While the Humans are a diverse people, and as such have many subgroups with their own materials that they find culturally significant in their own unique ways, some do seem to have near-universal significance and agreed upon meaning:


* Iron - Symbolic of steadfastness, loyalty, protection, strength

* Yellow gold - Symbolic of quick temper or changeable nature, fierceness, desire to be noticed

* Silver - Symbolic of wisdom, peace, tireless work without need for recognition

* Clear quartz crystal - Symbolic of winter, endings and beginnings, potential yet to be shown

* Green jade - Symbolic of spring, parenthood, caretaking or teaching

* Golden amber - Symbolic of fall, even-tempered nature, looking to the past, mourning

* White coral - Symbolic of summer, carefree or generous nature, fragility of life

* alshabi stone - "Alshabi" is the Gamgweth word for "seeker". Considered good luck by workers in the Turmar gem and metal mines in Zoluren, as their rare appearance within a mine is thought to protect against cave-ins and herald new discoveries of rare metal veins. This folk belief has spread to Humans throughout the Five Provinces, with many carrying talismans crafted from alshabi stone to aid in mining endeavors.

* aldamdin - "Aldamdin" means "no fate" in Gamgweth. Used to create symbolic mirror-shaped objects that are thought by some Humans to be a curse upon the one to which it is given, shutting them off from their proper fate and leaving them to wander life with no true purpose or destiny. Others in Human society have claimed the symbol of an alamdin mirror as a declaration of freedom, a rejection of the notion of fixed fate, and a display of their independent nature.

* jaalmin - "Jaalmin" is a combination of the words for "water" (jaal) and "silver" (min) in Gamgweth. Made by nuns of Divyaush, this fabric is thought by most Humans to be especially appropriate for clothing and other gifts for children. It's also frequently used in the creation of charm bags for those looking for luck in money, and in all types of crafting.

* kirmiko - "Kirmiko" means "bloodletter" in Gamgweth. It is considered to be the fabric of both Empaths and Assassins.

* lirisan - A rare and innately magical tree, lirisan is named after the Human Lirisa, patron saint of the Ranger’s Guild, and one of the Immortal Ten (Lanival's closest associates). Lirisan is prized for both bow and amulet making amongst Humans as much as any race, but it also holds a special place for Humans as a decorative wood used for jewelry and small statues for those who have had a loved one disappear. These items are thought to be a beacon to the lost loved one, drawing them back should they be living still.

* agonite - Named after the Crossing Barbarian Guild Leader Agonar, the relatively recently created alloy agonite has taken on widespread symbolism throughout many diverse Human communities as being representative of unyeilding drive and martial prowess.

* anlora-avtoma - "Anlora-avtoma" means "bright star" in Gamgweth. This metal is thought by most Humans to impart some measure of resistance to magic.

* the aldam lorma - "Aldam lorma" means "fate flower" in Gamgweth. Human legend has it that if one picks the flower, there is a high chance of good luck, but a rare chance that the flower will poison you.

* mapha blossom - "Mapha" means "cloud" in Gamgweth. Human folk stories claim that the condition of growing mapha indicates the likelihood of upcoming rain, with a large number of blossoms indicative of a long rainy season ahead, and fewer blossoms indicative of possible droughts. Other tales say that the next season's weather can be forecast by plucking mapha blossoms, spinning around, and dropping them above a four-quadrant grid. The upper left quadrant indicates rain, the lower left bright clear skies, the upper right dangerous storms, and the bottom right prolonged drought. Some also take to wearing pendants or other items with either images of mapha blossoms or the preserved flowers themselves as a talisman to induce favorable weather for fields or for travels.

-Historian Zelka




This message was originally posted in The Races of DragonRealms, Humans - Human Nature. To discuss the above, follow the link below.

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