Humans

Origin Story

In a realm beyond the Antæran crystal sphere, where deities played the games of fate and power, there existed Ukrol, a deity of formidable might and dark ambition. His eyes, ever covetous, were set upon the subjugation of all races under his dominion. But in this realm, his ruthless crusade was thwarted, not by mortals, but by his own kin — a pantheon of deities who saw Ukrol's tyranny as a threat to the cosmic balance. In a celestial conflict as old as time, Ukrol was vanquished and exiled, forced to abandon his lofty throne and seek refuge in another reality.

Carrying with him his mortal children, the progeny of his divine will, Ukrol traversed the boundaries of existence and found sanctuary in the world of Antæra. Upon the vast, windswept Antæran Plains, he deposited his children, humans, in a land rich with potential but unclaimed by deity or creature. In this new world, the humans found their footing, and in reverence to their patron deity, they began a religion in his name — a testament to their unwavering loyalty and a reminder of their origins in a realm far away.

From these humble beginnings, the seeds of an empire were sown. Guided by the tenets of Ukrol’s dominion and driven by the ambition instilled in them, the humans expanded across the continent of Antæra. Their empire, mighty and resolute, spread its reach, enveloping land after land. But with expansion came subjugation, as every race in their path was either enslaved or bent to their will. It was a time of conquest and dominion, a dark era where the name of Ukrol was both feared and revered.

However, empires built on tyranny seldom endure. The vast human empire, stretched across the continent and drunk on its own power, eventually met its downfall. As the human empire continued to assert its influence across Antæra, a new force began to rise in response. This force, a heraldic order known as the Fist of Iron, was dedicated to the principles of valor and honor, embodied by their deity, Leonus Ironmane. The Fist of Iron stood in stark contrast to the prevailing culture of this empire, with its roots in tyranny and dominance. In a decisive and historic battle, the Fist of Iron emerged victorious. Their triumph was not just a military feat; it was the culmination of a movement fueled by the desire for a just and honorable society.

The once-mighty empire receded, shrinking back to the confines of the Antæran Plains. In this time of tumult and change, the Cult of Ukrol, which had been the empire's religious cornerstone, fell into dormancy. Its temples and altars were replaced by those dedicated to other deities, and its once unchallenged doctrines were questioned and abandoned. In the ashes of the old empire, a new state was born — the New Haven Imperium. It was a realm that carried the legacy of its predecessor not in religious zeal, but as a cultural ethos. The traditions of slavery and dominance, so deeply ingrained in the society, persisted. However, they were no longer the divine commandments of Ukrol; instead, they became the cultural norms of a people shaped by their history, by their fall, and by their unrelenting will to survive and thrive in the world that had been their sanctuary and battleground.

Thus, the humans of Antæra, the children of Ukrol, continued to carve their destiny in this new world. Shaped by their past and looking towards the future, they stood at the crossroads of history, where the shadow of a deity and the legacy of an empire defined the path ahead.

General Culture

In the diverse and sprawling continent of Antæra, the human culture is deeply rooted in a complex and enigmatic past. These humans, originally hailing from another reality, were brought to Antæra by the enigmatic and evil deity Ukrol, known as the Patron of Humans. The impact of this otherworldly origin and the influence of Ukrol have significantly shaped the human societies and their worldviews.

Ukrol's Influence and Human Supremacy:
Ukrol instilled in his followers a doctrine of human superiority, fostering a belief that humans are destined to rule over other races, either through eradication or domination. This belief system, deeply ingrained in the oldest human bloodlines, has led to an imperialistic nature within human societies. The legacy of Ukrol manifests in the way these humans approach other cultures and races, often with a sense of inherent supremacy and a mission to expand their influence.

Imperial Culture and Adaptability:
Human culture on the continent of Antæra is predominantly imperial. The societies are characterized by their desire for expansion, control, and the establishment of their dominion across the land. Alongside this imperialistic drive, humans greatly value adaptability. Their ability to acclimate to various environments, situations, and challenges is considered a vital strength. This adaptability has allowed them to thrive in diverse regions of Antæra and is often seen as a key factor in their success in empire-building and maintaining control over vast territories.

