An unknown amount of time passed following the emergence of the dragons, before
the first human was created by the gods. Many different races have their
own opinions as to the circumstances surrounding the human’s genesis, although
due to the change in pantheons (see 'The Godswar'), none
are able to confirm them. Some ancient texts (not surprisingly written
by men) claim that man was created directly by the Maker himself, thus accounting
for man’s greater potential. Most other races (particularly the elves) vehemently
deny this, usually insisting man was either an accident or a botched creation.
Nonetheless, this does address one important aspect of man’s creation: while all other races have particular patron gods or goddesses exclusive to them, man does not. Whoever or whatever was responsible for man's genesis, cursed him with a short life span, but gifted him with phenomenal potential as well, and very soon humans had emerged as the dominant power in the world, much to the shock of the older demi-human races. Also, because man had no patron god, he became the most theologically flexible of creatures, worshipping a diverse group of gods of various alignments. Most other races watched in shock as their ancient lands were quickly settled and dominated by the humans. Even many of the old abodes which had been claimed by the dragons were eventually resettled by the humans.