Humans

Overview
A hearty and subservient race, Humans have existed nearly as long as Highland Elves, originating in the tropical jungles of Fahloc-Nor before the island of Ahraan had been raised from the sea. They typically live to be around 150 years old (far and away the shortest life expectancy of any of the Gifted Races) and can grow upwards of 6 feet tall. Their ears are rounded like Dire Wolves and Ahn-qa, but are not Shifters and do not possess an alternate form. They are able to use magic as skillfully as any other race, but Gifted people are rarely born, leading to the race to rely on either their Protector Race or charms to perform magic. For most of the history of the planet, Humans have been both willing and unwilling subjects to other races, most notably the High Elves and Corrupted, but work alongside the Heartland Elves and Ahn-Qa as well in a friendlier, mutual capacity.

Culture
Human culture varies from continent to continent but the Julkrestian human civilizations are usually Agrarian with little to no interest in conflict. They have a very simple way of life and adhere mostly to mutualism, tending to partner up with other races and creatures in the many forms of psychic Bonding, Humans being incredibly adept at making and maintaining bonds.

Bonding
More than any other race, humans have the inherent ability to bond and cooperate with others, varying widely from small animals and insects to Ancient Dragons, Wood Elves, Ahn-Qa and everything in between. Their race is incredibly good at establishing bonds and are known to utilize animal labor much more than any other race, in stark contrast to the native Wood Elves, who are only known to have bonds with Leapers and dragons.

Riders
The Dragon Riders of the North, or more commonly referred to as "Riders", are a group comprised of Humans, Ancient Dragons, Dire Wolves, Ahn-Qa and Heartland Elves, among others, that have developed Bonds with each other and acted as the policing force of the Yah'Jubian Government during the Julkrestian Golden Age. During the Western Invasion, the Riders were defeated at the Battle of Yah'Jube, sending them fleeing to their bastion cities in the Northern Ridge and leaving their government defenseless. Kashi Itugawa, a teenage Rider and her bonded partner Ginko, attempt to retrieve a number of eggs from one of the fallen nurseries in the ruins of Yah'Jube, but are only able to find one left intact, and they quickly find out that they are not the bonded matches for the egg.