Human

Humans are the most prolific race on the surface of Hearth, though are far outnumbered by the dwarves below. The vast majority of humans live within the Ring, in the major cities in areas of geothermal activity, though true to their wanderlust nature have villages dotting the world in even the most unlikely places. Regardless of locale, humans are lovers of story and song, and considered to be the most imaginative of Hearth races. A bard can be as respected as the emperor for a time if he has an unheard story and a masterful way to its telling. Sagas and epics in particular will hold most spell bound, and none can tell one like a human. This imagination both fascinates and frightens other races, such as the dwarves, who have never fought with humankind except on individual or clan basis. Then it is usually the eventual death of the dwarf, for even the Midgard will admit that when mankind turn this creative potential to killing they are second to none.

Imperical & Longhouse Humans
Because even in Hearth's past rain and clouds have been an almost ever-present feature of the world, few ever developed darkened skin. Most are pale skinned without freckles, and a large minority are truly albino, possessing blue eyes with a pinkish tinge instead of red. Hair spans all colors, though blondes, platinum, and a very light orange are most common, followed by auburn, black, and then brown.

Amongst most Ring inhabitants the thickness (though not necessarily length) of beard, head and body hair amongst human males are often indicative of attractiveness.

Woman likewise never cut their hair, and those that are thin and slight of build are considered unable to keep their body temperatures up. They are thus considered highly unattractive, even more so than extreme obesity. In fact, at least a slight amount of body fat is expected, mostly about the bust and buttocks. The majority of human woman are strong and curvaceous, have hair past her feet, large hips and a generous bosom. Such is considered the height of beauty. The giving of a long braid of hair is a sign of love, and nearly every husband has such a gift coiled within their jerkins, over their heart. These Ring humans, though ranging amongst the entire spectrum of personalities, are generally neutral or neutral good, staying to the law as it suits, but snubbing their noses at it when it oversteps its bounds.



Imperial & Longhouse Traits

In addition to standard human traits, they gain a +2 racial bonus to Perform checks. Once per day they may have a stroke of brilliance that grants them a +2 unnamed bonus to any check. This may stack with their bonus to Perform.

Liccan


Liccan standards are nearly opposite that of Ring outsiders, with leanly muscular, petite woman being the ideal, and the men shaved and strong, though of whiplash builds. They have a pale sallow complexion and large almond eyes of unusual beauty compared to other humans. Hair color is usually dark, though a large minority are born with completely white hair.

Liccan humans are most often lawful neutral, for they have been led by strict laws and iron traditions since time inmemorable.

Liccan (Human) Traits

In addition to normal human traits Liccans gain the following:
 * Exotic Weapon Familiarity: Liccans have an innate familiarity with a variety of weapons most others have forgotten. Liccans with a BAB of +1 gain proficiency with the kama, nunchaku, quarterstaff, sai, shuriken, and siangham.
 * Rigid Mind: Liccans gain a +2 bonus to resist mind-affecting effects.

Poqtian
Poqtians were once Liccans a thousand years before, but due to philosophical differences left the great city to pursue their own paths.

Breeding with other human races during their search for a new home, an unexpected mutation occurred, resulting in great stature amongst the Poqtian people. Even the most petite women amongst their people tend towards over 6' and 200 lbs. Men measuring nearly 9' and upwards of 500 lbs. are not unheard of. Due to this many refer to them as giants, though they possess no actual giant blood.

They are also, to an individual, psionic, their meditations and self-searching performed nearly from birth awakening them to inner power. Usually of the psychometabolic discipline.

Though fearless sailers and leviathan hunters, Poqtians are raised as pacifists, with the greatest respect for sentient life. As such even the most violent amongst them pause before spilling the blood of an intelligent. They are almost always Lawful Good, or within one step of this alignment (Neutral Good or Lawful Neutral).

Poqtian (Human) Traits

In addition to normal human traits, a Poqtian gains the following: +2 Str, +2 Con

Powerful Build: The physical stature of Poqtians lets them function in many ways as if they were one size category larger. Whenever a Poqtian is subject to a size modifier or special size modifier for an opposed check (such as during grapple checks, bull rush attempts, and trip attempts), the Poqtian is treated as one size larger if doing so is advantageous to him. A Poqtian is also considered to be one size larger when determining whether a creature’s special attacks based on size (such as improved grab or swallow whole) can affect him. A Poqtian can use weapons designed for a creature one size larger without penalty. However, his space and reach remain those of a creature of his actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change the subject’s size category. Naturally Psionic: Poqtians gain 2 bonus power points at 1st level. This benefit does not grant them the ability to manifest powers unless they gain that ability through another source, such as levels in a psionic class. Pacifistic: Against any creature known to the Poqtian as being sentient, the Poqtian takes a -2 penalty to attacks and damage. They also take a -4 penalty to initiative against such opponents. Against opponents with an Int of 3 or less, or against a creature not recognizable as sentient, the Poqtian takes no penalty. Level Adjustment: +1