Humans

Humans (人間, Ningen), are a species that appears in the Tales of RWBY series created by Monty Oum and Yoshiharu Gotanda. They are one of the distinct and intelligent species that occupies and inhabits the planet now known as Remnant.

The original mankind was created by their creating masters and were given the ability to use magic. But after Opening of the Advent, they were wiped out by the God of Darkness, leaving Salem the only human left. The God of Light gave Ozma the ability to possess and eventually merge with people through a unique cycle of reincarnation.

The second Humanity is a "remnant" of the previous era of humanity, having evolved without the help from the Gods. Unlike the first kind, they do not possess magic, but some manage to unlock and control their Aura, which can also include their Semblance.

"Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful, but he was born into an unforgiving world."
 * —Salem, About Humans.

Description
Humans are generally tall people, with fair skin, although darker skin tones are also encountered. They work in a variety of jobs, while some other races like Turtlez or normins have rather limited job pool. Humans are often depicted as oppressors of "lesser" races, like where the past conflict resulted in a shift of oppression in which half-elves are terrorizing humans.

In a variety of races with a "remnant" of the previous era, humans usually are unable to use magic, the feat being reserved to races like elves and malakhim.

Background
Humans are known for being intelligent, resourceful and strong, especially when united against a common threat. These traits have allowed them to survive in a hostile world. However, their tendency to fight amongst themselves when divided represents a serious weakness.

As living creatures possessing a soul, Humans possess Aura, the natural manifestation of their soul that protects them from harm and gives them certain abilities and powers. Unique expressions of these abilities are specific to individuals, and are known as a person's Semblance.

In modern society, Humans have a higher social standing than the Faunus, who continue to face discrimination from Humans. Some Human-controlled corporations, such as the Schnee Dust Company, use Faunus labor in conditions that are "controversial". These racial tensions are a common thread throughout Faunus and Human history.

Early History
The early history of mankind is told in myths and legends, though the reliability of these stories is questionable.

Legend tells that Humans were born from a primordial state known as dust. For as long as Humans have existed, they have been locked in a struggle against Monsters, such as the Grimm, various creatures who appear to be determined to destroy mankind and all of his creations.

In truth, Humanity was created by The Gods as a compromise to end their brotherly feud, after the younger brother created Grimm to destroy the elder brother's creations. These gods created Humanity as a masterpiece that embodies the elder brother's gift of creation, the younger brother's gift of destruction, and the gifts of knowledge and choice. The most important of these gifts is choice - the free will to choose whether to use their gifts for light or darkness.

Human-Faunus Conflict
The Faunus Rights Revolution was a fairly large-scale conflict lasting at least 3 years that erupted from the history of tensions between Human and Faunus populations. The cause of the war is attributed to the Humans' attempts to confine Faunus to an area of Remnant known as Menagerie.

Facing permanent subjugation, the Faunus fought back, leading to a full-scale war. After a series of military victories considered by historians to be very much against reasonable expectations, the united Faunus race forced the Humans to the negotiating table. Although the settlement of this conflict theoretically led to equal standing between Faunus and Humans, the underlying hatreds remain. Many Humans see Faunus as 'animals' and treat them as such.

As a consequence of this ongoing discrimination and oppression, there is a strong and growing Faunus civil rights movement, protesting the exploitation of Faunus and discrimination against them.

Additionally, the White Fang, an organization set up in the aftermath of the war to promote unity, equality, and peace between Humans and Faunus, has become radicalized and has turned into a powerful terrorist movement. So powerful is this movement and so extensive are its activities, that it now represents a major threat to continued overall peace between the races.

Modern Day
Today, Humans primarily live in the four Kingdoms, where agriculture, industry, and life may continue without continual threats from the Creatures of Grimm.

It is not unheard of, however, for people to venture outside of the Kingdoms. Roaming nomads and villages are not uncommon and located throughout the planet, though the threat of the Creatures of Grimm remains significant, and beyond the safe haven of the Kingdoms, such pocket settlements can disappear overnight.

Although the world is said to be in an unprecedented state of peace, social issues seriously threaten the status quo - racial tensions between the Faunus and Humans caused by continuing prejudice in society, the immoral practices of the Schnee Dust Company, as well as agitation from the White Fang terrorist group, continue to cause friction in society.

The Grimm still thrive in the wild areas outside the territory of the four Kingdoms, whilst plotting by mysterious groups threaten them from within.