Human

Humans are a wonderful species. One of the largest species by number, they are the most common species to be seen all over Belothar. Instead of living in colonies or cities, they spread out all over the map and each culture is inherently different with different dialect and customs. Despite their differences, every Human, no matter where they live, receives a gift from their god, the God of the Forge, on the day of their birth. Commonly called Kjeldin, though there are many names, the God of the Forge is the main deity that the Humans worship, along with the God of the Flame Elnod.

Due to their short lifespans, Humans are likely to search for Elven artifacts. Humans are resilient and stubborn by nature. They know they're mere children compared to the other species. Because of their shorter lifespans, they rely on the discoveries of the past to bend the future to their will. They are not evolved enough to create magic on their own, but they are capable of learning to harness the already existing magic in the universe. They take the Elven artifacts they find and wield them for many purposes. These artifacts are rare and hard to come by. Some Humans spend a lifetime trying to find an artifact that can solve all their problems, but that is nothing more than a pipe dream. While most Humans have an innate fascination with the magical side of the world, most are perfectly content to attend to their own matters naturally.

Culture

Birth & Baptismal Rites

When a baby Human is born, a sizeable mysterious metal alloy will appear on the ground on the day of their birth. The child's father will dig the shard out of the ground and keep it in a special place until the child comes to be of age. These shards, called Glints, are gifts from the God of the Forge, Kjeldin. Kjeldin appreciated the Humans' creativity and willingness to make things without the use of magic. The Glints are tied to the soul of the Human they're gifted to. Due to this nature, the other species throughout Belothar tend to carry weapons of various sorts on them as well, though most of their weapons are non-magical. If lost or misplaced, the shard will appear next to them again within twenty-four hours in a fantastic phenomenon.

Coming of Age Rites

When a Human comes to be of age, their Glint can be forged into a weapon of their choice. Even bows can be fashioned from a Glint. Just as the unforged shard can never be lost or stolen, the weapon made of the same metal can never be misplaced. On their 18th birthday, the Human child, along with their immediate family members, have a Forging Ceremony. Each family member takes turns banging out the metal until it is flat and shapable. Then the child is responsible for completing the process with the guidance of their family. During the ceremony, prayers of worship and thanks are said to Kjeldin. Once the weapon is forged, it can never be broken.

When the new weapon is finally finished, the family will go back to their home and have a small celebration with friends and family with the new Glinted weapon on proud display. There is food, dancing, and oftentimes a sparring match or small contest held to show off the abilities of the new weapon. This tradition is consistent across cultures.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a Human dies, it is customary to bury them with their Glinted weapon. However, in the case of death where there is no body to bury or if there is an especially close relationship with the deceased, the Glinted weapon can be inhereted by a next of kin; usually a child or grandchild. While anyone can use a Glinted weapon that doesn't belong to them, it will be unruly and hard to weild properly. In the case of an inhereted Glinted weapon, this is not the case. The weapon ties itself to the soul of the beneficiary and does not lose it's magical properties.