great risk to the bird itself.

Ancient Lich

Spoiler:

Original: A being of this order is a revenant of ages long past. Anyone who encounters an Ancient Lich likely has far worse things to worry about than death.

Revised: A lich that accrues enough power over its newfound immortal lifespan becomes one who can stain souls with despair and sow ruin across the world. Invariably in command of a nigh-limitless horde of risen warriors and undead monsters, a lich of this order has a mastery of dark sorcery that can bring dread to the most storied magi of human and elven kind. Such a figure usually marks a dark and bloody chapter in history, and in those times of need, it is only through the tireless efforts of every race's most valiant heroes that the rise of an Ancient Lich has not led to the shadows ruling the world for the rest of time.

Chocobone

Spoiler:

Original: Riding the bones of ostrich-like large birds once used as mounts by a lost civilization, the skeletal Chocobones can move faster than most cavalry units.

Revised: From time to time, a necromancer will raise a combatant most curious - a skeletal lancer astride the bones of a massive ostrich. Little is known about what civilization used such an odd mount, for no other race stables such a beast. Its advantages over a horse are clear, as it can move with astonishing speed and traverse hills and mountains with ease. They are not as hardy as horses though, and while their agility means the rider's lance can be devastatingly powerful, such a maneuver leaves them very vulnerable.

Death Knight

Spoiler:

Original: Tales are told of the mightiest warriors and generals, who, cursed with hate and stung by betrayal, have come back to this world as Death Knights. Wielding the same weapons as in life, they command the Undead in their quest for revenge.

Revised: Death Knights are those who were once fearsome commanders and generals, risen from the dead to do battle once more. Axe and bow in hand, these skeletal warmongers carry the echoes of rally and order in their trance of unlife, effectively prompting discipline in the souls of the other undead warriors. Their loyalty to their kin turned into faithful devotion to the orders of darkness, the Death Knights are prized by any necromancer who can command them, and are often effective enough to lead undead incursions on their own.

Saurian Skirmisher

Spoiler:

Original: Saurians are very small of frame, and though they are somewhat frail because of this, they are very, very agile. In combat, their size allows them to dart past defenses that would hold any grown man at bay, making them a tricky foe to deal with.

Spears are their preferred weapon, as their powerful hind legs can drive a spear with enough force to do considerable damage, either in hand or thrown.

Revised: Skirmishers are the most oft-seen of the saurians throughout the Great Continent, well known for harassing travelers and sneaking around encampments. They are small and frail, and while this makes them easily slain, they are fast and nimble enough to slip right past their enemies and harry more exposed targets behind. Even armed lightly, with just their short hunting spears either held or thrown, they can thrust these spears with their powerful hind legs to cause serious injury.

Saurian Ambusher

Spoiler:

Original: Saurians are light on their feet, and able at navigating terrain that often confounds their enemies. When this natural mobility is combined with experience, strength, and proper equipment, their warriors can become particularly threatening in battle — if only because they are so much more difficult to confine than other foes. Even in armor, saurian warriors can take advantage of the smallest gap in an enemy line, and have the prowess to make the enemy regret tactical mistakes.

Revised: Under the cover of night, the Saurian Ambushers excel at skewering unprepared foes, then slipping away like water in one's hands. These veteran saurians are better armed and armored than most others, carrying a shield to help protect them as they make their escape. Yet they are well experienced at scurrying in and out of battle, and so are not slowed down in the slightest by the added weight - if anything, they move even faster than most expect.

Saurian Flanker

Spoiler:

Original: Saurian warriors are generally weaker in frame than their elven or human counterparts. This is of course a relative term, and they can still become considerably powerful, whilst losing none of their natural mobility. This is very dangerous in combat, as a careless enemy can soon find their support troops flanked by these creatures.

Revised: Some saurians are seen outfitted in gilded armor and adornments pilfered from treasuries. This is the mark of the most elite saurian warriors and raiders, demonstrating the best of their plunder. Deadly with their spears, these dangerous creatures head sneak attacks and sudden ambushes to pierce where the enemy is weakest. While their lighter-outfitted kin may fall to the counterattack, the Flankers can stand their ground against mightier enemies, ducking and weaving through their strikes before fatally impaling them.

