Human

Dwarves are stoic. Elves are wise. Gnomes are cunning. And humans? They can’t make up their mind, so they try to be all of these things at once. — Kessler, bard of Sharn

The first human settlers came to Khorvaire about 3,000 years ago, landing in the area now known as the Lhazaar Principalities. From there, they began a slow but inexorable spread across the continent, disrupting the placid elven empire of Aerenal and leaving further ruined remnants of fallen Dhakaani goblin kingdoms in their wake. During this migration, they founded the settlements that would grow into the Five Nations. Even today humans make up the majority of the population in these countries. Despite their relatively short lifespans — or perhaps because of them — humans are innovative, adaptable, and aggressive, always pushing their limits and pursuing new ideas.

Humans prove extremely diverse; a barbarian from the Demon Wastes has little in common with a Brelish rogue. When creating a human character, consider where you’re from and how that’s reflected in your class and background. Chapter 2 presents an overview of the nations of Khorvaire and ideas for characters tied to those lands. Aundair is a logical place of origin for a wizard character, but your wizard could be a down-and-out arcanist from the alleys of Sharn or a Lhazaar pirate with a knack for the mystic arts.

Humans and Dragonmarks

Five different dragonmarks appear among humans, reflecting their dominant status among the races of Khorvaire:

• The Mark of Making is found in House Cannith, which has used it to become one of the most powerful houses, creating an abundance of both magical and technological wonders.


• The Mark of Passage aids the humans of House Orien in operating the lightning rail and trade caravans running across the continent.


• The Mark of Sentinel makes the bodyguards, mercenaries, and Sentinel Marshals of House Deneith widely respected across Khorvaire.


• The Mark of Handling appears in House Vadalis, which uses it to breed fine mounts and other creatures.


• Humans also number among House Tharashk and manifest the Mark of Finding with their half-orc kin.