Difference between revisions of "Character Race Options"

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[[File:Raceoptions-01-table.jpg|thumb|400px|]]
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[[File:Character Race Options.jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
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The '''character race options''' available for selection during [[Character Creation|character creation]] are chosen after the player has finalised his or her [[Ability Stats|ability stats]] and [[Character Class|character class]].  Player character race choices encompass [[Dwarf Race & Physiology|dwarves]], [[Elf Race & Physiology|elves]], [[Gnome Race & Physiology|gnomes]], [[Half-elf Race & Physiology|half-elves]], [[Halfling Race & Physiology|halflings]], [[Half-orc Race & Physiology|half-orcs]] and [[Human Race & Physiology|humans]].  The six non-human races in this list are known collectively as "[[Demi-humans|demi-humans]]."
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__TOC__
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Each player character race comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some races are smaller in size, possessing less mass and therefore some [[Hit Points per Die|hit points]], as well as penalties to [[Encumbrance|encumbrance]].  Nonetheless, these smaller characters have an increased resilience where [[Saving Throws|saving throws]] are concerned, and additional [[Natural Abilities|natural abilities]].
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Certain races enjoy the support of extensive networks of nations and social cultures, while others find themselves as outcasts in virtually every land.
  
Once a player has determined their ability stats and their player character class, it is then time to decide upon the character’s race. The available options for race include dwarves, elves, gnomes, half-elves, halflings, half-orcs and humans. The six non-human races in this list are known collectively as “demi-humans.
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It's essential for players to weigh these factors and make choices based on personal preference rather than aiming for the "optimal" choice. Investigating each character race should be a pleasure, as well as a means to personalise the player's journey.
  
Each has advantages and disadvantages. Some are smaller, with less mass and hit points, and may not be chosen as an option for some character classes. Others lack multiple special abilities and skills. Some are supported by vast networks of nations and social cultures. Others are outcasts in virtually every land. Players should consider what works best for them, and feel free to choose a race based on personal preference rather than as “the best” option.
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== Other Player Races ==
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When designing the game world, a DM needs to consider the setting's consistency and decide if additional races for player characters, such as goblinish, orcish, monstrous or varying more recent class-race inventions really provide any benefit to play. As more fantastical or whimsical races are introduced, excessive attention is paid to novelty, especially when supernatural gifts are granted to players at the outset.
  
[[File:Raceoptions-02-image.jpg|thumb|left|400px|]]
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This dilutes the thematic consistency of a D&D setting and disrupts the intended atmosphere of the game, which ought to be less about personal whims and identity and more focused upon group play.  Classic races, stripped of their tropes or expectations, provide a blank canvas for new players, better ensuring that character gain their "personality" through PLAY, and not through having something odd or different handed to them on a silver platter.
  
The table shown indicates what races can be assigned to which classes. Where the table shows a blank, that class is unavailable for that race. Contrary to rules in AD&D, there is no limit to the level that a specific race can obtain in any class (though each character class page does list its maximum level for all races). Additionally, there are no racial ability score minimums or maximums, as AD&D imposed.
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== Character Class Limitations ==
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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 25px; text-align:center; background-color:#d4f2f2;"
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|-
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! style="width: 55px|Class !! style="width: 48px|Dwarf !! style="width: 48px|Elf !! style="width: 48px|Gnome !! style="width: 48px|Half-elf !! style="width: 48px|Halfling !! style="width: 48px|Half-orc !! style="width: 48px|Human
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Assassin (class)|assassin]] || yes || yes || yes || yes || no || yes || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Bard (class)|bard]] || no || no || no  || yes || no || no || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Cleric (class)|cleric]] || yes || yes  || yes || yes || no || yes || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Druid (class)|druid]] || no || no  || no || yes || yes || no || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Fighter (class)|fighter]] || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Illusionist (class)|illusionist]] || no || no || yes || no || no || no || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Mage (class)|mage]] || no || yes || no || yes || no || no || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Monk (class)|monk]] || no || no || no || no || no || no || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Paladin (class)|paladin]] || no || no || no || no || no || no || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Ranger (class)|ranger]] || no || yes || no || yes || no || no || yes
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|-
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| align="left"|[[Thief (class)|thief]] || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes
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|}
  
Other races than those indicated above are not available for player characters. However, non-player humanoids of all kinds are usually able to progress as fighters and thieves, and often as assassins, clerics or mages. Bards, druids, illusionists, monks, paladins and rangers are very rare among races not allowed for player characters.
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The table shown delineates the permissible race-class combinations.  Where "yes" is indicated, then the player can choose that race in association with the character's class.  Where "no" is indicated, the race is unavailable for that class. Unlike the rules in AD&D, no [[Experience Level|experience level]] limit is applied for non-human races.  Nor is there an imposed racial [[Ability Stats|ability score]] minimums or maximums.
  
See Multi-Class Characters
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See also,<br>
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[[Character Background Generator]]<br>
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[[Character Race Relations]]<br>
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[[Individual Role-play]]<br>
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[[Multi-class Characters]]<br>
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[[Player Characters]]
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 05:40, 24 May 2024

Character Race Options.jpg

The character race options available for selection during character creation are chosen after the player has finalised his or her ability stats and character class. Player character race choices encompass dwarves, elves, gnomes, half-elves, halflings, half-orcs and humans. The six non-human races in this list are known collectively as "demi-humans."

Each player character race comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some races are smaller in size, possessing less mass and therefore some hit points, as well as penalties to encumbrance. Nonetheless, these smaller characters have an increased resilience where saving throws are concerned, and additional natural abilities. Certain races enjoy the support of extensive networks of nations and social cultures, while others find themselves as outcasts in virtually every land.

It's essential for players to weigh these factors and make choices based on personal preference rather than aiming for the "optimal" choice. Investigating each character race should be a pleasure, as well as a means to personalise the player's journey.

Other Player Races

When designing the game world, a DM needs to consider the setting's consistency and decide if additional races for player characters, such as goblinish, orcish, monstrous or varying more recent class-race inventions really provide any benefit to play. As more fantastical or whimsical races are introduced, excessive attention is paid to novelty, especially when supernatural gifts are granted to players at the outset.

This dilutes the thematic consistency of a D&D setting and disrupts the intended atmosphere of the game, which ought to be less about personal whims and identity and more focused upon group play. Classic races, stripped of their tropes or expectations, provide a blank canvas for new players, better ensuring that character gain their "personality" through PLAY, and not through having something odd or different handed to them on a silver platter.

Character Class Limitations

Class Dwarf Elf Gnome Half-elf Halfling Half-orc Human
assassin yes yes yes yes no yes yes
bard no no no yes no no yes
cleric yes yes yes yes no yes yes
druid no no no yes yes no yes
fighter yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
illusionist no no yes no no no yes
mage no yes no yes no no yes
monk no no no no no no yes
paladin no no no no no no yes
ranger no yes no yes no no yes
thief yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

The table shown delineates the permissible race-class combinations. Where "yes" is indicated, then the player can choose that race in association with the character's class. Where "no" is indicated, the race is unavailable for that class. Unlike the rules in AD&D, no experience level limit is applied for non-human races. Nor is there an imposed racial ability score minimums or maximums.


See also,
Character Background Generator
Character Race Relations
Individual Role-play
Multi-class Characters
Player Characters