Villager

Villagers comprise the dominant population group in the modern REALM, a subspecies of humans with physical adaptations to the REALM’s magical environment. Most Villagers trace their descent from human colonists of the Western Empire who arrived soon after the end of the Crossword War. The colony declared independent status upon the breakup of the Western Empire about two centuries ago, but by then most Villagers had already formed a strong affinity with the native Folk and Subterranean Denizens and the REALM had settled on a unique blend of all three cultures.

Biology

As with Folk and Subterranean Denizens, the Humans of the REALM have acquired a notable adaptation to their vision which allows them to distinguish bands of ultraviolet color. These correspond with a range of skin and hair colors that outsiders are unable to see. Skin and hair colors sometimes run in families, but also seem to have a random element or follow rules that are not understood. Some colors are more common while others are exceedingly rare. In the religion of the REALM, the colors are ascribed to the stakes that various gods have made on their most favored mortals. Otherwise, skin and hair colors are considered culturally superficial.