Human
Diverse and Widespread; Skilled and Versatile
"They say that no two humans are quite the same. We've got different lives, different fears, different dreams. But I suppose that's true for every species under Aurum. So then you may ask, what makes humans so special? Well, my dear friend, obviously it's our incredible whit!"
Introduction
Humans are, without a doubt, the fastest growing sapient species within Cavum. With their empires in the midst of a rapid technological revolution unseen since the times of the Grosku Empire, Humans are one of, if not the most, dominant and widespread species in the current era. This power is in large part to the Aurelies empire, which has served as the defacto political, technological, and economic powerhouse since the creation of the Mark of Cavum. However, most of this information matters very little to the average human. Infact, most humans know very little of the grand history of their rise to power, and instead prefer to focus on their own highly unique lives.
Versatile and Specialized
Humans can be found almost everywhere, doing just about anything. They are fighters and farmers, warlocks and wizards, book-sellers and bartenders. If there is any job that one could thing of, a human has probably done it, and done a damn good job at it to. It is widely known throughout Cavum that humans are both highly versatile but also very specialized. They are quick to catch onto new ideas, and even quicker to implement them into their lives in important ways. This has allowed human civilizations to advance at a rapid pace, one much faster than any before it.
The Human Races
Humans are a highly diverse species, with the species boasting a wide array of different ethnicities and nationalities. With humans coming from and living on all different levels of Cavum, it should be no surprise that many different human ethnicities exhibit different physical characteristics and live in wildly different cultures. Below are a few of the most prominent human ethnicities.
Aurilits
The Aurilits (Oar-ill-its) are the native inhabitants of Aurelies major and minor, having inhabited the lands for many years during the Grosku Empire. When the Grosku Empire collapsed, the Aurilits rose to power by offering aid to Dwarven refugees. This caused the Aurelies empire to be established as a symbol of prosperity and hope throughout Cavum. Over the past decades Aurelies has become a thriving economic center, where lots of diverse species have gathered. As such, the term Aurilit isn't just reserved to the Human inhabitants of Aurelies Major and Minor, but instead anyone who is a citizen of the Aurelies empire.
Aurilit culture cares a lot about wealth and prosperity. As Cavum's leading technological innovators, Aurilits enjoy many luxuries that many other cultures in Cavum don't have access to. The arts are of great importance to many Aurilits, and anyone within Aurilit high society will have things to say about the High Elven painters or the Ancient Dwarven architects. Amongst the younger generation of Aurilits, current technological innovations are a hot topic. Many Aurilits dream of contributing to the great technological revolution, and more and more magical universities seek to train engineers and artificers to help bolster the quickly growing field of magic tech.
Despite it's glamourous exterior, Aurlies isn't without it's dark underbelly. Many Aurilits live in poverty, often deprived on Aurum's light amongst the dark alleyways of Aurelies massive cities. Forgotten by their empire, many of these Aurilites hold anti-Aurelies sentiments, and actively disprove of the empire and it's actions.
Due to Aurelies' diversity, a human Aurilit can look like just about any other human within Cavum. Whilst the average Aurilit is light skinned, with blonde or brown hair with blue, green, or brown eyes, many modern day Aurilits have darker skin and hair. The average Aurilit height varies greatly.
Vezei
Tucked within the towering spires of Kouzelná, there are small communities of a people known as the Vezei. Few in number, and having no sovereign nation, the Vezei mostly keep to themselves in small communities. Whilst this is far from special, what makes the Vezei unique is that they're all blind. Due to there being Elven genomes in their biological make up, the Vezei are born with Elvepsia, a condition which makes them permanently blind. This, however, isn't necessarily a bad thing. Whilst Elvepsia makes an individual lose their sight, in return it gives them Blindsight, a form of "magical echolocation". This Blindsight only gives the individual a foggy idea of the world around them, however it allows them to identify magic very easily.
