Ārdans
Humans
by
Finley Vorden
The most numerous and frankly exhausting folk to catalog, Ārdans occupy nearly every climate, from frozen wastes to steamy jungles, adapting with impressive and sometimes absurd creativity. Said to have been fashioned by Ilhdeinir and Osnitan themselves, what these folk lack in specialized biology, they compensate for with tools, clothing, and a remarkable tendency to poke dangerous things just to see what happens.
These adaptable people come in a startling variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Their skin tones range from pale alabaster to rich ebony, with hair colors spanning every shade found in nature. Most fascinating are the Ārdans of Nabiesha, instantly recognizable by their striking blue hair and matching eyes. Local folklore attributes this trait to an ancient blessing from Rīōnne, goddess of air and sky, who reportedly fell in love with the region’s first settler during a terrible storm.
Their societies range from nomadic tribes to sprawling city-states, with the only constant being their ability to find reasons to disagree with one other. Most Ārdans live 70-90 years, though exceptional individuals occasionally reach 100 through sheer stubbornness.
- Folk Talent - Adaptive Ingenuity: Once per session, you may use a Trait for a purpose outside its normal application if you can convince your Wayfinder your approach makes creative sense.
- Folk Talent - Versatile Learner: Once per level, you may add one die to any Trait of your choice beyond normal advancement rules.
- Folk Talent - Cultural Chameleon: You quickly adapt to local customs and expressions. When interacting with different cultures, you may re-roll one failed Charm or Subterfuge die.