The human kingdoms of Tirakan emerged at the beginning of the Fourth Age, and their flowering was to come toward the end of that age. The human kingdoms nestle around the rocky sea that forms the center of the continent. Contact with the other cultures of Tirakan was to come only during the first centuries of the current age.
The people of the kingdom of Asgoran are merchants and seafarers. Located directly on the edge of the eastern ocean, there is often a stiff breeze, although the climate is otherwise rather temperate. The Asgoran people have existed since about 500 BC and have contact with almost all known empires due to their diverse trade. The language of the Asgorans, Asgal is also the language which is understood almost everywhere on Tirakan.
The land of the sun.
"When I think of my time in Toran, the first thing that comes to mind are the Toran virtues. Truthfulness and honesty are sacred to the Toranian, as well as extraordinary diligence and the well-known Toranian modesty. Life in the cities is characterized by lively activity. Everywhere you see armed men on duty. Where the youth of Yadosia work in the fields or give themselves up to leisure, the Toranians send their children to school at a young age." ~ Jaques Haviere, Yadosian poet and explorer.
Yadosia has long been considered the land of arts, wine and leisure. As the direct successor to the fallen priest-emperor empire of Elentrea, Yadosia has a great wealth of cultural heritage to offer. Moreover, it has been a very open empire over the centuries, where every culture, every belief and even magic were welcome. All that was to change with one particular event. One day, a captured lizard priest was taken to Bayard's dungeon. From that day on, nothing in Yadosia would ever be the same again.
The Meridian Empire is one of the oldest human empires in Tirakan. It stretches across the northern land bridge of the continent and is an important trading partner for the realms of Tirakan due to its location on the coasts of the Rocky Sea and the Ocean of Storms. The empire's capital is Merid, one of Tirakan's oldest cities and a major trading centre. Meridian is one of only two realms in Tirakan to have an elected legislature, which is re-elected every three years.
Hadewald is the land of guilds, seafaring and craftsmanship. Timber is the dominant profession in the dense forests of the realm. Unlike many other kingdoms, Hadewald is not ruled by a royal family, but by a council of masters. The King of Hadewald has more of a representative role. This council, made up of the guilds, is responsible for legislation and justice in the land. The people of Hadewald are known for their courage and strength.
Gasdaria is an empire with a strong caste system. The country, which is rich in resources such as gold and exotic fruits, is led by a ruling caste. Gasdaria is the first empire to be invaded by the minotaurs on their northward march. As early as the 3rd century, most of the land is considered destroyed. The population is enslaved under the hooves, and all contact with northern realms has been severed.
The Republic of Yavon is home to one of the most modern state systems in Tirakan, although the country has never made a big splash. Quietly and unobtrusively, the people of Yavon started a revolution without being noticed by their neighbours Toran and Meridian. Even in the times of the royal house there have never been wars with the neighbours, only the Orcs from the south caused some trouble. Since the 3rd Century now, Yavon has been a true republic. The people elect a council of 20 men and women, one representative from each region.
Gas'Danir is considered by the other realms of Tirakan to be a loose community of pirates, buccaneers and other riffraff. Situated in the middle of the Rock Sea, the island is home to three larger towns and many small settlements. Although Gas'Danir does not have a good reputation, there is a social structure on the island.
Nur'Tuk is the name of an horsemen people from the north of Tirakan. East of Meridian's border are the steppes of the Nur'Tuk, which extend to the territory of the Katora and the Silkanda. Over the centuries, there have been repeated encounters between the Nur'Tuk horsemen and the villages of Meridian. Although these were mostly peaceful, there was never any real exchange between the two cultures. The Nur'Tuk are smaller than Meridians, and their skin is darker. They are among the best riders in Tirakan.
The Quitaron are a primitive tribe in the far north of Tirakan. The scattered tribes of the Quitaron spread across the vast tundra of the north. The tribes are led by two special chosen leaders, a guardian and a warrior. The people have very little contact with other realms of Tirakan, only maintaining hostile relations with the Atiarel elves.
The barbarian tribes are the southernmost representatives of the humans on Tirakan. Divided into eight different tribes, their appearance and behavior is highly diverse. The barbarians of the south were the first to be hit with the full force of the Minotaur invasion. As a result, some of the tribes have already been completely wiped out by the third century. Other tribes still live in the lands south of the Blood Wall alongside the Minotaurs.