Lands of Tyranny
Day 1 of The Philosopher, Year 414
Humans
Humans are the dominant race of the continent, all united under the banner of the Annorian Empire.
Below, a description of Humans in general, focusing on Annorians.
Other cultures have their dedicated pages.
(Inspired by Rapa Nui/Polynesians and Caribbean Privateers)
(Inspired by Ancient Egypt, Kush, Carthage)
(Inspired by Hellenic societies and Akkad)
(Inspired by Numidian, Nabateans)
(Inspired by 1400-1500 Ming China and Dai Viet)
(Inspired by Norse, Varangians, Saxons)
Humans
Humankind is the vastest, most widespread and adaptable race of all the known world. They were initially brought refuge by the older races, the Dwarves and Elves, but their fecundity and rate of reproduction have caused large overpopulation in their shared settlements, as such, they were outcast and forced to live secluded among their own kind alone. To this day, the strife between them and the Elves and Dwarves of ages past has taken roots in their perception of their former allies, marginally tolerating them as second class citizens in their ever expanding Empire, the wealthiest and most economically successful civilization of all (see Human Conquest).
Humans do not often judge themselves, for they are the nexus and bastion of civilization; they are the lawbringers, their realms are vast and second to none other in size, they set the precedence for other races that at least 'look' like them, and whose presence can therefore be 'tolerated', even if relegated in the role of a 'second class' person, namely Elves and Dwarves.
Typically, the lower class civilians and ignorant peasants will be more more prone on finding hate and disgust towards an Elf or a Dwarf, being suspicious of them when their neighbors, tending to accuse them even when there is no real proof, or to assume that they must have been done something illegal, if their lives were any better than theirs.
Nobleman would instead have a different kind of disdain, likely seeing other races as some kind of disease, like fleas, or parasites, but sometimes useful parasites that can be used as convenient culprit or for cheap labor. Anyone that is even mildly religious though (which means the overwhelming majority), would have heard the tales told in Temples about how Elves and Dwarves once betrayed The First Born, their kind being therefore guilt of some kind of 'original sin', which can not be fully washed away.
The Empire
Humans are vast and many in their appearance and place of origin, but they all are under the one rule of the Empire.
The predominant culture, the Annorians (or Heartlanders), originates from the capital city of Annoria, seat of the almost mythical palace of the Emperor Karlstor Talos, a figure that everyone knows and accepts as being in power since they are born, but know absolutely nothing about. Annorians, or Heartlanders are typically fair skinned, though intermingling with other cultures allow exceptions. They are brown, blonde, red or black haired, and are generally between 5'7 (152m) - 6'2 (190cm). Their eye color varies greatly, anywhere from blue to a brown iris and everything in between. The whole of humankind has been brought together under one banner, the Empire, the greatest power in the known world.
Religious and very devout both to their New Gods, and to the Emperor (the term Overlord is never used by Heartlanders as it has a negative connotation), seen themselves as an almost divine or at least mythical figure.
Those that do not live in the capital or in the Heartlands, the name given to the Annorian region, the heart of the Empire, reside in one of many smaller Kingdoms. These administrative entities are always small enough not to be able to have any sort of real power alone, and the one they have is very evenly distributed. They all fiercely follow the doctrine of The Father and are governed by easily controllable puppets or trusted men loyal to the Emperor, so there is hardly any strife between them.
Between the population of these kingdoms some common features can be identified: The Highlands are a very broad term used to describe very vast regions towards the center of the Empire.
Before the conquest by the Annorian armies, the people here were organized in several smaller towns, lacking a form of unified government apart from very sparse
councils of nobles and sages: the large majority of the population actually residing in rural villages or isolated farmhouses.
Now, at around 300 years from the conquest of this region, the area is mostly pacified and its inhabitants enjoying the benefits of being part of a solid Empire, mostly accepting and even embracing its customs, with some of the top members of the most important noble houses even occupying a seat in the Senate. The folks from these parts remain more hardy and have more straightforward ways compared to the people from the coastal areas or the Heartlands. Although having strong ties with their land and being more attached to the concept of land ownership, most of the Empire colonists coming to the Black Dome Peninsula do come from the Highlands, usually attracted by the prospects of a new life in more fertile, gentler lands. Highlanders still share the same Faith as the rest of the Empire and still are very respectful of the authority of the Overlord and its representatives, taking part in the army as much as any other man and woman of the Empire would.
