Humans

The youngest of all civilized peoples, Humanity first appeared on Rhodenia toward the end of the Age of the Elves, tothe great consternation of that ancient race. Elven history speaks of several now-absent gods, and these gods, it was said, were Human; the ancient Elves believed Humanity the children of these gods, and regarded their discovery in Amarus as portents that a new era was at hand. In the time of the ancient Elves, Amarus was largely populated by a handful of warring semi-civilized races; within a century, Humanity had expanded throughout the continent and subjugated - if not outright eradicated - these peoples, in the process laying the foundation for the many city states that would dominate the Age of the Wizard-Kings. For nearly two-thousand years, Humankind has dominated Rhodenian affairs, leading some scholars to refer to the Age of the Wizard-Kings and the Age of the Almighty collectively as the Age of Men.

Although Humanity's origins remain obscured by myth and history, they are regarded by the other civilized races as being favored by higher powers; in turn, Humans have a tendency to see themselves as first among equals. Throughout the five kingdoms, Humans occupy positions of leadership, even in Turia and the Evermarch; in Ast'Aria alone do they find themselves socially disadvantaged. Despite having dominated world geopolitics for nearly two millennia, the other civilized races continue to view Humans as overbearing upstarts whose success has depended more on divine favor than true merit.

Lacking the hardiness of the Dwarves, the strength of the Orcs, and the dexterity of the Elves, Humans are, physically, the weakest of the civilized races. Their lifespans are the shortest of the four, weighing in at 65 - 70 years for the privileged, and 60 - 65 for the average person; if not for the widespread use of healing miracles, these lifespans would drop significantly. On the other hand, Humanity boasts the highest percentage of individuals whose lifespans deviate from the norm; magic users on average live some 5 - 10 years longer, and exceptionally powerful mages have been known to extend their lives by nearly a half a century. While they may be relatively frail, Humans excel in matters of faith & arcana. Both the Church of the Almighty and the Cult of Enkai boast a sophistication and organization that the Northern Pantheon lacks, and research conducted at the Sairis College of Magic - to say nothing of the magics wielded in the Age of the Wizard-Kings - is far more advanced than that of the other races.

Due to the divine favor shown them, Humans are extremely capable priests and sorcerers. What they lack in body, they make up for in mind and spirit. Although their attitudes, mannerisms, and fashions often grate the sensibilities of other races, they are nonetheless a charismatic lot, and often find themselves in leadership positions.