Just Me Being Racist… Half Orcs!

Hello patrons! It has been awhile with me being on my sabbatical. This weekend I will be starting my DnD quests covering the span of October. I will put them up eventually, but am in no rush to do so. 😉 or else it would not be a sabbatical. But here we are, the last race from the player’s handbook, the Half-Orc. Half-Orcs are the strong people of the wild. They are not as wild as their full blood orc ancestors, however, they do still retain some of that wildness in them. When they are around their own kind they tend to take charge, the human side making them a more superior orc. Some of the half-orcs choose to live among humans and seek greatness through deeds of might. More often than not, half-orcs live around orcs. Because of this they tend to have scars on their bodies from fights and other things. Half-orcs either show their scars with pride or hide them in shame depending on how they got them.

Based on their gruff look, and their obvious orc heritage, most people do not like them or trust them. Of all the races, humans are usually the only who accept them in their cities, but only in the slums.

Traits and Bonuses

Half-orcs get +2 strength and +1 to constitution. Their speed is 30 feet and have darkvision.

Menacing

Half-orcs have proficiency in the Intimidation skill.

Relentless Endurance

Once per a long rest, when you are dropped to 0 hit points, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. This does not work it you are killed outright (negative your max hit points).

Savage Attacks

When you score a critical hit on a melee attack, roll one extra damage dice and add it to the extra damage on the critical hit.

Languages

Half-orcs can speak, write, and read Common and Orc. Orc is harsh sounding language, and has no script itself.

Good Race/ Class Combinations

The obvious class choice is going to be the fighter. Paladins and rangers are also some good choices as well. However, I like to make my characters a bit odd at times and try a weird combination.

My Opinion

Half-orcs are great fighters. I do not usually play half-orcs but they are a good choice for those who like them. I have seen some very successful half-orc fighters tear apart foes in battle.

Just Me Being Racist… Gnomes!

This week we are looking at the inquisitive little folk, gnomes. As I mentioned in the Tavern Post this week, prior to Dungeons and Dragons, the gnomes I had seen/heard of were usually rude or even evil (I think that may have been from Goosebumps as a kid?).
However, the gnomes in Dungeons and Dragons are the exact opposite. Gnomes are happy to be alive. They love to learn, invent, create, and (especially) play. Gnomes live around 350 to 500 years, and they worry that even if they stay extra busy every day that they cannot see all there is to see even with that long life they have. Gnomes also talk as fast as they live. Often to the point there words cannot keep up with their minds. They also love to play. Whether it be games, or pranks (mild or harsh), they enjoy laughing at most anything funny.

Subraces

Gnomes have 2 subraces: forest and rock gnomes. Forest gnomes are quicker on their feet and are stealthier than their rock brethren. They also have a knack for illusions and this his how they keep hidden in plain sight. Forest gnomes are good-hearted folk who view elves as their most important allies. Forest gnomes have access to the minor illusion cantrip naturally and also have the ability to communicate simple ideas to small (or smaller) beasts. They will often keep small animals as pets.

Rock Gnomes are the inventors and innovators. They are hardier than other gnomes. Rock gnomes get to add their proficiency bonus twice when making a history check on magic, alchemical, or technological devices. They also have the ability to tinker. As a tinkerer you can make small object for you to play with. You can make a clockwork toy, a fire starter(lighter), or music box. You can have up to three gadgets active at a time and after 24 hours must either spend 1 hour repairing each gadget or take dismantle it.

Traits and Bonuses

Based on this information, gnomes appear to be the most intelligent of creatures because they are always seeking more knowledge. This lines up with their ability score bonus of +2 intelligence. Forest gnomes get +1 dexterity while rock gnomes get +1 constitution. Gnomes, along with halflings, make up the only two starting races that are not medium size. Because of their small size they only have a speed of 25. They also have darkvision.

Gnome Cunning

Gnomes have advantage on all intelligence, charisma, and wisdom saving throws against magic.

Languages

Gnomes are able to speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. Gnomish is similar to Dwarvish script, however, Gnomish is highly technical and most technical guides and catalogs of nature are written in Gnomish.

