Humans in Dungeons and Dragons

Humans are one of the most popular and adaptable races in Dungeons & Dragons. In the world of D&D, they are known for their diversity, ingenuity and ability to thrive in almost any environment.

History and development

Compared to other races such as elves or dwarves, humans have a relatively short lifespan. However, this has not prevented them from building impressive empires and shaping significant historical events. Their history is characterized by a constant quest for knowledge, power, and influence, which has often led to great cultural and technological advances.

General characteristics of humans

Physical characteristics: Humans are considered medium-sized creatures but vary greatly in their height, build, and skin color. They are between 1.50 and 2 meters tall and weigh between 50 and 120 kilograms. Their basic movement rate is 30 ft. This diversity is also reflected in their character traits and abilities.

Age: Humans reach adulthood at 16 to 20 years of age and can live up to around 100 years.

Alignment: Humans do not tend towards any particular alignment. Among them, you will find both the most virtuous heroes and the most terrible villains.

Languages: Humans speak the Common Tongue and an additional language of their choice. This allows them to communicate effectively with various peoples and cultures.

Attribute enhancements: Each attribute value of a human character increases by 1, making them ideal all-rounders. Alternatively, there is another “variant” human, which only improves two attributes but can choose an additional feat at level 1.

Culture and society

The cultures of humans are as diverse as their physical appearance. From powerful kingdoms and empires to small tribes and nomadic groups, human society shows an impressive range of social structures and traditions. This diversity is also reflected in their religious beliefs, art forms, and technological achievements.

Humans worship a variety of gods, often reflecting their moral and ethical values. Temples and shrines are common in human settlements.

Humans have made significant advances in both magic and technology. They are known for their inventions and their ability to use magic in their daily lives.

Humans in the adventure group

In a typical D&D adventure group, humans can take on any role. Their versatility allows them to adapt to any situation, whether as a brave fighter, a wise mage, or a skilled rogue. Thanks to their attribute enhancements and adaptability, they are particularly useful in groups that need to cover a wide range of abilities.

The extreme flexibility in the roles that humans can take makes them the most popular race in D&D. The combination with fighters is very popular, but humans are also usually in the top 3 for other classes. If you want to learn more, take a look at our post on the most popular D&D classes and races.

Conclusion

Humans in Dungeons & Dragons symbolize adaptability and diversity. Their ability to adapt to any challenge and their unwavering determination make them an indispensable part of any adventuring group. Whether you want to play a noble knight, a cunning thief, or a powerful wizard, choosing a human offers endless possibilities.