hyoo-muhn
I am a Human : They are Humans : It is Human : This is about Humanity
Also known as Humes, Mehr
I am a Human : They are Humans : It is Human : This is about Humanity
Also known as Humes, Mehr
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A resilient and clever race from the planet Thera, Humans are perhaps the most widely dispersed race on the Sphere, with large populations inhabiting many worlds besides their own. Humans are adaptable and creative, with an inborn sense of honor and a thirst for adventure rooted in their endless curiosity. Humans live to explore (and conquer) new lands, cultures, and ideas, their gaze ever fixed on the next horizon. The worst of their nature can be selfish, competitive, and judgmental of that which they do not immediately understand, but while zealous passion may get the better of some, most humans want only to do what is fair and interesting.
Heirs of AvandrisThere were once thousands of Human bloodlines whose civilizations rose and fell upon the face of ancient Thera. Greatest of these were the Avandrians, known as the Men of Mehr. Avandris was a vast empire which nearly conquered the whole of Thera and spread their vast holdings to many parts of the Sphere throughout the course of the Second Epoch. During the Apocalypse and the ensuing Dark Age, Avandris found it had spread itself far too thin to weather the storm and eventually collapsed in strife and civil war. All that remains of the once great empire are tattered histories and obscure ruins scattered everywhere the empire touched.
A Short Life of Glory
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"Now bring me that horizon..." |
Enterprising ADVENTURERS
Humans are ambitious creatures. Once they set their minds to a task, there is little that can be done to dissuade them from their goal (be it noble or folly). Those who become heroes are often distinguished by a boundless hunger for self-improvement, continuously training, learning, and doing all in their power to surpass the impossibly high expectations they have for themselves.
Due to their endless ambition and insatiable curiosity, the bulk of explorers, adventurers, and wandering heroes tend to be Humans. Their people can be found from one end of the Sphere to the other, exploring lands unknown, colonizing remote outposts, and taming the harsh wilderness with skilled hands and an intractable will. The largest cities, the worst crimes, the most marvelous inventions, and the boldest legends are all the domain of humankind.
A HOME IN EVERY PORT
As one of the most prosperous and widespread races on the Sphere, one can find a Human presence in nearly every land, either as nascent empires seeking to conquer new territory or as merchants, artists, traders, and laborers looking for opportunities among a foreign people. Wherever they go, humanity has a penchant for standing apart from the crowd and leading a bold charge forward into the unknown.
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ENDLESS POTENTIALUpgrade one of your Arcanum.
AdvancedYou can use an Asset to unlock the Advanced version of Endless Potential, which grants you a new normal Arcanum of your choosing or Upgrades an Arcanum you already have.
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aar-gai-uhn
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Argyans are a fierce and proud race of humans whose legends are whispered with fear and awe. They are relentless warriors, cunning rangers, and rulers of the vast northern wilderness where the old ways are kept and ancient powers still roam the land. Whether warring against rival clans, raiding European settlements, or simply fighting to survive the elements, Argyans are tested in combat for the whole of their lives. They respect only strength – to be weak or cowardly is among the greatest of sins, yet to die in honorable combat against a worthy foe is the surest way to attain reward in the afterlife. Theirs is a culture which venerates strength and brooks no tolerance for failure or foolishness. Whether farmer or soldier, each Argyan is a warrior in their own way.
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AppearanceArgyans are tall, muscular, and powerfully built with light skin and eyes in striking shades of blue and green. They typically stand over 6 feet tall (even the women) and have hair in varying shades of black, brown, red, and (most commonly) blonde. |
HomelandThe vast majority of Argyans live in Midgard, hailing from Helvania, Frostalfe, or Volsteim. A good many call The Eastmarch home, venturing as far as Ardalve, Cardinia, and Aldegan. Off-world, some Argyans make a home in the Hymnespek Mountains of Arcadia. |
at-luhn
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While the heirs of Avandris conquered and settled the furthest parts of Thera and nearly all living humans today may claim some long-diluted Avandrian ancestry, the Atlans of today are perhaps the most direct genetic inheritors of Avandris. They mostly settle in the embattled nations of Europa, vying for dominance in the former seat of their ancestral empire. With a fondness for education, knowledge, and literacy, Atlans pride themselves on being especially civilized (even when doing decidedly uncivilized things). Atlans are willful and clever, and though they may come across as stiff and straight-laced, can weather any storm, overcome any obstacle, and endure for countless generations on nothing more than a mind made up to do so.
