Humans
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Humans, known collectively as Mankind or Humanity, (High Imperial: Orenia) is the most dispersed and numerous race within the mortal realm and amongst the fellow Descendents. Claiming original kith and kin to Horen, the first King of Man, Humanity has become one of the most influential body throughout the known world, holding dominion over their cousin Elves countless times in their history and establishing one of the largest, most successful empires in recorded time: the Holy Orenian Empire. Predominantly following the Canonist faith, with numerous others practicing traditional pagan or the Qali-dominanted Iman al-Rashidun, humanity is known for its delving and meddling ambition and short life-spans, stretching typically around 100 years. The modern domain of mankind has traditionally been ruled by a single monarch, either in Imperial style as the Holy Orenian Emperor or as the widely considered lesser title as King of Oren.
Pure Humanity (those without non-human blood) is split between three bodies of population, which is founded upon Horen's three sons. Heartlanders, those who are believed to have been in Godwin, third son of Horen,'s tribe, are generally found within the mainland and breadbasket of the Orenic lands. Highlanders, those who followed Joren Horenson (Horen's second son) hail from the northern reaches of the world. And lastly, the Farfolk, believed to have been those tribesman of Harren, first son of Horen, that did not merge with Joren's and Godwin's tribe and moved south in exile. Numerous other cultures have developed throughout humanity's existence, making the human realm a wide plethora of languages and peoples, by far one of the most diverse collective populations in the world.
Physical Attributes
Given their diverse race and sub-races, the Humans tend to have the most expansive and wide range of appearance, though are noted for their lack of intensity in their colouring. The Human hair colour can generally colour the full spectrum; however, it is severely rare to see any single one with full saturation. While purples, blues and greens usually offer a supportive highlight to the hair, the average colours found in human hair range from black to brown, through light and dark yellows, oranges and reds. This strongly matches their skin colour in contrast, as the skin colour of most humans is generally a mixture of light pink and dull yellow, with variations in browns depending on the intensity of the suns climate in the dependent area.
The Humans are no longer separated by sub-race, as they all share distinct physiology and their physical attributes are generally dependent on their base culture and habitation. The Humans are instead separated by Culture Groups, where all are considered human, though remain segregated depending on place of origin and cultural differences.
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Heartlanders
This cultural group are often found in urban habitations, such as big cities and towns. Usually hailing from the the larger capitals in the land, Heartlanders, for the most part, are generally well educated, socially able with the majority of the male populace receiving basic combatant training. The Heartlanders are the flesh and blood of the rural metropolitan areas, and are often the home of those who hold governance over the Human Kingdoms. Nobility is considered a symbiotic aspect of the Heartlanders culture, and due to this there is often an established hierarchy within the political fields of the Heartlanders habitations. Those who hail from the former Salvus, Renatus and Auvergne, alongside the modern Savoyardic subcultures would easily fit within the Heartlander Culture.
Highlanders
Almost opposite to their metropolitan cousins, those who inhabit the surrounding areas are often referred to as Highlanders. Often finding home in small hovels or camps, or in the less traveled regions of the Human Kingdoms, Highlanders are extremely proficient farmers and craftsmen. They hold a closer homage to the distant ancestors than that of the other Human Cultures, and are often more experienced in the arts of hunting and fishing. Highlanders are commonly more interested in face and traditional values as opposed to that of the entire Realm, mostly focusing their unrefined and rustic roots on more practical things; surviving. Those who hold close lineage to Northerners would fit closely within the Highlander Culture division, and subcultures such as Raevir and Kaedreni would also fall under this category.
Farfolk
"Farfolk" is simply a descriptive word used to describe any human subrace that is not either Highlander or Heartlander.Often hailing from far and exotic lands, the Farfolk hold a relatively different physical appearance to their cultural cousins. Due to the climate in these exotic lands, Farfolk most often hold a darker skin tone and follow subcultures that are more varied than other Humans. While they hail from farther lands, the Farfolk hold a seemingly middle ground between the civilized progression of the Heart and Highlanders, often employing practicalities from both. Subcultures such as that of the Subudai or Rassid would collect closely within the Farfolk culture, and those who originate from the southern regions would do the same.
Other Attributes
Due to their short lifespan, Humans are often very driven in their lives and are known for accomplishing and unimaginable feats. They are pioneers in reality and in their own mind, and are often intelligent beings with the ability to express themselves and output their emotions in more practical means.
