Your races for the PHB [Archive] - Wizards Community

Your races for the PHB [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Gardag
02-10-08, 09:17 PM Ok I made this thread just out of curosity, I was wondering If you created 8 races to be the core races of the PHB wich races would you choose and why, the rules are races with ECL +0, there should be enough members of that race in the world to be significant as a playable race, humanoids only.

I'll start as an example:

My races are:

-Human (they are needed in every world and they provide cultural standards)

-Dwarf (tough, bearded and very cool, excellent fighters needed in any world, plus they are part of popular culture)

-Elf (I don't like elves but nonetheless they are part of popular culture)

-Halfling(A small race is needed, who else could master roguery the way they do)

-Orc (I think that half-orcs are cool but why have only the half of it, orcs away of the eye of Gruumsh could be interesting charcters)

-Goblin (goblins are a good part of worlds such as WOW, Magic the gathering among few others and not necesarily evil)

-Kobold (A classic race from 1ed to present day, I would give them a chance since no gnomes will be involved in my races, there should be no problems)

-Shifter (I think a shifter may be used in a place with a well built story and shifter could make great rangers)
zook1shoe666
02-10-08, 10:41 PM 1- Human (classic, even though i despise them)
2- Elves (classic, and "everyone" likes them)
3- Dwarves (classic, easy to understand)
4- Gnomes (classic, easy to understand)
5- Halflings (classic, easy to understand)
6- Orcs/half-orcs (classic, easy to understand)
7- Planetouched (more than just a couple, easy to understand)
8- Goblinoids (easy to understand)
Crimson_Concerto
02-11-08, 01:19 AM All right, well, honestly, I have never given a crap about Elves, Dwarves, or Halflings. I don't care how iconic they are. If I were making a PHB for one of MY games, they wouldn't be included, so there. :P

So, my list is gonna look like this:

Humans (because they're humans)
Changeling (the rogues)
Kalashtar (the psions)
Killoren (the druids)
Kobold (the sorcerers)
Raptoran (the clerics)
Warforged (the fighters)

Wow... I can only think of 7... Wait, that's how many there are in the 3.5 PHB, so why are we doing 8? :P
Well I guess if I need to pick an eighth, I'll go with...

Illumians (the wizards)

(( I'm assuming we're talking non-home-brews here. ))
Squaba
02-11-08, 01:22 AM Human - Because they're a must in every roleplaying game.
Elf - See human.
Dwarf - See elf.
Halfling - Because they make some of the most memerable characters.
Half-Elf - If you have humans and elves you gotta half their bastard children, I'd give them some unique stats though, not half assed elf/human stats.
Orc - They don't need to be stupid and evil, Warcraft orcs made some of the coolest PCs and NPCc ever.
Goblins - Again, cool NPCs and PCs.
Warforged - The only thing in ebberon worth it's salt on to in my opinion.
Stado
02-11-08, 03:09 AM Humans
Dwarves
Elves
Gnomes
Halflings
Orcs
Goblins
Warforged
Simple and clean. And, personally, I think removing gnomes from core in 4E was a very asinine move. Gnomes rule.
Lord Karsus
02-11-08, 03:46 AM -Humans
-Elves (Stats for various subraces included)
-Dwarves (Stats for various subraces included)
-Halflings (Stats for various subraces included)
-Gnomes (Stats for various subraces included)
-Half-Breeds (Various stats/points to keep in mind for adding the 'Half' prefix in front of a race)
-Kender
-Warforged

-I really can't think of any others. That 'Half-Breed' accounts for so much...Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Half-Gnomes, Half-Dwarves, Half-Dragons, Half-Giants...

-I added those last two in, as an homage to Dragonlance and Eberron, as they are both 'iconic' races of their respective world. The Forgotten Realms don't really have an 'iconic' race, else I would have listed that too.
Relic
02-11-08, 12:08 PM Humans
Dwarves
Half Dwarves (Muls)
Elves (no subraces)
Half-Elves (homebrew version)
Shifters (only small-size, replaces halfling)
Warforged
Hobgoblin
Ecalsneerg
02-11-08, 12:17 PM - Humans
- Dwarves
- Elves
- Half-Elves (obviously a better version)
- Halflings
- Kobolds
- Shifters
- Planetouched (generic ones with 'pick from a list', certain picks mean certain heritage)

Humans, dwarves, elves and halflings are good iconic races, and I like half-elves. Half-orcs and gnomes ain't my cup of tea. Shifters and planetouched ae just cool, I like the whole 'descendant to a nasty beastie' idea, and Kobolds rock.

