Forgotten Realms conversion to Rolemaster- Humans

Copyright Charles Morris © 2012

Edited by Aaron Smalley for The Guild Companion

Humans of the Forgotten Realms

This and the next three installments will each cover the conversion of several of the Forgotten Realms races to the Rolemaster rules and system mechanics. This second installment covers the many human variations.

HUMAN

Selecting human as a race is a bit different than selecting one of the other races. First, after consulting with the GM select a Region the character is from the below list:
Aglarond (includes Altumbel, Sildëyuir, the Wizards' Reach, and the Yuirwood)
Amn
Anauroch
Atumbel
Calimshan
Chessenta
The Chondalwood*
Chult
Cormyr
The Dalelands (includes Cormanthyr drow, Elven Court)
Damara (includes the Galena Mountains)
Dambrath
The Dragon Coast
Evermeet*
The Golden Water
The Great Dale (includes the Forest of Lethyr)
The Great Glacier (includes Sossal and Snow Eagle Aerie)
Halruaa
The High Forest*
The Hordelands
Impiltur
The Inner Sea*
The Lake of Steam
Lapaliiya
Lantan
Luiren*
The Moonsea
The Moonshae Isles
Mulhorand
Narfell
The Nelanther Isles
Nimbral
The North
The Outer Sea*
Rashemen
The Ride
Samarach
Sembia
The Shaar
Shadovar
The Shou Expatriate
The Silver Marches (includes Silverymoon and the Spine of the World)
The Smoking Mountains
The Sword Coast
Tashalar
Tharsult
Thindol
Tethyr
Thay
Thesk
Turmish
Underdark (Buried Realms)
Underdark (Darklands)
Underdark (Earthroot)
Underdark (Glimmersea)
Underdark (Great Bhaerynden)
Underdark (Northdark [includes Menzoberranzan])
Underdark (Old Shanatar)
Unther
Uthgardt Tribesfolk
Vaasa
The Vast
The Vilhon Reach
Waterdeep
The Wealdath*
The Western Heartlands (includes Evereska)
*Non-human region.

Second, using the below charts find the previously selected Region and select a Forgotten Realms Ethnicity that is from that Region: Arkaiun, Calishite, Chondathan, Damaran, Durpari, Halruaan, Illuskan, Mulan, Rashemi, Shaaryan or Tethyrian. Other ethnicities are described at the end of the human chapter though there are no stats or extensive description.

Lastly, select a Rolemaster Culture that is from the previously selected Region: Barbarian, Mariner, Nomad, Rural, Urban, or Woodsman.

*Characters from Western Heartlands cost an extra 5 points for determining Talent Points.

*Forgotten Realms ethnicities in bold are not extensively described in this document.
**Language in bold is considered the character's automatic language (which shows up as "Appropriate Regional Language" in the racial descriptions). Others may be purchased during adolescence.

FORGOTTEN REALMS ETHNICITIES

Human, Arkaiun

Physical Character

Build: Arkaiuns are generally short and stocky.
Coloring: They have dusky skin and dark brown to black hair.
Height/Weight: Male 4'9" or Female 4'4" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (115 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Dambrath, the Golden Water, Halruaa, or the Shaar.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Loviatar and sometimes Lolth (if forced in Dambrath) or Tempus if they have freedom to choose. Malar is popular for those living in the wilds.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Illuskan, Halruaan, Shaaran, Undercommon or other language based on geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Fighter, Barbarian, Rogue, Thief, Outrider, Lay Healer, with rare Healer, Priest, Animist, Ranger, Bard, Mystic and extremely rare Cleric, Sorcerer, Magician
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.

Human, Calishite

Physical Character

Build: Calishites are a bit shorter and of slighter build than other humans.
Coloring: Their skin is dusky brown, and their hair and eyes are most commonly of that shade as well.
Height/Weight: Male 4'9" or Female 4'4" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (115 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Amn, Calimshan, Dragon Coast, Lake of Steam, Nelanther Isles, the Shaar, Tethyr, Vilhon Reach, Western Heartlands, or Calishite.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Most popular deities include Tyr, Azuth, Talos, Shar, Ilmater, Savras, Sharess, Siamorphe, Umberlee, and Waukeen.

