Alathra:Humans

Human
Major race
Example appearance
Characteristics
Average lifespan (max)	70 years (140)
Height range	1.50 - 2.00 m (4′11′′ - 6′6′′)
Strengths	Versatile and adaptive; strong leadership, diplomacy, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Weaknesses	No innate magic; physically average; short lifespan compared to most races.
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Humans, also known as Men or Mankind, are one of the most widespread and versatile peoples in the world of Alathra. Though lacking the resilience of Dwarves or the enduring lifespans of Elves, Humans are known for their ambition, adaptability, and ingenuity. They are builders, explorers and settlers, at times both diplomatic and conflict-seeking, ultimately capable of thriving in nearly any environment with enough time and effort. Most Humans are found in temperate regions, where their cities, farms, and roads shape much of the known world. However, their adaptability means they can be found in almost every climate: from frozen highlands to arid deserts and beyond.

Humans have shaped much of Alathra's history through numbers, cooperation, and vision. Their civilizations rise and fall rapidly, their ideas spread quickly, and their conflicts often drive major turning points in the world’s story.

Strengths and weaknesses

Humans are among the least naturally magical races in Alathra. They are born without any inherent connection to magical forces, and arcane energy does not flow easily through them. Because of this, Human mages are rare and often face great personal cost.

Those who do pursue magic must rely on ancient knowledge, external patrons, or dangerous rituals to gain power. Such paths frequently leave lasting marks (whether physical, mental, or spiritual) and only few survive unchanged. Despite the danger, some still walk this road, chasing forbidden power or deeper truths.

What Humans lack in magical prowess, they make up for with willpower and innovation. Human societies rely heavily on craftsmanship, engineering, and innovation to progress. Their tools, structures, and machines are often powered by manpower, simple mechanics, or fuels such as wood, coal, or lava.

Many Human civilizations value discipline, learning, and pragmatism. Through study and experimentation, they have developed a wide range of technologies and governing systems. Their short lifespans encourage urgency, leading to rapid cycles of growth, conflict, and reinvention.

Minor races

Homo Alius

Average lifespan: 80 years
Height range: 1.6 - 2 meters

Homo Alius are a near-human race distinguished by their vibrant eyes, more prominent canine teeth on both the upper and lower jaws and a slightly more muscular build. With keen senses, especially sight and smell, with higher metabolisms and a strong preference for meat-based diets. Deeply social, they form closely knit communities where every member plays a vital role. Though largely atheistic, they hold a deep respect for nature, often personified in myth.

Elysians

Average lifespan: 120 years
Height range: 1.5 - 2 meters

Elysians are a war-hardened subrace of men, exiled from their shattered homeland of Elysium after surviving plagues, disasters, and demons during the cataclysmic Wirrwarr. Haunted by constant night terrors and battle fatigue, they embrace warfare as a means of mental escape, often living as mercenaries with no hope of lasting peace. Adapted to cold, ash-covered lands, they thrive in frigid climates but weaken in heat. Though magically oversaturated during their escape to Alathra, this gifted them extended lifespans, at the cost of near total magical incompatibility, with most unable to cast without risking madness or death.