Human

Non-playable.

Race: Human
Government: The Council of Elders

Lifespan: 70-90 years
Average height: Male [5ft 10in] Female [5ft 6in]
Average build: Various
Age status: Child [0-12 years] Teenager [12-18 years] Adult [18-90 years]

Cultures: Terran & Elysian
Organisations: Old Society, Blood Rites, Priesthood of Anthorra
Special: Xanth's Favour
Capital: New Alexandria
Region: The River Cora, Elysia
Language:

• English (Official)
• French
• Greek
• Arabic
• and many others

Family Structure: Nuclear
Patron Deity: Xanthorra the Creator

General Background

In Elysia, there are two types of human. They're both identical in terms of genetics and abilities (or, more importantly, lack of abilities) but they're divided because each one has a different background. Elysian humans are those who were born and raised in Elysia. They've lived in Elysia or its outer realms all their lives and are accustomed to the other races. They feel at home here even though they, unlike the other races, have no supernatural powers; Elysia is their home.

Terran humans, on the other hand, were born and raised on Earth. Like Elysian humans, they have no supernatural abilities but, unlike Elysian humans, Terrans don't fit in right away. Some of them never do.

For the most part, Terrans never even realise that Elysia exists, a state that is carefully protected because the mass-panic induced by Elysia's exposure would bring Earth and quite possibly Elysia to their knees. Of the few humans who do learn of Elysia's existence, many of them come to hate or fear the powerful inhabitants and so the secret is protected at all costs.

However, there are instances where Terrans have discovered Elysia or its inhabitants. A starving vampire who attacks mindlessly; a Therian who doesn't bother to look before morphing; a Zanaryan who forgets to cover his wings: these are all problems that have arisen in the past and no doubt will again. Over the centuries, certain Elysian humans have formed a society dedicated to keeping Elysia secret and safe, an organisation they call the Old Society.

The Old Society

The Society is the civilian arm of the New Alexandrian government, housed in the Great Library at the epicentre of the city. They are charged with the welfare of Elysian humans and the day-to-day running of the society, answering directly to the Council of Elders and playing a large part in negotiations between the races of Elysia to ensure peace. Additionally, they have a controlling interest in many commercial enterprises and private businesses to better enable them to keep Elysia's secret.

The Society works closely with other races to clean up the messes made by other Elysians, preferring non-violent means but not at all averse to using dirtier methods. In many cases, they recruit Terrans who have stumbled across Elysia, particularly if that Terran possesses desirable skills.

Unfortunately, not all threats can be solved peacefully or quietly. There have been many instances where Terrans have threatened to expose Elysia by going to the media or officials and a frightening number of them have gathered evidence to prove their stories. More terrifying are the organisations that spring up around these individuals, organisations that will go to any lengths to annihilate or capture those they don't understand. In response, a small group of humans branched off from the Old Society with a new aim.

The Blood Rites Squadron

When it became clear that peaceful methods don't always get the job done and that some people are bent on hating Elysians or trying to destroy them, the Blood Rites Squadron was formed. Highly trained assassins and mercenaries, they were the Old Society's last line of defense. Devoted to the Creator Xanthorra, these warriors would kill or die to protect Elysia and its inhabitants. When all other methods fail, the Blood Rites Squadrons are sent to make sure any threat is extinguished.

The Council of Elders

The Council, led by the Mayor, oversees all branches of New Alexandria's government including the Society, Blood Rites and the Priesthood. Using a combination of nomination and election, council positions are filled with high-ranking officials from all three branches to a total of seven. The process of nomination is long-winded and complicated, designed to eliminate those unworthy or unsuitable as positions on the council are lifelong.

Ultimately responsible for the entire human race, the Council demand much of their people but give much in return. Their diplomacy keeps the peace between humanity and the rest of Elysia and they have direct access to Xanth.

The Priesthood of Anthorra

Twelve thousand years ago, a young farmer named Daniel founded the Priesthood of Anthorra, an order devoted to the worship of Xanth the Creator. As the first witness, not only to her magnificent powers but the Arrival itself, Daniel was both Prophet and Priest. From those humble first days, Daniel spread tales of Xanth's power and the Priesthood grew. As first the people began to make necklaces and small offerings, soon the first statue was built and then, after three centuries of worship, the first temple in Her honour.

The Priesthood continued to develop and quickly became organised, naturally falling into a hierarchy. Their devotion brought them Xanth's favour and a symbiotic relationship grew between them. As more and more offerings were made, and prayers sent, Xanth turned to the Priesthood as liaisons. In return, she gave them gifts.

Unfortunately, as time passed, so did the Priesthood. Xanth was forced to create Elysia as a refuge from the Terrans who feared her children and though the human race was invited to join them nothing was ever the same again. Xanth fell out of favour and her temples into ruin but she never forgot the devotion she had received for those many years.

Xanth's Favour

Humans may not be telepathic or able to lift a horse with one hand. They may not have skin the consistency of rock or wings to fly. Humans are an adaptable race and even though they're at a distinct advantage against the other races, they have survived in Elysia for centuries. For the most part, it's thanks to the careful organisation of the Council and Society and their dedication to keeping their people and their world safe and secret. It also has to do with the fact that Xanth is on their side.

All humans, whether born in Elysia or brought there, automatically have the benefit of Xanth's favour. If a human makes an offering or helps Xanth in some way, her respect for them will increase twice as much as it would for anyone else who makes the same offering. Humans may not be born with special abilities but earning Xanth's admiration, and therefore her willingness to grant a boon or two, is much easier for them than it is for anyone else.