Variation in Belief Systems:
Despite the overarching themes of imperialism and adaptability, not all humans in Antæra adhere strictly to the ideals of superiority as professed by Ukrol. This is particularly true for the younger and less traditional bloodlines. While the oldest families might staunchly uphold the doctrines of human supremacy, newer generations and those from different backgrounds often possess a more diverse range of views. Many among these newer bloodlines question the morality and sustainability of such superiority, advocating for more harmonious coexistence with other races and cultures. This divergence in beliefs has led to a complex societal fabric, where varying ideologies and values coexist, sometimes contentiously, within human communities.

Cultural Dynamics:
The human culture in Antæra, therefore, is not monolithic but rather a tapestry of varied ideologies, beliefs, and practices. While the shadow of Ukrol and the historical legacy of human supremacy continue to influence many, a growing number of humans are seeking paths divergent from these ancient doctrines. This dynamic creates a culture that is at once traditional and evolving, as humans navigate their imperial past and the changing realities of their present and future on the continent of Antæra.

Subculture: Deepfolk

In the shadowy depths of the Earthspire Expanse lies a unique human subculture known as the Deepfolk. Their history is one of exile and zealotry, having been driven underground into this alternate plane following the downfall of the Cult of Ukrol, to which they were fervent adherents. In the Earthspire Expanse, they established their capital, Deepholme, a city reflective of their resilience and the harsh conditions of their subterranean world. The Deepfolk exhibit a strong preference for certain paths in their spiritual and mystical practices. Central to their cultural identity are two primary vocations that align closely with their beliefs and abilities: becoming clerics of Ukrol and pursuing the development of their innate psionic gifts to become Psions.

The cultural emphasis on becoming clerics of Ukrol or pursuing the path of a Psion reflects the Deepfolk's values and priorities. Both roles play crucial parts in upholding the societal structure and enforcing the principles upon which their society is built. The clerics reinforce the religious and ideological beliefs of Ukrol, while the Psions offer a more direct and practical manifestation of their supremacy doctrine through mental prowess and manipulation.

Physical Appearance:
The Deepfolk are distinguished by their striking physical traits, adaptations to the unique environment of the Earthspire Expanse. Their skin exhibits hues ranging from dark blue to purple, a direct adaptation to the miasma that permeates their underground home. Their eyes are various shades of red, piercing in the dim light of the subterranean realm, while their hair is often silky white to silver, contrasting starkly with their dark skin.

Culture and Beliefs:
Central to the culture of the Deepfolk is the belief in domination and slavery of other races, a practice ingrained in their societal fabric. This stems from their unwavering belief in the dogma of Ukrol, which preaches human supremacy and the subjugation of other races. Their culture has evolved around these tenets, making them one of the most reviled and feared groups in the realm.

Conflict with the Drow:
The Deepfolk's aggressive stance towards other races is epitomized in their ongoing conflict with the Drow. Sharing the underground domains of the Earthspire Expanse has led to relentless battles and strife, as both races vie for control and dominance in the subterranean corridors and caverns.

Deepholme: The Capital City:
Deepholme, the capital of the Deepfolk, stands as a formidable bastion in the Earthspire Expanse. This city, carved into the heart of the underground, is a symbol of their enduring spirit and their ability to thrive in adverse conditions. It reflects the cultural ethos of the Deepfolk – a society built on the principles of power, control, and the unyielding belief in their own supremacy.

Reputation and Relations:
The Deepfolk's practices of enslavement and domination have garnered them a notorious reputation. They are widely regarded as one of the most despised and feared cultures across the realms. Their relentless pursuit of power and their harsh treatment of other races have isolated them, creating numerous enemies and leaving them with few, if any, allies.

Clerics of Ukrol:
Ukrol, the deity revered by the Deepfolk, embodies the principles of human supremacy and dominance over other races. Many Deepfolk choose to become clerics of Ukrol, serving as both spiritual leaders and enforcers of his dogma. These clerics are deeply respected and hold significant power within Deepfolk society. Their role involves not only leading religious ceremonies and rituals but also guiding their people in accordance with Ukrol’s teachings. As clerics, they often invoke divine powers for protection, control, and the subjugation of other races, actions that align with their deity's wishes.

