Humans
Humans are the dominant race of Edoria, the largest continent on the world of Erda. Known for their adaptability, humans have managed to thrive in a wide variety of biomes, from the lush forests and rolling plains to the arid deserts and frozen tundras. This versatility has allowed them to establish numerous civilizations and cultures, making them one of the most influential races in the history of Erda.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Humans in Edoria exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics, reflective of their diverse environments and cultures. Generally, they are bipedal mammals with an average height ranging from 5 to 6 feet, though this can vary. Skin tones range from pale to dark, often influenced by the region they inhabit. Hair colors include shades of black, brown, blonde, and red, with varying textures from straight to curly. Eye colors are similarly diverse, including brown, blue, green, and hazel.
Humans possess a high degree of manual dexterity and physical endurance, enabling them to perform complex tasks and survive in harsh conditions. Their adaptability is further evidenced by their varied diet, which can include a wide range of plant and animal sources depending on their locale. This adaptability has been a key factor in their ability to colonize and thrive in nearly every environment on Erda.
Genetics and Reproduction
Humans reproduce relatively quickly compared to many other races, which has significantly contributed to their resilience and ability to recover from the numerous cataclysms that have plagued Erda. Human lifespans are generally shorter than those of Elves and Dwarves, but their quicker reproductive cycles allow them to maintain and grow their populations efficiently. This adaptability and rapid population growth have been key factors in humanity's survival and dominance across the continent of Edoria.
Human genetics are notably diverse, leading to a wide range of physical traits and abilities within the species. This genetic diversity, combined with their adaptability, has allowed humans to thrive in various environments, from the frozen wastes to lush forests and arid deserts.
Additionally, humans have been known to reproduce with other races, resulting in mixed-race individuals such as Half-Elves and Half-Orcs. These mixed-race offspring often inherit traits from both parent races, which can include enhanced physical abilities, extended lifespans, or unique magical affinities. The existence of these individuals further demonstrates the genetic versatility of humans and their capacity to integrate with other cultures and societies in Erda.
Biological Cycle
Humans have relatively short lifespans compared to many other races in Erda, particularly the long-lived Elves. While Elves can live for millennia and Dwarves for several centuries, humans typically have lifespans ranging from 70 to 100 years. This brevity of life shapes much of human behavior and societal structures.
Humans are generally considered adults at around 18 years of age. This relatively early onset of adulthood compared to other races contributes to their rapid progression through life stages. In many cultures, reaching adulthood is marked by various rites of passage, ceremonies, or significant responsibilities, such as joining the workforce, starting families, or taking on leadership roles.
In the eyes of many other races, this shorter lifespan leads humans to act with a sense of urgency and often with a degree of rashness. They are seen as driven by a desire to achieve their goals and leave their mark on the world in the limited time they have. This can result in rapid advancements and changes within human societies, as well as a propensity for innovation and exploration.
The shorter human lifespan also fosters a strong sense of generational progress, with each generation striving to build upon the achievements of the previous ones. This drive can lead to remarkable feats of engineering, art, and governance but can also cause conflicts and upheavals as humans seek to assert their influence and control over their environment and each other.
Overall, the human biological cycle, characterized by its brevity and urgency, plays a crucial role in the dynamic and often turbulent nature of human societies in Erda.
Behaviour
Humans are among the most diverse races in Erda in terms of behavior, societies, and religions. This diversity is reflected in the vast array of cultures, traditions, and belief systems that exist across Edoria and beyond. Human societies range from the deeply spiritual and communal to the highly individualistic and competitive. They establish intricate civilizations with complex social hierarchies, while others live in small, egalitarian communities or nomadic tribes.
The duality of human nature is a defining characteristic. Humans possess the capacity for great good, showing compassion, innovation, and selflessness. Their adaptability and resilience have led to remarkable achievements in arts, sciences, and governance. They have established vast empires, built awe-inspiring monuments, and created enduring works of literature and philosophy.
However, this same adaptability and complexity make humans susceptible to great evil and corruption. They are capable of profound cruelty, driven by greed, envy, and the desire for power. The history of humanity is marked by wars, conquests, and atrocities committed in the pursuit of dominance or out of fear and prejudice. This duality often leads to internal and external conflicts, as different factions vie for control and influence.