-
The Nordlings give a great importance to the word given and to their honor, being often direct and rather physical in their actions. Hardy, very active and energetic folks that are often huntsmen, fishermen, sailors and expert survivalists in the most difficult conditions.
-
The Khemani, people inhabiting the warm desert lands of the south of the Continent, or at least the thin yet very extended strip of lands that goes between the large rivers that crosses these lands. Divided between the common folk, farmers, artisans and traders, and the very powerful Sages and decadent nobility, holding the reins of their kingdom.
-
The Messalyan, a large but somewhat homogeneous mixture of nomadic tribes and clans living in the arid highlands bordering Kheman and the Highlands. Modest and reserved people, following ages old traditions and a life on the back of a horse.
-
The Hymani, people inhabiting the mountain regions to the far west of the Continent and their thick jungles, as well as the large archipelago along that coast. With a very closed caste-like and family based society, fragmented by hundreds of years of political instability, only more recently pacified and made to prosper by the Empire.
Society
Imperial society is often seen as a celebration of triumphs of The Empire and attempts to reflect what many consider the perfect civilization. In the world view of the clergy and nobility, there is no place for any other race but humans. This is evident with how society has so far conducted itself.
Common among art, literature, songs and plays. The perfect or ideal citizens are often lifted up and praised for their virtues. Dwarves, Elves and other races rarely make an appearance unless it is some form of antagonist or at best, a loyal servant to a human. Everyone's function and role is mostly fixed, with little real opportunity of change, if not perhaps through the Church or the Army. An average citizen living in a densely populated town would never question the authority of the appointed magistrate or aristocrat, unless they wish imprisonment or death. Members of the lower class are expected to obey and serve their liege Lord, working the farmlands, providing commerce, reporting suspicious activity to the local authorities or joining the military when the call to arms arises.
Citizens of the Empire
Due to the size of the Empire and the many different cultures found within, the quality of life and upbringing greatly depends on the region from where they hail. Although generally the citizens of the Empire are secure in knowing that they are protected by the Imperial Army, and stability is ensured by the Tribunal. They are not without fear from the corrupting influences of heretics, rabid beasts that roam the wild areas, and savage non-humans that pray upon the good people.
The overwhelming majority of commoners can not read nor write, nor possess any form of education at all. The most common avenue for education within the Empire is through the Clergy, as the Noble Universities are well outside the price range for the average citizen. Although the masses tend to not be as concerned with the purity nor prestige of the Empire as the priests and nobility are, often having more practical matters to worry about, such as having good food, family, house, and perhaps access to entertainment.
Despite the claims of officials, the purity of the citizenry wanes the further from the capital and major cities one travels. Although most maintain a minimum level of devoutness, there are those in society who are considered deviants or miscreants who usually make great effort to avoid coming into contact with the more holy individuals.These individuals who are caught are usually then subjugated and forced into serfdom to pay off their huge debts for their crimes against The Three.
Gender roles
Men and Women are typically Equal at least in the upper echelons of Humanity's social pillars. There are several Countesses and Duchesses across the Empire, female business owners and entrepreneurs. Though it is generally perceived that a man is better suited to thrones and places of power and authority, nothing stops a woman from doing the same. The greatest difference is for the lower class women, farmer's girls and young maidens that stand to gain nothing from inheritance, adopting a more wider and accepted role as caretakers at home, babysitters and supporters for their husbands. Women can, and have, in numerous cases, taken the roles of men by necessity. Many women can opt to join the army, attend military academies and be accepted into a formal Imperial regiment, while others demonstrate their skill and ability as poachers and peddlers. It is not unheard of for women to take the same positions as men, though in some parts, it can certainly be more rare.
