Human

**Humans** (also known as **mankind** or **humanity**) are a hardy species of intelligent, mammalian humanoids that predominate on Ituna. Humanity is thought to be one of the last intelligent races to develop civilization. However, they are one of the most powerful and populous species found all over the world, and they may be considered the dominant intelligent race of Ituna since the Builder civilization's demise. Humans devote themselves to the light, which surrounds their entire society. Humans are very adaptable and susceptible to change, which has given rise to arcane magic in their society.

Aggressive and inquisitive. Humans are known for their desire to understand and influence their surroundings, and they have attempted to explain and manipulate phenomena through magic, conquest, exploration, and religion. This natural curiosity has resulted in the development of advanced tools and skills, which are culturally passed down, though cultural stagnation or even retrogression is possible.

Despite being one of Ituna's younger races, humans have faced many challenges with tenacity and resilience. Their ability to adapt and rebuild has kept them relevant in an ever-changing world.

## **History**

### **Early history**

According to the earliest known history, humans may have evolved from a race of savage giant-like humanoids. Archeology suggests that those giant people evolved into the humans we know today around 6,000-10,000 years ago as a result of their exposure to magical wastes left behind by the builders. They were nearly as barbaric as their forefathers. Because of their warlike nature and nomadic lifestyle, they wandered the land, battling other races while attempting to plant the seeds of their cultures.

Humans eventually began to gather and form tribes, settling in the lands that would become known as Kaelandris, in the northern deep forest Arvan Glade. The Kaelani (named after the land), the Moirani (from the high peak of Moira), and the warlike tribe of Ruskain in the cold north were among the known tribes, each with their own culture. They had primitive belief systems that incorporated simple nature magic because they had not yet become accustomed to the divine Light or the potency of the arcane. Harvest-witches were those who practiced crude forms of druidism.

For thousands of years, as other races rose to dominance, humanity was on the verge of extinction as their numbers were whittled down by increased competition for land and resources. They persisted in their explorations of the continents in search of game, wood, and refuge. While many tribes fled their ancestral lands in search of a better, more fertile haven, others stayed strong, clinging to hope. Those were dark years for the remaining human tribes that stayed. They were hunted for sport by higher races and were on the verge of collapse, but as civilizations rose and fell, new hope for them emerged, and the dawn of humanity was near. Surviving tribes of humans began building on the ruins of other races, thriving in the chaos. They dispatched brave bands to explore the reborn world and locate their long-lost kin. Trade routes were gradually established across the revitalized world. Through worship of the light, these humans may have gained access to divine spells during these periods. Their only salvation and comfort came from the early forms of worship that would eventually become the Church of the Holy Light.

### **The Rise of the Kaelani Empire**

Humans first appeared at the forefront of Itunian history 1,200 years ago, during the Golden Ages of Humanity. Fearing that the builders would soon turn their attention to humanity, the Kaelani tribe launched a campaign to conquer their rival tribes through combat and politics. The Kaelani were able to form the first human empire, Kaela, by offering equality and peace to the people they conquered. The capital of Aethera was built, and people from all over the land came to seek refuge in this safe haven.

The humans spent the following centuries expanding their borders until the Empire of Kaela nearly covered the continent, closing in on the Builders in the west. As their desire for power drove them to master the arcane magic they learned from the builders, so did their desire for land, drawing them southward into the ancient rain forests. They came across the Avian Empire there, and the two races met for the first time.

### **The Avian Empire**

Humanity and the Avians came together at a unique crossroads. They were both powerful empires, but they were also under constant threat from the Builders. They discovered they shared a common goal, and because both factions worshiped the Light, they quickly became close allies. Trade between the two cultures was quickly established. Humans provided the avians with a wide range of goods and resources, and the avians traded their exotic rainforest luxuries. It was during this time that humans learned more about the arcane art, thanks to the Anzuri's experiences and knowledge. Having found a valuable ally, humanity entered a long golden age under the Kaela Empire. They thought this era of unity would last forever; they would soon discover, to their dismay, that it was already coming to an end.

### **Fall of an Empire**

The Arcane Magi rose to power during humanity's Golden Ages. In some parts of the empire, magicians could perform any task with ease, clearing fields, hunting monsters, and reshaping the earth itself. Many people in Kaela, including some of its ruling class, saw this as an overly simple path at best, and an abuse of an addicting power at worst. Confronting the magi resulted in the establishment of a new kingdom within the empire, as the magi carved out their own territory where magic could be practiced freely. In some places, zealot members of the Church of the Light banded together to prevent the magi from gaining power, while others compromised and allowed free use of magic as long as it was policed by overseers.