Other Factors

Language: Starting language(s): Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Rogue, Fighter, Magician, Sorcerer, Priest, Cleric, Illusionist, Monk, Thief with rare Outrider, Bard and extremely rare Barbarian, Paladin
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 (or 5 for Western Heartlands) = 0 or 5.

Human, Chondathan

Physical Character

Build: Chondathans are slender and tall.
Coloring: Chondathans are tawny-skinned folk with brown hair ranging from almost blond to almost black. Most Chondathans are, and have green or brown eyes, but all builds and hair and eye hues may be seen. Those Chondathans- who dwell north and west of the Sea of Fallen Stars (except in Sembia) are more likely to have blue eyes and have fairer complexions and darker hair than those born in the South, evidence of a significant Netherese heritage. In Chondath itself, particularly in the lands bordering Sespech, a significant Shaaran influx in recent centuries has given many natives of Chondath more of an olive-skinned hue.
Height: Male 5'0" or Female 4'7" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (120 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Chondalwood, Cormyr, Dalelands, Dragon Coast, Great Dale, Impiltur, Moonsea, Nelanther Isles, Sembia, Silverymoon, the Vast, Vilhon Reach, Western Heartlands, Waterdeep, or Chondathan.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Most popular deities include Azuth, Chauntea, Deneir, Eldath, Helm, Kelemvor, Lathander, Lliira, Loviatar, Malar, Mask, Mielikki, Milil, Mystra, Nobanion, Oghma, Sel�ne, Silvanus, Sune, Talos, Tempus, Torm, Tymora, Tyr, Umberlee, and Waukeen.

Other Factors

Language: Starting language(s): Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Fighter, Thief, Rogue, Priest, Animist, Cleric with rare Barbarian, Sorcerer and extremely rare Magician, Illusionist
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 (or 5 for Western Heartlands) = 0 or 5.

Human, Damaran

Physical Character

Build: Damarans are of moderate height and build, except in Aglarond proper, where builds are slighter thanks to a significant amount of wood-elven heritage.
Coloring: Most Damarans have skin hues ranging from tawny to fair. Hair is usually straight brown or black, although sandy blond is not unknown. Eye color varies widely, with brown being most common. Damarans who dwell south of the Earthfast Mountains more closely resemble their Chondathan cousins, while those who inhabit Vaasa have a significant Sossrim heritage. Along the eastern shores of the Easting Reach, Rashemi heritage predominates.
Height/Weight: Male 4'10" or Female 4'5" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (120 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Aglarond, Damara, Great Dale, Impiltur, Moonsea, Narfell, Thesk, Vaasa, the Vast, or Damaran.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Popular deities include Chauntea, Eldath, Mystra, Tempus, Torm, Tymora, Umberlee, and Waukeen. To the east in Impiltur, favored deities include Ilmater, Sel�ne, Tymora, Valkur, and Waukeen.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Cleric, Priest, Paladin, Monk, Fighter, with rare Rogue, Animist, Ranger, Outrider, Magician, Illusionist and extremely rare Sorcerer
Alignment: Damaran society is lawful, except in Aglarond, where a strong elven influence plays a role, and the Vast, which is much more in line with Chondathan mores. Religion plays a central role in Damaran life, yet there is by no means a universality of belief.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.