[Chewan]

I haven't yet read through your suggestions, Gyra_Solune, but it's always good to grasp the nettle!
I was just going to ask about the poor wolves...
The last discussion came to an abrupt end without too many gaps filled...
Hopefully, iceiceice is still available to commit potential updates.

[Gyra_Solune]

Campaign Units



Dead Water



Child King (rename: Merman Heir)

Spoiler:

Original: When a merman king dies, the next in line becomes king however young he is. It is his job to lead his troops in combat if necessary. Good soldiers will do as they are told, but a very young king will get little real respect.

Revised: When a merman king dies, the next in line becomes sovereign, no matter their age. As is custom, the king must lead troops into battle and fight alongside them, proving resolve and loyalty to the realm. While even the youngest kings know the basics of combat, they are not respected or experienced enough to rally their soldiers in the heat of battle.

Young King (Rename: Merman Prince)

Spoiler:

Original: A young king with some battle experience will be treated with some respect. Common citizens will be inspired to do their utmost when the king is nearby, but battle-hardened veterans will be less impressed.

Revised: Once of age, the heirs of merfolk kingdoms begin governing in full and must handle the affairs of the kingdom, both diplomatically and militarily. When the peace is threatened and everyone capable must take up arms, even the most fearful citizens will be inspired by their ruler fighting alongside them.

Soldier King (Rename: Merman Ruler)

Spoiler:

Original: A king who is skilled at combat commands great respect — especially among soldiers. His strength allows him to wield powerful weapons and move quickly, even with heavy armor. His leadership abilities inspire his troops.

Revised: The annals of merfolk history are defined by kings taking to the front lines and defending the realm with their own might. With scepters forged into deadly war maces, these rulers are both revered governors and capable marshals, their academic knowledge enhanced by experience afield.

Warrior King (Rename: Merman Monarch)

Spoiler:

Original: Warrior kings often become legendary in their own time. Their skill and strength allows them to be truly formidable in battle. They are also fast despite their heavy armor. Even skilled soldiers look upon them with awe.

Revised: When faced with a time of true peril to their kingdom, some merfolk kings prevail against all odds and are immortalized as heroes to their people. Leading hosts of dutiful warriors and powerful mystics, these legendary figures are fearsome in their own right, possessing blistering speed even in full plate and complete mastery of their war-mace scepters.

Merman Citizen

Spoiler:

Original: Mermen are mostly peaceful, but will fight to defend their homes. In this situation, even mermen with no weapons or training can be dangerous.

Revised: While the merfolk kingdoms are not usually warlike, their citizens nonetheless are all trained in the basics of combat should their city come under attack. As metal weaponry is scarce due to the inability to forge underwater, every merman is taught how to fight with their bare fists, to surprising effect.

Merman Brawler

Spoiler:

Original: Exceptionally large and strong mermen are sometimes more comfortable with their own fists and tails than with other weapons.

Revised: Some schools of merfolk combat are dedicated to perfecting unarmed combat over the use of spear and trident. These practitioners make greater use of their body’s capabilities, favoring a technique using their tails to stagger and dizzy opponents, before finishing them off with a flurry of devastating punches.

Kraken

Spoiler:

Original: Krakens are gigantic creatures of the seas. They can grab their opponents with strong tentacles, or spit a poisonous black ink from a distance. The best way to survive an encounter with these monsters is to remain ashore. (exactly the same as Cuttle Fish)

Revised: Krakens are among the most ruthless and fearsome of sea monsters. Sailors who discount tales of their tentacles dragging ships whole under the waves soon regret their lack of caution, while merfolk armies and naga raiders dread their poisonous clouds of ink. However, they are not completely hostile by nature, and on rare occasions they can be tamed, a valuable asset for whoever can manage this feat.

