Human
The Effect of Lifespan on Racial Civilizations
Anatomical study, both through the examination of cadavers via dissection and the observation of live specimens, the human race provides a standard mean for the sum of sentient races on Tarien. Although this may not serve as the entomological foundations for the terms ‘demi-human’ and ‘humanoid,’ the words themselves remain appropriate. Humans, for example, are hardier in constitution than Soulmeliti, but far less sturdy than Khadra. Similarly, their agility and manual dexterity far surpasses that of the Khadra, yet they fall short of the Soulmeliti in this category. One may compare other anatomical traits (see Comparative Anatomy, table 38B), as well.
Human existence also rests on this mean. Outnumbering almost every other race on Tarien (Goblins and Orks excluded) by a ratio of as great as ten to one, human culture dominates the social, economic, political, academic, and even magical spectrums. The reason for this dominance may sprout form the brevity of their life spans. With the exception of Orks1, whose brief lives of savagery leave little time for enduring accomplishments; humans have the briefest of life span of all sentient races. This finitude of existence may result in an increased sense of urgency in the human soul; thereby making them the most diligent and productive of all races. When coupled with their rapid rate of reproduction, I contest that the limited life spans of humans has lead to their dominance on Tarien.
— from White's Human and Demi-Human Anatomy, Chapter II: Humans, 6th Edition
Personality
Most humans are simple folk, content to eek out an existence and enjoy the company of their friends and family. Although their families do not span the generations of other races, humans form close bonds with their immediate family. Humans are generally open-minded and congenial. Among humans, however, a great difference of personalities exists. Many regional differences dictate religion, morals, and preferences in food, clothing, and architecture. Individuality is perhaps the greatest human trait, and as a result, other generalizations become impossible.
Physical Description
Humans possess the most varied array of physical attributes. Their height ranges from as short as five feet, to as tall as six and a half feet. They weigh as little as little as a hundred and ten pounds (in females) to as much as two hundred and fifty pounds (and more in obese members of the race). Females are generally slighter and shorter than males. Humans have hair, both thick and thin, but usually thinning with age. Hair color varies greatly from blond to black, including deep red and chestnut brown. Humans with light hair often find it darken with age, until they reach their mid-thirties, when it generally fades to gray and even white. Humans have a wide variety of eye colors including blue, gray, green, brown, and a menagerie of blended shades. Their complexion varies from light cream to dark brown and they tan easily. Human dress is dictated by socio-economic status and geographic It is as varied as their physical attributes – from garish and flamboyant to reserved and regal. Humans have short lives, becoming adults by the time they are fifteen and rarely exceeding one hundred years.
Relations
Some humans are suspicious of other races, and others embrace them openly. In general, people tolerate humans better than other races. Whether this is due to their abundance, adaptability, or simply short lives, no one can prove.
Alignment
Humans do not have a prevailing alignment. Like their appearance, their morality is diverse.
Human Lands
Many lands in Tarien are predominantly human. In particular, the lands that once belonged to the Eldorian Empire, the venerable Kingdom of Galencia , the open spaces of the Zennonaize Confederacy, and the Azermathian Frontier.
Religion
Humans worship all nine of Tarien’s gods, as well as dozens of minor powers and deities. Anderi, the Lord of Light, is by far, the most popular. His temples grace human cities with their splendor.
Languages
Humans speak a variety of languages, depending upon their homeland. Eldorian is by far, the most common, and has its own alphabet. Galencian, which uses the Khadric script and borrows heavily from Soulmeliti vocabulary. Yatian, Zennonaize, and Zennonaize are all dialects of Eldorian that have, over time, become distinct languages of their own.
Names
Humans use both common and family names. Surnames often follow their language and describe their profession or a personal characteristic, such as Smith, Wheelwright, or DuMare. Alternatively, humans often have surnames that mirror a great ancestor, such as d'Uthar Family in Eldoria.
Adventuring
Humans adventure for any number of reasons – from a quest for wealth, for their god, or simply out of curiosity.
Lo! The streaming of wings rumbling in the air,
The myriad spectrum dazzling clouds,
I kneel, somewhat trembling, my heart yet still,
Awaiting the wisdom your years have found.
Reynard, The Silver Dragon (III, iv, 120-123), 73 BC
A Knight from the Legion of Light
Related Organizations
- Benidrene Clan
- Citystate of Gartcha
- Citystate of Rathgar
- Citystate of Yaty
- d'Uthar Family
- Darin Clan
- Delante Clan
- Duchy of Sternbalia
- Empire of Eldoria
- Free Township of Dalencroft
- Grand Duchy of His Lord Mennith
- Hinterlands
- Isthmas of Geltamar
- Katzpütch
- Kingdom of Drakkar
- Kingdom of Galencia
- Kingdom of Warwick
- Kingdoms of Prydith
- Malatari Family
- Palatiir Republic
- Palumkar Clan
- Principality of Grennig
- Rondon Famiy
- Sarya's Republic
- Tribe of the Winter Wolf
- Zennonaize Confederacy
Human Racial Traits
- Ability Scores: Humans are diverse in size and ability. A human may increase any one ability score by +2 and a second score by +1.
- Size: Medium
- Speed: Human base speed is 30 feet.
- Bonus Feat: Humans gain 1 extra feat at first level to represent their tendencies to be quick to master specialized talents and tasks.
- Bonus Skill Proficiency: Humans learn much in their short lives. They may select one bonus skill proficiency.
- Bonus Tool Proficiency: Humans invented many of the tools used by all of Tarien's races. They may select one bonus tool proficiency.
- Human Advantage: Humans have a knack for escaping tight places. Once per long rest, when they make an attack roll, an ability check, or a saving throw, they can claim advantage on the roll.
- Skill Expertise: Many humans put immense effort into honing their skills. Humans may select one skill in which they have proficiency and gain expertise with that skill, which means their proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make with it. The skill you choose must be one that isn’t already benefiting from a feature, such as Expertise, that doubles their proficiency bonus.
- Automatic Languages: Azermathian, Eldorian, Galencian, Yatian, or Zennonaize
- Bonus Languages: Humans learn a multitude of languages and may select three bonus languages. Any (other than ‘secret’ languages). Humans mingle with all other races to one degree or another, and learn many things in their travels. A Human may elect to spend one (or more) of these slots to learn to read and write one of their languages instead.