The Humans - Races of Tarien

Introduction

"Anatomical study, both through the examination of cadavers via dissection and the observation of live specimens, the human race provides a standard mean for the sum of sentient races on Tarien.

"This finitude of existence may result in an increased sense of urgency in the human soul; thereby making them the most diligent and productive of all races."

Although this may not serve as the entomological foundations for the terms "demi-human" and "humanoid," the words themselves remain appropriate. Humans, for example, are hardier in constitution than Soulmeliti, but far less sturdy than Khadra. Similarly, their agility and manual dexterity far surpasses that of the Khadra, yet they fall short of the Soulmeliti in this category. One may compare other anatomical traits (see Comparative Anatomy, table 38B), as well.

"Human existence also rests on this mean. Outnumbering almost every other race on Tarien (Orcs excluded) by a ratio of as great as ten to one, human culture dominates the social, economic, political, academic, and even magical spectrums. The reason for this dominance may sprout form the brevity of their life spans. With the exception of Orcs [Editor's Note: Current academic study requires that the list of short lived races also include Flinds and Wemics.], whose brief lives of savagery leave little time for enduring accomplishments, humans have the briefest of life span of all sentient races. This finitude of existence may result in an increased sense of urgency in the human soul; thereby making them the most diligent and productive of all races. When coupled with their rapid rate of reproduction, I contest that the limited life spans of humans has lead to their dominance on Tarien."

- from White's Human and Demi-Human Anatomy, Chapter II: Humans, 6th Edition

Physical Description

Humans possess the most varied array of physical attributes. Their height ranges from as short as five feet, to as tall as six and a half feet. They weigh as little as little as a hundred and ten pounds (in females) to as much as two hundred and fifty pounds (and more in obese members of the race). Females are generally slighter and shorter than males. Humans have hair, both thick and thin, but usually thinning with age. Hair color varies greatly from blond to black, including deep red and chestnut brown. Humans with light hair often find it darken with age, until they reach their mid-thirties, when it generally fades to gray and even white. Humans have a wide variety of eye colors including blue, gray, green, brown, and a menagerie of blended shades. Their complexion varies from light cream to dark brown and they tan easily.

Personality and Morality

Most humans are simple folk, content to eek out an existence and enjoy the company of their friends and family. Although their families do not span the generations of other races, humans form close bonds with their immediate family. Humans are generally open minded and congenial. Among humans, however, a great difference of personalities exists. Many regional differences dictate religion, morals, and preferences in food, clothing, and architecture. Some humans are suspicious of other races, and others embrace them openly. They worship almost all of the gods, but Anderi, Arimathica, and Doria seem to be the most popular. Individuality is perhaps the greatest human trait, and, as such is the case, other generalizations become impossible.

Racial Charts

Humans have no special advantages or disadvantages. All humans receive a bonus non-weapon proficiency, either in agriculture, fishing, or an artisan skill, depending upon the profession of their parents. Humans from wealthier families may chose reading/writing or etiquette as their bonus proficiency.

Attribute	Minimum	Maximum
Strength	3	18(18/00)
Dexterity	3	18
Constitution	3	18
Intelligence	3	18
Wisdom	3	18
Charisma	3	18

	Male Base	Male Adjust.	Female Base	Female Adjust.
Height (inches)	60	2D10	58	2D8
Weight (lbs.)	140	6D10	100	5D10
Base Starting Age	15	1D6	15	1D4
Base Max. Age	85	2D10	90	2D10

Class	Level Limit
Warriors
Fighter	U
Paladin	U
Ranger	U
Wizards
Abjurer	U
Diviner	U
Enchanter	U
Illusionist	U
Invoker	U
Mage	U
Necromancer	U
Summoner	U
Transmuter	U
Wild Mage	U
Priests
Druid	U
Priest of Anderi, Arimathica, Baykus, Bastian, Chetria, Cinhil, Dameron, Doria, Heric, Intrix, Jehena, Jendredi, Kalyias, Kysus, Landric, Ledgerdemain, Malady, Mennith, Pencit, Polageya, Sarkin, Tiras, Xendor, Zardula, Zeuneus, Zhoran	U
Priest of Fahrom	12
Priest of Kharl	7
Rogues
Bard	12
Thief	12
Drakshal Monk	17
Multi-Class
Humans may not be multi-classed. They may be dual-classed.

Racial Relations

Dharja	The Dharja find humans physically inept, and overly emotional. They see them as opportunists with little regard for the proper order of things, or for the grand picture in the long haul. They will, however, trade with them and find that some individuals provide exceptions to their general rule. Humans find the Dharja too serious, slightly backwards, and not all that bright. They do appreciate Dharja tenacity, skill, and their ability to survive in the desert.
Elynthi	Humans see the Elynthi as demon worshippers and evil warlords. They have little respect for fear the race and harbor a great fear of them. Most human cultures do not accept Elynthi. The Elynthi see humans as a second class race, somewhere above Orcs, but not as great as Flinds. They like humans better than Soulmeliti, but see them as inferior to them. Humans in Grennig are the exception to this, as the prejudice here has vanished due to Elynthi involvement in the Principality's freedom.
Flind	Humans see Flinds as barbarous, like civilized Orcs. Most humans never meet one. Flinds, on the other hand, see humans as weak and spineless.
Kari-Zaro	Humans see the Kari-zaro as noble savages, and use them for trade. Most humans see Kari-zaro only in ports, where they are considered an oddity. Kari-zaro like humans, for the most part, but often find them irksome with their lack of patience.
Kenku	Only a few humans have met Kenku and relations between the two races are tense, but evolving.
Khadra	Humans and Khadra get along well. Although neither appreciates the others sense of humor, or the amount of patience both find appropriate. They socialize and trade together. Each race understands when to give the other space.
Nerrid	Humans trade with Nerrid, and converse with them, but find their curiosity, their endless questions, and their sense of humor annoying. Nerrids find humans fascinating, if a bit slow- witted.
Soulmeliti	Humans and Soulmeliti get along fairly well, although humans find the Soulmeliti to be a bit arrogant and lazy. Soulmeliti find humans to intense and unwilling to observe the beauty of the particular moment.