Humans

Humans of Novendragos: Ambition, Adaptation, and the Price of Progress

Humans, the literal offspring of Mandur and Indarra, are the most widespread and relentlessly ambitious species across Novendragos. Marked by their shortened lifespans—a direct consequence of their tumultuous divine inception—they possess an innate, often reckless, drive to build, innovate, and master their volatile world. Their flexibility allows them to adapt to any environment, but this adaptability often pushes them to the brink, risking mutation, trauma, and hubris. They are the pioneers of the arcane-industrial age, but their progress often comes at a steep, unforgiving cost.

Despite their shared lineage, the humans of Novendragos have diverged dramatically, shaped by their unique environments, the influence of their Dragon Overlords, and the enduring echoes of ancient history. Their appearance, dress, and cultural values are as varied as the lands they inhabit, each bearing the marks—both visible and unseen—of their relentless pursuit of power and survival.

Kendron: The Engineered Order

• Culture: Humans in Kendron embody the pinnacle of arcane engineering and disciplined order under Midasaura Goldenwing. They are meticulous, pragmatic, and believe that true harmony is built through precise design and controlled elemental power. Their society is highly structured, valuing education, civic duty, and the seamless integration of magic into daily life. Yet, beneath the polished surface, tensions simmer between those who champion strict adherence to dragon-backed law and those who push forbidden technological boundaries.
• Appearance & Dress: Kendroni humans are of varied complexions. Their attire is functional yet elegant, featuring clean lines and subtle integration of refined drakemetal accents or glowing dragocite circuitry. Colors favor deep blues, silvers, and burnished golds, reflecting their metallic dragon patron. Some elite engineers or Drakemetal Vanguard soldiers might bear intricate, non-magical circuitry tattoos on exposed skin, symbolizing their dedication to engineered power.
• Racial Trait: Arcane Pragmatism. You gain proficiency with tinker's tools. When you make an Intelligence (Investigation) check related to an arcane-powered device or a dragocite mechanism, you can add your proficiency bonus twice to the roll.

Hamurk: The Cold-Forged Zealots

• Culture: The humans of Hamurk are a hardy, stoic people, forged by the bitter cold and unforgiving lands under the fearsome white dragon, Kaldrith. They value strength, endurance, and martial prowess above all, believing only the strongest survive and that weakness must be purged. Their society is tribal, fiercely independent, and often brutal, with a deep-seated suspicion of soft living and uncontrolled magic. Some Hamurkians carry ancient, inherited curses from their ancestors' defiance of primordial forces.
• Appearance & Dress: Hamurkians are often fair-skinned with light hair and eyes, built robustly to withstand the cold. They favor practical, layered clothing made from thick furs, wool, and hardened leather, often adorned with simple, geometric patterns or tribal knots. Heavy cloaks are common. Their armor might incorporate polished bone or primitive drakemetal, and they often wear intricate, braided hairstyles or beards. Their attire is designed for warmth and survival in extreme conditions, with colors leaning towards muted whites, grays, and deep blues.
• Racial Trait: Enduring Resolve. You have advantage on saving throws against cold damage and against effects that would cause exhaustion. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can't use this feature again until you finish a long rest.

Tanbhu: The Enlightened Seekers

• Culture: The native Tan people of Tanbhu, under the ancient topaz dragon Khyentse, are known for their lush realm and their deep respect for knowledge, mental superiority, and vibrant cultural traditions. They are contemplative, value wisdom, and believe true mastery comes from an enlightened mind. Their society is structured around spiritual and intellectual pursuits, with a rich tradition of craftsmanship, art, and philosophical discourse. However, their pursuit of enlightenment sometimes leads to dangerous magical experimentation or the formation of esoteric cults seeking forbidden knowledge.
• Appearance & Dress: Tan humans typically have darker skin tones, often with rich brown or black hair and dark, expressive eyes. Their clothing is flowing and lightweight, made from natural fibers in vibrant, earthy tones like deep greens, rich ochres, and warm reds, often adorned with intricate, hand-woven patterns or subtle, geometric embroidery. Jewelry is common, often featuring polished gems or intricate metalwork. Some scholars might bear ritualistic scarification or temporary elemental tattoos that glow faintly when they engage in deep contemplation or arcane study.
• Racial Trait: Resonant Mind. You gain proficiency in the Religion skill. When you make an Intelligence (Religion) or Intelligence (History) check related to ancient philosophies, divine lore, or the nature of elemental resonance, you can add your proficiency bonus twice to the roll.