Because of the creation of the kingdom of mages and the increasingly prosperous and independent city-states of Kaela, many followed in the magi's footsteps and later declared their independence, dividing the empire into multiple small kingdoms. The Golden Age of Humanity had come to an end, and with it came the warring ages and the age of mages.

### **Ages of Magic**

Agrurorths was a city-state founded by the great teacher Astrum, one of human civilization's eight Archmages. The city, located in the southern grassland of Kaz'gor on top of a powerful leyline, was originally intended to be a place where the study of magic could be conducted without interruption or distraction. Many eager students traveled to Agrurorths in the hopes of studying and mastering the art of magic, desiring a location better suited to extensive use and study of magic. There, these magicians used their abilities to construct the city's enchanted towers and structures, reveling in the pursuit of their studies. More wizards soon joined, and the city was transformed into a haven for magi and a center of Arcane study. Under the protection of their magical-using defenders, the citizens of Agrurorths tolerated the magicians' endeavors and built up a bustling economy. Agrurorths became a decadent, extravagant paradise as the mages of Agrurorths cast powerful protection spells on the inhabitants who were not magic-users.

The Kingdom of Mages entered a golden age 500 years ago. The mages set their sights on expansion with their newest creation, the Iron Golem, and thus began their ruthless attempt to conquer all of Kaela in the hope of uniting all of Kaelandris once more and creating an empire of mages. Agrurorths easily conquered all of Kaelandris by combining their supreme might and magic. Even the powerful Church of the Light was forced to bow to this new but powerful force. There were attempts to seek assistance from the Avian Empire, but at the time, the Avians were preoccupied with repelling the Builders' might. And with that, the mages put an end to centuries of warring states and successfully reunified all of Kaela.

### **The rise of Necromancy**

However, as their power and influence grew as more magi practiced their arts, corruption crept into their society. The wizards' overuse of magic in the absence of proper protection or regulation served as a beacon for the rise of the dark arts. Following their initial success, a group of young mages began to delve deeply into the forbidden art of Necromancy. They secretly experimented on the corpses of their enemies, gradually discovering the secret of Death itself.

Fearing the Necromancers' growing strength and numbers, the council of Kazarath launched a large-scale persecution, ranging from the seizure of their property to banishment to the spectacle of public executions. They reasoned that this would solve the problem. They were mistaken. Necromancer sympathizers within the empire launched a revolt, aided by exiled allies. The civil war forever altered the boundaries of the Wizards' domain. Agrurorths survived, but their vast domain had been divided into several kingdoms. The Necromancers escaped and established themselves as the Watchers of the Damned in Krekerth.

Kaela was divided once more, and the idea of a unified Kaelandris seemed increasingly improbable. Though the kingdom of mages retained some influence, the true powers had reverted to the Church. A new horizon, however, was on its way. For all Itunans, and especially for humanity, the dawn of a new age was approaching.

### **The Church of the Light**

Twenty years ago, the Watchers of the Damned, a long-outcast necromancer organization, declared war on the all-powerful Acheadalyra Empire of the west, also known as the Builders civilization. To fuel their warmachine, the Krekreth liches ordered the creation of a plague and unleashed it on the unknowing mortals of Ituna. Humanity has probably suffered the most of any race on Ituna. Humanity was on the verge of extinction once more. In this age of death and decay, the Church of the Light has shown compassion and reached out to protect all innocents from this dark plague.

With the plague's devastation of the northern land of Arvan Glade, Aethera, the once-ancient capital of the Kaela Empire, now stands as the last bastion of human civilization. When the Plague of Undeath appeared in Kaelandris and spread, the Church of the Light used holy magic to alleviate the victims' suffering and stop the disease's spread. Their efforts, however, were insufficient because healing salves and potions had little effect, and the light could only treat the infection in its early stages. However, the church did not give up and eventually discovered a new way to cure and prevent the spread of the plague. Within the light-blessed city of Aethera, the Church had once again regained the people's faith, and as a result, their influence and power grew, allowing the Church to control all of post-apocalyptic Kaelandris. The looming darkness of the necromancers is the humans' primary threat now, aside from the undead. The Avians, a former ally, had closed their border and showed no signs of opening it.

