Fantasy Races
A staple of fantasy stories involves the banding together of a variety
of exotic races of people to fight against the forces of evil. This
section provides basic gimmicks for the most common fantasy races.
Each player
selects his character's race just before determining his
attribute scores. Players do not have to spend points to select
their character's race, though each race's racial gimmicks include
a GP cost for Narrators who would like to have an idea of their overall
value for the purpose of balancing character power in his fantasy
game.
With Narrator approval,
players who desire characters
with a "mixed" racial heritage may select a second race. However,
instead of receiving all the gimmicks from both racial packages,
the character receives only a total of 10 GP worth of gimmicks of
his choice from the
two races.
Thus,
a half-elf (a chacter with human and elf parents), might choose
the Versatility and Heroism gimmicks from his human race and the
Elemental Affinity gimmick from his elf race. A different half-elf
character, however, might choose Versatility from his human race
and Faerie Grace from his elf race. Racial gimmicks must be chosen
during character creation and cannot be changed.
Humans
Humans are a gregarious race with the unique ability
to adapt and thrive in new surroundings. It’s difficult to
describe the average human, simply because humans range widely
in appearance based
on the environments
and nations in which they live. Humans can be found all over the world,
from barren wastelands to dense jungles to the largest cities. Humans
also freely (all things considered) socialize with the other civilized
races and can occasionally be found in their company.
You
automatically receive the following gimmicks when choosing to be a
human during character creation.
Versatility (5GP/0MP/P)
Unlike other races, humans do not have an affinity with specific
physical or mental traits. You receive three additional attribute
points and
may distribute them however you desire among your eight attributes.
All your
attributes have a maximum score of 7. In addition, your Luck score
permanently increases by one point.
Heroism (3GP/0MP/P)
Humans have the potential for achieving heroic successes on the actions
they attempt. Your maximum Result on all successful ability checks
is 12. Furthermore, when you roll a critical, you add an additional
+2 to
your Final Total.
Aptitude (2GP/0MP/P)
Every human has a special affinity for a particular type of activity
or field of study. You automatically receive one free non-combat
skill that begins at level two. In addition, unlike your other skills,
this
skill may be raised as high as level 8.
Dwarves
Dwarves are a hearty and industrious race that values hard work and
practicality. The average dwarf is a little over four feet tall and
possesses a massive
build. Even dwarven women share this distinctive appearance (though
they do not grow beards like dwarven men). Dwarves are most often
found in
the handful of sprawling underground city/mines they’ve created.
Very rarely will dwarves venture into the outside world, preferring
the company of their own race to that of others—and even then,
such forays are typically to sell gems, ore, and crafted items.
You automatically
receive the following gimmicks when choosing to be a dwarf during
character creation.
Powerhouse (5GP/0MP/P)
Dwarves are a physically hearty and durable race. You receive one
additional attribute point in your Strength, Endurance, and Resolve
attributes.
Unlike your other attributes, these attributes may be increased
to a score as high as 8. You also permanently receive an additional
Wound Point.
Stoneskin
(3GP/0MP/P)
Dwarven skin is resilient and tough. Your RF permanently increases
by one point.
Darksight (2GP/0MP/P)
Either through design or adaptation to living underground,
all dwarves can see in the dark. You are able to see perfectly
in total
darkness
and can measure distances and recognize fine details just
as if you were in a well-lit area.
Elves
Elves are a mysterious and reclusive race with a natural
affinity for magic and nature. The average elf stands
as tall as a human
but possesses
pointed ears and is typically of a more slender build.
Elves can often be found outdoors (particularly in less “civilized” areas
of the world) in small groups— they rarely congregate
in cities or deal more than passingly with other races.
You automatically
receive the following gimmicks when choosing to be an elf during
character creation.
Faerie
Grace (5GP/0MP/P)
Elves are an innately graceful and magical race. You
receive one additional attribute point in your
Reflexes, Perception,
and Charisma
attributes.
Unlike your other attributes, these attributes
may be raised to a score as high as 8. In addition, your
MP
pool permanently
increases
by 10
points.
Arcane Spirit (3GP/0MP/P)
Due to their innately magical nature, Elves are
able to absorb magic from their environment.
At the very
beginning of each
round, you
regain an additional 1 MP, up to your maximum
MP total.
Elemental Affinity
(2GP/0MP/P)
Elves have a mystical affinity with the natural
elements and suffer less harm from both normal
and magical elemental
attacks. You gain
a +2 RF
bonus against elemental attacks. In addition,
whenever you are damaged by an elemental source,
you regain
1 MP, up to
your maximum
MP total.
Gnomes
Gnomes are a bright and inquisitive race who
value ingenuity and exploration. Gnomes
are the shortest
of the
civilized races; the tallest gnomes reach
about three and a half feet tall and are often mistaken
for children
of
other races at
a distance.
Gnomes are also the least populous of all
the races. So infrequently are gnomes seen in the
open, in
fact, that
some members of
other races believe gnomes to be nothing
more than legend.
You automatically
receive the following gimmicks when choosing to be a gnome during
character
creation.
Ingenious (5GP/0MP/P)
Gnomes are naturally inquisitive and clever.
You receive one additional attribute
point in your
Perception,
Intelligence, and Wits attributes.
Unlike your other attributes, these attributes
may be raised to a score as high as 8.
In addition, your
Luck
score permanently
increases
by
one point.
Brainstorm (3GP/0MP/P)
Gnomes are prone to moments of insight,
often “remembering” information
that they have never actually learned.
For each full round you spend focusing
on finding the answer to a trivia question,
you
receive
a cumulative +1 bonus on your forthcoming
Trivia ability
check, to a maximum bonus
of +10. This ability even applies on
Trivia checks for which you do not
actually possess the appropriate Trivia
skill.
Machine Memory
(2GP/0MP/P)
Gnomes never forget. You have a photographic memory
and can remember and recall any event exactly as
you experienced
it. However,
you do not have to choose to remember all
events with perfect clarity. For
example,
you may choose to forget (or repress)
trivial, painful, or traumatic
events normally.