Aging
The Human lifespan is much different to that of any other race, being a short average tenure of 150 years. The Human Race age normally until they are 18, where it grinds to a slower pace until they reach the age of, on average, 80 where they start to age normally again until death. If a human ages this slow though, their aging will hit them full on upon reaching the age of about 80, being accelerated a lot. This is dependent on each human, however, and whilst one human may look to be in his mid twenties at the age of 70, another may already appear as a decrepit old man. This is also dependent on the lifestyle of the human, and will vary between different cultures. A Highlander farmer who works the grain day in day out will look considerably older than a well fed and hygienic Heartlander in the capital city. Nonetheless, while humans can reach the age of 150 as far as we know, it rarely happens, since past the age of about 70 or 80, a human's health starts to decline more and more, many only being a shell of their past selves at about the age of 100, if they manage to even grow that old.
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Curses
Due to ancient Horens wish for immortality, when Iblees, the first Daemon to fall, was finally encountered and banished from the Realm, an eternal curse was placed upon Humankind moments before he burst into flames. “You wish for immortality? I will curse you with the opposite, early death for you and your kin. You shall age quickly and die before you experience the fruits of your useless labour.” the fallen Daemon roared, and so as generations continue to pass, the curse of Iblees lives on within each of Humankind, cursed to a live a meager two centuries.
History
Over the years, the Human Race has come great political and organisational leaps and bounds, most notably in its previous held titles as a conglomerated race. The Old Kingdom of Oren, the first of the Human nations, was the northernmost nation in all of Aegis; however, following the fall of Al’Khazar to the undead, it split into three nations. Oren remained the primary and most popular title for the Human empires to come.
Religion
The Human race has officially followed one religion since it’s founding by Horen. Religion is a pivotal part of the Human Kingdoms and Empires throughout history, and is often the tide in great wars which pushes the current in either direction.
- The Church of Canon
Having existed since the Human Kingdoms foundations, the Church of the Canon was initially known as the Temple of the Faith and was formed by King Horen I after he was contacted by the Aenguls and granted the prophecy of his line, and given the Scroll of Virtue. He served as Head of the Faith until his grandson, Owyn Godwinson, came to power after the successful overthrow of his tyrannical and traitorous uncle, Harren the Defiler. Under Owyn, the first head of the Church was officially appointed, however the nascent clergy lacked the presence of an official hierarchy, and for centuries the Church kept faith powerful and prevalent primarily under the Horen dynasty.
Eventually the Horen line grinded to a halt, their last scion abdicating the throne to be replaced by the House of Perea. For years the Church grew redundant and mistreated as three usurper kings passed by, though held unity through the St. High Priest Everard. After the undead onslaught and the fracture of the original Kingdom of Oren, only Renatus continued to adhere to the principles set by the Faith.
In modern times, however, the Church of Canon worships the work of The Creator and the Aenguls and Daemons under the omnipotent and architect of the universe, progenitor of humankind. The Church is currently headed by the High Clement II.
- The Red Faith
The main religion of Norland is referred to as "The Red Faith". It is similar to the Canonist religion in that they both believe in a singular god. Within the Red Faith however, people do not pray directly to the All-Father but rather to a group of deceased Norlanders of note known as "paragons". The Norlandic culture teaches that the All-Father protects them from the Long Dark. The long dark is simultaneously an extremely complicated but extremely simple concept. In essence the Dark is that which the All Father battles against in his Grand Purpose. The Dark being that which occurs at the end of all things and the death of the All Father on high.
Norland has always upheld the Red Faith except during the short reign of king Jevan Ruric. The dismissal of the Red Faith from Norland angered many, even those outside of the nation. Often times a misunderstood religion, it had faded into obscurity long before Jevan's reign, only for the nation to welcome it once more with Arthas Ruric's return. His teachings were vital to the current success of the religion, which has found a new foothold and following.
Nations
Current human nations
- Kingdom of Haense
The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, known colloquially as the Kingdom of Haense, is a nation of Highlander majority, with its capital of Reza situated in fields of flowers. Re-founded following the Greyspine Rebellion in Axios, its first new king being Stephen I of Haense, it has been ruled by the House of Barbanov, who trace their lineage from the prophet Siegmund Carrion, and its vassals for nearly a hundred years since. The Kingdom of Haense is known well for its piety and close-knit families.
- Kingdom of Norland
The Kingdom of Norland is a nation that was established in Vailor, the capital at the time was Seahelm. WIP.
- Holy Orenian Empire
The Holy Orenian Empire, or simply known as Oren, or the Empire, is an absolute autocratic monarchy, founded by Godfrey the First. The Empire has quite a large amount of land, and various vassals. WIP.
