Humans

Humans are the primary nonmagical race of Vita. They have no field and no magical ability. They make up the majority of the population, but hold little political power; they live under galdori rule in almost every kingdom, including Anaxas.

Physical Description

The most distinguishing feature between a Galdor and a human though is the epicanthic fold, which is present on all galdori but few humans. Galdori tend to have single eyelids, while most humans have double lids (with a crease). This genetic difference stems from the origin of the two races - galdori descended from the Northern tribes, who endured cold weather and formed a single eyelid to withstand the elements, while modern humans are the descendants of the Southern tribes, who did not have this difficulty to contend with.

Aside from this, there are some regional differences between the humans themselves.

• Anaxas - Anaxi humans tend to have taller, stockier frames than galdori, and are physically strong, with plenty of lean muscle. The average height for men is 6'0", and the average for women is 5'7". They have medium-to-light toned skin with an olive tinge, and freckles are quite common. Unlike the galdori, humans have round eyes. They range from blue to dark brown, and often are framed with long lashes. Hair is typically dark brown, black, or blonde; red hair is uncommon. Human women often wear their hair up, wrapped in a scarf or tied back; leather headbands, embossed with symbols, are also fashionable. Human men generally grow beards after they get married, but before that, they shave.
• Mugroba - Mugrobi humans are taller and stronger than the galdori. The average height for men is 5'10", and the average for women is 5'6". Their skin is lighter, more like chocolate brown. They are very close in appearance to the galdori, apart from the fact that their tightly curled hair is naturally black rather than blonde. Most Mugrobi males shave their heads; some females do the same, while others keep their hair tightly wrapped in fabric. Mugrobi humans do not grow facial hair. Their eyes are either brilliant blue or brown, but never yellow.
• Hox - Hoxian humans are taller and stronger than the galdori, and have slightly darker skin; apart from that, there is no great genetic difference. The humans of Hox have the same epicanthic fold and single eyelid that the galdori have.
• Hesse - Hessean humans look similar to the galdori, but are shorter, stockier and stronger. The average height for men 5'5", and the average for women is 5'3". They tend to have wider noses and cannot have yellow eyes. Hessean humans tend to have very large ears, a trait their galdori countrymen do not share. Ear size is a matter of pride in Hesse; it is a human saying that you can always trust a man with large ears.
• Bastia - Because Bastian people are so closely related to the Anaxi people, they share similar physical traits.
• Gior - Gioran humans do not have the albinism gene. They are also tall and strong, with blunter features, straight noses and larger eyes. The average height for men is 6'2", and the average for women is 5'10". Their hair tends to be black, straight and without much body; their eye color is usually green, but can be hazel, brown or (rarely) blue.

Culture

Humans are ruled by the galdori, who hold all the positions of power and use their magic to keep human activity in check. Most humans accept this state of affairs as an inevitability. Many, however, are unhappy with their situation, and have banded together to resist the galdori (see freedom fighters).

Most of human society operates in secrecy. Since their activity is heavily monitored by the galdori, humans have formed many secret societies to aid in the education of the youth, the literacy movement, and the distribution of wealth to the needy; others have joined the resistance movement and taken on false identities. Some humans speak Tek, a gutter language that formed among wick communities.

Violence and crime are a sad fact of life for humans. Many turn to a life of crime in the face of staggering economic difficulties and restrictions - humans don't actually own the land they live and farm on, must pay heavy taxes, and their land can be taken away at any time. Criminal syndicates abound in major cities such as Vienda; human highwaymen are scattered all across Anaxas, and in Old Rose Harbor pirates have almost complete control over the spice and luxury trade.

Nevertheless, a strong sense of morality keeps human society from plummeting into chaos and sin. Humans tend to be very loyal to the people close to them, and families rarely break apart due to quarrels or divorce; a human friendship is generally for life. Community is the most important facet of a typical human's life. Human families tend to be small because it is difficult to raise a child in the current climate of fear and oppression, and every year the taxes seem to get higher.

Humans are steadfast in the face of adversity. They fiercely defend their property and livelihoods, and take great pride in their appearances, homes, and children. Humans value resilience and courage, honesty and faith above all other traits.

Economy

Unable to truly own any property, humans pay high taxes and rent to the galdori government, often through intermediary landlords, who do all they can to scrape a profit. Most humans either farm (on galdori land, with permission) or work in the city in a factory or small business. Factory and farm conditions are tough, and humans have to be very strong, both emotionally and physically, to survive.

Religion

Circlism is the main religion of humans, and the only legal form of worship. Most humans are very devout in their worship, taking comfort from the institution of religion. In private, however, many worship the god Vita rather than the Circle Gods. Vitanism teaches that all beings are equal; humans tend to prefer this worldview to the one espoused by the galdori (that the galdori were created to watch over the human race).

There are public churches that are built specifically for human worship. The services are always held by galdori priests; occasionally an Everus will visit human churches and bless the humans individually. Humans do not attend church with galdori.

Playing a Human

See Playing a Human for important tips on how to approach playing a human.