Education and culture
Heartlanders usually receive a minimum sort of education, of course mostly a very indoctrinated one, though there are exceptions to this, or to having an education.. they have generally been in contact with several other human cultures, even if 'diluted' by their 'standardization' into their own cultural hegemony. Heartlanders dress proudly in their own cultural clothes and would refuse any other way, finding it shameful if not offensive for them. They follow very strict standards of decency, mainly dictated by their religion, despising public nudity, indecency, consorting with other races or, even if less so, with people from the few regions still outside the Empire borders. Slavery is forbidden in the Empire in any form and is deemed one of the most deplorable and barbaric customs, punished often with harsh sentences such as a lifetime of forced labor, of
even death, by the hands of the Fatebinders. The policy towards this practice is so strict that dubious relationships, blackmail, or even some forms of contracts can quickly be labeled as slavery. On the other hand, state-regulated forms of forced labor are very common, and very common sentences to be administered by the authorities, forming de-facto state-controlled labor camps.
Nobility in the Empire
While the Empire's and the Emperor's true powers and control instruments are first and foremost the Tribunal and the Imperial Army, instruments that also constitute one of the main chances of climbing the social ladder, the noble class is present and remains very influential in every corner of the Empire. Often rich landowners, in control of important trade hubs or simply due to the influence inherited in the centuries, Nobles of every kind are respected, followed, envied or feared by the common folk, and often Fatebinders or other members of the Tribunal need to take into consideration the possible political repercussions of possible decisions against them, resulting in a few minor 'problematic behaviors' being sometimes overlooked in the name of a order and prosperity of the many.
While the Empire's and the Emperor's true powers and control instruments are first and foremost the Tribunal and the Imperial Army, instruments that also constitute one of the main chances of climbing the social ladder, the noble class is present and remains very influential in every corner of the Empire. Often rich landowners, in control of important trade hubs or simply due to the influence inherited in the centuries, Nobles of every kind are respected, followed, envied or feared by the common folk, and often Fatebinders or other members of the Tribunal need to take into consideration the possible political repercussions of possible decisions against them, resulting in a few minor 'problematic behaviors' being sometimes overlooked in the name of a order and prosperity of the many.
The nobility of The Empire enjoys a largely privileged life. As they are a crucial component in maintaining The Empire, the degeneracy of some individuals is sometimes overlooked and their crimes treated with a particular consideration, when The stability of the Empire might benefit from some flexibility.
This however does not mean none have fallen from grace as the influence of the Holy Churches is constantly in contention with their lifestyle and sometimes these nobles fall too foul to be ignored.
Indeed even nobility is subject to justice and even more so to scandals and damage to their reputation: to maintain their privileges, nobility has become good at policing each other's least savory conduct out of fear that possible investigation of the Tribunal might involve others and possibly uncover other activities that are better go unnoticed.
Imperial nobility were once a singular group, but the incorporation of new lands and thus new nobility along with the emergent property-based class has blurred the former distinctions. As of the last century, the differences in official standing no longer exist. The differences between nobles now is relative to their influence, power and wealth though mostly nobles can be classified between the two groups:
-
Patricians can trace their lineage back to the first four judges and the devout followers of Valthos, or so they clai. In the early Imperial days to be a decedent was almost guaranteed to be placed into a position of relatively high authority. As centuries passed, this practice fell out of favor with a more practical and meritocratic approach taking its place. Today the Patricians hold onto the prestige of their heritage and marriage into these families is considered a great honor. However their priority over other nobles has long since faded into history.
-
Equites, the most recent addition to the ranks of the nobility, they are by far the most numerous and often wealthiest nobles within The Empire. Originally this class of noble was formed from those who were permitted to
keep their lands in territories that were accepted or conquered by The Empire. Eventually the term grew to more broadly denote anyone with sufficient property and influence to be vested with a grant of nobility from an Adjudicator.
Nobles are split into various positions in the hierarchy, this is to maintain level of order and provide the administration across the great expanse of The Empire. Nobles are divided into two distinct groups, those with land attached to their name and those without. Landed nobles are commonly stylized as ‘Lord/Lady’, this respect is also afforded to their offspring as well. These titles are typically overseen by an Adjudicator.
(A full page on this and nobility is available here)
Noble hyerarchy and titles
Knightly orders
Beyond the Imperial Army, there are the Knightly Orders. These consist of Knights that are not directly sworn to a lord, and usually own little to no land. They often assist the Legion in their conquest and in keeping the peace. There are numerous such orders, many that almost no one has heard of, that consist of maybe half a dozen knights or more. Others such as the Rose Knights are common and their chapters can be found across the empire; they are a name most citizens are familiar with.
