Human

 

Physiology

Humans are adaptable and diverse, flourishing in all climates and all regions, in wilderness, rural and urban environments. They have a wide range of appearances, with skin tones ranging from pale to pinkish, through a wide range of reddish and yellowish browns to nearly black. Their hair can be blonde, brown, orange, black, and thin or thick, wirey or coarse, curly or straight. Their appearance characteristics tend to be hereditary and homogenizing, meaning parents with radically different features will tend to have children who express moderated features that combine the traits of both parents. Humans stand 160 cm and weigh 64 kg on average.

Life Cycle

Human life cycles are 3 years long. Humans will tend to have several relationships over the course of their lives, though those that enter into a reproductive partnership tend to become lifelong monogamous partners once they have children. Human families will vary significantly in size, with family size tending to correlate with social status. Families on the lower end of the social hierarchy tend to have more children, sometimes even as many 8 to 10 or more, as life expectancy is lower and there is more physical labour to be managed. Families in the upper social strata will tend to have fewer children, sometimes only one, if this seems the prudent path to consolidating their wealth, influence and power.

Culture

Humans are strongly social, but preoccupied with their social status; constantly aspiring to improve it. They are hard working when it pays, but also skilled at shirking responsibility, avoiding work, and taking undue credit when they can get away with it. Humans are cocksure and brazen, and their willingness to step up to challenges they are not at all prepared for is inspiring if not always wise. This confidence is often mistaken by members of other species for genuine capability, and consequently, humans often find themselves out of their depth, and having to rely on their wits and determination.

Adjustments

Humans are self-assured and determined, and gain bonuses to their Confidence, Conviction and Resolve. They suffer from reduced Alertness, likely arising not from any physiological failing, but rather from a general disinterest in simply paying attention. Humans have the Overconfident perk, and they also start with Apprentice level of mastery and a free initial roll in the Trades skill field.