Human

General
One of the most widespread and influential species in the world of Tyria. They are the dominant species on the continents of Tyria, Cantha, and Elona. The origin of humanity is unknown. The earliest mention of humanity is their settlement of the northern coastline of Cantha in 786 BC, however it is not clear if they arrived from elsewhere or originated in Cantha but did not have permanent settlements prior to that date.

Humans on the Tyrian continent
Humans first appeared on the Tyrian continent nearly 1300 years ago (the year 205 BE in the Mouvelian Calendar). Prior to their arrival, Tyria had been in balance under the control of a powerful serpent race. Humans quickly rose to prominance and the serpent race withdrew into the Crystal Desert and is now only known as the Forgotten.

Humans formed three powerful kingdoms: Ascalon (founded 100 BE), Orr (founded 2 AE) and Kryta (founded 300 AE). Unfortunately, their history has always been marred by conflict and struggle for dominance. Most recently, this was manifest by the Guild Wars which lasted for over 50 years and ended only due to the terrible threat of the Charr invasion.

Factions
The three kingdoms (Ascalon, Orr and Kryta) are merely three broad groupings of humans. Within each kingdom and across kingdoms, humans can be found aligned to certain factions, as follows:

The White Mantle
The people of Kryta are ruled by the White Mantle, who have replaced the old Krytan royal family.

The Lionguard
The Lionguard were the elite guard of the diposed Krytan royal family. They have now been relegated to constables of the peace by The White Mantle.

The Shining Blade
A small group of Krytan rebels, known as the Shining Blade, seek to bring down the White Mantle.

The Ascalon Army
Under direct control of King Adelbern, the Ascalon Army is charged with defending the remaining Ascalon settlements and citizens.

The Ascalon Vanguard
Lead by Prince Rurik, The Ascalon Vanguard agressively pushes into Charr-held territory in an attempt to free Ascalon from the invaders.

Humans on the Canthan continent
Human settlement on the Canthan continent began around 1700 years ago. While it is said that their development were unhindered by the Forgotten, it is unclear if the two races were ever in contact.

Celestial Ministry
The Celestial Ministry is the main bureaucratic organisation in the Canthan government. The ministry has grown corrupt and inefficient, and the emperor is apparently unable to reform the bureaucracy.

Criminal guilds
The Crimson Skull, Am Fah and Jade Brotherhood are Canthan guilds involved in criminal activities.

The Xunlai
The Xunlai, involved in Storage and tournament sponsorship, is presumed to originate in Cantha.

Luxons
Luxons are one of two rival factions on the Canthan Continent. They are at perpetual war with the Kurzicks, and are not part of the empire led by the emperor, since they broke away from it. They live in the Jade Sea territory as well as the mountains and hills.

Kurzicks
Kurzicks are the enemies of the Luxons. Like the Luxons, they seperated from the empire and are their own soveriegn entity. Much of their territory is located in the Echovald Forest.