Prime Races

[Stix]

Dwarves are a short, stocky race, averaging about 4–41_2' tall. They often have ruddy complexions, dark hair, and piercing, dark eyes. The natural life span for a dwarf is about 350 years. They are a serious lot, given rarely to frivolity. They prefer a good, hard day’s work. Though sometimes considered dour or taciturn, few doubt the dwarves’ courage or bravery. They have little talent for magic, but excel at fighting, war craft, and arts such as engineering.
Dwarves typically live in hilly or mountainous regions, enjoying the strength of the earth and rocks that make up their underground homes. Dwarves mine the earth for precious metals and gems, and they are particularly fond of gold.
Because of their resistance to magic, dwarves have difficulty using enchanted items. All magical items not specially suited to the dwarf’s character class have a 20% (on 1d100 roll) to malfunction. A check for malfunction is made every time the dwarf attempts to use the item. If the check is passed, the item works until it is turned off, put away, or its duration expires. If the check fails, the magical qualities of the item cannot be called upon, though the item might function normally the next time the dwarf tries to use it. Malfunction checks apply to magical wands, rods, staves, rings, amulets, potions, horns, and jewels. The checks do not apply to dwarven clerics using clerical magical items, and to weapons, shields, armor, gauntlets, and girdles. If a dwarf possesses a cursed item and it malfunctions, the dwarf will recognize the nature of the item and can safely dispose of it.
The standard dwarven subraces are: hill, mountain, deep, and gray. A dwarven character might choose to be a fighter, cleric, or thief. A dwarf also can be multi-classed as a fighter/cleric or a fighter/thief.

Deep Dwarves
As their name implies, deep dwarves live farther underground than their hill or mountain relatives. They prefer the security and the isolation that living far beneath the earth provides.
The typical deep dwarf is 4–41_2' tall and weighs 120 pounds. They are large-boned, but thinner than their cousins who live closer to the surface. And they can move easily through the narrow tunnels they dig in the bedrock.
Deep dwarves seldom have contact with creatures from the surface—few such creatures can reach remote underground places—and the deep dwarves feel no need to dig tunnels to the surface. Most deep dwarves are neutral, lawful neutral, or chaotic neutral. Players may choose any alignment for their deep dwarf characters.

Deep Dwarves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 90’
+1 bonus to attack rolls vs. drow, troglodytes, orcs, and half-orcs, +4 AC vs. ogres, half-ogres, ogre magi, trolls, giants, or titans
By concentrating for one round the character can:
Determine the approximate depth underground, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect any sliding or shifting walls or rooms, 1–4 on 1d6.
Detect any grade or slope in the passage they are passing through, 1–5 on 1d6.
Detect stonework traps, pits, and deadfalls, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect new construction in stonework., 1–5 on 1d6.
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. poison, rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
–1 to all rolls in bright sunlight or continual light spell

Gray Dwarves
Also known as duergar, gray dwarves live far underground—at times even beyond the deep dwarves. However, since they occasionally reside near each other, gray and deep dwarves tend to come into conflict over the resources of the Underdark.
An average gray dwarf is about 4' tall and weighs 120 pounds. The thinnest of the subraces, gray dwarves almost appear emaciated. Most are bald, and those who are not usually shave their heads. Their beards are white. Gray dwarves rarely venture above ground, as they find sunlight to be painful to their eyes.
Most gray dwarves are lawful evil in alignment, with neutral tendencies. Player character gray dwarves can be of any alignment.

Gray Dwarves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 120’
+4 AC vs. ogres, half-ogres, ogre magi, trolls, giants, or titans
By concentrating for one round the character can:
Determine the approximate depth underground, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect any sliding or shifting walls or rooms, 1–4 on 1d6.
Detect any grade or slope in the passage they are passing through, 1–5 on 1d6.
Detect stonework traps, pits, and deadfalls, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect new construction in stonework., 1–5 on 1d6.
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. poison, rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
If not in metal armor,–2 to opponent’s surprise rolls
+2 to surprise rolls
–1 to all rolls in bright sunlight or continual light spell
–2 reaction penalty with dwarves

Hill Dwarves
Hill dwarves live in areas of rolling headlands—often dwelling underground, though they are known to have outposts on the surface. A typical hill dwarf stands 4' tall and weighs about 150 pounds. He is well-muscled and stocky, with tan or brown skin, dark hair, and bright eyes. Hill dwarves prefer earth tones and seldom wear jewelry. They are the most common of all the dwarven varieties, as they adapt well to life above and below ground. Most hill dwarves are lawful good, but player characters can be of any alignment.

