THE HUMANS

Average Lifespan: 2 ½ Tam'nýer—a''n Years / 75 Earth Years

Age of Maturity: 5 Tam'nýer—a''n months / 16 Earth Years

Age of maturity for humans in Tam'nýer—a' is 16 earth years, (or 5 Tam'nýer—a''n months), so places like Fawzia-Kedet, ZàÞça and Püertagœ, for human families it is considered normal that children begin learning their parents trade anywhere from 10-12 earth years old. This is to ensure that once the child is mature they have not only a deep grasp of at least one trade, but experience and a chance to have already begun getting their name out there. Of course, this is most important in Püertagœ considering the weight of reputation and the amount of competition due to its populace.

Aging Process: Like humans on earth, human children of Tam'nýer—a' age much like we do, but only a little faster. At the age of 16 earth years, or 5 Tam'nýer—a''n months they are expected and viewed with the same expectations as we have on Earth at 18 years of age. Physical development stops at 6 Tam'nýer—a''n months.

During the final stages of life after a human reaches 1 ½ Tam'nýer—a''n Years the signs of aging begin to set in. Balding is not an issue, but hair will begin to fade and turn white or ashen coloured over time, skin will begin to wrinkle around edges of the eyes, mouth, and hands. The aging process is very gradual, and some humans will age slower than others, but the average lifespan remains the same among humans. Muscle degeneration also begins at 2 Tam'nýer—a''n Years of age, and most if not all humans begin to feel arthritic pains in their wrists.

Names:

Humans distinctly have 3 names; 2 given names and their surname, or 'family' name. Some Humans are gifted with the first given name of each parent followed by the surname.

For example (using Earth names):

Joe Susan Marshall or Susan Joe Marshall

Most families tend to 'recycle' names, honouring relatives by passing on their names, and mix-matching them with other relatives to name their children.

Although some Human families will chose the first given name, and give their child the option of choosing their second and which they would like to go by once they reach maturity.

It should be stated that every Human name should include at least one Foreign Language Letter. The foreign language letters must correspond to the ones used in C'ërod.

Physical Attributes:
This subject most likely comes off as pretty explanatory. Their heights can range from 4ft to 6'4"ft, on average, of course. But there are some other keen anatomical differences that should be mentioned;

The main difference is hypermobility in the wrists, also known as double jointed, and every Human has this.

An appearance of a gene slowly being bred out; slightly elongated ears, able to twitch and move back against the skull in order to hear behind the individual to a better degree.

Balding is extremely rare.

Calluses are also a more frequent occurrence and do not require as much repeated friction or pressure to form. For instance, if, as a child, your character was prone to falling, the knees would become callused as a natural protective response.

EYE, HAIR & SKIN COLOURS

Religious Views:
Humans on Tam'nýer—a' are a race that are changing culturally. With the Gods perceived as dead for the most part, the 'lack' of beliefs is now being replaced by superstitions surrounding every day life. Albeit, it is having, one could say, a stronger hold on the people to 'behave' than the Gods did, as the repercussions are practically perceived by all. If someone thinks less of you and the grapevine begins to churn out rumours, you may be greeted by the stigma 'Judgement'. Behaviours are bold, almost cutthroat if you know how to and desire to play the game. Or, there is the truly 'ignorance is bliss' way of life; doing your work, having friends, and keeping 'clean' by keeping to your own corner of the world.

Some Humans however, choose to still worship the dead Gods, as many of Tam'nýer—a''s holidays still revolve around them. Even the weeks are attributed to the Gods. But the Gods are now mixed in with this evolving superstitious culture. However, if Humans are known for something other than their stigmas & superstitious culture it is their mechanical engineering. Think physics, metalwork such as gears, pulleys and wood. Entertainment, science and their way of life are dependent upon this skill that seems to come naturally to them.

Magic:
In the realm of magics, Humans are the most neutral in ability. They have a tendency to dip their fingers into which ever aspect of magic they so choose, aside from Ãoni chanting magic, of course. While the Khah's and Ãoni also take the cake where healing magics are concerned, a Human doctor drawing on magic, can still be quite talented and reputable in the field.

Sexual Practices:
The sexual practices of Tam'nýer—a''n Humans is exactly like ours on Earth, with one major exception. Because Tam'nýer—a''n Humans develop callouses atrociously quick, this unfortunately means that both men and women, if vigorously shagging and doing so without proper lubrication, may not feel sex quite so much when they are older, as their genitals will develop callouses, cutting down viciously on sensation.

Which means that, if as a teenager you were all too eager one too many times, when you're old and grey, it doesn't matter what they do to you at a brothel, you might not feel anything, yet still be able to get erect. Talk about torture! Again though, this only happens if you don't practice safe sex and use lube. Otherwise, you're in the clear.