I'd include Warforged, but they're not generic enough fo what i want in a PHB. Whereas Shifters, well, most settings have 'thropes in them.
Tectorman
02-11-08, 04:14 PM -Humans (reason: they're humans)
-Elves (iconic enough)
-Dwarves (see above)
-Orcs (Half-Orcs are a common race, but regular Orcs aren't?)
-Half-Elves (combos of common races should be common enough)
-Half-Orcs (see above)
-Halflings (iconic)
-(definitely not Gnomes; if they weren't good enough for LotR, they ain't getting in here)
-Goblins (iconic)
Argo
02-11-08, 08:09 PM Human
Elf
Dwarf
Halfling
Gnome
Orc (no CHA penalty, +2 to Spot, Listen, Intimidate)
Changeling
Mongrelfolk
Legdiwena
02-11-08, 08:14 PM The OP excluded Warforged from the running since it's humanoid only. I cast my vote for:

Warforged
Elves
Dwarves
Kobolds
Quarter-ogres
Planetouched
Half-elves
Half-orcs
Crimson_Concerto
02-11-08, 09:27 PM The OP excluded Warforged from the running since it's humanoid only.I don't know about the others, but I did in fact notice, and I did in fact ignore it.
In fact, I think the Killoren I included are Fey. :P
Also, I like how you immediately afterwards list Warforged on your list as well. :rofl:
Krusk
02-11-08, 10:08 PM if i had a list

Human
Elf- 4e flavor
Dwarf
Kobold
Half-giant -some form of no LA version -flavored as gentle giants, who can kick butt if need be.
Thri-kreen- No La version
Lizardfolk -again a no LA version
Minotaur- No la version

I don't like LA on core races, so I would have to devise alternitives. But this gives us your

standard fantasy stock, elves and dwarves.

Your humans, for those of us who are un-adventurous.

a sneaky race, kobolds, and they are a generally DND idea. So we don't have too many misconceptions from other generas killing their flavor.

hill giant because we need a large core race.

Thri kreen and lizard folk for those who want to play something exotic.

Minotaur for those who want a bestial bruser type unlike the -how i would see them- passive gental giant half-giants
X0_Lt_0X
02-11-08, 10:30 PM Human (theres got to be humans)
Dwarfs (Just Because)
Elves (Just Because)
Gnomes (Cannon Fodder)
Orcs (So the other races can kill them)
Giants (for those with a big guy fetish)
Fairies(Pixies) (for those with a Little guy Fetish)
Vampires (for those with a blood sucking/undead fetish)

Of course we would need to add the Half races (half-elves, half-giants, etc.) but they can be added as "sub-races".
AZNsupermarket
02-11-08, 10:49 PM Assuming that in my PHB all races were made to be more or less balanced:

Human
High Elf
Wood Elf
Half-Elf
Orc
Half-Orc
Halfling
Gnome
Dwarf
Dragonborn
Warforged
Changeling
Shifter
Kalastar
Aasimar
Tiefling
Hanzo187
02-11-08, 11:00 PM Well, let's see

Humans (I wonder why)
Elf (obvious reasons)
Dwarf (duh)
Halfling (see above)
Half-Orc (with an addition or two)
Shifter (good for Lycan lovers who hate LA)
Warforged (iconic to Eberron)
Planetouched (get rid of LA)

I'm not sure about the rest of the half-races (such as half-elf). Maybe stick 'em in MM?
Artifact
02-11-08, 11:20 PM If I had to determine the playable races for the Player’s Handbook these would make my short list.

1- Humans (no brainer)
2- Dwarves (too iconic to ignore)
3- Elves (too iconic to ignore)
4- Muls (Half-Dwarves)
5- Genasi
6- Half-Giants
7- Dragonborn (Dungeons & Dragons ;))
8- Catfolk (I love cats, and I’m otherwise drawing a blank here)

I would eliminate half-elves and half-orcs right off, since they’re over-used in fantasy RPGs. Muls, on the other hand, are more rare and fill much the same niche. I like the idea behind the genasi (exotic, fantastic, not as familiar as say dwarves or elves). Its between genasi or the planetouched – I choose the former ;).

I’ve never cared over-much for gnomes (blah ;)), and halflings seem most appropriate for Tolkien. Instead of small guys hows about some big boys? Half-giants will do; shouldn’t be too hard to keep ‘em at LA +0.
AdenThornwood
02-11-08, 11:39 PM My list would include the following;

- Humans (Largely diverse race)
- Elves (Make good wizards)
- Dwarves (Make good fighters)
- Halflings (Make good rogues)
- Half-Elves (Diverse, magical race)
- Planetouched (Why not?)
- Half-Orcs (Why not?)
- Gnomes (Why not?)

Yup, I have a pretty boring list. The Planetouched would be the only playable race in the PHB where you could choose from some subraces, though. I'm thinking probably Aasimar and Tieflings, and perhaps Genasi?
Legdiwena
02-12-08, 12:29 PM Is there a vampire race I missed somewhere, or is he talking about the template?
Prime32
02-12-08, 02:02 PM I'd go with

Humans
Dwarves
Elves
Orcs
Warforged (as an example of how settings can benefit from unique races, like how the DMG has Red Wizards.)
Tiefling
Aasimar
Kobold ("You can't aggro me, I'm the kobold! Also, a PC race.")