Delfador's Memoirs



Journeyman Mage

Spoiler:

Original: A mage who has just finished his apprenticeship is known as a journeyman. Journeyman mages travel far in search of employment and experience.

Revised: A mage who has finished their apprenticeship follows one of two paths: they enter the personal service of a noble house, or they wander the land, bringing their knowledge to any who seek it along the roads. Those that pick the latter are known as journeymen - while their magic is much the same as any other mage of their rank, their travels give them the endurance to walk much farther in a day.

Mage Leader

Spoiler:

Original: This mage has gained some experience leading others into battle. As a result, level 1 units fight more effectively when they are adjacent to him.

Revised: While most mages are most dedicated to their studies and as such prefer scholarly or clerical livelihoods, some choose to instead become war mages, studying military tactics and the utility of magic on the battlefield while formally serving as marshals. Most often these were once journeymen, as they are used to the long marches away from civilization that would be expected of any soldier.

Mage Commander

Spoiler:

Original: This mage has gained much experience leading others into battle. As a result, level 1 and 2 units fight more effectively when they are adjacent to him. He also has the power to heal others during combat.

Revised: War mages who serve for many years and many campaigns become adept combat strategists, and are often found in positions where most would expect an academically trained enlisted officer. These spellcasting generals know well the importance of their role as the rallying point of an advance, and in many cases see more active combat than the typical noble marshal. Thus, they take it upon themselves not just to learn spells of great offensive power, but the healing arts of White Mages as well.

Mage Magister

Spoiler:

Original: A Mage Magister, though equivalent in degree to a Great Mage, has special abilities of command and healing derived from extensive experience of battle.

Revised: Some of the most revered commanders throughout history are mages of great power and wisdom. Bestowed upon them the ancient title of Magister, these spellcasters are brilliant leaders, devastating spellcasters, and learned healers, and are never found far from institutions of great power. The only ones who can claim to possess more prestige and authority than a Magister are the ancient, secluded councils who bestow this title.

Wose Shaman

Spoiler:

Original: These woses are able to command forest plants such as vines and creepers to hinder their enemies.

Revised: Though fae magic is entwined heavily with the woses, many do not display the more well-known emblems of their nature. Only a few, who make their home in mystic groves of timeless power, possess the strain of sorcery that manifests itself beyond their life force. These shamans, as they are known, can bring their forests to life around them, defending themselves by entangling foes in vines and roots. This very outward use of their energy causes them to be more frail than other woses, however.

[Caladbolg]

These are really nice ^^. I have a few minor nitpicks if you don't mind:
Direwolf:

They are seldom seen, due to the forbidding conditions of their realm,the wide range that a solitary one of these wolves hunts clean of prey, and their deadliness to any unprepared interlopers in their domain.

I think that this might be a tad verbose because you could get the point across even if you left out the bolded part. As it is, the sentence sounds like a list of reasons the wolves are not seen and sounds a bit strange as a part of a unit description.

Mudcrawler:

One of the simplest beings a dark mage can conjure...

Mudcrawlers seem to be simple enough that any mage could conjure them, not just dark ones. As such, I feel that stating that they are conjured by dark mages might be unnecessarily restrictive. It should be fine if you leave out the word "dark".

Royal Warrior:

these nobles are well conditioned to the art of heavy armor

Art of heavy armor? (I'm not a native speaker so maybe this is alright but it just sounds strange to me).

Merman Warrior:

Their skill and diligence with their tridents are impressive even compared to the soldiers of other races

To me, this seems to imply that other races have very skillful trident wielders. They don't. Maybe rephrase it somehow?

Orcish Grunt:

What makes an orcish horde most threatening is the sheer numbers with which these fighters can be fielded, though.

Having a "though" at the very end sounds strange. Consider using "however" behind "threatening" instead.

Orcish Warrior:

and these warriors will typically be seen leading lesser bands of raiders. Despite their position, they rarely possess the commanding skills held by the leaders of other armies

Reading the first part leads one to think they'd have leadership. You clarify in the next sentence but it made me pause a bit when I first read it. This slight ambiguity could be easily resolved, however- switching the bolded words should do the trick.

