Humanity
Brief Overview
Humans are the most common type of mortal found in the Mortal Realm of Eden. However, they are the least capable when it comes to utilizing Tari like the other races. Despite that fact, they remain one of the most resourceful races when it comes to problem-solving. Due to overbreeding over several centuries, there are only two common ethnicities of Humanity, and they are the Odeapessans and the Balane.General Overview
The inability to manipulate tari left humanity at a severe disadvantage when the Elematiis began developing, causing a deep-seated paranoia that embedded into the minds of their governments. The initial reaction was to label them "Gifted Children" and group them together in smaller settlements. This caused an uproar, not only for the gifted children but for the parents who had normal human blood that bore those children. The Empire of Menra ignored their cries, and for several years, the gifted children were treated like animals.Eventually, the gifted children grew old enough to do something about their circumstances, and they began a revolution based on one single document that revealed a confidential plot the governments were about to put in motion called "The Cleanse." The plan was to cleanse Eden of the Gifted children to make sure they don't pose a threat to humanity later down the line.
Unfortunately for humanity, this document was revealed, and many of the Gifted children were now old enough to retaliate. A massive war erupted, tearing the Menra empire asunder. The empire toppled, and the Elematiis took over. When it came to deciding the fate of the humans who'd tortured and abused them, the Elematiis decided they were going to commit genocide. However, the goddess of Fate intervened and stated that they were in direct violation of a law in the The Divine Accord s by intentionally causing the extinction of a sentient species. In order to avoid provoking the wrath of the The Deorum Pantheon, the Elematiis chose instead to enslave humanity for profit. It has now been 5,000 years, and still, humanity struggles for its freedom.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Humans are bipedal and have four limbs, a torso, and a head. In opposition to the many ethnicities of prehistoric and preTari times, due to the small population during The Cleanse, humanity bred out into only three ethnicities after many generations.
For example, if an Odeapessan human mated with an Aireai, the complexion would be a paler or grey-brown and the eyes could be blue, grey, or white as the Elematiis genes are typically dominant. Their height, weight and base physique will also vary in these ways, however the more human features the Ersatz Diilute has, the harder their life is in general.
As the youthful grow, the star lighting their home slowly bleaches them pale. This is would also happen to any visitors from other kingdoms who decided to remain in Shambala. The people, the flora, and the fauna all exist in differing hues of grey and white.
Balane eye colors vary between blue, purple, and red, however, this is not always a biological factor as the type of magic/runes used with their Runemancy can begin to effect the overall appearance of the Balane in question. They have slightly slanted eyes and their height ranges from between 4"5" to 5"11" on average. The general physical build of a Balane is petite and they're typically smaller than the other human ethnicities.
Odeapessan
The Odeapessan humans have complexions that vary between pale brown and dark brown. Brunette and black are the most common hair colors, and blondes are rare for Odeapessan's. They have wide, almond shaped eyes, and hazel and amber are their most common eye color's. They generally have meatier physiques from generations of hard labor and can grow anywhere from 4"9", to 6"1" on average.Ersatz Diilutes
The Ersatz Diilute humans vary heavily based on what species their human parent bred with.For example, if an Odeapessan human mated with an Aireai, the complexion would be a paler or grey-brown and the eyes could be blue, grey, or white as the Elematiis genes are typically dominant. Their height, weight and base physique will also vary in these ways, however the more human features the Ersatz Diilute has, the harder their life is in general.
Balane
The Balane humans developed differently than the others due to consistent exposure to their tarite star. Balane people are incredibly pale, with skin and hair that is nearly white. Brunettes exist in Shambala, but it only occur in the young or those who are passing through.As the youthful grow, the star lighting their home slowly bleaches them pale. This is would also happen to any visitors from other kingdoms who decided to remain in Shambala. The people, the flora, and the fauna all exist in differing hues of grey and white.
Balane eye colors vary between blue, purple, and red, however, this is not always a biological factor as the type of magic/runes used with their Runemancy can begin to effect the overall appearance of the Balane in question. They have slightly slanted eyes and their height ranges from between 4"5" to 5"11" on average. The general physical build of a Balane is petite and they're typically smaller than the other human ethnicities.
Genetics and Reproduction
Humanity reproduces with the old fashioned method of sexual intercourse. Interestingly enough, other than the Valkorri, humans seem to be able to reproduce with most other races (providing their reproductive properties remain similar).
The inter-special reproductive differences being that it instead takes closer to 16 moths to bear a Diilute child, and humans end up frail for several weeks after birthing a Diilute. In fact, most humans can't survive the birthing process of a Terranian Ersatz Diilute.