Psions:
Apart from their religious devotion, the Deepfolk also have a strong inclination towards harnessing and developing their psionic abilities. Psionics, a form of supernatural power that taps into one's inner mental abilities, is highly regarded among the Deepfolk. Those who pursue the path of becoming Psions are individuals with innate psionic potential, focusing on honing these abilities to manipulate, control, and dominate. Psions in Deepfolk society are valued for their unique skills, which include telepathy, telekinesis, and various other forms of psychic manipulation. These abilities are particularly effective in their ongoing conflict with the Drow and in maintaining their dominance over enslaved races.

Subculture: Wanderkin

In the vast expanse of Antæra, among the rolling plains and untouched wilderness, there exists a nomadic human subculture known as the Wanderkin. These hardy people have forged a way of life deeply intertwined with the natural world, embodying the essence of druidic traditions and the spirit of nomadism. The Wanderkin, guided by the wisdom of their rangers, roam the diverse plains of Antæra in search of harmony with nature.

In the realm of Antæra, where civilizations rise and fall, the Wanderkin stand as a testament to the enduring power of nature. They are the druids of the open plains, the rangers of the untamed wilderness, and the harmonious stewards of the spirits that dwell in the land. With their nomadic existence, they remind all who encounter them that there is wisdom and wonder in simplicity, and that the true wealth of Antæra lies not in dominion but in communion with the natural world.

Druidic and Nomadic Society:
The core of Wanderkin culture is their profound connection to the land and its wild inhabitants. They are a society of druids at heart, practitioners of ancient nature magic that allows them to commune with the spirits of the land. Druids among the Wanderkin serve as healers, guides, and wisdom-keepers, their powers derived from the intricate web of life that surrounds them.

Guardians of the Wild:
Rangers play a pivotal role in the Wanderkin society, serving as guardians and protectors of their nomadic clans. These skilled hunters and trackers are attuned to the rhythms of nature, ensuring the safety and sustenance of their people. With their bows and knowledge of the wilderness, rangers are revered as essential figures within the Wanderkin culture.

Rangers among the Wanderkin often form deep bonds with the animals of their homeland. They ride atop the backs of these creatures, forming a symbiotic relationship that extends the rangers’ capabilities and enhances their role as protectors. Whether it be the sturdy hooves of wild horses, the nimbleness of forest-bound elks, or the grace of swift deer, these creatures become the rangers’ companions, allies, and even extensions of themselves.

Spiritual Reverence:
The Wanderkin follow no organized religion but instead hold a deep reverence for the spirits of the land. They believe that every aspect of the natural world possesses a spirit, from the towering trees to the gentle babbling brooks. In their eyes, these spirits are not deities to be worshiped but allies to be honored and respected. The Wanderkin live in harmony with these spirits, seeking their guidance and protection in their daily lives.

Shamans among the Wanderkin are akin to clerics in other societies, yet their devotion is not directed toward deities or organized religions. Instead, they channel their faith and reverence into the very essence of the world around them. They believe that every aspect of nature, from the grandeur of towering trees to the gentle babbling of brooks, possesses a spirit imbued with ancient wisdom and boundless vitality.

Primitive Yet Profound:
To outsiders, the Wanderkin may appear relatively primitive in their way of life. They lack the trappings of advanced civilizations, eschewing the use of arcane magic and complex technologies. However, this simplicity is deceptive. The Wanderkin's needs are not met through traditional means but rather through their spiritual connection with the land. They rely on the benevolence of nature and the fey to provide for them, weaving their existence into the intricate tapestry of the natural world.

Nomadic Essence:
The Wanderkin's nomadic lifestyle is a testament to their adaptability and resilience. They move with the seasons, following the ebb and flow of the land's energy. Their camps are temporary, leaving little impact on the wilderness they call home. This mobility allows them to avoid overtaxing any one area and fosters a profound respect for the balance of ecosystems.