Hill Dwarves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 60'
+1 bonus to attack rolls vs. orcs, half-orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins, +4 AC vs. ogres, half-ogres, ogre magi, trolls, giants, or titans
By concentrating for one round the character can:
Determine the approximate depth underground, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect any sliding or shifting walls or rooms, 1–4 on 1d6.
Detect any grade or slope in the passage they are passing through, 1–5 on 1d6.
Detect stonework traps, pits, and deadfalls, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect new construction in stonework., 1–5 on 1d6.
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. poison, rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
–2 reaction penalty when in next to rivers, lakes, and seas.

Mountain Dwarves
This variety of dwarf lives beneath the mountains in isolated strongholds. Most mountain dwarves value their privacy and avoid contact with outsiders. A typical mountain dwarf stands 41_2' tall and weighs 170 pounds. Their hair is lighter than their hill dwarf cousins’, and their skin tends to have a reddish tint.
Mountain dwarves are often wary of hill dwarves, as they are suspicious of their cousins’ dealings with the outer world. Most mountain dwarves are lawful good, but player characters can be any alignment.

Mountain Dwarves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 60'
+1 bonus to attack rolls vs. orcs, half-orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins, +4 AC vs. ogres, half-ogres, ogre magi, trolls, giants, or titans
By concentrating for one round the character can:
Determine the approximate depth underground, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect any sliding or shifting walls or rooms, 1–4 on 1d6.
Detect any grade or slope in the passage they are passing through, 1–5 on 1d6.
Detect stonework traps, pits, and deadfalls, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect new construction in stonework., 1–5 on 1d6.
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. poison, rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
–2 reaction penalty on sea or large body of water

[Stix]

Elves tend to be shorter and slimmer than humans. Their features are angular and finely chiseled, and although elves may appear thin and weak, they are actually quick and strong. When circumstances dictate, elves can be fierce warriors, taking any steps necessary to protect themselves, their homes, and their friends. Most elves are between 5 and 5 1/2' tall and weigh about 110 pounds. They prefer to live in natural settings such as secluded forests and groves. They are chaotic by nature, and other races sometimes consider elves frivolous and aloof.
Elves are an extremely long-lived race, averaging about 1,200 years. This may explain some of their attitudes—life is to be taken slowly and enjoyed; never rush about to accomplish things; there is plenty of time for all activities. Elves enjoy singing, dancing, and looking for the natural beauty in everything they see.
Perhaps because they live so long, elves find it difficult to make friends with the shorter-lived races. Some elves don’t want to bother getting close to humans when those friends will die of old age so soon. However, elves who do make friends outside their race treat their comrades as equals. Friends—and enemies—are never forgotten.
Elves are fascinated by magic and devote time and energy to studying arcane forces. Even powerful human mages respect and admire elves’ understanding of magic.
The standard elven subraces are: aquatic, dark, gray, high, and wood. Player character elves can be the following classes: fighter, mage, cleric, or thief. They also can take the following multi-class combinations: fighter/mage, fighter/thief, fighter/mage/thief, or mage/thief.

Aquatic Elves
Aquatic elves, also called sea elves, live in oceans, lagoons, inlets, bays, and other bodies of salt water. They patrol the shallows and depths and rule from their courts of living coral. Though not often seen, when they are encountered it is common to find dolphins among them. Aquatic elves serve to keep the evil inhabitants of the depths in check. Sahuagin are particularly hated foes, as are sharks that are large enough to threaten sea folk.
Skin colors vary from silver-green to pale blue. Hair is usually green or blue-green, matching the kelp beds where most sea elves make their homes. Their coloring helps conceal the elves from their natural predators. Aquatic elves have gill slits like fish, and they process the air they need out of the water. Unlike most fish, aquatic elves can live for some time out of water.
Aquatic elves can move about on land for a number of days equal to their Constitution scores. However, the longer they spend out of water, the weaker they become. For every two days spent out of the water, aquatic elves suffer a –1 penalty to all ability scores, and to proficiency checks and attack and damage rolls. If any ability or subability score reaches zero, the elf dies. Weakened elves recover within two turns when they return to salt water. Elves who enter fresh water do not recover, but the process of dehydration halts. Aquatic elves can stay in fresh water indefinitely. However, if an aquatic elf leaves fresh water, the dehydration process starts again.