To live with their blindness, Vezei society has evolved in some interesting ways. Firstly, the Vezei have no written language, as reading is very difficult, and often times impossible for them. Instead, Vezei prefer to use spoken words or sculpted symbols wherever possible. Storytelling is incredibly important to the Vezei, and they keep their stories alive through oral traditions and large narrative sculptures. These sculptures are often carved into the rocky spires around and within which the Vezei make their homes.
The Vezei are usually light skinned, with white or blond hair. Their eyes are clouded over, though their is some subtle color variation between Vezei eyes. Their average height is 4 to 5 feet tall.
Erravi
Legend has it that during the time of the Elves, before man was known to Cavum, that there was once an mysterious traveler. No Elven scrolls tell of his origin, and only a few ancient texts tell of his journey. Even fewer tell of his teachings. What is known is that the wanderer left the Elves with a name, Erravi, as well as descendants which carry on that name till this day.
Whether one believes in the legends or not, The Erravi people can be found in almost every corner of Cavum, within any society and culture that will accept them. This is because many Erravi are travelers and explorers, believing that it is their purpose in life to follow in the footsteps of their ancestor. Erravi who are called to a life of exploration spend their lives traveling down Cavum, in search of undiscovered lands in which they can spread Erravi's descendents. The Erravi believe that spreading the human species is their sole purpose in life. Most Erravi, and some Elven scholars, also claim that Erravi was the first human, and as such the common ancestor of all human kind. However this is highly disputed, especially by the Aurilits.
Not all Erravi decide to follow in the footsteps of their ancestor, some for religious reasons, some for practicality. In places where the Erravi have decided to stay for a long time, there are usually tightknit Erravi communities. These communities are quick to welcome a new comer, and are very hospitable to anyone who needs a place to stay.
The Erravi generally have dark skin with Black hair. They usually have brown of bronze colored eyes. Their average height is around 5 to 6 feet tall.
Veran
Much like the Aurillites, the Veran are not a people tied together by biology. Instead, the Veran are connected by their shared experience, life on the Verus Frontier. The Veran have a long history of life on the vast plains of the Verus frontier. Originally the Veran were a nomadic people, driven to live the life of hunter gatherers by the hill and stone giants who roamed the open plains. Eventually, the Veran established a few permanent and defensible settlements, and were able to start farming and fighting back against the Giants who had previously hunted them. During the Aureliem War, the Veran allied with the Aurelies Empire. As part of their agreement, the nation of Verus would receive aid from the Aurelies Empire in slaying the Giants which hunted them, and in return would they would allow the Aurelies Empire to station their troops on the Verus frontier. This gave the Aurelies Empire a large advantage against the Dracovians.
In the modern age, the Veran and the nation of Verus are a people in transition. As their cities grow, so to do the numbers of people which call themselves Veran. This group is also a highly diverse one, leading to some tensions amongst those who are "Native Verans", or remember life before the rapid expansion of Verus and her people. However, regardless of their feelings about "outsiders", the Veran are a kind hearted people, who are quick to accept anyone who comes into their lives with open arms. They have a strong sense of community and are quick to stick up for those closest to them.
There are no dominant racial features amongst the Veran people due to their diverse and rapidly growing culture. A "Native Veran" however, is likely to have tan skin, hazel eyes, and brown or green colored hair. They usually stand around 5 to 5 and a half feet tall.
Brierfolk
Life is a repetitive thing. It's a list of tasks which must be completed each and everyday so that one can keep on living. Get up, make food, do work, eat more, go to sleep, repeat. But every once and awhile the people of Bierhallow will look up from their duties, and see the thick sheets of fog that surround their towns and villages, and feel like something isn't quite right. The trees which one looked inviting now seem strange and dangerous. The waters of the swamp are rightly recognized for their mystery, and the mist in the air makes the hair on their arms stand on end. Something is wrong with this place, they think to themselves. But then something else gets their attention, and their worries slip away, not to be remembered until the next time they get that tingling sensation that they're in danger once again.