Human, Durpari

Physical Character

Build: They tend to be short, standing on average as tall as a Calishite.
Coloring: Hair color tends to be brown and skin color is olive to dusky.
Height/Weight: Male 4'9" or Female 4'4" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (115 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Dambrath, the Golden Water, Halruaa, Mulhorand, or Unther.
Fears & Inabilities: None
Religion: The Durpari people have a highly developed belief system that is part code of conduct and part pantheon. Known as the Adama, which means "the One,'' this system preaches both broadmindedness and proper behavior in all that the Durpari do. Everything in the world and beyond is a part of the Adama. Because of its all-encompassing nature, the Adama incorporates all the deities of Faer�n, and thus all are accepted (to one degree or another) in Durpari society. Strictly speaking, the deities most revered are Zionil (Gond), Curna (Oghma), Lucha (Sel�ne), Torm, and Waukeen.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Prejudices: The Durpari comprise one of the most accepting cultures in Faer�n. They have learned that to excel at trade, they must be willing to deal with all types of people.
Professions: Sorcerer, Magician, Illusionist, Alchemist, Paladin, Cleric, Priest, Lay Healer, with rare Bard, Monk, Fighter, Ranger, Mystic, Animist, Swashbuckler, and extremely rare Rogue, Thief, Barbarian, Mentalist, Magent
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.

Human, Halruaan

Physical Character

Build: Halruaans are tall with broad shoulders.
Coloring: Skin and hair color range from light to dark due to the mixed heritage of Netheril and Lapal. Though the fair-skinned Netherese originally dominated the population, the darker, olive-colored skin tones of the Lapal tribes proved more suitable for the sunny clime and became a dominant trait. Today, the typical Halruaan has dark hair and skin in any shade from, ruddy to deep olives though an occasional paler-skinned child is born. Eye color ranges from black to chocolate brown to deep green.
Height/Weight: Male 4'10" or Female 4'5" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (120 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Dambrath, the Golden Water, Halruaa, Lapaliiya, Nimbral, Samarach, or the Shaar.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: The vast majority of Halruaans venerate Mystra. Savras, Azuth, Velsharoon, and Leira (and even whispers of the rise of Shar).

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Magician, Sorcerer, Bard, Illusionist, with rare Mystic, Cleric, Priest, Lay Healer, and extremely rare Barbarian, Animist, Monk, Paladin, Rogue, Thief, Mentalist, Magent
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.
Special Skills: add Spell List [up to 4 Open and Closed per character's Realm] to Hobby Lists.

Human, Illuskan

Physical Character

Build: Illuskans are tall.
Coloring: Illuskans are fair-skinned folk with eyes of blue or steely gray. Those who dwell among the islands of the Trackless Sea and in Icewind Dale are largely fair-haired, with blond hair predominating over red and light brown. Those who dwell on the mainland south of the Spine of the World are more prone to raven-black hair, an indication of significant Netherese heritage.
Height/Weight: Male 5'2" or Female 4'9" +2d8" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (140 for males and 105 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: The most prominent include the churches of Auril, Mielikki, Mystra, Oghma, Talos, Tempus, Umberlee, and Uthgar. Other churches with significant followings, particularly in areas where Illuskans and Tethyrians live alongside one another, include Eldath, Lurue, Malar, Milil, Sel�ne, Shar, Shaundakul, and Valkur.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Barbarian, Fighter, Outrider, Ranger with rare Bard, Priest, Rogue, Magician, Sorcerer, Illusionist and extremely rare Thief, Animist, Paladin, Monk
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.

Human, Mulan

Physical Character

Build: Mulan are generally tall, slim and they lack much body hair, and many, including all nobles, shave any hair that they do have.
Coloring: Mulan are sallow-skinned with eyes of hazel or brown. Hair color on an unshaved Mulan ranges from black to dark brown. The lower classes of Thay, Mulhorand, and Unther often have significant Rashemi or Turami blood, leading to darker complexions. The folk of Chessenta have long mixed with the nearby Chondathans, and pure Mulan features are rare there.
Height/Weight: Male 4'11" or Female 4'6" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (120 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Today, the Mulan of Mulhorand, Murghom, Semphar, and Unther venerate the Mulhorandi pantheon, while those who dwell in Chessenta, the Wizards' Reach, and Thay largely venerate the Faer�nian pantheon. Hoar is also popular.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Fighter, Cleric, Priest across most nations with extremely rare Barbarian, Animist, Ranger, Outrider, Bard;
Chessenta - Cleric, Bard
Mulhorand - Paladin, Cleric, Monk, Rogue, Thief, Priest
Thay - Cleric, Magician, Illusionist, Sorcerer
Unther - Cleric, Rogue, Thief, Priest
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0

