Humans
What was once nearly the most numerous species on Earth have been knocked down a few pegs in the last few centuries. Now, humans exist as a humble part of the Earth, rather than the conquerors of it. The forces that be have developed a tight system to ensure that they stay that way.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Not much has changed in the way humans reproduce (besides the rate at which they are allowed to do so.) Gestation and physical maturation have also remained constant, although drastic social changes have affect how "aging" is and the concept of adulthood is viewed.
Ecology and Habitats
Humans hit the jackpot on versatile DNA. They are able to adapt to nearly any habitat, environment, and terrain-- provided that it has enough sustainable resources and not a lot of predators. Where a human heirs from will often play a large part in their physical strengths and weaknesses, as well as which skills they will have refined.
Forest & Jungle Dwellings
Humans who live in areas that are wild and thick with growth value stealth and flexibility to navigate the often over-grown greenery. They tread lightly; any human who grows up in a forest or jungle knows that the smallest snap of a twig could alert predators of their presence, and that the ground isn't always as solid as it appears. Tribes and parties navigating forests will be adept at gathering resources, have incredible visual and audible perception, and will know how to quickly hide from or evade predators. They learn how to make their environment work for them, and don't try to fight it.
Mountain & Canyon Dwellings
Humans who heir from the mountains are sturdy and swift. Years of scrambling up rocky inclines have given them powerful core and leg muscles, and battling the wind has increased their center of balance.The need to know what's part of the terrain and what wants you dead has led to an extreme increase in their senses of sight and smell. Mountain dwellers make for excellent hunters and warriors, and fearsome protectors.
Shore & Island Dwellings
Humans who live near massive bodies of water have a natural affinity for swimming. They are lively and sun-kissed. With far less natural predators surrounding them, beach dwellers and islanders have a much more mellow approach to life. Their gathered resources are used for building and crafting new items, and as they have more time for leisure, these tribes often have a lot of bards per-capita.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Humans have maintained complex social structures, despite all the changes their race has undergone. They rarely travel or settle alone, unless they've been exiled by their own kind. Often times, groups of humans will come together in tribes and travel around a tight perimeter (mostly settled, with some sort of home base-- but they will move around as the need arises, be it due to weather or predator movement.) In most small tribes, a similar social hierarchy is usually followed. It typically consists of a Wisewoman/Wiseman (Shaman), a few trusted protectors to keep children and expecting mothers safe, a couple of Nywfyr, gatherers and a healer. Everyone in a tribe is expected to learn from and teach each other, watch each other's backs, and answer to the Shaman should the need arise.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Humans have moderate senses of sight and sound, along with a versatile genetic make-up that allows for many physical and mental advancements-- including magic. All humans rely primarily on their perception of sight, sound, smell, and touch to interact with their environment, and guide them away from danger.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Not all humans are aware of the original deal struck with the dragons. Most of them are just raised into having reverence and respect for the natural world. Due to the common love of nature, as well as the limited surviving languages, it is very common for parents or Shaman to name newborns after elements of the natural world. Also common is for children to be named after the myths and legends that have been passed down through spoken stories.
Common First Names (Female)
Briar, Fian (legend; dragon), Ash, Clover, Scaida (legend; one of the 7), River, Lupin, Raven, Urisi (legend; Nywfyr), Opal, Wes, Fern, etc
Common First Names (Male)
Wes, Ash, Crowley (legend; Nywfyr), Oci, Gail, Sol (legend; dragon), Sjet (legend; Nywfyr)
History
A Briefing of Humans & Dragons
Humans have a long and troubled history. Before the Dragonic Renaissance, humans were in the process of mutilating the Earth with weapons and pollution. All other forms of life had been virtually forgotten, replaced with machines and mechanisms that pumped dark clouds of smoke into the air, bellowing loudly into the starless nights. War and the need for technological advancement had so consumed the human race that they didn't realize the planet they were fighting for had nearly no natural resources left; it was dying fast. The First Dragon came in to the world as a warning. Mother Nature herself was finished with humanity's disregard for all other life forms. She wanted to send them a message they couldn't ignore, in the form of a long-forgotten legend. But they did ignore it. With their numbers and guns, humans joined together and killed the First Dragon. A beast of incomparable might was slain for science. Outraged but not surprised, Gaia unleashed a legion of dragons onto the Earth. They manifested out of the sky, the sea, from beneath the Earth-- from planes of reality humans never believed existed. They uprooted concrete jungles, and burnt metal Goliaths to the ground. Gaia had told them not to stop their onslaught until the Earth was restored, and to spare no human life. When the population of humans had been severely decimated, the assault was reigned in. The dragons had to be carefully not to destroy what little natural life was left on the planet. As soon as they eased up, a group of surviving humans exposed themselves to the dragons in hopes of saving their kind. These 7 humans struck a deal with the dragons: Their race would be spared and allowed to regrow with the Earth, but under very strict terms. Humans were to be servants of the dragons, and tend to the Earth and its creatures. Never again would they be allowed to industrialize. Their rate of reproduction had to be slowed. No massive settlements were to be erected. They had to live and move with the Earth, and respect all other living things around them. Pride was not allowed to send them fighting their way back to the top of the food chain again. They were required to acknowledge and accept their mortality.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
55
Conservation Status
Humans as a whole are not incredibly numerous at this time. Brought to the brink extinction by the Dragonic Renaissance, they have only recently been allowed to being their re-population. Only a few hundred years of human generations have lived on this reconstructed world, but they are no longer a target for extermination. They are simply a working part of the natural food chain, hunted and hunters alike.
Average Height
4' 9" - 5' 6"
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