Clergy
Imperial Society has a strong religious foundation, there is no being alive today that is considered more divine than the Emperor. The Empire is a Theocracy, where it is the clergy who has significant power within the state and wider public life.
The Holy Church is considered the most holiest of institutions within Imperial territory. While referred to as ‘The Holy Church’ it is also referred to as The Tribunal, with their foremost patron being The Father, Jehvoss. The other churches are separate from the state and are permitted in private ownership. The Church of The Son being dedicated to Valthos is known to patronize the Imperial Army; The Church of The Mother and its adopted Order of The Rose being dedicated to Minerva.
The Clergy are often viewed like that of nobles, and often have nobility intertwined with its members. With priests typically being advisors, community leaders, mayors, or even one of the famed ‘Hammers of Dawn’ that take to the field of battle with the Legion. More notably are the coveted Tribunal Priesthoods, which unlike the other churches and their titles, those of the Tribunal lift one to equal footing of a noble and bring authority of judgment.
Military
The Imperial Army, commonly referred to also as The Legion, is one of the prouder traditions of the Empire. Those who serve are typically held in a higher regard than those who do not, and military families are somewhat idealized by society.
The military is expected to maintain order within its own ranks, and it is known that they are much more pragmatic in their approach to maintaining order both within the Legion and wider society when compared to the clergy or nobility.
Often in their lowest ranks are prisoners of war forced into service. Climbing the ranks of the military is known to be one of the surest ways to enter into the noble strata, but doing so as a non-noble is extremely difficult. Often those who have been bestowed the noble title through this method share a distinct brotherhood bond with other military nobles
Religion
Humans, especially those from the Heartlands consider themselves very civilized, are proud of themselves and of their lands being pure, uncontaminated by the 'filth' of non-humans, or by other monstrous races.
Religious and very devout both to their New Gods and to the Emperor, seen as an almost divine figure, their society and governance closely resembles a theocracy; ruled by semi-autonomous exarchs whose authority is unquestioned even by the higher ranking nobles of the realm.
Jehvoss is the primary and most commonly regarded God within the Empire. His word is law, and his will nurtures the growth of Humans that serve within its lands. He is not worshiped, for even addressing Him is thought to incur wrath upon those who speak it. Jehvoss is more commonly regarded as The Father by many of the denizens. Imperial citizens as a result blindly and sometimes belligerently follow the will of the Judges, as it is said that through them is the judgment of Jehvoss himself. Within Jahvoss' trinity are his son, Valthos and his son's mother, Minerva. They are in large part
quintessential to the rule of law as each of them provide validity to the conquests the Empire ventured through, with Valthos being said to be the first Emperor.
Some Humans however, especially in more remote regions of the world, still worship the Old Gods even if having to hide their worship, sometimes even from their own friends and relatives, who, out of fear of being taken for hiding heretics, would rather see others disappear in their place. The Inquisition especially, and often just the faithful of the Father, organize actual witch hunts, while it is not unheard of entire villages being exterminated due to the rumors of heretics and ‘sorcerers’ being hidden by the inhabitants.
Apparel
The clothing of Humans depends on several factors, namely their social-economic class and place of origin. The average Human would wear shirts, blouses made of cotton, linen or wool, depending on climate and affordability. Rich nobles prefer to wear custom-made tailored shirts, corsets and dresses of the most refined and expensive silk to show the status, typically in bright and rich colors, while others had to resort to duller, earthen flavors of their apparel as they were cheaper to produce and easier to purchase. A Human's clothing signifies their status in society, the more expressive the colors and accessories, the brighter the shades of their dress, the richer and (typically) more powerful they were. One would preferably stick to their homeland's practice, for example Southerners choosing sandals over laced boots, tassets and simple, illustrative shirts over leather trousers and blouses.
Relations with non-humans
Non-humans are not protected the same by Imperial Laws as citizens are, they are considered less of a person to such a degree that it is not uncommon for even murders of Elves to result in nothing more than a fine if the murderer was a noble.
The Empire does not imagine itself as a place for the non-human, but it still makes pragmatic use of them. Dwarves, especially those who follow Balthazar, while properly kept in their own neighborhoods and ghettos, are still regarded as skilled craftsmen and are employed by Imperials for those skills. While elves sometimes provide basic hunting and lumbering work for human store owners, some even manage to become tailors working for a Human manager. Women not going beyond simple occupations in the fields, as laundry workers, cleaners, or having to live by the day or sell their bodies in the towns.