Pregnancy:
Human pregnancy is a term of 2 Tam'nýer—a''n weeks, and despite having such a reasonable term time, this does not impede on how many offspring they can produce. Humans can give birth to 1-4 children per completed term, but beware, the more children the higher the chance for death to the mother or some of the offspring being stillborn.

Reproduction: Humans can crossbreed with Ãoni, Z'sa'Ză-'Bäa, Khah', & Nkhya'jra.

*Please note that if you do wish to write a crossbred character that in Tam'nýer—a' the child will always take after the mother more

Diet:
Diets throughout the various human settlements are generally the same. Meats, whether they be dried, smoked, or cooked. Vegetables tend to be either raw or cooked, depending on what is the regional way to prepare them, and the same with grains, although most grains are saved for alcohol making purposes. An example of this is that Wôrdiţ candied jerky is a well-loved treat in Püertagœ, while in Fawzia-Kedet it is usually marinated in a spicy sauce and then cooked up. This dish is akin to a venison curry and is in part thanks to the proximity and close trading relationship Fawzia-Kedet has with the Z'sa'Ză-'Bäa. Don't forget that Humans also participate in cannibalism, and is viewed as perfectly normal since human meat is one of the easiest to get a hold of a soup kitchen.

Homes, Clothing & Jewelry:
Traditional Human homes, clothing & jewelry vary greatly upon their location of settlement. Each destination has a distinct style, sometimes borrowing from whatever close ties they have with other cultures.

In order to properly tell of all the different architectural, and appearance styles, which are, at their foundation Human culture, you can find the information on the associating DESTINATION pages:

Piercings:

Humans take part in earlobe piercings only, though it must be mentioned that it is very rare for a couple of reasons. One of them is that it requires a bit of money are one needs to be able to afford a strong, reliable antiseptic for a long period of time as acute infection is common. However, the commonality of infection is also why most people are turned off from the practice as some feel it is not worth the hassle.

That aside, both men and women partake in piercing, though women do have a higher rate of doing so , despite the risks, as it is rather stylish. The trend is to wear long, trailing earrings so that it can glint even when potentially lost in one's hair. Of course, again, this is also to show off one's wealth.

Püertagœ

ZàÞça

Fawzia-Kedet

Courting:

When it comes to courting for Humans, and in part because they are so wide spread and arguably the most mix-bred, courting practices vary. Sometimes it's merely a question of asking someone, sometimes a simple gift of a single flower. Some may even go so far as to offer jewelry. Whatever the case may be, whoever tickles your fancy, the only thing that really seems to matter is that you waste no time dallying about it. Not saying anything is probably the only thing not to do. While it seems a given, because you cannot court someone without telling or asking them, it is also regarded as somewhat cowardly, especially in places like Püertagœ where reputation & appearance are everything. If people think you're a coward when it comes to love, an extremely strong emotion, what could that mean about your conviction?

Marriage:
Before we dive into specifics of a Human marriage ceremony, should probably tackle that marriage isn't really talked about being 'marriage', it is referred to as Uniting; two people coming together and becoming one in the Gods' eyes, becoming united. Both girls and boys can get married as early as 5 Tam'nýer—a''n months, (which roughly equates to 16 earth years), as this is their age of maturity.

For Brides, their hair is traditionally braided by their mother or closest friends, and has the option of being wrapped into a bun. If the bride's hair is put into a bun, the groom will undo it, leaving only the braid, and this is done during the wedding ceremony. If it is not, that's fine. The main symbolism is the braid itself. That is because it represents a woman's maidenhood (understand that 'maidenhood' here it means either virginity or virginity in the sense with said person that she is marrying), and the groom will take out her hair ultimately when they consummate their marriage. A bride's dress should always be primarily red.

For the grooms, instead of shaving as a means of being more presentable, they have to have some sort of facial hair. Usually only one Tam'nýer—a''n day worth (no need to drown your new bride in a beard Guan Yu style). But facial hair aside, the groom and his chosen friends go to the bride's residence to pick her up, and the groom must carry her to their wedding location. This is

mainly to show her parents and loved ones that she is in good hands, and that the gentleman is truly devoted to his

wife-to-be.

Marriage ceremonies, where ever they are held, have an archway. This threshold is supposed to be the barrier to keep the wedding grounds sacred and cleansed of all bad energy and negative spirits. This way the couple may have the most auspicious start possible. To further this, and show determination and strike fear into the potentially rain-on-the special-day spirits, an axe embedded into the ground is not an uncommon sight. However this tradition is starting to die out, and the archway being recognized as enough. If an axe is used though, it will be given to the couple at the end of the ceremony to place under the bed for their first time making love.

During the ceremony the bride and groom exchange floral garlands, which they have made for each other. This precedes an exchange of rings, which are worn on the index finger of whichever is the dominant hand of the bride and groom.