Save half-races for the Monster Manual.
Gardag
02-13-08, 09:09 PM I've seen very diverse but interesting choices for PHB races, some would be one hell of a PHB, thanks for sharing your PHB choices, check my other thread for "your classes for the PHB", I'd like to see what you have to post about that too.
pigknight
02-14-08, 02:14 AM 1: Human
2: Werewolf (LA +0)
3: Vampire (LA +0)
4: Necropolitian
5: Elf
6: Dwarf
7: Awakened Pig
8: Awakened Boar (or Kobold if Pig equals Boar).
Legdiwena
02-14-08, 11:26 AM How can you have a LA 0 werewolf or vampire? I thought awakened animals had LA or at least racial HD.
Grimgrin
02-14-08, 12:48 PM Mean and Green:

Humans
Orcs
Goblins
Kobolds
Gnoll (adjusted to LA 0)
Plane Touched: Lesser (All types)
Mongelfolk (instead of half-orc)
Warforged and Warforged Scout
Malchius
02-14-08, 12:57 PM I'd personally have a very long list of Races, more than eight anyhow, mainly because there's so many Races I like.

Humans(It's always fun to play Humans)
Elves(Elves kickass, although my standard elves would be Wild Elves), I would include the subraces(including Drow and Half-) aswell.
Dwarves(For the honourable Warrior stereotype), Subraces included(Dream, Mountain, Duergar)
Orcs(They are uberstrong, and equally dimwitted), Half-orcs would be included in their statblock
Goblins(I love my Gobbo Rogues and think they're more iconic than Elves and Dwarves but together) Would have Forestkith and Hobbo Stats listed.
Kobolds(because they make awesome Heroes and Villians), Dragonwrought would be included but less cheesed.
Warforged(They're Robots, but not robots and strive to be human and are like awesome and they make super guards because they don't need sleep) I would include the Small Sized Warforged too.
Gnomes(because they're freakin gnomes!) I would include some subraces(Smirvneblin, Chaos Gnome) but I'd never use Whisper Gnomes.
Changeling(Love the Concept, love the shapechanging, good to be a character with a secret)
Planetouched(Aasimar and Tiefling only)

Maybes:

Genasi
Shifters
Dragonborn
Spellscales
Illumians

And of course if Homebrew's allowed, I'd use my Ferran's(Sig) because I enjoy the concept of them.
qwerty1
02-14-08, 01:06 PM I don't have 8 but what about "Kenku"?
They get a +3 on Aid Another (actions not just +2).
Eldritch_Lord
02-14-08, 01:59 PM I think I'd try to cover as many different aspects of races, as possible so I'd go for

Humans--the base race;
Dragonborn--the draconic/reptilian race;
Pixie--the small race and fey race;
Giants--the large race and psionic race (like half-giants in XPH);
Warforged--the construct race;
Necropolitans--the undead race;
Genasi--the elemental race and extraplanar race; and
Shifter--the bestial race and shapeshifter race.
M-bark
02-14-08, 02:38 PM -Humans
-Elves (Stats for various subraces included)
-Dwarves (Stats for various subraces included)
-Halflings (Stats for various subraces included)
-Gnomes (Stats for various subraces included)
-Half-Breeds (Various stats/points to keep in mind for adding the 'Half' prefix in front of a race)
-Kender
-Warforged

-I really can't think of any others. That 'Half-Breed' accounts for so much...Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Half-Gnomes, Half-Dwarves, Half-Dragons, Half-Giants...

-I added those last two in, as an homage to Dragonlance and Eberron, as they are both 'iconic' races of their respective world. The Forgotten Realms don't really have an 'iconic' race, else I would have listed that too.

If I'm not mistaken, Kender are considered a subrace of Halflings.

I would pretty much go for the same list as you, with providing stats for subraces. I would put Kender as a Halfling subrace and add a section of Native Outsiders (Genasi, Aasimar, Tieflings, etc.).
hoodGamer
02-14-08, 04:44 PM human
hobbit (halfling with lotr flavor)
elves
dark elves ( instead of bow prof. they get any crossbow) no spells
dwarf
half-dragon
Minotaur
Lizardfolk

a nice mix. something to play for every type of character.
Eldritch_Lord
02-14-08, 05:00 PM If I'm not mistaken, Kender are considered a subrace of Halflings.

I would pretty much go for the same list as you, with providing stats for subraces. I would put Kender as a Halfling subrace and add a section of Native Outsiders (Genasi, Aasimar, Tieflings, etc.).

Kender are a Dragonlance replacement for Halflings, not a subrace, so far as I know.
pigknight
02-14-08, 06:44 PM How can you have a LA 0 werewolf or vampire? I thought awakened animals had LA or at least racial HD.

I have homebrew versions of vamps, lycanthopes, awakened pigs, and awakened boars (haven't gotten around to the others).
SquashMonster
02-17-08, 12:35 PM Sorry if this is too much of a bump, but I couldn't resist.

Humans
Illumians
Raptorans
Strongheart Halflings
Whispergnomes
Wood Elves
Gray Elves
Dwarves
Einvaldurinn_mikli
02-17-08, 01:09 PM For my part, I'd go with this:

Humans
Dwarves
Orcs
Dragonborn
Hobgoblins
Halflings
Tieflings
Aasimar.