The inter-special reproductive differences being that it instead takes closer to 16 moths to bear a Diilute child, and humans end up frail for several weeks after birthing a Diilute. In fact, most humans can't survive the birthing process of a Terranian Ersatz Diilute.
Growth Rate & Stages
Infant < toddler < child < teen < adult < middle age < elder
The average lifespan of a human is between 50 to 80, although it has been proven that free or well cared for humans can live up to almost 150 years old.Ecology and Habitats
The humans have been forced to adapt to a multitude of ecosystems and habitats and do so accordingly, or die.
Idealistically the most optimal habitat for humanity is Shambala. They may not always be safe there, but at least they are free people.
Idealistically the most optimal habitat for humanity is Shambala. They may not always be safe there, but at least they are free people.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Odeapessan Humans are omnivorous and can eat many things to survive, in most cases food and shelter are provided to them as dictated in the handlers law, section C, line 2, stating that all owned humans must be housed and kept in a healthy enough state to continue the daily tasks assigned.
Free humans with no papers are forced to hunt and forage the forests of Birtham, praying they are not captured or worse if seen.
The dietary needs of an Ersatz Diilute vary heavily on which mixture of races it happens to be.
The Balane of Shambala are also omnivorous, however, unlike the Odeapessans, they eat well, consuming all four food groups in order to keep up a consistent intake of the nutrients needed to not only survive, but thrive. They can do this due to several farmlands, a surplus of fish, and a well maintained ecosystem surrounding Myscoin.
Free humans with no papers are forced to hunt and forage the forests of Birtham, praying they are not captured or worse if seen.
The dietary needs of an Ersatz Diilute vary heavily on which mixture of races it happens to be.
The Balane of Shambala are also omnivorous, however, unlike the Odeapessans, they eat well, consuming all four food groups in order to keep up a consistent intake of the nutrients needed to not only survive, but thrive. They can do this due to several farmlands, a surplus of fish, and a well maintained ecosystem surrounding Myscoin.
Biological Cycle
They get hot in the Summra, and cold in the Wintur. Unfortunately, Birtham's winturs can be particularly brutal depending on Kyubi's mood that year, so if the goddess has had an awful cycle most humans caught in the poor conditions caused by her frustration perish long before Sprig.
Additional Information
Domestication
Unless its at the monthly showcase or pre-approved, it is illegal for more than 50 humans to be seen in a group together while in an Elematiis kingdom. They are weeded out from their families and forced to work at a distance at a young age, but still kept close enough that if a slave tries to escape the friends and family can be held accountable either by being tortured relentlessly or depending on the crimes of the deserter, killed in their stead. The only time families may be together is when they rest, and even that is rare as they only sleep in scattered shifts. This is to ensure that they still bond sentimentally, but they never have the ability to revolt all together. When a deserter is retrieved, the owner is legally entitled to do whatever they wish in regards to punishment and in most cases the fear of their loved ones dying or potentially being sold for ritual ingredients deters most slaves from giving the run for freedom an honest attempt.
A fabled Odeapessan slave titled "Red Rumped Robert" is by law forbidden for any slaves to speak about as he is told to be the one slave that got away. He is currently used as a symbol of hope among the desperate. If a slave is caught speaking this name, their tongue is cut from their mouth and they are sold to the Silent for re-education, never to be heard from again.
A fabled Odeapessan slave titled "Red Rumped Robert" is by law forbidden for any slaves to speak about as he is told to be the one slave that got away. He is currently used as a symbol of hope among the desperate. If a slave is caught speaking this name, their tongue is cut from their mouth and they are sold to the Silent for re-education, never to be heard from again.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
In some cases human slaves are sold alive for parts in rituals or religious practices, this is considered a completely legal process as long as the slave is purchased with papers. The sacrifices can range anywhere from requiring a strand of hair, to eyeballs, organs, or even limbs.
A more "humane" example of this legal process is the Geodian practice of harvesting a new mothers tears. Many Geodian's will simply purchase slaves and keep them for generations to harvest from them as needed instead of buying from the handlers or Slave lords.
A more "humane" example of this legal process is the Geodian practice of harvesting a new mothers tears. Many Geodian's will simply purchase slaves and keep them for generations to harvest from them as needed instead of buying from the handlers or Slave lords.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Humans are bought and sold all across Birtham. A vast majority of their population is split. Many are in Odeasus and Shambala, but the rest are scattered all throughout Eden with the exception of the garden.
