Humans

Humans share some common characteristics, like how they breed, but time and evolutions has given them many diversities.

DaoJin

DaoJin value art and personal strength. They are moderate in height, although smaller than the other human races,  standing between 5 and 6 ft. Their skin tones are warm hues of beige, caramel, honey-colored, or golden brown. They have full lips, high cheekbones, dark hair and eyes, and small noses. Their eyes are often wide and hooded. They speak the DaoJin language, which is the most complex and descriptive language I have ever seen.  They live on the cold and snow covered western peninsula of the Black Coast. There they live in cities and towns that are often built into the mountainside, known for their beautiful and artistic architecture. The capitol has been advanced with Nord technology, their southern border leads to the Lands of the Immortal King who has long been taking territory from them.  DaoJin can have children with Nords and Saori, which creates a mix between the human races. Daojin usually pair in sets of two with one male and one female, although other pairings can occur but are discouraged if they are first born of the family.  While the DaoJin have varied traditions they strongly believe in them and these traditions often travel to new towns with travelling families. They are masters of close combat and personally strength is very important to the Daojin. They have a saying "A Daojin will always defeat a Saori when fighting one against one.” They have advanced agriculture and husbandry. And most notable, are gifted blacksmiths.  It seems that to be a respected leader in the community you must also be a diligent and skilled blacksmith.  They craft a special metal they call Orichcum.

Nords

The Nords are our companions from the Capitol.  Large in size standing between 6 and 7 feet, Like us Alps they are newcomers to the Black Coast, only arriving roughly 50 years ago on Skyships, but since then they have had a large impact, Nords have added technological advancements to the Daojin Capitol, and helped the new Saori High Chief build a capitol for the Saori.  Not everyone is excited for this, especially the Saori, who believe the Nords are taking away their traditional way of life by offering them temptation. Many cultures of the Black Coast debate if the Nord arriving has been a positive or negative event. Nords also lose favor for their desire to always name things that have already been named.  They even call the Black Coast, Dockland.  A Nord would pick up a fruit from a vendor and name it himself rather than ask the merchant what it is called. Nords generally mate in male and female pairs, they have a single deity that they believe is above all others, they are natural explorers always looking to discover the uncharted.  They bring their Mithril weapon forging from the Capitol.

Saori

The Saori people are well accustomed to life lived near the thermal waters of their homeland. Small settlements are built as close to the water as possible, sometimes suspended above the surface of the water itself. Life revolves around the water - they fish, they sail. The water also heats their whole environment, providing a lush and fertile land around them.

This is rather remarkable since the Leviathan destroys any ship that reaches deep waters.  Yet the Saori have a remarkable understanding of mathematics, calendars and navigation that allows them to circumvent one of the most dangerous creatures of the Black Coast.  Many write of the capabilities of the Saori as luck, or even dark magic; accusing them of being servants of the Leviathan.

Their skin is in hues from cool bronze to deep umber, with hair that is often dark reds, browns, or black.Their hair is known for its cloudy, wavy texture.   Saori typically stand from 5 ft to 6ft in height.

Traditionally, the Saori have lived in close-knit communities along the shores of the waterways running through the region, run by local chieftains. Family connections are highly valued, and community in general is a priority. Saori know that a community is only as strong as the weakest member, so strive to make sure every individual has what they need. Hospitality is important to them, and there are few things that bring more shame than allowing a guest to be hungry or weary.  Also important to them are who they call The Three Sisters, goddesses of the Land, Sea, and Sky, whom many Saori worship.

While they may seem easy-going, the Saori are also capable of raising fierce warriors, and are no strangers to violence.  They have expanded on the DaoJin saying with their one quip, “A DaoJin will always defeat a Saori when fighting one against one, Yet 10 Saori will always defeat 20 DaoJin”.  The Saori military and naval prowess is second to none, even the Nords with their Skyships are fearful of war with the Saori.

They have an immunity to Mercury and will often cover themselves in Mercury tattoos celebrating the achievements of themselves and even those around them.

The Saori were content for centuries living in small villages and clans, and many turned up their nose to the offerings of “Civilization” from the Nords.  One Saori instead capitalized on the offer, calling himself High Chief and waging a territorial war to expand his new Kingdom, using the Nords as a means to help his people overcome other Saori settlements.  While growth of the Saori Kingdom has drastically slowed, many of the surrounding villages still fear future expansion.

The black coast is named for the black sands of its beaches.  The Saori use the largest chunks of obsidian and cure them  for weapons and building materials, enhancing their strength.  While not as strong as some of the other materials other races use. It is immune to rust and so pivotal near the sea.