That should be all. Keep up the good work

[Gyra_Solune]

Understandable points! I'll fix them up a little bit!

[Chewan]

A major step forward! The proposed texts contain the relevant facts - neatly and succinctly - and add nice flavors.
My comments on your work:

Peasants are the backbone of the rural economy, and the soldiers of last resort.

This part has always been disturbing to me. On the rare occasions when peasantry is involved in battles, the farmers are actually the first resort: cannon fodder – to help callow heroes gain experience, just as it says now: ...you’re clearly out of superior forces. Wesnoth's peasants are not more estimated than in reality: their life was hard in times of peace, they virtually fed the populace as a whole, most were serfs, men were pressed into military service to support their lord in war. I think that the sad truth is neglected, oh well...

Merman Warrior: The Mermen Warriors form the core of the mermen armies.

Those aquatic fighters form the core of the mermen armies… just to avoid repetition?
(the race attributes of most non-human units seem anyway redundant to me)

Giant Rat: Much larger than the common rats which often inhabit larger cities

Much bigger than the common rats which often inhabit larger settlements...
Personally, I like the current description too, perhaps you could include it:
Given an adequate supply of food, some rats can grow to truly impressive sizes.

Sea Serpent: Living in the deepest seas, Sea Serpents strike fear...

Living in the deepest waters, …
They seldom inhabit further than the shallow shore, but AFAIK are found in lochs, underground rivers and cave lakes too (I've even seen one in a swamp...).

Yetis are extremely resilient, and can kill any they encounter with their bare fists.

I'd say: no comma here.

Also, is there some 'house rule' to capitalize the names of the units within the text? Looks odd to me...

Thanks for your spadework, Gyra_Solune!

[nuorc]

Haven't read it all yet, but...

Yetis are extremely resilient, and can kill any they encounter with their bare fists.

Isn't there a word missing between 'any' and 'they'? Like enemy/adversary/smurf...

[Gyra_Solune]

Haven't read it all yet, but...

Yetis are extremely resilient, and can kill any they encounter with their bare fists.

Isn't there a word missing between 'any' and 'they'? Like enemy/adversary/smurf...

Any is meant as the noun here! I've heard it used such very often (especially in the prose of fantasy literature, I've been finishing up A Song of Ice and Fire lately and it may show in my writing style) and say it myself indeed! But hmm, if it is deemed awkward, I can redo it some.

As for the other comments! Mostly relevant points, yes. I kind of didn't want to say 'a giant rat is just a regular rat that's eaten a lot of food' because that's a little silly. Indeed you mostly see sea serpents in shallow water but what I was going for there was how they actually have much better defense in deep water - their appearances are likely skewed by how most of the time you're a primarily land and coastal force since most units can't even go on deep water (there sure are a lot of sea serpents that like to just pop up in Rise of Wesnoth!)

...Also no, the in-game texts seem to be very inconsistent on whether or not certain names are capitalized or not. Orcs are often capitalized but elves are not - actual unit names seem to be as well. I'm going to go ahead and try to set it as a rule that a race or species should not be capitalized, but a unit's proper title should be as that's something like a military rank. So one would say 'This Orcish Grunt is an orc of the orcish forces'. The first ought to take precedence though, largely for monsters - it strikes me as odd for the text to say 'people often fear the Giant Scorpions' when that's just what species they are. There might be exceptions here and there - for example calling them Dread Bats instead of dread bats looks a little more proper to me for some reason. Eh, if things get too awkward I'll just skirt around actually referring to the units by name.

Anyway, did another round of just smoothing stuff out, replacing words I realized I used too much. Will next move on to that Saurian re-doing, and will probably throw in general descriptions for things like the Gryphons, Wolves, and Falcons (actually, should these maybe all be lumped into an 'animals' group? or maybe just put in with the Monsters? the wolves are already under them in the image files after all). A few units I missed as well, like the Ancient Lich, Chocobone, Death Knight, and maybe Skeletal Dragon strike me as a little iffy too.