That's right, no fricking elves.
Jopustopin
02-21-08, 02:27 PM 1) Humans
2) Elves
3) Gnomes
4) Halflings
5) Dwarves
6) Kobolds
7) Orcs
8) A larger (not nessecarily large) race such as (half - ogre/ Half-Giant/Goliath)
Xavon
02-21-08, 02:30 PM 1 - Human
2 - Elf
3 - Dwarf
4 - Kender
5 - [some sort of antro-cat]
6 - [some sort of antro-hawk/eagle]
7 - Dwelf
8 - Wookie
Namer_and_Shaper
02-21-08, 04:05 PM 1 - Human (With a few sections on culture, tradition and generally helping players not to play faux-medieval Englishmen)
2 - Halfling (If influenced by myths of little folk like tomte, pixies and the like, perhaps with a "hobbit" sub-race. Secretive, cunning, but often jokers with hearts of gold but famous for their vengence and curses to those that wrong them.)
3 - Dwarf (The natural-born dungeon raider.)
4 - Satyr/Nymph (I replaced elves with these ages ago, they are the perfect magical wilderness race.)
5 - Reptile folk (Dinosaur, lizard, newt, crocodile, dragon whatever. Either desert, swamp or sea themed, but I want them to live where humans have trouble surviving and make it look easy, makes them more exotic.)
6 - Kitsune (I just like my shapechangers to be classy, thats all.)
7 - Jotunkin, Hill Giants (The companion race of halflings, they should draw on the opposing myths. Braggers with huge personalities, I want a excuse to shout and cry and roar at the next session.)
8 - Tieflings (Many a good character can be made from the children of demon worshipers. That said, I'd rather you could just stick planetouched heritages onto the other races. Oh well. :weep: )
Angel Black
02-22-08, 10:24 AM So many options...

Fairly crazy PHB
Most have special inmmunities.

Illumian,Warforged(Construct Fighter),Dragonborn
Killoren(Fey Druid),Deep Imaskari(Wizard),Kalashtar(non psionic sorcerer)
Whisper Gnome(Rogue), Skiurid (ninja)

or the
Fairly Balanced PHB
With version of races from here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20040213a)

Human,Duergar(fighter)
Kobold(sorcerer),Drow(wizard/cleric)
Feytouched(Fey Bard/rogue),Kenku(Rogue)
Goblin(favored changes to ranger),Tibbit(cat rogue)
tjhairball
02-22-08, 04:44 PM My preferred set for one of my particular homebrew settings:
Human
Dwarf
Elf
Minotaur
Goblin
Orc
"Ogre"
"Centaur"
Last two are in quotes because no official ECL+0 stats for them exist.

If I absolutely had to go ECL+0 and modify the world to fit a different flavor more suited to WOTC's choice of "fully playable" races, I'd add instead:
Kobold
Spellscale
Grimgrin
02-22-08, 07:55 PM Halfing
Artic Dwarf (FR)
Forest and Hill Gnome
Kobold
Goblin
Kenku
Ratling
Warforged Scout
Dark Creeper

'Cause its a small world after all.
Spikes01k
02-22-08, 08:15 PM Hmmm.

Human
Elf
Dwarf
Dragon Born (modified for +2 str, instead of con)
Lycan Spawn (Home Brew)
Gray Elf (+2 Int, -2 Str)
Commoner Dark Elf (-2 Str, +2 Wis, darkvsioin instead of low light)
Half Elf (as normal but -2 Con, +2 Cha, bonus skills as human)
Drackthor
02-22-08, 08:56 PM Assuming that in my PHB all races were made to be more or less balanced:

Human
High Elf
Wood Elf
Half-Elf
Orc
Half-Orc
Halfling
Gnome
Dwarf
Dragonborn
Warforged
Changeling
Shifter
Kalastar
Aasimar
Tiefling

AZNsupermarket, you're gonna blow the budget on the PHB! :rofl:
Half_Dragon_Infernal
02-23-08, 10:54 AM Humans
Dwarves
Planetouched
Warforged
Shifters
Kalashtar
Halflings
Gnomes
Elves
Goblinoids
Orcs

That is what i do pretty much. Half-Breeds are allowed if they are balanced.
Mr_Seth
02-24-08, 03:14 PM 1. Humans
2. Dwarves
3. Gnomes
4. Halflings (Tolkeinian variant)
5. Wood elves
6. Kobolds
7. Goblins
8. Golmoids (variant living constructs originally created by the gnomes; based more off the Warforged than the Dragon Magazine original race)
ArochanoX
02-24-08, 03:43 PM I kinda liked Arcanum's versions of the half-orc and half-ogre.

* Human
* Elf
* Dwarf
* Half-orc or orc (the dim-witted, aggressive, impulsive but strong folk for low-income labour and criminal gangs)
* Half-ogre/half-giant (the dim-witted extremely strong, but passiote, tolerant and "slow" labour and bodyguards)
* Sharad-Kai or some shadow elf (because the fluff is so great!)

