The Humans

The Humans: A Cultural Summary

by Talo Preest, Scholar of the Daemedran Academy

Humans are one of the most common races in the world and inhabit the majority of Solitude’s largest cities. They are arguably the world’s most powerful race in political and economic terms.

Humans are highly social and extremely adaptable, though they are often prone to racial centrism and (in most cultures) expansionist tendencies. Five human migrations have come to Solitude, the most of any race by far. This has led to a vibrancy of culture throughout the length and breadth of Solitude unmatched by any of the world’s other residents.

It is worth noting that in each of the five human migrations, it was common for more than one distinct cultural group to appear a once. Whether this is because humans spread word of the rifts faster than other races, or because they are more naturally prone to ethnic division is up for debate. Anyone moderately versed in history or geography could easily name a dozen or more unique human cultural types, each easily distinguishable from the other through architecture, accent, dress, diet, societal structure, naming conventions, worship preferences, and much, much more. Such variation is rare among other races, with only the eyra possessing a similar amount of diversity and the thirapsi, kobolds, and the extinct lemerian people following far behind. This vibrancy of culture has led to humans being among the most studied of the races in regards to art and literature, even in non-human cultures.

However, human diversity comes with one very obvious downside. Behind the kobolds and dragons, humans are the race that most frequently falls to infighting. Many human kingdoms are renowned for their bitter rivalries with each other. In the last five-hundred years, almost two thirds of all major world conflicts have been between human nations and factions. Only in the last hundred years, with the formation of the Arvairian Empire, have these bloody rivalries been somewhat quelled.

As with most races, human morality varies widely by individual. However, in general, they tend to be community oriented, valuing good trade, safe cities and roads, and reliable sources of food.

Prominent Human Ethnic Groups and Cultures

Arvairian

Arvairians are magnificent city-builders with a wide range of elven-influenced fashions, architecture styles, traditions, and art styles. They value law, personal freedom, and equality, and often embrace foreign trends in clothing and art. Their people are among the most tolerant and inclusive of all human cultures, living alongside a variety of other races in relative harmony.

Sabbran

Sabbrans are well-known for their skilled architects and breath-taking stone and metal monuments. They value grand works, entertainment, and well-developed infrastructure. The people of each city-state proudly contribute their own unique resources to their vast, inter-city trade network which is like no other in the world.

Faidmiiri

Despite being a minor power on the world scale, the vibrant and colorful culture of the Faidmiiri people is widely and increasingly influential. They value expression through song, dance, and art, have very naturally influenced architecture, and possess a deeper respect and love for nature than any other human culture.

Lumish

Certain aspects of Lumish culture are widespread in many of the nations bordering the western Coral Sea. This popularity is based on a section of Lumish culture that values the ‘rackish’ lifestyle centered around duels of honor