KELLS (Humans)

            The humans of Arram consist of a loose confederation of clans scattered among the broken landscape. They are collectively called the Kells. These clans tend to fight each other as much as they do the elven raiders. In some areas, many clans have joined together to form small kingdoms. While this affords them some protection, it is usually at the whim of  local warlords. 

PERSONALITY

                The humans of Arram are a very adaptable race. Some have sought shelter by forming strong urban areas, while others transverse the grassy slopes and dark forest, ever avoiding the elven hunters.  The clan forms the heart of any human society.  Most clans are very protective of their own, and would not hesitate to attack another clan because of insult to a member.  They are very quick to defend a friend and equally as quick to kill an enemy. They are found of a good time when allowed and heavy drinking is greatly favored.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

                The Kells tend to range from 5.5 feet to well over 6 feet in height.  Many have red and blond hair, but brown and black are also found. Those with darker hair tend to lighten it using limewater, as light hair color is preferred. Many men also use lime water to stiffen their hair until it stands straight up, adding to their frightening appearance in battle. Some men shave their beards, but others let it grow. The nobles shave their cheeks, but let their mustache grow until it covers their mouth.

                Men dress in long wool trousers, called bracae, and wear shoes or ankle boots made of soft leather. When the weather is warm, they often wear close-fitting sleeveless shirts, fastened in front with a brooch or clasp. When the cold strikes, however, they wear long-sleeved wool tunics that are drawn at the waist with a belt. A heavy wool or fur cloak is also worn.

                The women of the house dress more simply, in long, loose-fitting gowns made from wool. These are gathered at the waist with a belt of cloth or leather, and fastened with a buckle. They often drape shawls around their shoulders in cool weather. Women who take up the sword often dress like the men.

                The Kells are very found of ornamentation, whether it be jewelry or tattoos. Many wear bracelets and rings, with the torc, or neck ring, being very popular.

RELATIONS

                If there is one thing the humans know how to do, it is fighting. Whether is be against elf or man, they can protect themselves when needed. This does not mean that the humans are a blood thirsty bunch of savages, but rather they have adapted to the harsh reality that a man who can't defend what is his is dead.

                The clan is the main social unit of the human race. Each clan is ruled by a warlord who has absolute power. Most clans contain several related families in a common geographical area.

                In some areas many of the clans have banded together for mutual protection to form small kingdoms. The largest of these are McGarren and Brightwall.

HUMAN LANDS

                The various human clans can be found scattered throughout the northern and central lands of Arram. Many human communities are completely separated from the rest of humanity, and rely on their own for protection from the elven hunters and other aggressive clans that stalk the weak.

                The urban communities, called oppida, tend to build their structures out of stone and wood. Many of the castles are built on man made hill tops. Most of the oppida are surrounded by earthworks and wooden stockades, but aren't nearly as protected as the castles.

                In the more rural communities, homes and out buildings are built from timber frames sided with wood or mud walls. The roofs are almost always thatched. One house may hold as many as four or five families. The interior consist of one common room, usually on a dirt floor, with a raised area along one wall for sleeping.

RELIGION

                There are two sides to the human religion. One side consist of worship of the old gods. This large pantheon consist of several gods dedicated to all aspects of the humans day to day life. The typical human is bond to give prayer to various gods throughout any given day depending upon the task they are doing. The talaire are in charge of religious ceremonies and maintain the various temples dedicated to the gods.

                The other side is complete abandonment of the gods. Many clans feel that the gods have left for good if they ever existed at all. These clans see the gods as nothing but worthless waste of breath. In these clans, a man makes his own destiny. Many of these clans have taken to revering nature or even the talaire.

LANGUAGE

                The humans speak a language they call santic. In the urban areas, many may also know how to write, but outside of the cities most are illiterate.

NAMES

HUMAN TEMPLATE

• Medium: As a medium creature, humans have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

• Human base land speed is 30 feet.

• 1 Extra Trait  and 4 extra Skill points. This is only allowed during character creation. After first level, humans gain 1 extra skill point at each additional level.

• Automatic Language: All humans speak a language called santic. Unfortunately many clans have their own dialect that still makes communication difficult. Humans do not start off knowing how to write. Humans may learn any language as a bonus language.