Human, Rashemi

Physical Character

Build: Most Rashemi average about five and a half feet in height, with stout and muscular builds. Baldness is almost unknown among Rashemi males, although inhabitants of Thay are known to shave all body hair in imitation of the ruling Mulan. Female Rashemi wear their black hair long, often in elaborate braids.
Coloring: Most are dusky of skin and dark of eye, with thick black hair. Rashemi males are unusually hirsute and often sport bushy black beards. Although handsome, many seem almost ursine in nature.
Height/Weight: Male 4'10" or Female 4'8" +2d8" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (130 for males and 95 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Aglarond, Hordelands, Rashemen, Thay, Thesk, or Rashemen.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Traditionally, Chauntea, Mielikki, and Mystra.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Fighter, Barbarian, Outrider, Ranger, Sorcerer, Magician, with rare Rogue, Cleric, Animist, Paladin, Monk, Alchemist, Sage and extremely rare Thief
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.

Human, Shaaryan

Physical Character

Build: The typical Shaaran is long-faced and yellow-skinned, but not very tall (about 5-1/2 feet, on average). Few Shaaran males wear facial hair, and both genders cut their hair short.
Coloring: Their hair and eyes are usually black or dark brown. On rare occasions, a Shaaran is born with bright green eyes - a sign of good luck among the nomads.
Height/Weight: Male 4'10" or Female 4'5" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (120 for males and 85 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Dambrath, the Golden Water, Halruaa, Lapaliiya, Mulhorand, the Shaar or Unther.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Many tribes follow Tempus. Malar and Akadi are also popular.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8). Shaarans speak Shaaran, a language that has no connection with any other language family in Faer�n. The language has adapted some words from other cultures over the centuries, particularly with the coming of traders to the region. Few Shaarans can read or write because the culture relies on an oral history. Those who have learned to scribe the Shaaran language employ the Dethek alphabet, learned from the gold dwarves in the Great Rift.
Professions: Barbarian, Ranger, Fighter, Animist, Priest, Outrider with rare Cleric, Illusionist, Rogue, Thief, Bard, Sorcerer, Mystic and extremely rare Magician, Monk, Paladin
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.

Human, Tethyrian

Physical Character

Build: Tethyrians are of medium build and height, although taller and broader in build than most Calishites.
Coloring: Their skin tends to have a dusky hue; although on average they are increasingly fairer in complexion the farther north one travels along the Sword Coast, reflecting a decreasing fraction of Calishite heritage and an increasing fraction of Illuskan and Low Netherese ancestry. Tethyrian hair and eye color varies widely, with brown hair and blue eyes being most common.
Height/Weight: Male 4'10" or Female 4'5" +2d10" to determine height. Take the random roll from height and multiply by 2d4 and add (125 for males and 90 for females) to determine the character's weight in pounds.
Lifespan: Adulthood 15 years, middle age 35 years and can live to 90 years of age.
Special Abilities: None.

Culture

Region: Amn, Calimshan, Cormyr, Dragon Coast, the North, Tethyr, Western Heartlands, or Waterdeep.
Fears & Inabilities: None.
Religion: Six of the most prominent churches in Tethyrian-occupied lands include the faiths of Cyric, Helm, Ilmater, Kelemvor, Oghma, and Siamorphe.

Other Factors

Language: Starting languages: Appropriate Regional Language (S8/W6). Allowed Adolescence Development: Varies by geographical region but up to (S8/W8).
Professions: Bard, Fighter, Rogue, Priest, Ranger, Animist, Thief, Magician, Sorcerer, Illusionist with rare Monk, Paladin
Alignment: Any.
Talent Point Adjustment: Lifespan 0, Lang 0 = 0.