Former human nations
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Full Lore
Although the Human kind are the most short-lived of all Races, Humans stand between the heights of 4ft to 6’6ft. Being the most adaptable to any environment, Humans are the most diverse and able to achieve great heights in the areas of exploration, political and imperial expansion and the study of all things magical. They are often rather aggressive and inquisitive in nature which often leads the Human race to hold the most active and influential grasp over the world. The political and economical developments and changes are often revered across the realm. Being the most adaptable and malleable race, the cities and homes are often built from the resources often found nearest to the place they settle, and tend to congregate and converge around single leaders. Most are quite happy to adopt the ways and customs of the neighbours of the same race, though due to the Curse of Iblees, the Human race are limited to living, on average, 150 years.
Physical AttributesGiven their diverse race and sub-races, the Humans tend to have the most expansive and wide range of appearance, though are noted for their lack of intensity in their colouring. The Human hair colour can generally colour the full spectrum; however, it is severely rare to see any single one with full saturation. While purples, blues and greens usually offer a supportive highlight to the hair, the average colours found in human hair range from black to brown, through light and dark yellows, oranges and reds. This strongly matches their skin colour in contrast, as the skin colour of most humans is generally a mixture of light pink and dull yellow, with variations in browns depending on the intensity of the suns climate in the dependent area. The Humans are no longer separated by sub-race, as they all share distinct physiology and their physical attributes are generally dependent on their base culture and habitation. The Humans are instead separated by Culture Groups, where all are considered human, though remain segregated depending on place of origin and cultural differences. HeartlandersThis cultural group are often found in urban habitations, such as big cities and towns. Usually hailing from the the larger capitals in the land, Heartlanders, for the most part, are generally well educated, socially able with the majority of the male populace receiving basic combatant training. The Heartlanders are the flesh and blood of the rural metropolitan areas, and are often the home of those who hold governance over the Human Kingdoms. Nobility is considered a symbiotic aspect of the Heartlanders culture, and due to this there is often an established hierarchy within the political fields of the Heartlanders habitations. Those who hail from the former Salvus, Renatus and Auvergne, alongside the modern Savoyardic subcultures would easily fit within the Heartlander Culture. HighlandersAlmost opposite to their metropolitan cousins, those who inhabit the surrounding areas are often referred to as Highlanders. Often finding home in small hovels or camps, or in the less traveled regions of the Human Kingdoms, Highlanders are extremely proficient farmers and craftsmen. They hold a closer homage to the distant ancestors than that of the other Human Cultures, and are often more experienced in the arts of hunting and fishing. Highlanders are commonly more interested in face and traditional values as opposed to that of the entire Realm, mostly focusing their unrefined and rustic roots on more practical things; surviving. Those who hold close lineage to Northerners would fit closely within the Highlander Culture division, and subcultures such as Raevir and Kaedreni would also fall under this category. FarfolkOften hailing from far and exotic lands, the Farfolk hold a relatively different physical appearance to their cultural cousins. Due to the climate in these exotic lands, Farfolk most often hold a darker skin tone and follow subcultures that are more varied than other Humans. While they hail from farther lands, the Farfolk hold a seemingly middle ground between the civilized progression of the Heart and Highlanders, often employing practicalities from both. Subcultures such as that of the Subudai or Rassid would collect closely within the Farfolk culture, and those who originate from the southern regions would do the same. Other AttributesDue to their short lifespan, Humans are often very driven in their lives and are known for accomplishing and unimaginable feats. They are pioneers in reality and in their own mind, and are often intelligent beings with the ability to express themselves and output their emotions in more practical means. AgingThe Human lifespan is much different to that of any other race, being a short average tenure of 150 years. Whilst some Humans are known to live up to 200, due to their ambitious nature they often die out many years prior to this. The Human Race age normally until they are 18, where it grinds to a slower pace until they reach the age of, on average, 80 where they start to age normally again until death. This is dependent on each human, however, and whilst one human may look to be in his mid twenties at the age of 70, another may already appear as a decrepit old man. This is also dependent on the lifestyle of the human, and will vary between different cultures. A Highlander farmer who works the grain day in day out will look considerably older than a well fed and hygienic Heartlander in the capital city. CursesDue to ancient Horens wish for immortality, when Iblees, the first Daemon to fall, was finally encountered and banished from the Realm, an eternal curse was placed upon Humankind moments before he burst into flames. “You wish for immortality? I will curse you with the opposite, early death for you and your kin. You shall age quickly and die before you experience the fruits of your useless labour.” the fallen Daemon roared, and so as generations continue to pass, the curse of Iblees lives on within each of Humankind, cursed to a live a meager two centuries. |
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