Nope. I can't think of any more. Warforged are great, but not great enough, and I've actually never liked small humanoids. They're rather silly.
Nathreet
02-24-08, 03:48 PM - human
- elf
- dwarf
- orc
- halfling
- half-elf
- half-dwarf
- half-orc
- quarterling
- elf/dwarf mix
- elf/orc mix
- elf/halfling mix
- dwarf/orc mix
- dwarf/halfling mix
- orc/halfling mix
J/k, I think half races are dumb and should be taken out. Inter-racial romance is okay if you're into that, but no kids.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gardag 02-10-08, 09:17 PM	Ok I made this thread just out of curosity, I was wondering If you created 8 races to be the core races of the PHB wich races would you choose and why, the rules are races with ECL +0, there should be enough members of that race in the world to be significant as a playable race, humanoids only. I'll start as an example: My races are: -Human (they are needed in every world and they provide cultural standards) -Dwarf (tough, bearded and very cool, excellent fighters needed in any world, plus they are part of popular culture) -Elf (I don't like elves but nonetheless they are part of popular culture) -Halfling(A small race is needed, who else could master roguery the way they do) -Orc (I think that half-orcs are cool but why have only the half of it, orcs away of the eye of Gruumsh could be interesting charcters) -Goblin (goblins are a good part of worlds such as WOW, Magic the gathering among few others and not necesarily evil) -Kobold (A classic race from 1ed to present day, I would give them a chance since no gnomes will be involved in my races, there should be no problems) -Shifter (I think a shifter may be used in a place with a well built story and shifter could make great rangers)
zook1shoe666 02-10-08, 10:41 PM	1- Human (classic, even though i despise them) 2- Elves (classic, and "everyone" likes them) 3- Dwarves (classic, easy to understand) 4- Gnomes (classic, easy to understand) 5- Halflings (classic, easy to understand) 6- Orcs/half-orcs (classic, easy to understand) 7- Planetouched (more than just a couple, easy to understand) 8- Goblinoids (easy to understand)
Crimson_Concerto 02-11-08, 01:19 AM	All right, well, honestly, I have never given a crap about Elves, Dwarves, or Halflings. I don't care how iconic they are. If I were making a PHB for one of MY games, they wouldn't be included, so there. :P So, my list is gonna look like this: Humans (because they're humans) Changeling (the rogues) Kalashtar (the psions) Killoren (the druids) Kobold (the sorcerers) Raptoran (the clerics) Warforged (the fighters) Wow... I can only think of 7... Wait, that's how many there are in the 3.5 PHB, so why are we doing 8? :P Well I guess if I need to pick an eighth, I'll go with... Illumians (the wizards) (( I'm assuming we're talking non-home-brews here. ))
Squaba 02-11-08, 01:22 AM	Human - Because they're a must in every roleplaying game. Elf - See human. Dwarf - See elf. Halfling - Because they make some of the most memerable characters. Half-Elf - If you have humans and elves you gotta half their bastard children, I'd give them some unique stats though, not half assed elf/human stats. Orc - They don't need to be stupid and evil, Warcraft orcs made some of the coolest PCs and NPCc ever. Goblins - Again, cool NPCs and PCs. Warforged - The only thing in ebberon worth it's salt on to in my opinion.
Stado 02-11-08, 03:09 AM	Humans Dwarves Elves Gnomes Halflings Orcs Goblins Warforged Simple and clean. And, personally, I think removing gnomes from core in 4E was a very asinine move. Gnomes rule.
Lord Karsus 02-11-08, 03:46 AM	-Humans -Elves (Stats for various subraces included) -Dwarves (Stats for various subraces included) -Halflings (Stats for various subraces included) -Gnomes (Stats for various subraces included) -Half-Breeds (Various stats/points to keep in mind for adding the 'Half' prefix in front of a race) -Kender -Warforged -I really can't think of any others. That 'Half-Breed' accounts for so much...Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Half-Gnomes, Half-Dwarves, Half-Dragons, Half-Giants... -I added those last two in, as an homage to Dragonlance and Eberron, as they are both 'iconic' races of their respective world. The Forgotten Realms don't really have an 'iconic' race, else I would have listed that too.
Relic 02-11-08, 12:08 PM	Humans Dwarves Half Dwarves (Muls) Elves (no subraces) Half-Elves (homebrew version) Shifters (only small-size, replaces halfling) Warforged Hobgoblin
Ecalsneerg 02-11-08, 12:17 PM	- Humans - Dwarves - Elves - Half-Elves (obviously a better version) - Halflings - Kobolds - Shifters - Planetouched (generic ones with 'pick from a list', certain picks mean certain heritage) Humans, dwarves, elves and halflings are good iconic races, and I like half-elves. Half-orcs and gnomes ain't my cup of tea. Shifters and planetouched ae just cool, I like the whole 'descendant to a nasty beastie' idea, and Kobolds rock. I'd include Warforged, but they're not generic enough fo what i want in a PHB. Whereas Shifters, well, most settings have 'thropes in them.
