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14:01, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

D&D race restructure

Posted by PCO.Spvnky
PCO.Spvnky
member, 442 posts
Tue 30 Jun 2020
at 13:19
  • msg #1

D&D race restructure

So what does everyone feel about the proposed racial restructuring by WoTC?
https://www.pcgamer.com/dandd-...-racial-stereotypes/
Bruiser419
member, 14 posts
Tue 30 Jun 2020
at 13:23
  • msg #2

D&D race restructure

In reply to PCO.Spvnky (msg # 1):

I think it's unnecessary and simply being done to make sure the game stays "relevant" and somewhat free from social attack.
nauthiz
subscriber, 659 posts
Tue 30 Jun 2020
at 13:43
  • msg #3

D&D race restructure

I think it's fine and may be helpful for people or groups that are using the book to learn the hobby for the first time.

It's another step towards making it explicit that while games have a structure, the main (I'd argue inherent) appeal is that you're free to make the choices you want to make to tell the story you want to tell.
Jarodemo
member, 838 posts
My hovercraft
is full of eels
Tue 30 Jun 2020
at 13:44
  • msg #4

D&D race restructure

In reply to PCO.Spvnky (msg # 1):

The flippant answer is to argue that ‘evil’ races are just people too. #greenlivesmatter

Politics aside, I think it is a good idea to have the option of more heavily modifying a PC to reflect the concept you have in mind. Maybe more racial variants in each racial category, to give a player more options. All equally good/bad in terms of their abilities, but with enough variety to get what you want.

An option could be to add ability modifiers to class as well as race. Maybe a Fighter gets +1 STR and CON, a Paladin gets +1 WIS and CHA. The risk here is further min/maxing a PC, but that is going to happen anyway if the player and GM allow it.

One simple way of moving away from the concept of specific races as ‘evil’ is to change your campaign setting, as often it is a point of view. If all PCs are orcs, ogres, trolls, kobolds and goblins living in a multicultural mountain community that is being attacked by land-grabbing humans and their hired mercenary thugs, then the humans are the ‘bad guys’ in this setting.

In terms of game mechanics, I think that the rules should be expanded to enable the playing of all races as PCs, without having to apply labels. The campaign setting determines good and evil, not the rule book.
This message was last edited by the user at 13:45, Tue 30 June 2020.
azzuri
member, 546 posts
Tue 30 Jun 2020
at 13:46
  • msg #5

D&D race restructure

Race is a misnomer anyway. It should be more like 'species'.
Bruiser419
member, 15 posts
Tue 30 Jun 2020
at 13:49
  • msg #6

Re: D&D race restructure

azzuri:
Race is a misnomer anyway. It should be more like 'species'.

I agree.
Jarodemo
member, 839 posts
My hovercraft
is full of eels
Tue 30 Jun 2020
at 13:56
  • msg #7

D&D race restructure

In reply to azzuri (msg # 5):

Good call.
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