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AppearanceAtlans are a mixed bunch, typically stocky, sturdy, folk born from generations of working hard land and fighting hard battles. They stand from 5 to 6 feet tall with light skin and dull brown or black hair and eyes of brown, grey, hazel, or (rarely) green and blue. |
HomelandAtlans primarily call Europa home, settling the lands of Aldegan, Cardinia and Espina primarily with significant populations throughout Ofelia, Caldun, and Corsica. Atlan colonies can be found everywhere, especially diverse places like the Wynderwood on Arcadia. |
ba-ah-too
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The people of Arhona are a bold and colorful folk who take pride in the vast expanse of their empire, the rich tapestry of their culture, and the might of their powerful armies. Their ancient empire has stood for ages on the strength of their contracts with the spirits of Arhona. From the highest king to the lowest commoner, every Baatu feels a close connection to the world of spirits and may have had personal encounters with denizens of the Unworld at some point during their lifetime. Whatever path he has taken in life, a Baatu never shrinks from a challenge, seeing every struggle as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. While they may put on a strong and stoic face to outsiders, Baat are generally light-hearted, easy to talk to, and fun to be around.
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AppearanceThe typical Baatu is tall, lean, and athletic with kinky, tightly curled hair in shades of black, dark brown, and (rarely) dark red. They have dark skin, powerful features, and dark brown or black eyes. Baatiri men stand over 6 feet tall with the women coming just under. |
HomelandThe Baatu are spread out across Arhona, with their largest settlements in the lands of Ahksartam, Djenalle, and Nobu. Many Baatu can also be found throughout Khandir and Ishtar, even spreading into Corsica and the southern reaches of Odain. |
cuh-sahn-tee
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Born of the salt sea, island chains, and sun-soaked valleys of Corsica, the Casanti are a carefree people whose passions run as deep as the ocean. And like the sea, Casanti flow through life as it pleases them, following the path they feel most drawn to for the time being. They are lovers, fighters, poets, saints, and sinners whose sails are filled with a zeal for a life and a desire to taste all she has to offer. Don't expect a Casanti to hold back when expressing themselves, and don't expect them to ever be on time for anything. With a shrug and a charming grin, the Casanti will just tell you that's how the wind blows and the sea flows, so there's no sense getting upset with it. Just roll with the tide and see what happens next.
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AppearanceCasanti have sharp, angular features with high cheekbones and aquiline noses. Their skin is olive-dark, kissed by the sun for generations. Men stand just around six feet with women usually much shorter. Almost all Casanti have black or dark brown hair and eyes. |
HomelandThough Casanti hail from the sun-soaked seas of Corsica, anywhere the open ocean calls they may call home. From the isles of Shima to the glacial flows of Volsteim, even off-world to Domigas Algoa and Vol M'kosh, one can find Casanti ships and fisheries. |
hahn
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The people of mainland Yokai are a duteous and hardworking people who value family and prioritize the needs of the community above their own. The Han of Yokai are a culture where those who practice courtesy, subtlety, and time-honored traditions are commended, while those who break with these norms are shunned. A Han child is expected to bring honor and prosperity to their family, even at the expense of their own dreams and desires; to pursue personal gain or risk dishonoring those who raised you is considered the height of social impropriety. The rigidity of tradition and the expectations of enshrined elders may seem like a crushing burden to outsiders, but to a Han, these are guides and guard-rails to help keep one's feet upon the path of honor.
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AppearanceHan are distinguished by their angular, almond-shaped eyes and wide facial features. While some have lighter skin, most are a shade of beige. Han stand at around 5'6 on average with brown to black hair and eyes of brown or (rarely) shades of green. |
HomelandOnce upon a time, Han rarely left Yokai, the bulk of their people settling in Nakaga, Ho-Shen, and Entei (with respectable populations in Shima and Onegai as well). With the recent turmoil, many have migrated to Volsteim or into the lands of Khandir. |
kai-zehn
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Inhabitants of the isles and mountainous northern regions of Yokai, the Kaizen are pragmatic and diligent, striving for absolute perfection in everything they put their hand to. Their way is to project an exterior of patience, serenity, and emotionless calm while every small gesture, quiet glance, and subtle bow conveys deep meaning. Kaizen are known far and wide for their wistful art, understanding of science, and natural grasp of spellcraft. Whatever a Kaizen does, she strives to become the best there is, training and studying with her whole heart. This is partly done for personal reasons, but more often than not is motivated by a desire to bring honor and success to one's family and community. For the Kai, the fate of any individual part is intricately tied to that of the whole; a person must be strong, good, and honorable in order for a people to be so.
