Humans

Leader: Ulysses Boyd

Species Overview

Though seemingly the most ordinary of all beings, humans are the lifeblood of Valtheris, thriving in vibrant rural villages and sprawling cities that pulse with life and activity. Their resourcefulness and determination are unmatched, enabling them to adapt to diverse environments and overcome formidable challenges. Humans possess an extraordinary capacity for innovation, capable of great good—building communities, fostering art, and advancing knowledge—or unleashing unimaginable destruction through conflict and ambition.

While many humans are unaware of their latent magical abilities, they possess an inherent connection to the mystical energies that flow through Valtheris. This untapped potential can manifest in subtle ways, granting them unique skills that emerge in times of need. Some individuals have discovered their powers, harnessing them for healing, protection, or manipulation of the natural world, yet many remain oblivious to the magic that lies dormant within.

In their quest for understanding and mastery, some humans have forged alliances with supernatural beings, creating powerful bonds that enhance their capabilities and broaden their horizons. These partnerships can lead to profound wisdom and strength, as they collaborate with entities from the shadows or the ethereal realm.

Conversely, a darker side exists within human society. Secret orders have emerged, dedicated to hunting and controlling supernatural beings deemed a threat. These organizations operate in the shadows, wielding advanced technology and ancient knowledge to assert dominance over the mystical forces that share their world. This pursuit of power often ignites tensions between humans and other species, leading to conflicts that ripple through the fabric of Valtheris.

As the heart of Valtheris, humans play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the realm. Their choices, driven by ambition, curiosity, and fear, will determine the balance between light and darkness, forging a path toward either harmony or chaos in a world teeming with magic and mystery.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Highly Adaptable and Resilient: Humans possess an incredible ability to adapt to various environments and situations. Whether facing harsh climates or challenging societal changes, they demonstrate resilience, quickly learning to navigate new challenges and thrive.
  
  
• Can Use a Wide Range of Magical Artifacts: Humans have a unique aptitude for utilizing magical artifacts, often created from the remnants of ancient civilizations or forged by skilled artisans. This versatility allows them to enhance their abilities, protect themselves, and gain advantages in both combat and exploration.
  
  
• Skilled in Technology and Strategy: With a keen intellect and innovative spirit, humans excel in developing technology and strategic thinking. They are adept at creating tools, weapons, and machines that can complement their magical abilities, often employing tactics that outmaneuver stronger opponents.
  
  
• Cultural Diversity and Ingenuity: The vast array of cultures among humans in Valtheris fosters creativity and innovation. This diversity leads to a rich tapestry of art, literature, and philosophy, providing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that can be harnessed in various aspects of life.
  
  
• Strong Sense of Community: Humans tend to form tight-knit communities that support one another in times of need. This sense of belonging fosters cooperation and collaboration, allowing them to pool resources and talents to face larger challenges collectively.
  
  
• Resourcefulness: Humans are known for their creativity in problem-solving. Faced with limited resources, they can often devise innovative solutions, whether through improvisation or the clever repurposing of materials, making them formidable opponents in adversity.

Weaknesses:

• Physically Weaker than Other Species: Compared to many other races, humans are generally less physically robust. Their strength and endurance often lag behind that of beings like the Merfolk or the Elves, putting them at a disadvantage in direct confrontations.
  
  
• Vulnerable to Supernatural Influences: Humans can be susceptible to manipulation by supernatural entities or forces. This vulnerability can lead to being easily swayed by illusions, curses, or other magical influences, putting them at risk in encounters with more powerful beings.
  
  
• Short Lifespan: The average human lifespan is considerably shorter than that of many other species, which can limit their long-term goals and ambitions. This fleeting existence often drives them to seek immediate results, sometimes at the cost of deeper understanding or patience.
  
  
• Tendency Toward Conflict: Humans often struggle with internal conflicts and rivalries, leading to wars and disputes over resources or ideologies. This propensity for conflict can create instability within their societies and disrupt alliances with other races.
  
  
• Emotional Vulnerability: While emotions can drive humans to great heights, they can also lead to impulsive decisions. Their capacity for fear, jealousy, and anger can cloud judgment and lead to mistakes, particularly in high-stress situations.
  
  
• Limited Magical Knowledge: While some humans possess magical abilities, many remain uninformed about the full scope of magic in Valtheris. This lack of knowledge can lead to missed opportunities for growth or protection against magical threats.