Average Intelligence
On Birtham the average intelligence for a human is unfortunately poor as they are not normally given access to education while in service to an Elematiis, and the free humans with no safe access through kingdoms also have issues gaining access to general education. The Balane and Ersatz Diilutes, however, are very knowledgeable. What Shambala considers to be an uneducated Balane is on an equal IQ level to one of Birtham's Elematiis nobles. The Ersatz Diilutes are usually given a chance to prove their worth by their Elematiis parent, although this isn't always such a good thing as most parents are brutally strict due to the limited rights that Ersatz Diilutes have protecting them.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Short of being gifted blessings from the gods, most humans have no innate elemental abilities, however, the tari in the atmosphere seemed to develop a different type of magic within them entirely, the ability to use ancient Runes. Although they need a sacrifice in contrast to the power received, once awakened they are referred to as Runemancers. All people who are aware of the Runemancers consider them to be incredibly dangerous.
The vast index of capabilities the runes possess makes defining a Runemancers abilities difficult for enemy races, but commonly known abilities are; to polymorph unsuspecting enemies, to cripple minds, to shapeshift, to disappear in plain sight, etc..
The only known disadvantage to Runemancy is that the Runemancer needs to activate their rune, meaning they usually have to offer a sacrifice. This can be anything from an appendage to a limb (or bleed on a pre-activated rune), but needless to say, this is very noticeable mid-combat. There have been rumors of Runemancers capable of using more creative methods for their sacrifices, but too little is known about the practice to confirm them.
The vast index of capabilities the runes possess makes defining a Runemancers abilities difficult for enemy races, but commonly known abilities are; to polymorph unsuspecting enemies, to cripple minds, to shapeshift, to disappear in plain sight, etc..
The only known disadvantage to Runemancy is that the Runemancer needs to activate their rune, meaning they usually have to offer a sacrifice. This can be anything from an appendage to a limb (or bleed on a pre-activated rune), but needless to say, this is very noticeable mid-combat. There have been rumors of Runemancers capable of using more creative methods for their sacrifices, but too little is known about the practice to confirm them.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
| Feminine Names | Masculine Names | Neutral Names |
|---|---|---|
| Annie, Marylynn, Mayi, Sally, Ashele, Anasandra, Samsera, Emilelia, Julie, Hannat, Janelle, Charlotte | Robertson, John, Jimmy, Dyrek, Samken, Keith, Jared, Covrey, Scott, Marthew, Samison, Michael, Charles | Alexsam, Blake, Jamie, Drew, Taylor, Jordan, Ezradrew, Ectlynn, Charlie, Frietdai |
Courtship Ideals
In most cases, Odeapessan humans are not given an option to court. They are matched with the best genetic potential for exceptional offspring and bred like cattle.
The Ersatz Diilutes usually follow the custom of their Elematiis parent in desperate hopes that they live up to their Elematiis blood and get welcomed into the family with legal papers stating that they are free people with an Elematiis lineage.
The Balane humans court each other with a shock and awe factor, trying to put on a magical display using their Runemancy that is more breathtaking than any other suitor. This can be anything from pulling a bouquet out of your sleeve, to catching the northern lights in a jar to present to their intended as a gift.
The Ersatz Diilutes usually follow the custom of their Elematiis parent in desperate hopes that they live up to their Elematiis blood and get welcomed into the family with legal papers stating that they are free people with an Elematiis lineage.
The Balane humans court each other with a shock and awe factor, trying to put on a magical display using their Runemancy that is more breathtaking than any other suitor. This can be anything from pulling a bouquet out of your sleeve, to catching the northern lights in a jar to present to their intended as a gift.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most Odeapessan humans can only speak the common tongue. They were stripped of their old languages and are punished if they dare attempt to relearn them. These are now considered dead languages in Birtham, lost to time.
Ersatz Diilutes fully understand the common tongue and Elemat.
Balane can read, speak, and write the common tongue, Belani, and they usually know one or two more languages due to their inclination to study the knowledge and mysteries provided to them by their homeland.
Ersatz Diilutes fully understand the common tongue and Elemat.
Balane can read, speak, and write the common tongue, Belani, and they usually know one or two more languages due to their inclination to study the knowledge and mysteries provided to them by their homeland.
Common Etiquette Rules
Odeapessan Humans are encouraged to be quiet and conserved, holding composure as obeyed in the presence of greater beings and saying nothing unless spoken to first.
Ersatz Diilutes are expected to perform all day to day tasks as if they were the variant of Elematiis that they should have been born as. If they fail they are disowned and sold as slaves as well.
