Humans

'Humans have every disadvantage, compared to the most of Ratha's races. They have short lives, they are not strong, not magically talented, not overly skilled in any one field. So how have they come to dominate so much of the world? Tenacity. Courage. Faith. Luck. Things that we cannot measure, that have no explanation, yet are somehow, inexorably, human.' - Iefyr Goldleaf, Archmagister of the Arcane University

It is tempting to think of humans as 'default', being the most numerous and widely-spread species of Ratha, but that is far from the truth. Humans are wildly unpredictable creatures, prone to doing things that should seem impossible, forming alliances impossible for the other races and finding triumph against even the most insurmountable odds. The legends say that humans sailed from the Old Kingdom of Primordia to Ehaes shortly after Domhan raised the land, where they became a hugely influential force in that region's history. It is said that a human is at the heart of every major group in Rathan history, and that statement doesn't seem likely to change very soon.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Uniquely adaptable, humans can inhabit everywhere from the highest mountaintops to the deepest jungles. They are, however, prone to damaging their environment for their own benefit.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Humans are very variable in terms of diet, able to eat most materials from vegetables to meats and fish. Some may choose to abstain from certain foods for spiritual or ethical reasons.

Biological Cycle

Humans are born largely helpless, and reach adulthood at around 16, though 18 is often considered the cultural adulthood.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Humans have very balanced facial features, though some individuals may have much more prominent single features, such as the nose or chin.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Humans are given a name at birth, which may be that of an ancestor, cultural figure, or a simple word. They also have a surname, which is typically either passed down through a family, related to their profession, or based on a parent's name (e.g. Eriksson, Dawnsdottir)

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common is the chief human language, but they are incredibly skilled at learning other languages

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Humans are highly communal, tending to live in agricultural communities ranging from small villages to massive cities. Otherwise, human cultures are as diverse as humans themselves.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Humans are notable for their charisma, and are on friendly terms with most other races, though they can be tremendously unpredictable.

Genetic Descendants

• Half-Elves
• Half-Orcs

Lifespan

60-100 years

Average Height

5-6 feet

Average Weight

Around 60kg

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Human skin comes in a wide range of colours, and can have spots, freckles, and birthmarks.