Playable Races

Players can choose from 7 races when making their character.

In general:

• The once human-only trait of a bonus 1st level feat is applied to all races.
• "Half" races such as Half-orc or half-elf do not exist. The offspring of mixed parentage will take on the physiology of the mother.
• All ability scores start at 10. Every character receives 20 points to spend on raising ability scores at character creation.
  • Ability scores may not be raised above 16 at this point.
• Racial ability bonuses/penalties do not exist. Characters will instead be given 4 attribute points to distribute shortly after entering the game world.

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Human

Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Skin shades range from nearly black to very pale, hair from black to blond, and facial hair (for men) from sparse to thick.

Special Abilities:

• Skilled: Humans are adaptable, receiving +1 skill point per level.

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Dwarf

Dwarves are known for their skill in warfare, their ability to withstand physical and magical punishment, their hard work, and their capacity for drinking ale. They stand just 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall, but are broad and compactly built, almost as wide as they are tall. Dwarven skin varies from deep tan to light brown, and their hair is black, gray, or brown.

Special Abilities:

• Hardiness: Dwarves are particularly hardy, receiving increased hit points of 1 additional hit die per 2 character levels.
  
• Darkvision: Dwarves are able to see in the dark.

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Elf

Elves are known for their poetry, song, and magical arts, but when danger threatens they show great skill with weapons and strategy. Elves can live to be over 700 years old, and by human standards are slow to make friends and enemies, and even slower to forget them. Elves are slim and stand 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet tall. They tend to be pale-skinned and dark-haired with deep green eyes. They have no facial or body hair, and possess unearthly grace.

Special Abilities:

• Keen Senses: Elves make active Investigation and Perception checks automatically and with no movement penalties.
  
• Low-Light Vision: Allows them to see better than normal in the dark.

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Gnome

Gnomes are in wide demand as alchemists, inventors, and technicians. They love to learn by personal experience, and are always trying new ways to build things. Gnomes stand 3 to 3 1/2 feet tall, with skin that ranges from dark tan to woody brown. Their hair is fair, and their eyes are often some shade of blue. Gnomes live 350 to 500 years.

Special Abilities:

• Fade Away: The gnomes possess an affinity for illusions, and may use this feat to consume 3 Metamagic to receive the effects of an Invisibility spell.

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Halfling

Halflings are clever, capable, and resourceful survivors. They are notoriously curious, and show a daring that many larger people can't match. Halflings have ruddy skin, hair that is black and straight, and brown or black eyes. Halflings stand about 3 feet tall, and commonly live to see 150.

Special Abilities:

• Grounded: Halflings are well-known for their down-to-earth ways, and receive +1 Stability per character level.

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Triton

Triton are large, amphibious humanoids, and rank as the tallest of the races native to Risenholm. They have smooth, silvery-blue skin, and hair that is a shade of blue or green. Their facial features are unusually varied compared to other races, and many possess horns of varying shapes and sizes. Their fingers and toes are often webbed, and many prefer to keep their hands and feet bare. Most live for around 200 years.

Special Abilities:

• Amphibious Athletes: Natural dwellers of the seas and oceans, the Triton race may breathe underwater without aid, and receive no movement speed penalty for wading through water hazards. They additionally receive a +60% bonus to their maximum Stamina capacity.
  
• Low-Light Vision: Allows them to see better than normal in the dark.

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Orc

Orcs are one of the largest of the native Risenholm races, averaging over 6 feet in height. While tritons are typically taller, orcs are generally heavier and more muscular. Orcs are known for having a powerful, bulky frames, and possess an almost natural aptitude for battle. Their hues of hair and skin vary even more widely than humans, and their features often intruded upon by tusk-like teeth protruding from the jaw. Orcs live approximately 60 years.

Special Abilities:

• Powerful Build: Orcs are possessed of a physique well-suited to traversing long distances, reducing the Stamina cost of their Dash by half.
  
• Darkvision: Orcs are able to see in the dark.

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