Humans

Humans were a species of Esria thought to have been created in the image of the orginal five Archangels. They were among the first few races to populate the world, and by the Imperial Era had become the most numerous species on Esria. They were characterised by their short lifespan (relative to the other races), and were considered capable of rising to great deeds despite their mortality. 
The largest religion created by the humans was the Church of the Heavens. It became the most influential denomination over time, in no small part due to the patronage of the Archangels, who sent Aden down to spread the faith among the mortal races. However, with the rise of the Empire of Greater Vesryn, it would fall into disarray and be replaced with newer systems of belief.
Humans, throughout Esria's history, would be responsible for some of the greatest acts of heroism among the mortal races.
== Information ==
=== Physical Description ===
Humans were an extremely varied race, and often differed in appearance depending on which continent they were born. They were genetically average in stature, though some individuals were considerably taller or shorter due to genetic defects. Some subsets of the human race, including Ostians, grew longer hair than their continental cousins. 
As they reached an advanced age, humans often suffered damage to their mental and physical faculties. It was extremely rare for an individual to exceed the expected lifespan of the race, in part due to their frail nature, but also often depended on the medical conditions of the era. The number of humans having passed two centuries of age could be counted on one hand, and more often than not involved the use of Carmine Heartstones. 
=== Society ===
Humans initially lived in travelling groups of hunters and gatherers. In Astria, they later developed societies around mixed sedentary groups. From these, the concept of houses and families, as well as trading and agriculture arose. These communities would later develop into the concept of cities sometime during the Era of Discord. The first human kingdom came to be known as Leoben, and was founded in the Arcane Era. 
Humans often created laws to manage their populations. Given the race's violent and nonconformist nature, these laws often necessitated policing. In time, human ideals matured into the concept of rights, as well as leadership. Astran society would base itself around these concepts, firmly establishing a working class servile to their noble rulers. 
=== Relations ===
Humans, as a whole, willingly co-existed alongside with the other races of the world. Generally, they were most amenable to the Elves, with whom they shared a great deal of culture and history. There were many examples of human-elf pairings throughout history, and the two races would be responsible for a great deal of Esria's history, both for good and for ill.
Ratfolk, and to a lesser degree Catfolk, were often integrated into human societies throughout history, though not without notable stigma. Many beastfolk served as part of the working class in Astrian society, and would never achieve any real social mobility until the founding of the Empire of Ivryl, under which they received a permanent home by decree of Empress Emryn I.Category:Browse