[zookeeper]

When you suggest changes to text, it really really helps if you also post the original, so that people can actually easily see what you did.

[nuorc]

if it is deemed awkward, I can redo it some.

If everybody else is fine with it, don't bother.

Spoiler:

I'm not a native speaker and weak in grammar...

[Gyra_Solune]

When you suggest changes to text, it really really helps if you also post the original, so that people can actually easily see what you did.

Oh! A fair point, I'll get right on doing that.

Yeah when put side by side it's clear what I was going for with a lot of the descriptions - making them less like they're video gamey and more like they're along the lines of what a historical almanac would say about the militaries of various armies - units like the Peasant and Orcish Grunt line especially struck me as such.

[Gyra_Solune]

Alright so the big thing for today is the Saurians, Undead, and lesser race descriptions! Let's start in not that order at all!

Falcons

Spoiler:

Falcons are birds of prey, noted for their exceptional speed and agility. Lighter and with less powerful talons than other raptors, falcons instead favor the use of their beak to kill their targets. Their keen eye and capacity for domestication makes them a populous and well-known creature, used both by nobles in sport, and by nomads or tribes who find them useful in hunting for food. Falcons occasionally find a role on the field of war as well, with certain falconers training their birds to distinguish between friend and foe, making them a useful asset to aid in an army's charge.

Saurians

Spoiler:

Saurians are a lesser race of reptilian humanoids, about as tall as a dwarf in stature, but much more frail. They are, however, incredibly agile and thrive in nearly every environment, especially in marshes. These factors lead them to be populous all throughout the Great Continent, especially in the great swamps of the midlands. Most act as little more than brigands and harriers to nearly any they encounter, and are commonly treated much like the outlaws and bandits of any other race. Some saurians have a capacity for occult spellcasting - these serve as chieftains of larger clans, leading rituals to the stars and foretelling prophecies in their seldom-seen script. While they are normally territorial and hostile, they have been known to enter military alliances in exchange for treasure and jewels.

Wolves

Spoiler:

Wolves are canine predators that hunt in northern woods and foothills. They range from the smaller common wolves that populate just about every forest in Wesnoth, to the huge and deadly direwolves only found further north. Fast and able to cross any land with ease, wolves typically fight with their sharp fangs and claws, and can seriously maim or kill those caught off guard and poorly armed. Most wolves prefer to hunt in packs of six or seven on average, though in places more sparsely inhabited these packs can grow as large as thirty members. However, even a lone wolf can be dangerous, especially the larger variants.

While human attempts to domesticate wolves usually end in failure, orcs are known to use them often. In absence of cavalry, they assign goblins to ride into battle on a wolf's back, with mixed success. They certainly cannot compete with the riders of other races, but the wolves afford greater mobility in terrain most horses would balk at, and they have proven effective at opening and supporting larger raids.

Falcon

Spoiler:

Original: Seen as status symbols of the nobles, falcons are precious possessions normally used for sport. The same techniques are employed to rend and tear the enemies of the Khalifate, and their great speed is a boon to scouting out the land.

Revised: Falcons are birds favored by many nobles, often used for sport and kept as pristine status symbols. The same techniques used to teach them to hunt can also be applied in war. Their sharp senses can track distant enemies even from the distant skies, and their swiftness in flight makes them difficult to fight back. A falcon's charge can seriously maim its target, at great risk to the bird itself.

Ancient Lich

Spoiler:

Original: A being of this order is a revenant of ages long past. Anyone who encounters an Ancient Lich likely has far worse things to worry about than death.

Revised: A lich that accrues enough power over its newfound immortal lifespan becomes one who can stain souls with despair and sow ruin across the world. Invariably in command of a nigh-limitless horde of risen warriors and undead monsters, a lich of this order has a mastery of dark sorcery that can bring dread to the most storied magi of human and elven kind. Such a figure usually marks a dark and bloody chapter in history, and in those times of need, it is only through the tireless efforts of every race's most valiant heroes that the rise of an Ancient Lich has not led to the shadows ruling the world for the rest of time.

