Human lifestyles in Skoria

The way humans live has drastically changed from before the virus broke out. Because so much of civilization was lost, it can be difficult for the humans from time to time. There are no other known cities and the land can be unforgiving even though it seems ripe and welcoming. It is a conflicting and dangerous time for such a susceptible race. That is why they have had to adapt. Humans must be crafty and intelligent to get by in this world, especially with the number of wolves on the rise.

Humans of all races, heights, hair types, and histories are found here. There is little discrimination these days. Not that the stories and cultures of past lives have been forgotton. Not in the slightest. No, people must rely more and more on one another and there are more important matters now. The virus is the scariest thing known to mankind now. You never know when it will surge up again, and, for humans, it is difficult to spot and defend against.

Clothing & Accessories
The humans generally wear whatever they can find or make. Because the world had been so advanced before the downfall, they can be found in clothes that you or I would find to be modern. They can also be found in older clothes, nicer clothes, and even sport formal wear to special occasions. Their clothing has changed little other than the fact that their nice things are taken far better care of than they might have been before. Clothing, especially of rare fabrics that can no longer be replicated, are of utmost important. Generally work clothes are those made out of cotton fabrics. Due to all of this, your character can dress how they like. Keep in mind, though, anything that is not cotton or leather is more likely to belong to those in a higher position.

Just like clothing, humans have a wide assortment of accessories. These can include jewelry, trinkets, bracelets, shoes, and other small garments that have been passed down through the generations or created anew. These accessories often get worn down with age, but precious ones that are in limited supply are generally taken better care of. Jewels and other important pieces are especially prized as there are no longer mines in which to find these precious stones. Gold, silver, and other metals are often bartered to smiths who can melt them down to make new things.

Weapons & Tools
For the most part, tools and weapons found in Skoria and wileded by humans have reverted to almost bronze-age quality. While they are not fashioned from bronze, they are made in much the same way and are wielded much the same way. Sometimes their look directly clashes with the style of the surrounding area. The people have only been so successful in making tools because of the few humans who already understood it and passed down the knowledge. That said, there has been a lot of reverse engineering and no tool or weapon is quite as good as they once were. On occasion, someone might happen upon a more modern weapon or tool - such as a machete or hoe - and make use of that instead. Crossbows and bows are both favored hunting items as it allows for ranged hunting. Guns are strictly prohibited and gunpowder is only ever used in the making of fireworks.

Housing & Comfort
Houses within Gettysburg are in varying conditions. Houses on the borders of the city are in worse shape than those toward the center. The taller skyscraper-like buildings are used very little now as there has been no maintenance to them in some time and there is fear that they will collapse soon. Many houses have already fallen in on themselves as well. Those houses that are in good shape are generally kept up with moderate repairs, though some repair jobs are a bit crude. Those with higher standing live closer to the center of the town and generally live in larger and nicer homes.

Furniture is a prized posession among the people of Gettysburg. While new chairs made of wood and leather and cloth can be made, antiques lasting from before the outbreak are very rare and sought after by most members of the society. Beds are generally made of straw or cotton and are rarely left over from the past. Their design just wasn't meant to last so many decades. Many things are repurposed for use in decorating the home, including old televisions and other electronics that no longer serve the purpose they once had. Most electronics have been stripped of their wiring so that the copper can be sold and used for new creations.

Farming & Gathering
There are farms of many types surrounding Gettysburg. Though it is near the Dead Lands, the crops generally flourish rather well. Crops are planted as far out as the Fetid Basin, pulling on the water there to provide moisture for the crops. Crops of all kinds are cultured for the purpose of sustaining the peoples of Gettysburg. These crops are most prized and are often bartered and traded for other goods.

So too is true that gathering wild resources is also required. Some individuals go out daily for the sole purpose of gathering as much as they can. There are a few people who leave on days-long journeys between continents to gather resources and herbs that would otherwise not be attainable. This can include going to specific areas to find things that are only available there. For the most part, humans provide their own plant matter and hunt animals to provide their protein. Animals are hunted with bows and crossbows usually though from time to time snares and other similar tools may be used.