Despite this, in recent years, humans have dedicated themselves to bringing their species back from the brink of extinction. Human lands are gradually being repopulated, and humans have been able to maintain strong garrisons for their cities on a consistent basis. Humans remain vigilant and have banded together to recover from this dark age. While Agruroths continues to be a source of knowledge and magic, its power has dwindled. In this dreadful new age, only a few kingdoms remain. The Church of the Light now wielded the majority of political and military power in the region. But, with the collapse of the builders, there is hope on the horizon, and life is starting to bloom.

## **Human nations**

Humans in Kaelandris have generally been controlled by multiple powerful kingdoms, each with their own sphere of influence. Many of them were descended from the ancient Empire of Kaela. Recently, however, the Great Plague caused by the Watchers of the Damned has resulted in the end of several kingdoms and the creation of a new one.

### **Agrurorths**

Agrurorths, the kingdom of mages, survived the plague's aftermath, but it hasn't been as prosperous as it once was due to a variety of factors. Nonetheless, the kingdom remains a safe haven for all mages and seekers of knowledge, and it is showing signs of recovery.

## **Culture**

Humans are a naturally proud and ambitious race with a rich history and diverse cultures that span the globe.

### **Kaelani**

The humans of Kaelandris have a strong sense of triumphalism and have been known to be arrogant, overzealous, or vainglorious. Humans have also demonstrated noble and altruistic attitudes and actions on a regular basis. Because of these characteristics, human society has produced notable heroic and villainous figures in recent history.

Most humans find comfort in an orderly society, and they prefer to live in villages, towns, and cities. Few humans understand nature's reverence as they once did, and the most rural or rugged lifestyle a human has been shown to possess is that of a farmer, bandit, or soldier. Human cities are enormous, bustling, and alive. The human peasantry provides basic resources to the rest of the kingdom outside the city walls, in the countryside; they farm, mine, and chop wood.

Merchants trade goods in the city, while craftsmen practice and perform their trades, and businessmen provide services. The nobility, who sit in their castles and make important political decisions about the running of the kingdom, are at the top of the social hierarchy.

Despite the general desire for order among humans, some groups deviate from this cultural trait and have no loyalty to their established political leaders. This is especially true for humans during times of uncertainty. There were various forms of anarchy in the Northern lands of Arvan Glade prior to the Great Plague. Banditry, sea piracy, and fanaticism among humans have been on the rise recently.

Humans are seen to be brimming with unbridled passion and ambition. Because of their desire for power and knowledge, humans have produced some of the greatest mages. The deep inner fire and emotions that brew within them have allowed many humans to master the Holy Light in unimaginable ways, leading to the establishment of Holy Orders dedicated to the Church and the Holy Light. The loyalty that humans are capable of producing produces well-trained soldiers and mercenaries who will gladly stay and fight for their kingdoms and their leaders' causes, no matter how dire the situation may be.

## **Faith**

### **The Light**

The Holy Light, which has become a central part of all known civilized human societies, is revered as their primary religion and a staple of worship, respect, and honor by the people of Kaelandris. The Church of the Light is the religious institution at the apex of this dominant human religion, and it is important in all human societies.

Its members are committed to fostering a world of honor and justice, striving to help others and be good in all that they do. The skilled clergy of the Church can wield holy magic known as the Light by embodying the tenets of their religion.

Over the centuries, the Church built temples, shrines, and churches as places of worship throughout Kaelandris, with a hierarchy of religious leaders overseeing its devoted followers. These monuments can be found in the cities where their priests preside over their flocks. In times of peace, they heal and restore; in times of war, they protect and crusade against what they consider evil.

Following the Great Plague, some members of the Church, seeing the great loss caused by the forces of evil, decided to establish holy orders of light-blessed warriors. The Paladins were created. They are devoted disciples of the Holy Light who have vowed to crush evil and chaotic beings in its name. As the Church's martial branches, they strive to be an example of the Light's teachings while also enforcing the laws, protecting the weak, and defeating the evil.

However, as good as it may appear, the Church's position as the head of most states in Kaelandris has resulted in many forms of corruption and abusive behavior throughout the realm. Many atrocities and crimes committed in the name of the Holy Light call into question the Church's own fidelity.