Kratakahn: The Unbound Riders

• Culture: The independent people of Kratakahn are denizens of vast, open plains, known for their fierce warrior culture, expert horsemanship, and deep loyalty to their communities, governed by the elected Mudriludh council. They value freedom, self-reliance, and directness, often suspicious of outsiders but respectful of strength. Their lives revolve around their herds, the hunt, and the open sky. Their history is marked by a fierce resistance to outside dominion, leading to a strong anti-authoritarian streak.
• Appearance & Dress: Kratakahns typically have sun-weathered skin, often with dark, braided hair and keen eyes. Their clothing is practical for riding and nomadic life, featuring sturdy leather, woven fabrics, and often vibrant sashes or scarves. Layered tunics, wide trousers, and practical boots are common. They favor strong, simple weaponry and often adorn themselves with practical leather straps, metal studs, or horse-hair braids. Some warriors might have ritualistic brands or tattoos depicting their personal triumphs or oaths of freedom.
• Racial Trait: Plainsborn Resilience. You gain proficiency in the Animal Handling skill. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to gain resistance to that damage type until the start of your next turn. You can use this feature once per long rest.

Shal Manzir: The Fractured Legacy

• Culture: The humans of Shal Manzir are descendants of a vast, xenophobic ancient empire, now existing as a more fragmented state under a silver dragon. Their culture is a complex blend of ancient traditions, a pragmatic approach to trade, and a lingering pride in their past dominance. They value cunning, negotiation, and the strategic acquisition of resources, often viewing external relations through a lens of cautious self-interest. Beneath their refined exterior, many still harbor the xenophobic tendencies of their ancestors, leading to subtle discrimination or outright hostility towards non-humans.
• Appearance & Dress: Shal Manziri humans typically have olive or darker complexions, with dark hair and eyes. Their dress is often more elaborate than other human cultures, featuring fine silks, intricate embroidery, and flowing garments that reflect a history of wealth and intellectual pursuits. Geometric patterns and stylized arcane symbols are common. Colors tend towards deep jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby) or rich desert hues, often with silver or gold accents. Some may wear veiled faces or intricate head coverings, reflecting both tradition and a cautious approach to outsiders.
• Racial Trait: Imperial Cunning. You gain proficiency in the Deception skill. When you make a Charisma (Deception) or Intelligence (History) check related to ancient empires or political intrigue, you can add your proficiency bonus twice to the roll.

Al Zamarud: The Sun-Forged Nomads

• Culture: The humans of Al Zamarud are sun-forged nomads, living alongside the Sandstalker orc tribes in the vast, scorching Bladewind Desert under the brass dragon Kalzar. Their culture is deeply tied to survival in extreme heat, reverence for the desert's beasts, and a pragmatic approach to resources. They are highly communal within their nomadic bands, valuing resilience, resourcefulness, and the wisdom gained from enduring the harsh environment. They are skilled trackers and beast handlers, often serving as guides or scouts for the orc tribes.
• Appearance & Dress: Al Zamarudi humans typically have deep, sun-darkened skin tones, with tightly coiled or braided dark hair. Their lean, resilient physiques are built for endurance in the desert. Clothing is practical and lightweight, often consisting of layered, loose-fitting robes or wraps in earthy tones (sands, ochres, deep reds) to protect against the sun and sand. Head coverings are ubiquitous. They adorn themselves with simple, natural jewelry made from bone, wood, or polished desert stones, and often carry pouches for medicinal herbs or water.
• Racial Trait: Desert Endurance. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill. You have advantage on Constitution saving throws against extreme heat. Additionally, you are accustomed to moving through sandy terrain; your speed is not reduced by difficult terrain composed of sand.

Nakashima: The Island Adaptors

• Culture: The humans of Nakashima, living on the archipelago nation, are a people shaped by the sea, the islands, and the unique magical currents of their homeland. Their culture values adaptability, communal harmony, and a deep understanding of elemental siphoning, often influenced by the empathic Balpura. They are skilled fishers, farmers, and artisans, integrating elemental magic into their daily lives and crafts. Their history is one of resilience against both natural disasters and external conflicts, fostering a strong sense of self-reliance balanced with a need for community.
• Appearance & Dress: Nakashiman humans typically have varied complexions, often with straight, dark hair and expressive eyes. Their clothing is practical for a maritime and temperate climate, featuring loose-fitting tunics, trousers, and robes made from natural fibers like cotton or silk. Colors tend towards blues, greens, and muted earth tones, often with intricate, flowing patterns or subtle embroidery that might depict elemental symbols or sea creatures. They may wear light, flexible armor crafted from hardened leather or woven plant fibers. Their attire emphasizes comfort, utility, and a connection to their island environment.
• Racial Trait: Island Resilience. You gain proficiency in the Athletics skill. You have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed. Additionally, once per long rest when you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead.