Humans

Where Will You Go, and What Will You Do?

Written by ArcticEagle

"The unwilful intruders - in three streaks - arrived onto Myst. Some believed them to be Angels. Others Demons."

-Indas Frol'iun, The Sky Falls

Humans were never born of Myst. Along with Dwarves, they happened to find this home out of circumstance after seemingly falling from Choros. Since then, Humans have become one of the most abundant species to reside on Myst. Human determination and adaptability is unmatched by many of the other species for better or worse. They've left their mark on this world, and the world has not denied them a place despite the mixed feelings many others have on them. Humans are here to stay.

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Origins Elsewhere Humans did not originate from Myst, arriving with Dwarves on two giant ships - both of which crashed onto Myst.

Originally, the Humans and Dwarves were split into separate groups from the first ship which split in two upon entering the atmosphere: the Emagest crash site and the Mainland crash site. The second ship was never found. When Humans and Dwarves originally crashed onto the planet, the Etti'Shi - who were at the time the dominating force of the planet - were uncertain to attack. Many of them questioned whether or not the intruders were angels or gods as their previous gods had also come from Choros. This would change over time though as tensions between the 3 advanced species began to rise.

Many have tried to posit where Humanity and Dwarvenkind hailed from originally. From what could be found, it is believed that they were either fleeing or participating in some conflict with an unknown force before this group got separated^A. How they ended up on Myst is lost to time, but some original accounts have been found, detailing the first days and more^B. Due to the danger posed by the Mainland crashsite¹ - and the unknown status of the Emagest crashsite - uncovering more than just a few of these transcripts has been difficult.

An account of the Fallen's crash found in the Rithcali digsite (rough translation from Ori'Shi):
"I am convinced everyone has lost their mind. Many have forgotten the blasphemy of these false idols already. I will not bow. What gods would slaughter villages in a rain of fire? I saw the fire, that which they were born of, as it fell to the ground. I witnessed it as it impacted the" {The name given has no direct translation... it is predicted to have been a village within the vicinity of the Mainland crashsite.} "all of which burned. The very same, my father lost his light - rest in the next life. I will avenge their deaths. These devils will see their end."

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Hands of History Since their arrival, Humans have continued to make their mark on history starting with the Ethral war.

Since the arrival, Humans have become more and more involved with the various events through history. About 70 years post-arrival, the Fallen uncovered the secret to using Etherine for magic - causing the Etti'Shi to immediately attack. The Humans and Dwarves were at a severe disadvantage but with the help of the remaining Atolisk civilization, they were able to hang on by a thread. Eventually this would spur the Great Rebellion where the other species that had suffered under the rule of the Etti'Shi revolted, dealing a heavy blow to the once unbreakable nation. This would forever change the history of Myst, resulting in the Rend and the destruction of the Ancient Elves.

From here, Humans have built and toppled empires. They had a hand in the rebuilding of society in Vathos and immediately began to organize and search out lost technology during the Reclamation. Humans have participated in the Mystic Wars (and many other wars for that matter). They've also become one of the most widespread species, meaning that a Human's involvement in current events - good and bad - is probable, especially on Korsius. Humans have a penchant to leave their legacy on history whether it be through poetry, art, direct involvement, or discovery, and many humans see this as the most important goal one can have.

"Humans? Gods, where do I even begin? They are greedy and selfish and - and ambitious and honorable and strong enough to stand up for what they believe in. A lot of folk like to see them in a undesirable light, but every group has their sorry lot. Humans aren't all bad, and I've had the kindness to call a few friends and even brethren."

- Brimok Zilun, Orcish Chief of the Scarlet Incarnation

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Ambitious Adaptors Humans are quick to adapt to most situations and when they want something, they go for it.

Humans can be found in almost every location on Myst. Part of this is due to how adaptive they are to their surroundings - both in a physical and social sense. You can find Humans all the way from the scorched deserts of the Badlands to the icy waste of Valmaira. They also fit in well with others, maneuvering their way into good regards with most anyone. Humans are also insanely ambitious, sometimes taking on goals that are a bit too much for them to handle. They strive to achieve something always. These two factors lead Humans to be great pioneers of adventuring as they seek out anything from amassing riches to simply trying to change the world for the better.

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Full Cover Image:

Lifespan

Roughly 70 years

Average Height

5'9''

Average Weight

~140 pounds

Related Organizations

• Reshicia

Additional Info:

Adavan

Geography

Humans are found on every continent, but are most common on the West Mainland, Emagest, Corlisiar, and Valmaira. Humans can live in the warmer and colder regions of Myst, but - like most other species - can't live in places as extreme as The Edge and The Ice Wall.

Common Ethnicities

Korsians

Emagen

Siares

Valmirins

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^A>>: I wonder if that means there are others out there, somewhere.
^B>>: The documents referred to can be found here:

The Fallen Accounts

READ

¹The Mainland site is home to a number of constructs which have proven dangerous to our researchers. Attempts have been made previously to clear them out (see Mainland Expedition Notes^C), but they've been met with extreme resistance.

^C>>:Strangely, I've been unable to find the documents referred to. I will update this if I am able to find them. I do at least know of one such expedition however; it took place on the 14th of Uto, 3799. This excursion saw Ancient Human Studies Professor of the Farrowgate Academy, Hemarc Duval, and Lead Archeology researcher, Givornos Minsh, heading the dive. There were 10 other individuals - a mixture of hired mercenaries and researchers. The group went in, returning not even an hour later with 8 less men. Duval was lost in the dive. Givornos was one of the few that made it back albeit with the expression of regrettable silence. Later he would confirm that they'd only made it two levels down before a swarm of constructs attacked. He made note that all of the constructs seemed... ravenous, almost beastlike in the way they attacked. All but one that is. While fleeing for their lives, the group spotted an individual originally mistaken to be a human blocking their path, before they realized the individual in question was off. Its arms were a little too long, its face seemed to glitch as if in Illusion. That one just smiled as they ran by. Givornos made no further comment on it. The results of the expedition were lacking (understandably), but they were able to find an intact holodrive which resulted in a few of the entries within the Fallen Accounts (see above). I cannot comment on any other expiditions past this but I can only imagine the results were roughly the same. The Mainland digsite is called 'The Tomb' for a reason.

Humans

"Ambitious. Diverse. Far Reaching. Greedy. Who can explain Humanity?" -Givornos

ability score increase: +2 to 2 separate abilities

age: Typically 80 years

alignment: No common alignment

Size: Medium

speed: 30 ft

Languages: Common and 2 other languages of your choice

race features:
Versatile. You gain proficiency in 2 skills of your choice.
Human Determination. You can give yourself advantage on an ability check or attack roll as a free action. You can choose to do this after rolling, but before you know the roll's result. You can use this feature once per short rest.