Aquatic Elves’ Special Abilities
Confer water breathing 1/day (lasts 1 hour per level)
+1 to attacks with tridents
90% resistance to sleep and charm
Detect concealed door when passing within 10’, 1 on 1d6
Detect secret doors, 1-2 on 1d6
Detect concealed doors, 1-3 on 1d6
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls
Can be out of water only for a number of days equal to Constitution

Dark Elves
The dark elves, also known as drow, live underground. Nearly all of them are evil, and they have used their cunning to become masters of much of the Underdark. Most intelligent creatures shun them. In many ways, dark elves are the twisted, corrupt versions of their above-ground relatives.
Drow have jet black skin, the better to hide their movements underground. And they tend to be shorter than other elves. The only other physical difference drow exhibit is their eyes, which glow a feral red—evidence, perhaps, of the hatred that burns in their hearts and minds.

Dark Elves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 120'
Faerie fire, dancing lights, and darkness, all 1/day, as priest or wizard of the same level. At 4th level, add levitate, detect magic, and know alignment, all 1/day.
90% resistance to sleep and charm
Detect concealed door when passing within 10’, 1 on 1d6
Detect secret doors, 1-2 on 1d6
Detect concealed doors, 1-3 on 1d6
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls
–1 on all rolls in bright sunlight or continual light spell
–2 reaction penalty with elves

Gray Elves
Gray elves are considered the most noble and reclusive of elvenkind, devoting time to improving their minds. Also known as the faerie, this race has withdrawn from the world around them, stepping forth only to combat great evils. To some—even other elves—this retiring nature makes gray elves seem aloof and uncaring. Indeed, the faerie can be haughty, disdaining contact with their cousins and considering themselves to be the highest, purest, most noble form of elf.
Tall and slender, gray elves have amber or violet eyes and silver or pale golden hair. They prefer to dress in white, silver, or golden yellow with cloaks of dark tones such as deep blue or purple.

Gray Elves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 60'
+1 to attacks with long or short bows
+1 to attacks with long or short swords
90% resistance to sleep and charm
Detect concealed door when passing within 10’, 1 on 1d6
Detect secret doors, 1-2 on 1d6
Detect concealed doors, 1-3 on 1d6
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls

Gray Elf Racial Penalties
Due to their reclusive and often haughty ways, gray elf characters suffer a –1 reaction roll penalty when dealing with other elves, and a –2 penalty when encountering other races.

High Elves
The most common type of elf, these are also the most open, friendly, and cooperative. High elves set the physical standards for elves, being about 5' tall and weighing about 110 pounds. High elves are the palest of all elves, with a skin tone resembling the color of fine cream. High elves usually have blond hair and blue eyes or darker hair, ranging from sandy brown to jet black, with intensely green eyes. High elves like to wear pastel shades. When out on a hunt or adventuring in the forest, high elves typically cover themselves in a cloak of forest green in the spring and summer and one of tan or russet in the autumn.

High Elves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 60'
+1 to attacks with long or short bows
+1 to attacks with long or short swords
90% resistance to sleep and charm
Detect concealed door when passing within 10’, 1 on 1d6
Detect secret doors, 1-2 on 1d6
Detect concealed doors, 1-3 on 1d6
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls
–2 to saves vs. illusions

Sylvan (Wood) Elves
Sylvan elves, or wood elves as they also are known, descended from the same stock as other elves. However, they prefer to live a more primitive lifestyle, more in touch with their roots in the primeval forests they have made their homes. They are geared toward simple survival, and they concentrate on their environment rather than on philosophical debates and the study of magic. Sylvan elves enjoy the beauty of a singing bird, the patterns of an intricate spider web, and their own practice of tattooing. They are the most temperamental and emotional elves.
Sylvan elves are more muscular than other elves, and their complexions are darker. They have yellow to coppery-red hair and brown eyes, though some rare cases of hazel or blue eyes are known. Any sylvan elf born with hazel or blue eyes is considered a good omen for the tribe, believed to be destined for personal greatness. Sylvan elves normally dress in browns and greens, the better to blend in with the forest.

