Humans

Return to Previous Page

Humans are the most numerous, yet also the most contentious of all the races of Thedas. Only four times have they ever united beneath a single banner, the last being centuries ago. The monotheistic faith of the Chant of Light plays a major role in human society. The majority of humanity in Thedas descended from numerous human tribes.

Humans have a wide variety of religious beliefs but the most common one is the Andrastian Chantry.

## Naming Conventions:

Human names tend to be based on their nation of origin. Each nation has a rough, real world equivalent. Tevinter names generally sound Roman. For Ferelden and much of the Free Marches, mostly think England or Ireland, though the multicultural Marcher states allow for some freedom from rules generally followed elsewhere. Orlais is old French. Nevarran names tend to have an Austrian edge to them, like Pentaghast or Van Markham. Antivan names are predominantly Italian or otherwise Mediterranean. Treviso and Rialto are two major centers there. Rivain is similar, though the Spanish influence is more apparent. There are also significant numbers of Qunari in Rivain. The names of people from the Anderfels are roughly Germanic, though the Roman influence of Tevinter has made this hardly the rule for naming there. The people of Par Vollen are Qunari, so most names there follow their rules. Seheron is a mix of Tevinter and Qunari sensibilities. Common people in most human cultures tend not to make much of their family names, though most do have them. In some places, they may identify themselves by their trade (Jannelle the Baker) or by their place of origins (Darran of Highever) if needed. Among the nobility, however, one’s family name and title may carry all the clout, and are used liberally by those who care about such things.

#### AVVAR NAMES :

The Avvar are divided into clans, each centered on a settlement called a hold. Clans are usually named for their hold beast, or occasionally for deeds of valor, so the Stone-Bear clan resides in Stone-Bear Hold. Avvar go by two names, a first name and either a byname or a legend-mark. First names are roughly Nordic or Germanic inspired. Bynames indicate the parent of the same gender as the child with “sen” for son of or “dotten” for daughter. Legend-marks replace the byname, and are awarded by the clan for notable deeds—notable, but not necessarily good, heroic, or great. So Thane Svarah Janesdotten, who gained notoriety for having once caught her hair set on fire during a battle might be given the legendmark Sun-Hair, but she might not be pleased about it. Like clan and hold names, legend-marks are usually hyphenated.

**Sample Female Names:** Agnes, Anja, Astrid, Dagmar, Lilja, Sigrid, Svarah

**Sample Male Names:** Amund, Arne, Bertil, Dietmar, Gurd, Helsdim, Olaf

**Sample Clan Names**: Stone-Bear Hold, Wyvern Hold, Red-Lion Hold, Eagle-Reach Hold Sample Legend-marks Bright-Ax, Sun-Hair, First-Thaw, Star-Caller, Feather-Fall

#### **ANDER NAMES :**

**Sample Female Names:** Adelheide, Anke, Gunda, Jana, Korinne, Marliss, Narika, Thea

**Sample Male Names:** Axel, Detlef, Ewald, Friedal, Gerlach, Janko, Konrad, Otwin, Raimund, Velker

#### **ANTIVAN NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Abele, Chiara, Donata, Gemma, Leonor, Marisa, Nives, Piera, Reyna, Valeria.

**Sample Male Names:** Adan, Basilio, Dimas, Gianni, Ignacio, Marzio, Roldan, Sabas, Tore, Zacaras.

#### **CHASIND NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Ancret, Branwayn, Denore, Gaenor, Jocosa, Lisotta, Meryld, Tiriel, Vanora, Yismay.

**Sample Male Names:** Aleyn, Cenayn, Drystan, Gawne, Helayn, Jasce, Neel, Ronayn, Tygell, Walgan.

#### **FERELDAN NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Anora, Brianne, Leandra, Meghan, Moira, Sarah

**Sample Male Names:** Adam, Alistair, Edward, Garrick, Landon, Marden, Robert, Richard

#### **RIVAINI NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Carmen, Daniela, Isabela, Lucia, Nina, Sol

**Sample Male Names:** Alano, Amador, Felipe, Gil, Lalo, Rafe, Ruy

#### **MARCHER NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Aida, Becca, Erie, Gwyneth, Hilde, Lilla, Mildred, Tetwin, Wilhelmina.

**Sample Male Names:** Aidan, Burgess, Cedric, Orsino, Paul, Sebastian.

#### **NEVARRAN NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Ada, Cassandra, Emmeline, Forsythia, Gabriele, Klara, Rosamund

**Sample Male Names:** Almeric, Aurelian, Caspar, Leonid, Matthias, Nestor, Typhon

#### **ORLESIAN NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Aline, Carrine, Elodie, Evette, Josette, Manon, Perrine, Roselle, Solange, Violette.

**Sample Male Names:** Bastien, Fulbert, Ghyslain, Guy, Justien, Lazare, Michel, Pierre, Urbain.

**Sample Family Names:** Azoulet, Belal, Chavel, Gautron, Mellerin, Pallier, Richomme, Trillaud, Vedel.

#### **TEVINTER NAMES:**

**Sample Female Names:** Calpernia, Claudia, Julia, Livia, Murcia, Severina

**Sample Male Names:** Almadrius, Amatus, Darinius, Dorian,

## General Appearance:

##### Height:

Humans in Thedas come in various heights, but the average range is around 5 to 6 feet (165-195 cm)

##### Build:

Human builds vary, encompassing a spectrum from slender and lithe to more muscular and robust. Different regions and lifestyles contribute to this diversity.

#### Facial Features:

##### Eyes:

Humans typically have a variety of eye colors, including shades of brown, blue, green, and gray. The shape of the eyes varies, and expressions convey a broad range of emotions.

