Humans are the most varied race in Elyria, displaying a vast range of skin tones, hair colors, and physical builds. While there are no notable racial traits among humans, those from Tideland and coastal regions tend to have dark, sun-kissed skin from exposure to the elements. Their hair, typically dark, is often worn long or braided to withstand the harsh conditions of seafaring life. Sea salt and wind shape the features of sailors, often giving them a weathered, rugged appearance, especially those who have spent years traveling the oceans or living in remote islands.

Many humans who are part of the pirate clans or merchant fleets wear light, practical clothing suited for sea life—leather armor, light tunics, and boots with sturdy soles for navigating wet docks or ship decks. They may carry weapons like cutlasses, daggers, and pistols, with tattoos symbolizing their clan or ship affiliations often inked across their arms and backs.

Humans of Elyria are a versatile and dynamic race, deeply connected to the sea and the sprawling islands that dot the oceans. The heart of their civilization is the great Capitol city of Tideland, a bustling metropolis that stands at the crossroads of trade and diplomacy. This city is located on the coast, surrounded by vast harbors, rich farmlands, and an intricate network of docks and marketplaces. Tideland is a center of commerce, culture, and political power, acting as a beacon for all those who seek fortune, adventure, and influence in Elyria.

Outside of Tideland, humans live across the scattered islands and remote coastal settlements, each island often governed by local chieftains or councils. These humans are fiercely independent, finding solace in the isolation or freedom of the sea. Many also make their living as seafarers, traders, and pirates, traveling between distant islands and ports, forging new alliances, and battling rival crews over control of the lucrative gold trade.

While the bulk of the human population resides in Tideland or its nearby islands, there are those who live aboard ships, becoming part of the ever-present pirate fleets or independent trade routes that crisscross Elyria's seas.

Humans in Elyria live between 60 to 80 years, though those who spend their lives at sea or in dangerous professions like piracy or deep-sea fishing may see their lives cut short. Elders are revered for their wisdom, but most human communities focus on survival and the pursuit of wealth. In places like Tideland, human life is vibrant and busy, with little time for reflection on mortality—except when the toll of dangerous voyages or pirate raids makes itself felt. 

The old gods—especially gods like Mitra—lost favor among humans after the near-destruction of the universe, an event that left many questioning the reliability and benevolence of the gods they had once worshiped. This shattering of faith led many humans to abandon the old ways, blaming the gods for the deaths of their elders and the destruction that nearly tore their world apart. Once devoted followers, humans turned away from the divine, seeking answers within themselves rather than looking to the heavens.

Since then, many humans have turned their eyes toward new beliefs, forging connections to a variety of deities. The loss of faith in the old gods has given rise to eclectic spirituality, where humans may worship any god they feel aligns with their own personal beliefs or needs. Some turn to the god of the sea, seeking protection from the tempestuous waters they traverse. Others adopt  nature spirits, or gods of war—anything that provides a sense of guidance and purpose amidst the uncertainty of their world.

Human society is diverse and fragmented, but unified by a common love for gold, exploration, and freedom. The most significant human population resides in the thriving Capitol city of Tideland, a place teeming with merchants, diplomats, thieves, and adventurers. It is a city that runs on gold trade, with ships constantly coming and going, bringing in wealth, goods, and slaves from across Elyria and beyond. Piracy is rampant, as human pirates battle to control the lucrative gold trade routes and to protect their ships and islands from rival crews.

Tideland is ruled by a King and council of Noble Families, each representing a faction with its own interests—trade, military, and diplomacy. However, the real power often lies in the hands of the merchants, pirate lords, and adventurers who make up the bulk of the populace. These power dynamics frequently lead to conflict, with various factions vying for control over Tideland’s resources and influence.

Outside Tideland, humans live across isolated islands or aboard ships, their communities often relying on their independence and self-sufficiency. Pirates form a significant portion of the population, organized into fleets that attack trade ships or raid coastal towns in search of treasure. These pirates follow their own codes of conduct, and their ships are as much family as the crews themselves. Among the pirates, a strong sense of honor and camaraderie exists, though it is often tested by greed and betrayal.

Humans in Elyria, particularly those from Tideland, are practical builders. Tideland itself is an architectural marvel, with sprawling stone buildings, grand market squares, and imposing fortresses to defend against pirate raids. The city’s lighthouse is famous, acting as both a guiding beacon for sailors and a symbol of Tideland’s dominance over the seas.

Outside the capital, human settlements are often modest, constructed from stone, wood, and thatched roofs. Villages on remote islands may be more temporary in nature, with fishing huts, trade posts, and shipyards scattered along the coasts. Pirate ships are crafted with care, designed for both speed and strength, making them floatable fortresses on the seas.

Gold is the backbone of human economy in Elyria. Humans trade gold, precious gems, and other valuable resources with nearly every race in Elyria. Piracy plays a central role in the wealth of human communities, particularly in the Caribbean-like island clusters. Some pirates follow a code, but many are driven by pure greed, seeking to capture riches at any cost. Gold trade is not only a source of wealth but also a symbol of status and power among humans.

Humans who live in Tideland and other large settlements often find themselves at the heart of gold trade, engaging in merchant diplomacy, treasure hunts, or smuggling operations to secure their wealth. In contrast, those who live in isolation on the islands or aboard ships may trade fishing spoils, exotic goods, or plunder to survive.

Slavery remains a contentious issue among humans, though it is mostly tied to the wealth generated from the gold trade. Many humans use enslaved peoples to work the mines, transport goods, or serve as rowers on pirate ships. Some of the most notorious pirates have been known to enslave their captives, selling them to the highest bidder or forcing them to work in the brutal, often dangerous conditions of the slave markets.

Despite this, slavery is far from universal among humans. Human communities that value freedom and autonomy often rebel against this practice, fighting back against pirate lords and oppressive slavers. Tideland itself has outlawed the most brutal forms of slavery, but illegal slave trade still thrives in the shadows, kept alive by the greed of those who would exploit others for gold.