Sylvan Elves’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 60'
+1 to attacks with long or short bows
+1 to attacks with spears
90% resistance to sleep and charm
Detect concealed door when passing within 10’, 1 on 1d6
Detect secret doors, 1-2 on 1d6
Detect concealed doors, 1-3 on 1d6
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls
–1 reaction penalty outside homeland

[Stix]

Distantly related to dwarves, gnomes are smaller—averaging 3–31_2' tall and weighing about 70 pounds. Gnomes have deep tan or brown skin and white hair. The most distinguishing feature are their noses, in which they take great pride. For some reason, all gnomes have very large noses—compared to the rest of their facial features.
The average life span for a gnome is 350 years. Gnomes tend to live in hilly meadows and rocky woodlands. Their small size makes them wary of larger races, though gnomes are not hostile unless the larger folk are evil.
Gnomes are much less dour than their dwarven relatives, with sly and lively senses of humor. Many people—mostly gnomes—say that gnomes have elevated practical jokes to an art form. Gnomes also love living things and finely wrought items of all types. But most especially they love gems and jewelry and are considered by many to be the best gem cutters and jewelers in existence.
Gnomes have some difficulty using enchanted items. All magical items used by a gnome—that are not specially suited to his class—have a 20% chance (on 1d100 roll) to malfunction. A check for malfunction is made every time the character attempts to use the item, and a malfunction affects only the current attempt. If the check is passed, the item performs until it is turned off, put away, or its duration expires. Malfunction checks apply to magical wands, rods, staves, rings, amulets, potions, horns, jewels, and all other items except weapons, shields, armor, gauntlets, illusionist trappings, girdles, and—if the gnome is a thief—items that mimic thieving abilities. Malfunction checks do not apply to gnome priests using clerical magical items.
Also like dwarves, if a gnome possesses a cursed item that malfunctions, he will recognize the nature of the item and can safely dispose of it.

Deep Gnomes
Most surface dwellers consider deep gnomes, or svirfneblin as they call themselves, to be the gnomish equivalents of gray dwarves and dark elves—evil counterparts of their above-ground cousins. This is untrue. Deep gnomes are no more or less evil than their surface-dwelling cousins, and their notorious reputation is a result of ignorance and mistaken association.
Deep gnomes tend to be smaller than other gnomes, but their wiry frames are just as strong. They also prefer to wear cool tones that reflect their stony underground habitats. Most males are bald, while females tend to have stringy gray hair.

Deep Gnomes’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 120'
+1 to attacks with darts
+4 AC vs. gnolls, bugbears, ogres, half-ogres, ogre magi, trolls, giants, or titans
60% chance to hide when underground and not moving
By concentrating for one round the character can:
Determine the approximate depth underground, 1–4 on 1d6.
Determine approximate direction underground, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect any grade or slope in the passage they are passing through, 1–5 on 1d6.
Detect unsafe walls, ceilings, or floors, 1–7 on 1d10.
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls
+2 to surprise checks
–2 reaction penalty with other races

Forest Gnomes
Forest gnomes are less common than rock gnomes. They fill an important niche in the ecology of the woodlands, caring for small plants and animals that other races sometimes overlook. Unlike other gnomes, forest gnomes prefer to make their homes above ground in small log cabins or in large, hollow trees.
The smallest of gnomes, they average only 21_2' in height. They share the physique of rock gnomes—though their noses are not quite as large. Forest gnomes wear their hair and beards long, and the color runs from brown to black in their youth, fading to gray or white with age. Their skin tends toward a greenish cast to tan, rather like some tree barks, and their eyes are blue or brown.