Religiously, humans are incredibly diverse. They worship a pantheon of gods and goddesses, ranging from benevolent deities to malevolent spirits. This spiritual diversity can lead to rich cultural tapestries but also to religious conflicts and persecutions. The influence of the Archons and Umbrals during the War of Dragons & Gods left a lasting impact on human spirituality, resulting in a wide array of religious practices and sects.
Humans' ability to learn magic, although rarer than in races like Elves, adds another layer to their psychological complexity. Those who master magic often hold significant power, and this can lead to both great advancements and dangerous abuses of power.
Overall, the behavior and psychology of humans in Erda are marked by their incredible diversity and duality. Their capacity for both good and evil, coupled with their adaptability and drive, makes them a dynamic and influential race, shaping the course of history through their actions and ambitions.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Humans possess the standard five senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. These senses are generally well-developed, allowing humans to thrive in a variety of environments and situations. Human sight is particularly adaptive, functioning well in daylight and tolerable in low light conditions, although it lacks the superior night vision found in some other races. Hearing is also acute, enabling humans to detect a wide range of sounds, essential for communication and alertness to potential dangers.
In addition to their primary sensory capabilities, humans have the potential to learn and wield magic, though this ability is less common and generally weaker than in some other races, such as Elves. The talent for magic among humans varies significantly, with some individuals displaying remarkable aptitude while others remain entirely mundane. Those who do possess magical abilities often require rigorous training and discipline to develop their skills, typically under the guidance of established institutions like the Guild of Mages.
Despite the rarity of magical talent among humans, their adaptability and resilience enable them to integrate magic into their societies effectively. When combined with their natural ingenuity and capacity for learning, humans can achieve impressive feats of magic, contributing to their continued dominance and influence across Erda.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Human culture in Edoria is remarkably diverse, shaped by the various regions they inhabit, the nations they belong to, and the tribes they descend from. Each area of Edoria contributes unique cultural elements, reflecting the local environments and historical experiences of its inhabitants. This geographical and historical diversity results in a rich variety of societal norms, traditions, and values.
The diversity is further enriched by the array of religions and governmental systems practiced across different human societies. From tribal governance to complex state structures, and from polytheistic faiths to monotheistic beliefs, the range of cultural practices among humans in Edoria is vast and varied. This diversity reflects the adaptive and multifaceted nature of human societies, influenced by their surroundings and historical developments.
History
Much of human history in Edoria is shrouded in mystery and darkness. The continent of Ardoria is recognized as the ancient birthplace of humanity. The first humans arrived in Edoria during the Age of Return, a period marked by significant migrations and cultural exchanges. However, these early settlers did not share many details of their history with the Elves, preferring to leave the collective memories of these dark times in the past.
Humanity's Anicent Past
In the ancient past, humanity was enslaved by Dragons during the Age of Dragons, suffering greatly under their tyrannical rule. During this conflict, both the Umbrals and the Archons sent Vassari into Erda to make contact with its races. The Archons' Vassari acted as guides and teachers, providing aid to help the races survive the devastation unleashed by the war. In contrast, the Umbrals sent Vassari to corrupt races and swell the ranks of their armies. These Vassari would go on to become the various gods and goddesses of the races of Erda. The dual nature of humanity meant they were susceptible to the corruption of the servants of Umbrals but also open to the guidance of the servants of the Archons. They survived the War of Dragons and Gods, but Ardoria remained a dangerous land, much ruined during the conflict. It was filled with dangerous animals and monstrosities unleashed during the war. Even the very plants were dangerous and poisonous, and the weather was extreme. Humans shared the land with many other races who worshipped dark gods, having fallen to corruption during the War. Some were even crossbred from demons and other foul entities. Humanity was also splintered, worshipping a variety of gods and pantheons, both benevolent and malevolent. They frequently warred with each other and other races across the ruined lands of Ardoria. Although there are no historical records from this time, the first Humans brought tales of the horrors of their ancient past with them into Edoria and their memory persist into the current days through the mythologies of the various religions of Humanity. Various mythologies suggest that some ancient humans may have witnessed from afar the cataclysmic battle between Alarion and Serion.Migration to Edoria