Tectorman 02-11-08, 04:14 PM	-Humans (reason: they're humans) -Elves (iconic enough) -Dwarves (see above) -Orcs (Half-Orcs are a common race, but regular Orcs aren't?) -Half-Elves (combos of common races should be common enough) -Half-Orcs (see above) -Halflings (iconic) -(definitely not Gnomes; if they weren't good enough for LotR, they ain't getting in here) -Goblins (iconic)
Argo 02-11-08, 08:09 PM	Human Elf Dwarf Halfling Gnome Orc (no CHA penalty, +2 to Spot, Listen, Intimidate) Changeling Mongrelfolk
Legdiwena 02-11-08, 08:14 PM	The OP excluded Warforged from the running since it's humanoid only. I cast my vote for: Warforged Elves Dwarves Kobolds Quarter-ogres Planetouched Half-elves Half-orcs
Crimson_Concerto 02-11-08, 09:27 PM	The OP excluded Warforged from the running since it's humanoid only.I don't know about the others, but I did in fact notice, and I did in fact ignore it. In fact, I think the Killoren I included are Fey. :P Also, I like how you immediately afterwards list Warforged on your list as well. :rofl:
Krusk 02-11-08, 10:08 PM	if i had a list Human Elf- 4e flavor Dwarf Kobold Half-giant -some form of no LA version -flavored as gentle giants, who can kick butt if need be. Thri-kreen- No La version Lizardfolk -again a no LA version Minotaur- No la version I don't like LA on core races, so I would have to devise alternitives. But this gives us your standard fantasy stock, elves and dwarves. Your humans, for those of us who are un-adventurous. a sneaky race, kobolds, and they are a generally DND idea. So we don't have too many misconceptions from other generas killing their flavor. hill giant because we need a large core race. Thri kreen and lizard folk for those who want to play something exotic. Minotaur for those who want a bestial bruser type unlike the -how i would see them- passive gental giant half-giants
X0_Lt_0X 02-11-08, 10:30 PM	Human (theres got to be humans) Dwarfs (Just Because) Elves (Just Because) Gnomes (Cannon Fodder) Orcs (So the other races can kill them) Giants (for those with a big guy fetish) Fairies(Pixies) (for those with a Little guy Fetish) Vampires (for those with a blood sucking/undead fetish) Of course we would need to add the Half races (half-elves, half-giants, etc.) but they can be added as "sub-races".
AZNsupermarket 02-11-08, 10:49 PM	Assuming that in my PHB all races were made to be more or less balanced: Human High Elf Wood Elf Half-Elf Orc Half-Orc Halfling Gnome Dwarf Dragonborn Warforged Changeling Shifter Kalastar Aasimar Tiefling
Hanzo187 02-11-08, 11:00 PM	Well, let's see Humans (I wonder why) Elf (obvious reasons) Dwarf (duh) Halfling (see above) Half-Orc (with an addition or two) Shifter (good for Lycan lovers who hate LA) Warforged (iconic to Eberron) Planetouched (get rid of LA) I'm not sure about the rest of the half-races (such as half-elf). Maybe stick 'em in MM?
Artifact 02-11-08, 11:20 PM	If I had to determine the playable races for the Player’s Handbook these would make my short list. 1- Humans (no brainer) 2- Dwarves (too iconic to ignore) 3- Elves (too iconic to ignore) 4- Muls (Half-Dwarves) 5- Genasi 6- Half-Giants 7- Dragonborn (Dungeons & Dragons ;)) 8- Catfolk (I love cats, and I’m otherwise drawing a blank here) I would eliminate half-elves and half-orcs right off, since they’re over-used in fantasy RPGs. Muls, on the other hand, are more rare and fill much the same niche. I like the idea behind the genasi (exotic, fantastic, not as familiar as say dwarves or elves). Its between genasi or the planetouched – I choose the former ;). I’ve never cared over-much for gnomes (blah ;)), and halflings seem most appropriate for Tolkien. Instead of small guys hows about some big boys? Half-giants will do; shouldn’t be too hard to keep ‘em at LA +0.
AdenThornwood 02-11-08, 11:39 PM	My list would include the following; - Humans (Largely diverse race) - Elves (Make good wizards) - Dwarves (Make good fighters) - Halflings (Make good rogues) - Half-Elves (Diverse, magical race) - Planetouched (Why not?) - Half-Orcs (Why not?) - Gnomes (Why not?) Yup, I have a pretty boring list. The Planetouched would be the only playable race in the PHB where you could choose from some subraces, though. I'm thinking probably Aasimar and Tieflings, and perhaps Genasi?
Legdiwena 02-12-08, 12:29 PM	Is there a vampire race I missed somewhere, or is he talking about the template?