##### Nose and Mouth:

Facial features are diverse, with a variety of nose shapes and mouth sizes. Humans can exhibit a range of expressions, reflecting individual personalities and cultural influences.

##### Hair:

Human hair comes in various colors and textures. It can be straight, wavy, or curly. Hair colors include black, brown, blond, red, and even more exotic hues. Hairstyles are diverse, reflecting cultural and personal preferences.

#### Skin:

##### Skin Tone:

Human skin tones cover a broad spectrum, from pale to olive to dark. The diversity is influenced by geographical regions, climate, and cultural practices.

##### Tattoos and Scars:

Some humans may bear tattoos or scars, often with personal or cultural significance. Tattoos may represent achievements, familial ties, or affiliations with certain groups.

#### Clothing and Style:

##### Clothing:

Human attire is diverse and influenced by cultural, social, and environmental factors. Different regions and social classes may have distinct clothing styles, ranging from practical and utilitarian to ornate and ceremonial.

##### Jewelry and Accessories:

Humans often wear jewelry and accessories made from various materials such as metals, gemstones, and leather. These items may serve practical purposes or have symbolic meanings.

#### Distinguishing Features:

##### Magic Affinity:

While not all humans in Thedas are mages, those with magical abilities may display certain physical manifestations of their connection to the Fade, such as glowing eyes or faint magical auras.

##### Scars and Battle Marks:

Humans engaged in warfare or adventuring may carry scars or marks from battles, reflecting their experiences and resilience.

##### Cultural and Religious Symbols:

Humans may adorn themselves with symbols representing their cultural background, religious beliefs, or affiliations with certain organizations. These symbols can be displayed through clothing, jewelry, or body paint.

## History

Both the elves and the dwarves claim that there was once a time when humans did not walk the land. There is no mention of a time when the Veil didn't exist in human history. The Chantry teaches that the Maker created the Veil before He created men.

Some scholars believe that the first humans in Thedas came from the rainforests of Par Vollen many thousands of years ago, migrating south from the archipelago. The pyramids they built still stand to this day and are regarded by travelers to the region as true wonders. Elven lore also states that humans first arrived in Thedas around -3100 Ancient from Par Vollen to the north.

The first human tribe, the Neromenians, divided into various tribes to become the progenitors of many nations in Thedas. This tribe settled the entire coast along the Nocen Sea and subdivided into separate kingdoms: Qarinus, Tevinter, Neromenian, and Barindur. The former three ultimately united to form the Tevinter Imperium while the latter disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

Humans in the lands of Tevinter used to worship a draconic pantheon of Old Gods, which are now said to slumber beneath the earth. The magister rulers of the ancient Tevinter Imperium who regularly talked to the Old Gods, engaged in a series of invasions in which they defeated the elven kingdom of Elvhenan and enslaved the race. Boosted by the sheer number of slaves, the Imperium conquered almost the entirety of Thedas in the next few centuries.

Eventually, the Imperium was challenged from the south by a barbarian uprising, the armies led by Maferath and his wife, the prophet Andraste.

Andraste brought the teachings of a new god, the Maker, and her word spread quickly. The oppressed masses of the Imperium rose up in rebellion to support the invading barbarians and eventually most of the south fell to their might. Andraste was not stopped in her Exalted March until she was betrayed by her husband: jealous of her power, Maferath turned Andraste over to the Tevinter archon and she was burned at the stake. The Chant of Light would say that the Maker turned his back on humanity when she died. He would only return and make the world into a paradise when the Chant of Light was sung from all corners of the world, and so the Chantry began to spread. The clerics of the Chantry were oppressed until the legendary emperor Drakon of Orlais converted and took up their cause, spreading the Chantry throughout all the lands that he conquered in its name. In modern times, the Chantry has spread throughout the known world, its power unquestioned even as it begins to give way to internal strife.

Despite internal strife, humans remain dominant across Thedas, with the exception of the underground kingdom of the dwarves and the Qunari islands to the north.

### Ancient Times:

#### Nomadic Tribes:

Before the establishment of major civilizations, humans lived in nomadic tribes across Thedas. They were often in conflict with other races, including the elves.

#### Settlements and Alliances:

Over time, humans began to settle and form alliances, developing a more structured societal framework. However, these early settlements faced challenges from both external threats and internal conflicts.

### The Exalted Age:

#### Andraste's Rebellion:

The Exalted Age saw the rise of Andraste, a charismatic human prophet. Andraste's teachings inspired a rebellion against the Tevinter Imperium, leading to her eventual execution. Her followers, known as the Chantry, spread her teachings across Thedas.

#### Founding of the Chantry:

After Andraste's death, her teachings were organized into the Chant of Light, forming the basis for the Chantry. The Chantry became a dominant religious institution that played a significant role in shaping human culture and politics.

### Divine Ages:

#### Spread of the Chantry:

The Chantry continued to spread its influence, and the Divine Ages were marked by the establishment of the Chantry as a powerful religious and political force. It sought to unify the disparate human nations under the authority of the Chantry.

#### Exalted Marches:

The Chantry, at times, declared Exalted Marches against both internal and external threats, using military force to achieve its goals.

#### Interactions with Other Races:

Humans maintain complex relationships with the other races, including the elves, dwarves, and qunari. Tensions and conflicts arise due to differences in culture, religion, and power dynamics.

#### The Blight and Darkspawn:

Humans, like other races, face the constant threat of the Darkspawn and the Blight. The ongoing struggle against these forces often shapes human societies and alliances.