Difference between revisions of "Men"

Revision as of 23:24, 8 April 2010

It is held that the goddess Loelir first sculpted the race of Men out of clay. She instilled them with a curiosity and drive not possessed by the other races, and resultantly, men strive to greatness during their comparatively shorter lives. Having been created by the goddess of light, men cannot see in the dark and children fear dark places.

Physiology

Men range in height, but average height varies in region between around 5′ and 6′ feet tall, but there are people who fall above and below this range, and females tend to be shorter. The race of Men begin adolescence at around 14, and are considered adults by the time they reach 16 or 17. Men live for at most 120 years, and at that point, they're wrinkly, feeble old fogies, mumbling to people that aren't there. As far as hair, eye, and skin color, this varies greatly depending on the region of birth. Men in the north are typically fair-skinned with fair hair. Men in the south have darker skin and dark hair and eyes. See the descriptions of the native people of Halestia for these specifics.

Appearance

The appearance of Men varies more greatly than any of the other sentient races, and is heavily dependent on the locale. See the descriptions of the native people of Halestia for specifics.

Personality

Men are first and foremost ambitious; they strive to greatness and set lofty goals. Men often lack the age-instilled wisdom of the longer-lived races having at the most 120 years to experience all the world has to offer (often much less). Men vary in behavior much more than any of the other races and cover the full range from righteous, honorable heroes to despicable, sinister tyrants. Lastly, men are the only race to fear what they do not understand.

Habitat

Men live in all manner of places depending on region from stone halls to thatched-roof cottages. Their homes are usually made from nearby materials, and often consist of a mixture of stone and wood, wealth and availability allowing. Men also build vast cities and fortresses where a great number live together.

Occasionally a human will be allowed to live in the domain of the Elves, most often because an Elf has taken him or her as a mate.

Society

Each country keeps its own style of government and local society. Some answer to a king and others answer to a council. The occupations of men fluctuate, but many able-bodied men are soldiers and warriors. Men also take to science more than the other races, for they are not as gifted with magic. Few men are miners because the Dwarves are so much better at it.

Men observe the birth of their children by hosting great celebrations with family and friends. Men will usually have between 1―6 children. Weddings are a time of great joy and are attended by close family and friends of the newlyweds with copious amounts of food and drink. Men greet death with a solemn and reverent attitude, many grieve and weep for their lost loved one and the vast amount of time that must be spent until they meet again in the afterlife. Men bury the deceased to allow them to return to the earth and clay from which they came.

Relations

Men get along well with any of the other races, if they don't mind being called childish by the Elves or weak by the Dwarves. Out of all the sentient races of Halestia, they are most like the Halflings, for both take to farming, herding, and merchanting.

Motivations

Men aspire to lofty goals thanks to their ambitious nature. Acquiring power or wealth, exploring unknown places, vanquishing their enemies, or simply meeting challenges head-on are common ambitions among the race of Men. They also possess personal motivations such as protecting their loved ones, making a name for themselves, and just getting enjoyment out of life.

Max Caps

The Max Caps for all humans is normal.

Powers

• Fisticuffs – For whatever reason, humans love to fight with their hands. Beginning at childhood, humans exhibit a tendency to punch their way through their troubles. To represent this, Humans receive a +1 to their Hand-to-hand Hurt score (2 instead of 1).
• Immutable – Due to their industrious nature, and many Men's aversion to magic, they receive +1 to Magic Defense.
• Versatile – Men receive a +2 to either a Save or Skill Check of the player's choice.
• Get a Job – Men receive the first rank in their first Occupation for free since they are quick learners and hard workers.