Humanity

"They should be thanking us. We raised them from barbarism. We gave them technologies, knowledge, faith, sophistication, and manners. They benefit from our administration, our industries. But we can always improve on their design. They are like a blank slate. So much potential lies hidden within the flesh."
Lugo Cognavich, General Director of Research and Development, Addressing the Geneticist Party

The mortal inhabitants of Kiimati. Humanity is spread throughout those lands in the west. They are a diverse people but one divided by culture, customs, social norms, religious beliefs, and language. When they were first encountered by the Zarmudans many of the human tribes and nations were subdued and brought into the Fatherland.
When colonies were created Zarmudans and later Darcassians would intermarry with humans. This would break down the barriers between mortal and demigod.

Civilization and Culture

History

There were many human tribes and nations encountered by the Zarmudans. These were incorporated into the Fatherland where their names and peoples survived but were adopted by the Zarmudan colonists. Zarmudans and the Kiimati humans would even intermarry. Many humans were converted to worship of the God Kings. Humanity would get their own God Kings and Queens to worship as more of their kind began undertaking pilgrimages to Zarmuda.
After the War of Zealots and Martyrs most of the human God Kings are now dead. Those that survive remain worshiped but in smaller, private capacities. Patronage of their worship has also slowed down due to Darcassian occupation. Many humans died too leaving many of their former kingdoms and countries dangerously depopulated or, in the case of Salakhand, exterminated.
What humans remain exist in small communities throughout the Empire or in their own lands. Lands that now fly the banner of the Darcassian Empire.

The Athelians

The most prominent of the humans living in the Darcassian Empire, the Athelians have maintained their culture and lifestyle thanks to their support of the Darcassians and their conquests in the War of Zealots and Martyrs. This has afforded them some degree of autonomy once the War came to an end. They are a nomadic people, never content with permanent settlement and always on the move in the wild steppes of the east. This has made them famed horsemen.
Because of their allegiance with the Darcassians and subsequent role as soldiers in the Imperial Vennacti, other humans look down on the Athelians. A common stereotype of an Athelian is that of a thug or thief. At times, Athelians have at the orders of their Darcassian officers broken up protests or revolts from other humans. Hostility towards Athelians from other humans is nothing new.

Darcassian-Athelians

There is a growing trend of Darcassian-Athelians. While intermarriage is not uncommon more and more people identifying as Darcassian and Athelian is on the rise. Both pure blooded humans and Darcassians scoff at such a distinction. For some humans, having any relations with their conquerors is cause for disdain. For a Darcassian it can be hard to fathom why a civilized, higher being like a Darcassian should find kinship with the 'savage' Athelian.

The Tyrallians

Inhabitants of the southwestern coast of the Darcassian Empire, the Tyrallians remain devotees of the The Gardener, the God Queen of the Harvest. The Tyrallians continued veneration of the God Kings has caused some trouble with their Darcassian masters. Their city of Good Harvest was the site of the climactic final battle between Abelech the Apostate and the Warrior. Good Harvest was rebuilt and continues to be a major exporter of food to the Empire and beyond. Tyrallians are patient tenders of their fields and master builders. Their cities are jaw dropping fusions of nature and industry.

The Zykallians

Though their lands were destroyed by the War of Zealots and Martyrs, the Zykallians were not dismayed. With Darcassian patronage they rebuilt their lands, reclaiming it from poisonous fumes and dangerous ordinance that had not been cleared from the war. The Zykallians maintain a close relationship with their Darcassian masters, its people embracing the Empire's ideals of Innovation, Experimentation, and Mutation.

The Brelonians

Skilled sailors the Brelonians were one of many competitors for power during the War of Zealots and Martyrs. They were eventually subdued by the Darcassian Empire. Over decades they were slowly phased out of their lands. Only small pockets of true Brelonians exist in the province that was once their kingdom. Some join the Imperial Vennacti, offering their services as sailors and marines. More likely, they turn rogue, often raiding and pillaging the coastlines from secret pirate coves and hideaways.

Salakhand

Salakhand was destroyed during the War of Zealots and Martyrs. It is unlikely that anyone survive the devastation unleashed upon their lands. Salakhand the country exists as a forlorn land. It is scourged and barren, flayed by howling winter winds, blizzards, and rents in reality.
The people that once inhabited those lands were regarded as some of the finest scholars. Many inventions, ideas, and theories originated in Salakhand. Its people were blessed by the twin God Kings, the Hierophant and the Scholar.

Lifespan

50 to 70

Geographic Distribution

• Kiimati