Chocobone

Spoiler:

Original: Riding the bones of ostrich-like large birds once used as mounts by a lost civilization, the skeletal Chocobones can move faster than most cavalry units.

Revised: From time to time, a necromancer will raise a combatant most curious - a skeletal lancer astride the bones of a massive ostrich. Little is known about what civilization used such an odd mount, for no other race stables such a beast. Its advantages over a horse are clear, as it can move with astonishing speed and traverse hills and mountains with ease. They are not as hardy as horses though, and while their agility means the rider's lance can be devastatingly powerful, such a maneuver leaves them very vulnerable.

Death Knight

Spoiler:

Original: Tales are told of the mightiest warriors and generals, who, cursed with hate and stung by betrayal, have come back to this world as Death Knights. Wielding the same weapons as in life, they command the Undead in their quest for revenge.

Revised: Death Knights are those who were once fearsome commanders and generals, risen from the dead to do battle once more. Axe and bow in hand, these skeletal warmongers carry the echoes of rally and order in their trance of unlife, effectively prompting discipline in the souls of the other undead warriors. Their loyalty to their kin turned into faithful devotion to the orders of darkness, the Death Knights are prized by any necromancer who can command them, and are often effective enough to lead undead incursions on their own.

Saurian Skirmisher

Spoiler:

Original: Saurians are very small of frame, and though they are somewhat frail because of this, they are very, very agile. In combat, their size allows them to dart past defenses that would hold any grown man at bay, making them a tricky foe to deal with.

Spears are their preferred weapon, as their powerful hind legs can drive a spear with enough force to do considerable damage, either in hand or thrown.

Revised: Skirmishers are the most oft-seen of the saurians throughout Wesnoth, well known for harassing travelers and sneaking around encampments. They are small and frail, and while this makes them easily slain, they are fast and nimble enough to slip right past their enemies and harry more exposed targets behind. Even armed lightly, with just their short hunting spears either held or thrown, they can thrust these spears with their powerful hind legs to cause serious injury.

Saurian Ambusher

Spoiler:

Original: Saurians are light on their feet, and able at navigating terrain that often confounds their enemies. When this natural mobility is combined with experience, strength, and proper equipment, their warriors can become particularly threatening in battle — if only because they are so much more difficult to confine than other foes. Even in armor, saurian warriors can take advantage of the smallest gap in an enemy line, and have the prowess to make the enemy regret tactical mistakes.

Revised: Under the cover of night, the Saurian Ambushers excel at skewering unprepared foes, then slipping away like water in one's hands. These veteran saurians are better armed and armored than most others, carrying a shield to help protect them as they make their escape. Yet they are well experienced at scurrying in and out of battle, and so are not slowed down in the slightest by the added weight - if anything, they move even faster than most expect.

Saurian Flanker

Spoiler:

Original: Saurian warriors are generally weaker in frame than their elven or human counterparts. This is of course a relative term, and they can still become considerably powerful, whilst losing none of their natural mobility. This is very dangerous in combat, as a careless enemy can soon find their support troops flanked by these creatures.

Revised: Some saurians are seen outfitted in gilded armor and adornments pilfered from treasuries. This is the mark of the most elite saurian warriors and raiders, demonstrating the best of their plunder. Deadly with their spears, these dangerous creatures head sneak attacks and sudden ambushes to pierce where the enemy is weakest. While their lighter-outfitted kin may fall to the counterattack, the Flankers can stand their ground against mightier enemies, ducking and weaving through their strikes before fatally impaling them.