Balane are typically more graceful with the way they move and carry themselves. This is due to the refined lifestyles that they've built down in Shambala. When interacting with one another, most are suspicious on average because of the wide range of Runemancy's applications, but there are still the few that greet one another with a brief touch on the arm as a form of paying their respects.
Ersatz Diilutes are expected to perform all day to day tasks as if they were the variant of Elematiis that they should have been born as. If they fail they are disowned and sold as slaves as well.
Balane are typically more graceful with the way they move and carry themselves. This is due to the refined lifestyles that they've built down in Shambala. When interacting with one another, most are suspicious on average because of the wide range of Runemancy's applications, but there are still the few that greet one another with a brief touch on the arm as a form of paying their respects.
Common Taboos
- No speaking of "Red Rumped Robert," this could get your tongue cut out, whether you're a slave or not.
- You are to never harm your handler/master.
- Most humans are terrified of committing crimes, as they have no laws protecting them.
- Praying to the gods that forsook them, most humans thoroughly hate the pantheon, though some humans still pray to Fate, Hetmal Geodea, Samurah, and Hecate.
Common Myths and Legends
The Red Rump
The most popular myth among humanity was the tale of Red Rumped Robert. The tale spoke of a human slave that was flogged to near death and hung naked by Spirranha silk wires weaved so tightly around his hands that the silk sunk into his flesh. He was left in the middle of an Odessan town on display for all the slaves to see what happens when you disobey your master. Robert had been known for his crafty hands and as a result the nobles mutilated him and strung him up by them. The guards would walk up to him each day and ask,"You have enough yet?" And every day he would spit in their face. By the ninth day, Robert had no saliva left to spit. He tried and tried but dehydration had taken its toll and the guards laughed in spite of his suffering, however, that night when the guards went to check on Robert they were shocked to find nothing. No Robert, no Spirranha silk wires, no blood, no flog hung neatly on standby, and no footprints in the dirt surrounding the area. Robert had disappeared as if he'd never been there in the first place. All that was left after that night was a strange engravement above the door of every slaves quarters in Odeasus, reading;
"Live the calm before the cavalry".
He was reported dead soon after by the town guard, but rumor has it that Red Rumped Robert is still out there somewhere roaming Birtham a free man all because he was crafty with more than just his hands.
Gertrude's ghost
Gertrude's Ghost is a myth about an Odeapessan woman named Gertrude Jenson who died giving birth. It is said that after she gave birth the Elematiis Soul Soother denied her the right to hold her child and she died not a moment later... The child was handed to the mothers handler and the following days every thing went as usual, that is, until the handler left the healers temple with the child. Patients in the temple began to see a "blurry woman." Orderly's were tormented by objects suddenly flying off of shelves and out of cabinets, and every one of the Soul Soothers suddenly fell terminally ill. In less then a week the ill were dead and the temple was abandoned due to the fear that the remaining residents could follow the same fate as the Soul Soothers.Many Elematiis state that it was due to a unstable foundation that the temple now lies dormant, but many still speculate that it was because of the angered spirit of Gertrude seeking revenge on those who took her child.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
It is common for interspecies relations considering that most of humanity is enslaved and consent is not always an option. The children born from this union are labelled Ersatz Diilute's and are treated the same as humans, the only exceptions being the Diilute's that were accepted by their Elematiis parent and given a proper Elemat family name. It is at this point that they are given the papers for their rights.
The Balane, however, usually prefer to keep their bloodlines pure by mating with other Balane humans. Exceptions have been made, but these are very rare.
The Balane, however, usually prefer to keep their bloodlines pure by mating with other Balane humans. Exceptions have been made, but these are very rare.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Homo sapiens
Origin/Ancestry
Ersatz Diilute (Mixed species human), Odeapessan (General human populace on Birtham), Balane (Shambalan humans)
Lifespan
70 years
Conservation Status
Several motions to update humanity's conservational status to protected under the A.P.A's (animal protection association) Seal of Sanctuary laws have been made, not in an attempt to restore their population, but instead to move to reinstate humanity's basic mortal rights and to allow the communal settlement of scattered tribes.
As it currently stands, all present notions of this motion when presented to varying governing forces in Birtham have been promptly dismissed.
Average Height
4ft, 5 inches - 6"2"
Average Weight
110lbs - 163lbs
Average Physique
Odeapessan- Athletic, larger
Ersatz Diilute- varies with the combination of races
Balane- Petite, slim
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The only unnatural markings found on a human span between either a handlers brand, or runes that they have marked themselves with.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
Related Myths
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