Forest Gnomes’ Special Abilities
+1 bonus to attack rolls vs. lizard men, troglodytes, orcs, and half-orcs, +4 AC vs. medium-sized or larger opponents
Animal friendship 1/day
Pass without trace through native woodland as a druid
Hide in shadows as thief of same level
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5

Rock Gnomes
Rock gnomes are the most common gnomes, and they can be encountered in a variety of climates and environments. The most noticeable feature of the rock gnome is his nose. All gnomes have large noses, but rock gnomes sport the biggest noses of all. Rock gnomes love gems, especially diamonds bigger than their noses.
Rock gnomes stand about 31_2' tall and weigh about 70 pounds. Eye color is predominately blue, although green or brown are seen occasionally. Their hair is usually white or pale gray.

Rock Gnomes’ Special Abilities
Infravision, 60'
+1 bonus to attack rolls vs. kobolds and goblins, +4 AC vs. gnolls, bugbears, ogres, half-ogres, ogre magi, trolls, giants, or titans
By concentrating for one round the character can:
Determine the approximate depth underground, 1–4 on 1d6.
Determine approximate direction underground, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect any grade or slope in the passage they are passing through, 1–5 on 1d6.
Detect unsafe walls, ceilings, or floors, 1–7 on 1d10.
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5

[Stix]

Most halflings are about 3' tall and weigh 60 to 70 pounds. They are generally plump, with round, broad, and often florid faces. They have curly hair atop their heads and on the tops of their typically bare feet. The average life expectancy of a halfling is 150 years.
Halflings are a sturdy and industrious people, generally quiet and peaceful. They enjoy all the creature comforts, and while not overly ambitious, they are friendly and open. Their homes are well-furnished burrows, and most of their work is done out in the sunshine. Halflings get along with the others races, including humans, and they can be found in practically any civilization.
The standard halfling subraces are: hairfoot, stout, and tallfellow. Halfling characters can be of the following classes: cleric, fighter, or thief. The race’s multi-class options are limited to fighter/thief.

Hairfoot Halflings
The most common halfling, hairfoots prefer rural settings. They are a practical people, and there are many bakers, millers, farmers, and innkeepers in their society. Averaging 3' tall, hairfoots are stockier than their cousins. Their complexions run from pale peach to ruddy to dark brown, and their eyes are usually black or dark brown. Their hair can be blond, brown, red, black, and shades in between—though with few exceptions it is always curly. Hairfoots are distinguished from other halflings by their lack of facial hair.

+1 to attacks with hurled weapons and slings
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. poison, rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls

Stout Halflings
Stouts are not as common as hairfoots, and they tend to be stockier. As a result, they also tend to be stronger. Stouts usually live apart from human societies, choosing instead to live near dwarves. There may be some dwarven blood somewhere in the stouts’ ancient past.
Ruddy in complexion, stouts vividly blush when pleased or embarrassed. Their hair tends to be light, and their eyes usually are blue, gray, or green. They favor practical, sturdy clothes, such as well-cured leather. They are the most industrious of all halflings, and are even comfortable around bodies of water and boats.

Infravision, 60'
+1 to attacks with hurled weapons and slings
By concentrating for one round the character can:
Determine approximate direction underground, 1–3 on 1d6.
Detect any grade or slope in the passage they are passing through, 1–5 on 1d6.
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. poison, rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls

Tallfellow Halflings
These halflings are the tallest and slimmest of their kind, averaging a little over 4' tall. Their favorite locale is temperate woodlands. As such, they often live nearer to elves than humans.
They usually wear their hair long, sometimes covered with small caps. And they tend to wear clothes of greens and tans to help them blend into the woods. Tallfellows are the best carpenters, and they often live in spacious above-ground wooden houses. When they need to travel, tallfellows prefer riding small ponies to walking.

+1 to attacks with hurled weapons and slings
Hide in shadows as thief of same level
Detect concealed door when passing within 10’, 1 on 1d6
Detect secret doors, 1-2 on 1d6
Detect concealed doors, 1-3 on 1d6
Saving Throw Bonuses vs. poison, rod/staff/wand, spell based on Constitution score
7–10 +2
11–13 +3
14–17 +4
18–20 +5
If not in metal armor,–4 to opponent’s surprise rolls