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AppearanceA Kaizen is slightly taller than their Han neighbors, with thinner, more angular features and eyes which, while angular, are often wider. Their skin is on the lighter side of beige and their hair is most often light brown to jet black with eyes of brown, grey, or sea-blue. |
HomelandThe Kaizen originate from the lands of Shima and Onegai on Yokai, but also maintain large populations in Ho-Shen, Nakaga, and Entei. The recent turmoil in their homeland has led many to migrate to Volsteim, Khandir, and even as far north as Europa. |
miz-rah-hee
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The ingenuity and resourcefulness of humankind is beautifully reflected in the achievements of the Misrahi, whose cities gleam like jewels in the desert. For the wealth of Ishtar is not in its vast dunes or unforgiving savannahs, but in its people. From nomadic steppe-folk to shrewd city-dwelling merchants, the Misrahi have built a prosperous and mystifying culture from the harsh geography of Ishtar. They are known to be a clever and forthright people, ingenious in their crafts and unafraid to say what they mean. All their manifold achievements are undergirded by a strong sense of spirituality, a desire to please the gods, and an appreciation for tradition. The Misrahi are a complex and enigmatic people, to themselves as much as to outsiders. Yet beneath it all is a communal sense of resolve to not only endure, but thrive in the sand and sun.
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AppearanceMisrahi are typically tall and lean with warm, rich tones of honey-dark skin, aquiline features, and straight hair in varying shades of black and dark brown. Their eyes are dark and piercing, often angular with thick lashes that give an appearance of otherworldly wonder. |
HomelandThe Misrahi inhabit the deserts and steppes of Ishtar, primarily in the regions of Ankhatet, Caldun, and Simbala. Many also inhabit the regions of Odain, Nobu, and even into Khandir and southern Europa. Their trade caravans travel even further into parts unknown. |
nawth
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The Noth were the original inhabitants of Aldegan and much of Cardinia, living in peace with the land and its elemental spirits. As the Avandrian Empire rose to power, the Noth were labeled as barbaric heathens and demon worshippers, and were driven out of their ancestral lands. Many were driven to become roving bands of thieves, mystics, performers, and con artists, while others settled in the unclaimed wildlands of Ofelia and the Eastmarch. The Noth of today maintain much of their ancestral traditions, including the worship of ancestors and trafficking with spirits, though all but a few tribes have left their larcenous ways behind them. Whatever their past, the Noth of today are still unfairly regarded with mistrust over their reputation as rogues and charlatans.
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AppearanceAt just under 6 feet tall, Noth carry themselves with an air of mystique that is hard to define and often dress in clothing that is colorful and eye-catching. They typically have sharp, handsome features, dark hair, tan skin, and striking eyes of blue, green, brown, and even gold. |
HomelandSince being driven from their ancestral lands in Europa, the Nothic people have taken to wandering throughout Thera. Those who settle do so in Ofelia, making their homes in the wild pine forests of Ardalve or the trackless wastes of The Eastmarch. |
vih-shah-ree
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The Vishari are a lively and affable people who occupy the lands of Khandir in great sprawling cities of spice and color or work the steppes and rice patties of rural farms and townships. They are warm and gracious, always eager to share a meal and a story with those who pass through their lands. Vishic religion is a powerful force throughout their culture and their beliefs about reincarnation have led their people to hold fast to a rigid social caste system in which those of a lower caste must defer to those of a higher caste. While those who live outside Khandir often come to reject this way of thinking, it holds fast throughout the Vishic homeland and affects nearly everything about the way a Vishari thinks, treats others, and approaches life and all its many pleasures.
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AppearanceA Vishari is nearly always dark-skinned with deep russet and sepia tones. Their hair is thick, straight, and almost always black (often adorned with jewels or elaborate headwear). Most have deep brown eyes, though blue or purple hues crop up in lineages touched by magic. |
HomelandThe Vishari are an incredibly populous people with vast swaths of humanity occupying crowded cities throughout Khandir, particularly in the Rajapur region and into the lush jungles of Sukrata. Many occupy Arhona and Ishtar, particularly Djenalle and Nobu. |
yah-doo
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For countless generations, the Yadu have been a people of the plains and tundra, following herds of Mammoth as they migrate across The Eastmarch. It is said among the Yadu that their people once controlled a vast empire of many tribes united under one banner, but broke into strife and civil war as an uncontrollable plague decimated their population. Today, the Yadu are shadows, distant figures on a far hill who keep to themselves and want little to do with the treacheries and complexities of modern society. Theirs is a way of simplicity, respect for the natural world, and knowing one's place within the great cycle of destiny. Of course, there are always exceptions - especially among the young and bold. Whatever draws a Yadu out from her tribe and into the world, a great adventure awaits.
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AppearanceYadu have strong, noble features with dark, straight hair that is nearly always black and eyes in varying shades of brown, even reddish at times. They stand tall and powerfully built with ochre-dark skin, dressed in hides, feathers, and ornaments of bone and colored stone. |
HomelandThe Yadu wander from place to place, rarely settling in one region for more than a season. They keep mostly to the frozen plains of The Eastmarch, though some tribes have ventured into Ardalve and Odain or even sail the northern island chains hunting seal. |