Special Abilities

Latent Magical Potential: Certain humans are born with latent magical abilities These powers often emerge in moments of great stress or need, revealing their potential. These natural powers would enhance if the human was turned into another species.

1. Elemental Control: The ability to manipulate natural elements such as fire, water, earth, or air. Individuals may summon flames, create waves, shape the earth, or generate gusts of wind, often linked to their emotional state.
   
   
   • Downside: This ability is highly unpredictable and can result in catastrophic consequences if not mastered. Emotional turmoil can lead to uncontrollable outbursts of elemental energy, endangering the user and those around them, potentially leading to their demise long before they achieve true mastery.

1. Shadow Manipulation: The power to control shadows, allowing individuals to blend into darkness, create shadowy constructs, or even travel short distances through shadows.
   
   
   • Downside: Prolonged use of this ability can lead to a deepening connection with the shadows, causing individuals to feel increasingly isolated and detached from reality. Over time, they may struggle to distinguish between the physical world and the shadow realm, leading to confusion and potential loss of self.

1. Healing Touch: A rare gift that enables individuals to heal wounds or ailments through physical contact. This ability can vary in potency, from mending minor injuries to curing serious diseases.
   
   
   • Downside: Healing others can drain the user’s own life force, leaving them fatigued, weakened, or even ill after each use. Continuous reliance on this ability may shorten their lifespan or leave them vulnerable to injury and disease themselves.

1. Animal Empathy: The ability to communicate with and understand animals on a deeper level. Individuals with this gift can sense the emotions of creatures, potentially influencing their behavior or forming strong bonds.
   
   
   • Downside: The constant emotional influx from animals can be overwhelming, leading to emotional distress or confusion. Individuals may struggle to separate their feelings from those of the animals, resulting in anxiety or emotional exhaustion.

1. Aura Reading: The ability to perceive and interpret the auras surrounding living beings. This skill helps individuals gauge the emotional state and intentions of others, providing valuable insights in social situations.
   
   
   • Downside: Constant exposure to others' emotional auras can lead to sensory overload, causing confusion and mental fatigue. Individuals may find it challenging to maintain healthy boundaries, becoming overly empathetic to the point of emotional burnout.

1. Illusion Creation: The power to create convincing illusions that can deceive the senses. Individuals can craft images, sounds, or even scents, making them useful for trickery, diversion, or entertainment.
   
   
   • Downside: Relying too heavily on illusions can lead to a distorted perception of reality for the user. They may struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated, leading to potential social and psychological issues.

1. Enhanced Perception: Some individuals may experience heightened senses, allowing them to see, hear, or feel things more acutely than others. This ability can grant insights into hidden truths or dangers.
   
   
   • Downside: Heightened senses can become a double-edged sword, causing individuals to be easily overwhelmed by sensory input. Loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells can become unbearable, leading to anxiety or debilitating headaches.
2. Commune with the Dead: The ability to communicate with spirits or the souls of the deceased. Individuals can gain insights, wisdom, or guidance from those who have passed, often learning secrets about the past or receiving warnings about future dangers.
   
   
   • Downside: This ability can lead to emotional turmoil and psychological strain, as individuals may become haunted by the unresolved feelings or traumas of the spirits they contact. Prolonged use may blur the lines between the living and the dead, causing individuals to feel increasingly isolated and burdened by the weight of the past.

1. Vast Intelligence: Some individuals possess an innate ability to absorb and process information at an extraordinary rate, granting them advanced problem-solving skills and deep understanding of complex subjects.
   
   
   • Downside: The overwhelming influx of knowledge can lead to existential crises and feelings of alienation from those who do not share their level of understanding. This ability can create a sense of isolation, as they may struggle to relate to others, often feeling misunderstood or disconnected from everyday concerns.
2. If you have an ability in mind please reach out to Ulysses to work out details.

Human Factions & Their Leaders

Here you will find the names of the all the houses in Shattered Sands to join and their leaders to contact if you want to join their house. To find out information on each Territory you will click on it to read more. 

House Name	Leader	Territory
The Vanguard	Ulysses Boyd	Ironhold Dominion
The Dayarm Syndicate	Briarwood Dayarm	Silverveil City
Revenant Order	Theodore Tilden	Ashen Caves
Circle of Scholars	Weston Severide	Mistwood Enclave
Harmony Tribe	tbd	Verdant Plains