Toward the end of the reign of King Eolän, during the time of their conflict with the Orcs for control of Edoria, the first humans made the dangerous crossing into Edoria. Guided by their gods, they sought lands of peace and plenty in the north, controlled by the Elves. Many Elves distrusted the newcomers, perceiving the corruptible nature of humans in their hearts. Others pitied the humans, recognizing in them the fate they might have suffered had it not been for the intervention of the Archons and the peace of the Feywild. King Eolän allowed the humans to settle in Elven lands, to choose their own leaders, and to continue worshiping their gods in exchange for their aid in defending the lands from the Orcs. Oaths were given, and with the help of the humans, the Elves completed their conquest of Edoria, establishing the fabled Kingdom of Eruidór. During this time, humans were taught much by the Elves, including the use of magic, although the talent and focus needed to wield magic were much less common among humans. Nonetheless, humans thrived into the Age of Joy alongside Elves and the other races of Edoria. Their adaptability allowed them to spread across Edoria, preferring to live in their own communities based on tribes and families in small holdings rather than in the grand cities of the Elves. They frequently settled in border regions, where they played a crucial role in keeping the lands free from Orcish incursion, maintaining vigilance and defending against threats.The Civil War of The Elves
During the Civil War of the Elves, humans suffered greatly. In the Eastern Kingdom, they were enslaved in great numbers by the corrupted Elves, thrown against the front lines of the Western Kingdom, or subjected to back-breaking labor. In the West, many humans took up arms in defense of the Western Kingdom and their homes. Others fled to remote regions, hoping to avoid the conflict. Border regions on both sides were overrun when the Orcs, taking advantage of the instability, flooded out of the Barachi Wastes once more.The Dark Age of Magic
Despite the immense losses, humanity recovered quicker than the other races of Edoria and came to be the dominant race during the Dark Age of Magic. During this time, humans spread their own civilizations across Edoria and the ruins of the Elves. They discovered caches of magical knowledge left behind by the Elves, and human mages grew in power, eventually taking over their societies and ruling as Mage Kings. Life was brutal and short for non-magic users as the Mage Kings recklessly delved into dark magics in their pursuit of power. The Dark Age of Magic ended with the Spellplague and the event known as the Breaking. Driven mad by the Spellplague, the human mages unleashed devastating power across Edoria, bringing an end to the civilizations of the time. Although the High Elves of Ithorëa were able to intervene, humanity was reduced to a primitive tribal state for the next centuries as they recovered from the Breaking. During this time, humans came to fear and distrust magic, and its practice was lost and forgotten.Lost Age and the Founding of the Collegium Magorum
During the Lost Age following the Breaking, humanity slowly recovered and advanced again, this time without the aid of magic, which was shunned and hated, or Elves, who were distrusted or distant, now only dwelling on the island of Ithorëa or deep in the wild forests of Edoria. Three great empires contributed to stability and advancement: the Empire of Zuberi in the south, the Empire of Hansei in the east, and the Empire of Cadia in the west. A few centuries after its founding, the Cadian Empire was brought to its knees when it was invaded from the north by the undead hordes of Zakharin the Dreadlord. In desperation, the Cadians sought the aid of the High Elves. The intervention of the High Elves turned the tide in favor of the Cadians, and the undead hordes were driven back into the frozen north. The power of the High Elven mages awed the Cadians to such a degree that they once again desired to learn magic. The High Elves agreed, but on the condition that its use be tightly controlled. This led to the signing of the Accord of Cadia and the founding of the Collegium Magorum, marking the beginning of the current age. In the nearly three millennia since the founding of the Collegium, humanity has continued to dominate Erda through an age of relative stability.
Lifespan
70 - 100 years
Average Height
5ft - 6ft 2"
Average Weight
120lb - 200lb
Related Organizations
- Cadian Imperium
- Cadian Republic
- Commonwealth of Vendalia
- Confederacy of Vandian Principalities
- Dánann Ciorcal
- Ecclesia Sacra Deorum
- Federation of Serenica
- Götterweg
- House Cliffhaven
- House Storme
- Kingdom of Albyon
- Kingdom of Baeutica
- Kingdom of Gallienne
- Kingdom of Lusitanica
- Kingdom of Tarraconia
- Ventorian League