While still allowing non-humans to exist, likely solely for the virtue of their physical appearance being close enough to humans, paradoxically, humans regard Dwarves and Elves as descendants of the great betrayers of Valthos. This event is widely believed to be true across the whole continent, fitting well with the racism widespread between both nobility and the common people. It is however The clergy the most prominent proponent of openly antagonizing and further limiting the freedom of those two races because of that past event.
Indeed, Elves and Dwarves have been treated poorly by Humans already way before the coming of the Empire, the latter having only slightly worsened things due to the massive spreading of its religious beliefs. These non-humans are often required to work low-skilled jobs for less pay and are confined to ghettos or poor home conditions. Working for the nobility is often an avenue to escape from these conditions, offering better pay, better home arrangements and generally a better standard of living. However such comes at a great cost of dignity, and it is not unheard of for such arrangements to lead to frequent abuse.
Ogroids (or 'Greenskins') are considered savages, the common consensus being that they are nothing better than vermin and an infestation.
Only those who look mostly human, such as some Orcs, can be tolerated to some degree. This however isn’t entirely true for goblins or Ogres, which look further different than Humans, causing a general feel of distrust, fear, and disgust.
The Ilthir (Dark Elves in the Human language) are not known by the overwhelming majority of people, including other non-humans: there are only rumors and stories depicting them as dangerous, treacherous people that appear in dark dreams, or come to steal from undefended houses or villages in the country. Most people, when meeting an Ilthir, would think that they are simply talking with some exotic-looking, foreign Elf, though those that are cultured or part of the higher authorities, such as the Tribunal or higher ranks of the military, would know how to easily recognize them, and would know that they are suspicious, possibly dangerous inhabitants of an alien underground reign if not a rival empire.
Fraternizing with them would be considered treasonous. As always though, some corrupted officials might turn a blind eye to individuals trading or dealing with the Dark Elves for example in exchange for information, in cases that would benefit the Empire or its citizens. The only regions where contact with Ilthir was at least in the past less rare, were some remote regions of Kheman.
Beastkin and Fae, or even Tlatlacah (Serpent men in the Human language) are considered to be simply dangerous beasts, and are by far the most common antagonists of scary tales. Fortunately, they are also very rare and most of the common folks would just have heard vague stories about them.
How to play
Humans can have several different ways of playing, but usually they all tend to group in small settlements, villages or towns, and to occupy a very specific position and profession in these small communities, be it blacksmith, town major, village elder, tax collector, registered prostitute or tavern keeper but also a feared and respected member of the Clergy such as an Inquisitor, or a representative of the Law such as a Fatebinder (see Laws of the Empire).
As part of the Empire, divide and rule over your enemies, put them against each other, watch them fight while you vigilantly watch over them from the safety of your walls.
Humans can also be part of a specific organization and play quite differently, such as a soldier of the Imperial Army, a member of the The Tribunal, or of a knightly order, such as the Order of the Rose, or the Hammers of Dawn, but also a member of the local resistance from the defeated Kressmor Guard, or the famed mercenary company of the Ivory Brotherhood.
The locals (Black Dome) in particular might each have their own goals and very different views of the Empire, many of them considering all foreigners in their lands to be nothing but invaders.
All humans have in common the justified fear for the unknown and the legendary monstrous races that inhabit these regions at the borders of the known world, and the suspicion and prejudice, if not utter hate, towards any non-human race. The only non-humans tolerated in human settlements, albeit treated like second class beings would be Elves and Dwarves, anyone else seen either as a dangerous, deadly monster, or as a racial enemy and never invited nor let go unscratched from any encounter. The despise for races different from them is inherent in humans overall and fully part of their normal culture, not just of those people who are extremely invested in the concept of the Empire.
Characteristics
-
Human Morale: Humans are very collaborative: they get +1 to attack and +2 to willpower when they are together with other humans in a fight (see Table of racial characteristics)
-
Humans belonging to certain Factions have access to better equipment and slightly increased silver on character creation, and access to weekly salary
-
Languages: Common
-
Height limits 162 to 189 cm
Authors: Rashan, Maya, Hokan, Ate
Want to register a Human? Use this template!
For more info, check our How to Join section!