Names After Marriage:

In most cultures on Earth, it is the man who passes on his familial name, or a woman can opt for keeping her maiden name, however this is still considered rare or odd. In Tam'nýer—a''n Human culture it is not a gender based, in fact gender plays no role in who takes who's name. It is based on familial power, and notoriety. Whichever name holds more weight, is the one that is taken.

But what if your families are technically equal in power? For instance, what if you are a member of the 12 marrying another member of the 12? Then it might be drawn down to personal notoriety and power.
A great example of this would be the possible uniting between Marija Zara Zûtran & D'rÿden Kăval Sum’nër’; Marija would end up taking the Sum’nër’ surname for multiple reasons, but most notably would be that D'rÿden is a Starosta (Head of Family) as Heads of Family cannot change their last names.

Death:
Humans are generally put out to sea or donated to the person's choosing; education of medicine or feeding the poor. In the city of Püertagœ the people have found a better purpose for those that have passed and find solace in either using their dead for medicinal reasons or donating them to the meat markets in the slums.

It should be noted though that some families, namely those who can afford it and have room, take practice in having an 'Ancestry Room'. This room is primarily used for grieving the dead and getting advice from either one's ancestors or closer relatives who have recently passed on. What makes an Ancestry Room an Ancestry Room though, you ask? Well, before a person's body is 'given away' either to the sea or a place for use, death masks are made, and hung in throughout the room. However, what the masks are made of, like most things in Human culture, denote status. Some cheaper death masks are made from wax, as they clearly can deform over time or on very hot days if not kept safe and cool. Clay masks are also made, along with glass and metal. Glass ones in particular are made with tempered glass as they can be covered with a papier mâché and lit with candles almost making the faces seem alive.

Burial Superstitions:

Being buried face down in the ground in Human culture is, for the most part, perceived as the worst disgrace and this disgrace is usually of the moral kind. For instance, Yäle Shìdday Sum’nër’, despite being a child of one the 12 Greater Families of Püertagœ (ruling class), due to all the atrocities she committed during her life was buried face down (after her body was paraded through Püertagœ). This denotes that Yäle, or anyone else buried like this, is unworthy to even look towards the Gods, and stare for all eternity into the shame that is Jn's body. All in all, being buried face down represents treachery to one's kin, country and peers. Murderers tend to buried in this way, as well as repeat criminals.

THE ARTS

Traditional Music:
Traditional music of Humans varies greatly upon their location of settlement. Each destination has a distinct style, sometimes borrowing from whatever close ties they have with other cultures.

For instance, Püertagœn music is akin to ZàÞçan music, as these two styles are distinctly layered. Whereas, in Fawzia-Kedet, given its history of once being Nkhya'jran, retains distinct sounds of its original culture.

In order to properly tell of all the different musical styles, which are, at their foundation Human culture, you can find the information on the associating DESTINATION pages:

Püertagœ

ZàÞça

Fawzia-Kedet

Traditional Dances:

Human traditional dances vary greatly, but follow a general rule of what have come to know as medieval dances, such as the Saltarello, Black Nag and Estampie, which is used as an example below.

Generally Human dances are designed for big groups for dance halls or couples, and they also vary from being formal to 'for the plebs'.

YourDanceConnexion

RITUALS & TRADITIONS

Communing with the Goddess:
There is a practice that may seem odd to us, but is common practice among the Human women of Tam'nýer—a' and that is to menstruate into a spring, river or ocean in private to commune with the goddess Q'Tam'šmă.

By doing this, they are embracing their womanhood and are telling the Mother Goddess that they are ready to begin their lives as a woman, shedding their girlhood. This does not have to be their first menstruation though. It is when the parents and girl are all in agreement that a sense of maturity has been reached.

This private ceremony can also be done in preparation for motherhood, seen as an offering to aid the woman get with child. Or in other circumstances, such as cleansing and realigning oneself due to feeling that they have lost their way, or as a healing process in the situation of a violation, be it sexual or no, because even though the Goddess may be dead, her waters are still living.

Each time a woman does this, all she must do in exchange is come bearing a lit lantern symbolizing being guided by her own will and inner light, and also bringing the goddess Q'Tam'šmă an offering of warmth and solace in exchange for her healing.

Crop Insurance:
In Human culture, it is not an unlikely sight to see farmers making love on the recently harvested crops to make certain that the soil is fertile for the next year. While this might be something we perceive as ludicrous, even shameful, to the Humans of Tam'nýer—a' it is a time honoured tradition. In fact, some farmers believe that it is best to have witnesses to this crop-communion to insure that whilst human eyes can see it, so too can the Gods. But this also means that the love making cannot be simply run-of-the-mill. It must be an act of love and genuine feeling.