Prime32 02-12-08, 02:02 PM	I'd go with Humans Dwarves Elves Orcs Warforged (as an example of how settings can benefit from unique races, like how the DMG has Red Wizards.) Tiefling Aasimar Kobold ("You can't aggro me, I'm the kobold! Also, a PC race.") Save half-races for the Monster Manual.
Gardag 02-13-08, 09:09 PM	I've seen very diverse but interesting choices for PHB races, some would be one hell of a PHB, thanks for sharing your PHB choices, check my other thread for "your classes for the PHB", I'd like to see what you have to post about that too.
pigknight 02-14-08, 02:14 AM	1: Human 2: Werewolf (LA +0) 3: Vampire (LA +0) 4: Necropolitian 5: Elf 6: Dwarf 7: Awakened Pig 8: Awakened Boar (or Kobold if Pig equals Boar).
Legdiwena 02-14-08, 11:26 AM	How can you have a LA 0 werewolf or vampire? I thought awakened animals had LA or at least racial HD.
Grimgrin 02-14-08, 12:48 PM	Mean and Green: Humans Orcs Goblins Kobolds Gnoll (adjusted to LA 0) Plane Touched: Lesser (All types) Mongelfolk (instead of half-orc) Warforged and Warforged Scout
Malchius 02-14-08, 12:57 PM	I'd personally have a very long list of Races, more than eight anyhow, mainly because there's so many Races I like. Humans(It's always fun to play Humans) Elves(Elves kickass, although my standard elves would be Wild Elves), I would include the subraces(including Drow and Half-) aswell. Dwarves(For the honourable Warrior stereotype), Subraces included(Dream, Mountain, Duergar) Orcs(They are uberstrong, and equally dimwitted), Half-orcs would be included in their statblock Goblins(I love my Gobbo Rogues and think they're more iconic than Elves and Dwarves but together) Would have Forestkith and Hobbo Stats listed. Kobolds(because they make awesome Heroes and Villians), Dragonwrought would be included but less cheesed. Warforged(They're Robots, but not robots and strive to be human and are like awesome and they make super guards because they don't need sleep) I would include the Small Sized Warforged too. Gnomes(because they're freakin gnomes!) I would include some subraces(Smirvneblin, Chaos Gnome) but I'd never use Whisper Gnomes. Changeling(Love the Concept, love the shapechanging, good to be a character with a secret) Planetouched(Aasimar and Tiefling only) Maybes: Genasi Shifters Dragonborn Spellscales Illumians And of course if Homebrew's allowed, I'd use my Ferran's(Sig) because I enjoy the concept of them.
qwerty1 02-14-08, 01:06 PM	I don't have 8 but what about "Kenku"? They get a +3 on Aid Another (actions not just +2).
Eldritch_Lord 02-14-08, 01:59 PM	I think I'd try to cover as many different aspects of races, as possible so I'd go for Humans--the base race; Dragonborn--the draconic/reptilian race; Pixie--the small race and fey race; Giants--the large race and psionic race (like half-giants in XPH); Warforged--the construct race; Necropolitans--the undead race; Genasi--the elemental race and extraplanar race; and Shifter--the bestial race and shapeshifter race.
M-bark 02-14-08, 02:38 PM	-Humans -Elves (Stats for various subraces included) -Dwarves (Stats for various subraces included) -Halflings (Stats for various subraces included) -Gnomes (Stats for various subraces included) -Half-Breeds (Various stats/points to keep in mind for adding the 'Half' prefix in front of a race) -Kender -Warforged -I really can't think of any others. That 'Half-Breed' accounts for so much...Half-Elves, Half-Orcs, Half-Gnomes, Half-Dwarves, Half-Dragons, Half-Giants... -I added those last two in, as an homage to Dragonlance and Eberron, as they are both 'iconic' races of their respective world. The Forgotten Realms don't really have an 'iconic' race, else I would have listed that too. If I'm not mistaken, Kender are considered a subrace of Halflings. I would pretty much go for the same list as you, with providing stats for subraces. I would put Kender as a Halfling subrace and add a section of Native Outsiders (Genasi, Aasimar, Tieflings, etc.).
hoodGamer 02-14-08, 04:44 PM	human hobbit (halfling with lotr flavor) elves dark elves ( instead of bow prof. they get any crossbow) no spells dwarf half-dragon Minotaur Lizardfolk a nice mix. something to play for every type of character.
Eldritch_Lord 02-14-08, 05:00 PM	If I'm not mistaken, Kender are considered a subrace of Halflings. I would pretty much go for the same list as you, with providing stats for subraces. I would put Kender as a Halfling subrace and add a section of Native Outsiders (Genasi, Aasimar, Tieflings, etc.). Kender are a Dragonlance replacement for Halflings, not a subrace, so far as I know.
pigknight 02-14-08, 06:44 PM	How can you have a LA 0 werewolf or vampire? I thought awakened animals had LA or at least racial HD. I have homebrew versions of vamps, lycanthopes, awakened pigs, and awakened boars (haven't gotten around to the others).
SquashMonster 02-17-08, 12:35 PM	Sorry if this is too much of a bump, but I couldn't resist. Humans Illumians Raptorans Strongheart Halflings Whispergnomes Wood Elves Gray Elves Dwarves