The people of Brierhallow, otherwise known as Brierfolk, are a strange bunch. They do not often interact with the outside world, instead keeping to themselves and their kinsmen. This isn't necessarily a choice, as it is with other species like the elves, but more of a natural response. When an outsider tries to interact with the Brierfolk, it isn't like they choose to ignore them, but more like they can't recognize them in the first place. Those who have been around Brierfolk describe them as being trapped in a dreamlike state, or being controlled like puppets on a string. For those who haven't met the Brierfolk, and even amongst some that have, the existence of the Brierfolk is largely up to debate. Afterall, almost nothing is known of their history. They have no known political leaders, and aren't recognized by the mark of Cavum. As far as anyone knows, they could simply be an illusion, or a dream. Yet, despite all the mystery, there are still those who have claimed to meet the Brierfolk, and even stranger, those who claim to be Brierfolk. Yet, even amongst those who claim that title, they cannot seem to remember anything about their lives within Brierhallow. All they do know is that they have a persistent desire to return.
Whilst little is known about the appearance of the Brierfolk, reports given by adventurers describe them as having dark red hair, pale white skin, with milky/foggy light blue eyes, and standing at around 5 feet tall.
Fjällmen
There are three truths in Fjällmen society: Firstly, nature is unforgiving. One who thinks he is better than nature is a fool, and he gets what fate is coming to him. Secondly, the body is a machine, one which must be kept in the best possible condition to improve the chances of survival. And finally, there is nothing greater than survival. To live another day is all that matters. No matter what you have to do, you must keep living. These rules, along with some beneficial settlement locations, have allowed Fjällmen society to flourish in the otherwise inhospitable frozen wasteland known as Slothseri.
The Fjällmen are a fearsome people, known outside of their communities as being raiders and marauders. Such fears are warranted, as it is true that the Fjallman have conducted raids on neighboring civilizations, specifically the Oarics. However, to boil the Fjällmen down to simple marauders is to misrepresent them to a nearly criminal degree. Whilst yes, it is true that the Fjällmen care only for the survival of themselves and their fellow Fjällmen, their societies are far more interesting than one might initially expect.
Fjällmen society is actually matriarchal, with women being in the highest seats of power. This is because women are a minority within Fjällmen society, with men outnumbering them ten to one. Women within Fjällmen society are expected to be bearers of children, however unlike in other societies this gives them incredible political power. Each Fjällmen settlement will have a 'High Mother' who acts as a political leader. Other women within the settlement will have positions of power below/surrounding the 'High Mother'. Those who are not inducted into the political system, or otherwise show great magical prowise, are given the job of maintaining the Crystalactrum, a magical crystal which produces heat when exposed to Aurum's light. A Crystalactrum can be found in nearly every Fjällmen settlement. Alongside these other duties, Fjällmen women are also expected to be constantly producing children, however in return they are treated to the greatest luxuries that Fjällmen society can muster.
The men of Fjällmen society, though they are the majority, compete for glory and the honor of making a child with a Fjällmen woman. Those who prove themselves to be strong and courageous are most often chosen to become a father. Within Fjällmen society men do most of the heavy labor, including hunting and gathering, raiding and pillaging, construction and upkeep of homes and other buildings, and waiting on Fjällmen women.
The most recognizable physical feature of the Fjällmen is their bright white hair and deep blue eyes. They have white, coarse skin. They are a tall and strong people, who stand at a staggering 7 feet tall amongst the the men and 6 and a half feet tall amongst the women. They often have tattoos or other markings to symbolize the struggles they have endured, or the villages and settlements to which they belong.
Oarics
Compared to the Fjällmen, the Oarics are a care free people, mostly concerned with politeness and etiquette. The most common response when asking someone their initial opinions of an Oaric is an appreciation of their incredible hospitality and deep kindness. Those who have spent more time with the Oarics however, will recognize that under the kind vinere of manners and etiquette, the Oarics are a calm and calculating bunch, who are willing to do anything to further their goals.