### **Druidism**

Prior to the arrival of the Light, the ancient human tribes practiced primitive nature-based religions with some druidic overtones. Though they were druids in their own right, they did not adhere to the same principles as modern druids. The common folk refers to those who still practice simple druidism as harvest-witches in some parts of Kaelandris.

## **Aging and Lifespan**

Humans have a shorter lifespan than the majority of the other races on Ituna. They are old when they are around 55 years old, and venerable when they are 60 years old, with a maximum age of 70-140 years. As a result, humanity strives to make the most of what it has and to leave a legacy. This has resulted in the formation of various nations and orders across many lands, as well as the formation of alliances not only between themselves, but also with other races, with the goal of doing whatever is necessary to protect and secure their nations so that future generations can live peacefully and safely.

## **Technology**

### **Kaelani**

Humans have the ability to use arcane and divine magic. Their mastery of these arts is rivaled only by the builders and avians on Ituna. In times of peace, these magics are used to heal and create, while in times of war, they are used to harm and destroy.

Because of their not-so-gifted affinity for magic, humans have a relatively good understanding of science and technology. They have advanced siege weapons, metalworking skills, and impressive engineering abilities. Nonetheless, magic remains a part of human daily life. This has slowed the advancement of science and technology in general.

Humans do not appear to be particularly aware of, or concerned about, the harm that advances in civilization and technology (as well as the use of arcane magic) may cause to nature and the world. As evidenced by the rise of the Necromancers, their reckless application of these miraculous advancements may spell the end of their entire race.

Human architecture is less visually appealing, with straight angles and simple materials like wood, stone, and mortar. Human structures are far more resistant to damage and far easier to construct, and human forts and towns can be constructed relatively quickly.

## **The Art of War**

### **Kaelani**

The Kaelandris armies are a force to be reckoned with. Well-trained spearmen march to battle in plate armor, wielding kite shields and spears, while brave knights riding headlong into battle atop their powerful equine steeds, wielding mighty lances and heavy maces. Lines of archers and mages blast their enemies with heavy fire from the back, while priests use divine magic to heal and aid wounded allies.

The mighty paladins, considered by many to be the champions of the human race, are perhaps the most fearsome foe to evil and the enemies of humanity on the battlefield. These fearsome knights use a combination of healing and aura magic, as well as mastery of giant maces or broadswords, to bring justice to their enemies and aid to their allies. Paladins are both a source of comfort and morale for the friendly human army and a source of terror for the enemies.

Human bases are extremely difficult to infiltrate. Their strongholds' walls are tall and strong, and from their watchtowers, they can see enemies approaching from afar, attacking them with siege weapons and archers as they advance. An enemy would expect to meet ranks of overwhelming force behind the walls.

## **Appearance**

Humans come from a variety of backgrounds and exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics across all races. Human skin varies in color from dark to light and may contain tones of other colors. Blue, brown, purple, green, gray, or hazel are the colors of their eyes. Human hair comes in a variety of colors, including brown, black, blond, and red. Men's beards are typically short, while women's hair is typically long. Humans are nearly six feet tall and weigh about 180 pounds on average, with men being noticeably taller and heavier than women.

Humans have a more muscular and sturdy physique, but they are still relatively more slender than most races. Human skin varies in color and hue, ranging from a pale pink to a tanned brown to a very dark brown. Hair turns gray or white as a result of illness or aging. If a powerful magic user, human eyes have been known to glow like those of naturally magical races.

## **Relations**

### **Avian**

The humans of Kaelandris formed their first alliance with the Avian Empire, and those long-lasting golden ages would not have been possible without the Avians' assistance. The Avians, on the other hand, are a source of mystery and frustration, but their deep knowledge of magic and rich empire has proven to be vital for humanity as a whole. Humans and avians have long had a close friendship. The bond, however, did not last long due to the Avians' passive attitude during the Great Plague. Many humans have since harbored resentment toward the Avians, and the two races have not been on good terms since.

### **Watchers of the Damned**

Since the Great Plague, humanity has harbored a deep aversion to the Watchers of the Damned. The Plague left a tragic scar in Kaelandris' heart, and the people have never forgotten those dark times. As a result, hatred for all forms of dark magic has grown. If such heresy is discovered, practitioners of such magic will be executed without trial, whether they are innocent or not.