Einvaldurinn_mikli 02-17-08, 01:09 PM	For my part, I'd go with this: Humans Dwarves Orcs Dragonborn Hobgoblins Halflings Tieflings Aasimar. That's right, no fricking elves.
Jopustopin 02-21-08, 02:27 PM	1) Humans 2) Elves 3) Gnomes 4) Halflings 5) Dwarves 6) Kobolds 7) Orcs 8) A larger (not nessecarily large) race such as (half - ogre/ Half-Giant/Goliath)
Xavon 02-21-08, 02:30 PM	1 - Human 2 - Elf 3 - Dwarf 4 - Kender 5 - [some sort of antro-cat] 6 - [some sort of antro-hawk/eagle] 7 - Dwelf 8 - Wookie
Namer_and_Shaper 02-21-08, 04:05 PM	1 - Human (With a few sections on culture, tradition and generally helping players not to play faux-medieval Englishmen) 2 - Halfling (If influenced by myths of little folk like tomte, pixies and the like, perhaps with a "hobbit" sub-race. Secretive, cunning, but often jokers with hearts of gold but famous for their vengence and curses to those that wrong them.) 3 - Dwarf (The natural-born dungeon raider.) 4 - Satyr/Nymph (I replaced elves with these ages ago, they are the perfect magical wilderness race.) 5 - Reptile folk (Dinosaur, lizard, newt, crocodile, dragon whatever. Either desert, swamp or sea themed, but I want them to live where humans have trouble surviving and make it look easy, makes them more exotic.) 6 - Kitsune (I just like my shapechangers to be classy, thats all.) 7 - Jotunkin, Hill Giants (The companion race of halflings, they should draw on the opposing myths. Braggers with huge personalities, I want a excuse to shout and cry and roar at the next session.) 8 - Tieflings (Many a good character can be made from the children of demon worshipers. That said, I'd rather you could just stick planetouched heritages onto the other races. Oh well. :weep: )
Angel Black 02-22-08, 10:24 AM	So many options... Fairly crazy PHB Most have special inmmunities. Illumian,Warforged(Construct Fighter),Dragonborn Killoren(Fey Druid),Deep Imaskari(Wizard),Kalashtar(non psionic sorcerer) Whisper Gnome(Rogue), Skiurid (ninja) or the Fairly Balanced PHB With version of races from here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20040213a) Human,Duergar(fighter) Kobold(sorcerer),Drow(wizard/cleric) Feytouched(Fey Bard/rogue),Kenku(Rogue) Goblin(favored changes to ranger),Tibbit(cat rogue)
tjhairball 02-22-08, 04:44 PM	My preferred set for one of my particular homebrew settings: Human Dwarf Elf Minotaur Goblin Orc "Ogre" "Centaur" Last two are in quotes because no official ECL+0 stats for them exist. If I absolutely had to go ECL+0 and modify the world to fit a different flavor more suited to WOTC's choice of "fully playable" races, I'd add instead: Kobold Spellscale
Grimgrin 02-22-08, 07:55 PM	Halfing Artic Dwarf (FR) Forest and Hill Gnome Kobold Goblin Kenku Ratling Warforged Scout Dark Creeper 'Cause its a small world after all.
Spikes01k 02-22-08, 08:15 PM	Hmmm. Human Elf Dwarf Dragon Born (modified for +2 str, instead of con) Lycan Spawn (Home Brew) Gray Elf (+2 Int, -2 Str) Commoner Dark Elf (-2 Str, +2 Wis, darkvsioin instead of low light) Half Elf (as normal but -2 Con, +2 Cha, bonus skills as human)
Drackthor 02-22-08, 08:56 PM	Assuming that in my PHB all races were made to be more or less balanced: Human High Elf Wood Elf Half-Elf Orc Half-Orc Halfling Gnome Dwarf Dragonborn Warforged Changeling Shifter Kalastar Aasimar Tiefling AZNsupermarket, you're gonna blow the budget on the PHB! :rofl:
Half_Dragon_Infernal 02-23-08, 10:54 AM	Humans Dwarves Planetouched Warforged Shifters Kalashtar Halflings Gnomes Elves Goblinoids Orcs That is what i do pretty much. Half-Breeds are allowed if they are balanced.
Mr_Seth 02-24-08, 03:14 PM	1. Humans 2. Dwarves 3. Gnomes 4. Halflings (Tolkeinian variant) 5. Wood elves 6. Kobolds 7. Goblins 8. Golmoids (variant living constructs originally created by the gnomes; based more off the Warforged than the Dragon Magazine original race)
ArochanoX 02-24-08, 03:43 PM	I kinda liked Arcanum's versions of the half-orc and half-ogre. * Human * Elf * Dwarf * Half-orc or orc (the dim-witted, aggressive, impulsive but strong folk for low-income labour and criminal gangs) * Half-ogre/half-giant (the dim-witted extremely strong, but passiote, tolerant and "slow" labour and bodyguards) * Sharad-Kai or some shadow elf (because the fluff is so great!) Nope. I can't think of any more. Warforged are great, but not great enough, and I've actually never liked small humanoids. They're rather silly.
Nathreet 02-24-08, 03:48 PM	- human - elf - dwarf - orc - halfling - half-elf - half-dwarf - half-orc - quarterling - elf/dwarf mix - elf/orc mix - elf/halfling mix - dwarf/orc mix - dwarf/halfling mix - orc/halfling mix J/k, I think half races are dumb and should be taken out. Inter-racial romance is okay if you're into that, but no kids.