As I said, I mostly redid the Saurians because they all said the same thing and a lot of it was stuff I wanted to put in the race desc. Sort of hoping some of the slight creative liberties I took aren't too audacious, like if someone is all 'actually no they do not use spears for hunting whatsoever' then whoops. ^^;

[Chewan]

Falcons:
I assume that 'certain falconers' who train their birds for war are those of the Khalifate – Wesnoth's nobles might hunt with falcons, but do not use them in battle. That is, the description of the unit 'falcon' makes them a singularity of the Khalifate.
Personally, I think they should not be species-dependent, AFAIK there are rare cases where wild falcons attack the 'heroes' or turn spontaneously into allies. So, I propose a neutral, generally applicable text (like Elder Falcon):
Original:
Seen as status symbols of the nobles, falcons are precious possessions normally used for sport. The same techniques are employed to rend and tear the enemies of the Khalifate, and their great speed is a boon to scouting out the land.
Revised, something like:
Falcons are known for great courage and sharp eyes, they are literally as fast as the wind and masters of surprise attacks. Ever since they are used for hunting, as a status symbol of nobility they represent precious possessions. Falconers also train these raptors for war and release them to prey on opponents. Moreover, thanks to their speed and distance vision, they also prove to be ideal scouts.

Saurians:
Being finally bestowed with a race description will make them very proud...
The reciprocal vulnerability to each others weapons cannot be questioned, but has there ever been a battle between Saurians and Drakes that would proof the two races to be by no means very remote relatives? I thought that both belonged to the family of lizards...

Wolves:
A fitting characterization! I wonder if a little more from the earlier draft should be included – just to acknowledge the work that has already been done... Last version:

Spoiler:

Equally balanced in strength, speed and stealth, wolves are often the apex predators where they may roam. Wolves are intelligent, hardy and adaptable creatures that may occupy almost any land and hunt even the largest prey, at day or night. They have a penchant, however, for pack behavior, which is what makes them so dangerous. Wolves are known to opportunistically attack small groups of almost any species and systematically pick off the weak. They are generally outclassed, however, by professional soldiers.
Wolves naturally form strong bonds and they can be fiercely loyal to those they consider part of the pack. In some cases, they have been known to be tamed by orcs - the most civilized species in wesnoth which still might be considered kindred spirits - and even to permit goblins to ride them into battle.

In this context, I'd like to come back to the issue of several riding Goblins being moved to the race Wolves, and johndh's question if there is a way to include links to multiple races in the unit's help section so – as another example – a Gryphon Rider would have a link to Dwarves and a link to Gryphons.

Ancient Lich:
Before now, others found it already right and necessary to extend his poor description. In German, someone either took a slight creative liberty, or this background is 'documented' somewhere:
Behind closed doors it is whispered that there are lichs who already lived their undead existence before knowledge in necromancy had been acquired. Even in circles of necromancers one is not sure what to make of these rumors, the legend might – like many others – bear a grain of truth. One can only speculate about the true power of an ancient lich. Should they really exist since time immemorial, they are likely to have accumulated an uncanny amount of knowledge. Some believe they have achieved true immortality and are much more powerful than any living mage.

Thanks for the "audacity" and diligence on the progress of this initiative!

[Gyra_Solune]

Hmmm, the problem with that Ancient Lich bit is that, well, we don't really see many of them that are...that ancient. Mal-Ravanal has become a lich so recently that one of the main characters of the campaign knew him when he was a human. Jeyvan is well known to Jessene, though I know little of what exactly that implies, the Wesfolk's community with lich-lords being something of an anomaly that's not really further detailed. So I decided to focus less on the ancient part and more on the 'has probably been around for a long time and is noticeably more powerful and influential than other liches'.

And yeah, I was thinking on redoing the general Falcons as well but I didn't quite think to do that. As to the matter of the Saurians, I do try to keep a note to sort of justify their weaknesses and strengths, since that's the kind of thing that would be noted and valued in a bestiary, while sort of indirectly providing tips for the actual players - that bit is especially useful to someone actually playing as them, since the saurians might seem a little useless otherwise, when in fact in a mirror match you will absolutely need to consider how the two relate to one another in their strengths and weaknesses. If it's seen as a little off though, that section could be cut off.

[Paulomat4]

I really like all of those descriptions Gyra_Solune!
Great work, please keep it up.

It would be nice to hear from a developper if these are going to be commited because I really think it improves the flavour of the game.