Hume

Few things in this world are worth fighting for...
But when you find one, there's no greater fight!

**Humes** are a bipedal species notable for their territorial instincts, great resourcefulness, and capacity for aggression. Humes are natural denizens of the surface world, though some have adapted to living underground or underwater. They comprise the largest and most dominant species on Ea, and their kingdoms span all corners of the world.

## Physiology

They come in an array of skin tones and pigments generally determined by their proximity to the equator. They also display light and dark hair colors, as well as a variety of physiques.

## History

Prior to the Age of Man and after the Age of Chaos, humes lived a nomadic life.

Humes have, during much of their history, held a xenophobic attitude toward other species. They fought wars of extermination against non-humes, among them Jotun, Dragons, Fae, and Oni. In more recent times, they have made peace with many of the races they once fought, notably the Oni, Beast Tribes and the Fae, under the reigns of Empress Valiana, King Fyrionn, and King Thadrian.

Humes have done a fair share of warring among themselves, as well.

## Races

Humes have raised many countless civilizations, but there are four "racial templates" that have been identified:

Asgardian | Istáni | Sidonian | Valencian

Humes are noted for their strong individualism -- some desire to invent and build, others seek strength and power, while others seek knowledge. Some humes are deeply spiritual, while others show a knack for learning powers that were thought forgotten. Their governments are in a state of constant evolution, while every individual is of their own mind.

### Aztani

Aztani are from Aztlánt, an island isolated from the rest of the world. It is said Aztlantis was founded by seven brothers:

Eliab, Abinad, Shimea, Nethanel, Raddai, Ozem, and Davi. Other notable city: Quivira

### Cestra

The **Cestra** /'ses∙trə/ are an extinct precursor group of **humes** from over 4,000 years ago. The Cestra built a thriving civilization and a vast empire over most of the continent of Zion. Many Cestra emigrated to other corners of the world and eventually founded what came to be the Dural and Silvani civilizations.

### Bahari

Bahari live in the Sidonian Archipelago and are raiders and corsairs.

### Dural

Duralians are an offshoot of Cestra that took to the deep underground a long time ago, and are known for their knack with alchemurgy and their smithing techniques.

### Highlander

**Highlanders** derive their name from a long tradition of inhabiting the colder steppes and foothills of the mountain ranges of Vestgar and Lothgar on the continent of Asgar; their capital is the city of Caledon. Highlanders are renowned for their strength and hardy builds.

### Midlander

**Midlanders** comprise of a population of **humes**, and refer to those who have settled south of the Highrock mountains, in the central Midgar region of the continent Asgar. They have established themselves in cities throughout the continent and lead lives as diverse as their heritage.

### Ronso

The **Ronso** are the nomadic horse lords of the Grassy Plains, known both for the stock of their horses and the skill of their riders. They are traders and herdsmen that raise sheep and horses. During the summers, they move with their herds across the vast steppes of Valend, seeking fresh pastures.

### Sidonian

**Sidonians** are people who come from the maritime regions of the Sidon archipelago and the Serpent Isles, by the Jade Ocean. It is said that Sidonians have learned to read the waves of the waters, making them adept at both seafaring and at reading men.

Xi Don is a naturally beautiful island nation full of ancient trees, tall mountains and tranquil rivers. The entire landscape is covered with large patches of forests teeming with life.

### Silvani

Silvani are another offshoot of Cestra that inhabit the Sylfan forest region in colonies built in the branches and trunks of gigantic trees. They are wardens of nature and excellent archers and beast tamers.

### Zephirim

They live in and on the side of the steep ravine walls of Reddegash Canyon. They have developed a special bond with giant birds (stymphalian, simargh, roc, great owl); their enemies are the garuda.

Both males and females are of average height and slender build, and are known to be quick and agile.