Making their settlements on the sheer cliff faces of the spiraling ocean of Oarica, the Oarics are no stranger to challenges. Everything from their homes to their ships to their power production are feats of masterful engineering only rivaled by the Aurelies empire. However, despite their technological prowess, the Oarics seem to desire to live their lives outside of the grand power struggles which embroil the largest of Cavum's nations. Instead, the Oarics are more than content with participating in big business, and controlling trade routes through not only Oarica, but also Slothseri, Brierhallow, and the Verokinov ways.
The Oarics stand at around 5 feet tall. They have yellow/sun-kissed skin, with squinted eyes. They have black hair and brown eyes.
Kiranaga
The Kiranaga are a deceptively simple folk. They have intense ritual practices, and deep religious beliefs, however, those matter little to those on the outside. The most important thing about the Kiranaga to a curious onlooker is their deep, deep hatred of anything Draconic.
The Kiranaga hate Dragons, especially chromatic Dragons. The Kiranaga spend their lives hunting dragons for sport, and making war with the Dragonborn who live in proximity to them in Maughena. Supposedly descended from the Oarics (though now the Oarics will refuse to recognize them), something in their past caused the clan of Kiranaga to gain an incredibly deep, religious hatred for Dragonkind. This initial incident has been lost to time, and all that is left is the war mongering of the Kiranagan people.
Kiranagan's spend their whole lives training themselves to become Dragon slayers. They live in small, nomadic bands, which cross the desolate plains of Maughena. They eat the meat of the Dragons they kill, and fashion their weapons and armor out of their scales and hides. Though the hate to admit it, little else strikes fear in the heart of a Dragonborn like the haunting bellow of a Kiranaga war whistle, one which they likely fashioned from the bones of a fallen Dragonborn not so disimilar than themselves.
The Kiranagans stand around 7 feet tall, and have dark-tan skin, which they often cover in tatoos and other religious markings. They have long black hair, and dark red or brown eyes.
Samayan
Within the shifting sands of Indama, the land where times starts to slip away and the systems of magic start to fall apart, there is a mysterious race of humanoids who inhabit the sands. The Samayan are an elusive people. Their cities cannot be marked down on a map, and upon arriving at one, your arrival will always be expected. The only people who find a Samayan settlement are the people who are allowed to, and likewise, the only people who leave one are those who are allowed to, or otherwise have some important reason for doing so. Those who have had the pleasure of visiting a Samayan settlement, and have returned to tell the tale, have expressed great regret about leaving. Apparently, there is no great pleasure than the pleasure felt by one in a Samayan city, and there is no thing one cannot discover within their walls.
The Samayan are said to house a great deal of secrets within their cities, ones which they are unwilling to share with even the most powerful people within Cavum. Many tales have been told of adventures who have sought the inner Samayan sanctums, however no tales, atleast no tales with any credibility, tell of what these adventures found there, if they even reach said sanctums in the first place.
The Samayan aren't often seen, however when they are they are rarely mistaken. They have long hair which can come in any manner of colors, however it is always seemingly floating through the air around their heads. Any Samayan who wishes to hide this often wears a head covering. Their eyes also shimmer, and shift color depending on their moods. Some Samayans have also been said to have the innate ability to whisper into the minds of others. They generally stand around 5 to 6 feet tall, and have tan skin.
Playing a Human
Playing a human, though obviously somewhat familiar, can be a surpisingly daunting task. Many of the human races, and the civiliations and cultures that they inhabit, are vastly different, and should be treated as such. Firstly, You should consider how your chosen race affects your characters personality, background, and outlook on life. Secondly, identify your humans goals, and how these goals arose in them. Finally, make sure your human has a reason to be adventuring away from their homeland (if they are adventuring away from their homeland), or a reason for taking up adventuring if their adventure is starting from home.
Human Statblock
Human
Resourceful
You gain heroic inspiration when-ever you finish a Long Rest.
Skillful
You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice.
Versatile
You gain an Origin feat of your choice (see feat section of 2024 PHD). Skilled is recommended.
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