Good Race/Class Combinations

Lore wise, Gnomes would make great druids or wizards. Stat wise they are best for wizards, but can be used for any class that need dexterity as a higher score. However, I have played a game where we had a gnome barbarian how was able to maul most enemies in his path. With his little gnomish rages.

My Opinion

As a Software Dev. grad. major, the concept of always trying to find a new way to do things in the world and tinkering trying to make something new really speak to me. Because of this, I find the gnomes very intriguing (as they would our innovations). Normally, I urge to try something different, but normally even I will stick with a wizard rock gnome or a druid forest gnome.

Just Me Being Racist… Dragonborn!!!

Hello patrons!! It has been awhile compared to the last few weeks. I am dying to sit down and play some DnD this weekend!

This week we are going to look at dragonborn. Dragonborn, are you guessed it, a combination of dragons and humanoid creatures. The first dragonborn had scales closely resembling those of the full dragons, but over the years the colors have died down because of breeding. The majority of dragonborn have scale colors that are usually brass or bronze. Some dragonborn have an extra strong vein of blood in them from a particular type of dragon, giving them the appearance of the full dragons.

Dragonborn live for the clan. Their own live, whoever they worship, come after the clan. They are honor bound in this to the point that bringing dishonor to the clan leads to exile. Dragonborn tend to spend their life mastering a particular skill. Any other person who follows this goal can more easily earn the respect of the dragonborn.

Traits and Bonuses

Dragonborn get +2 strength and +1 charisma. They have the standard speed of 30 feet. They, like dragons, are built strong. They tend to be taller and heavier than humans and usually live to be around 80.

Draconic Ancestry

This shows from which type of dragon the dragonborn descended from.

Dragon	Damage Type	Breath Weapons (Save)
Black	Acid	5 by 30ft. line (dex)
Blue	Lightning	5 by 30ft. line (dex)
Brass	Fire	5 by 30ft. line (dex)
Bronze	Lightning	5 by 30ft. line (dex)
Copper	Acid	5 by 30ft. line (dex)
Green	Poison	15ft. cone (con)
Red	Fire	15ft. cone (dex)
Silver	Cold	15ft. cone (con)
White	Cold	15ft. cone (con)

Breath Weapons

When you pick one of the colors above, you also are picking what your breath weapon does (damage type and shape of blast). To use your breath weapon, you will use one action exhale your “style” of breath at your opponents. Each creature in the area of your breath must make a saving throw (determined by the color as well). The DC for the saving throw equals 8 + your constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. Upon your enemy failing their save you deal 2d6 damage and half damage on an successful save.

Damage Resistance

Another benefit from your Draconic Ancestry comes in the form of resistance. You gain resistance to damage from your corresponding damage type (i.e. fire, cold, etc.).

Languages

Dragonborn are able to speak, read, and write Common and Draconic. Draconic is believed to be one of the oldest languages and is used frequently in the study of magic; so this is a good language to have as a magic user

Good Race/Class Combinations

Dragonborn get +2 strength so they will make a good race for any class seeing as everyone needs to be able to hit their enemy and strength is how you are gonna use those melee weapons. Barbarian, Fighter, Cleric, Monk, Paladin, Warlock, and even Druid could benefit well from this race. Again like last week, there is not really a weird thing this race can do really.

My Opinion

Dragonborns are the coolest looking race to pick from (without playing a monster character). They look as badass as a dragon and get to breath fire (or whatever element you chose). Because of their honor bound nature I put them up there with dwarves in terms of attitude. They are able to respect other races, but only if they are hard working.

Just Me Being Racist… Half-Elves!

So… I forgot to be racist today.. I am a horrible bar owner! How could I forget my racist Fridays?! Well, thanks to my wife calling me out on it, the fire of racism has been relit!!

Patrons… do you know what race I half hate and half love(not really, I feel bad for them)?? Half-elves of course! Half-elves have two different races and cultures in their bloodline, and are not welcome in either one. The humans look at them like freaks.. and the elves look on them as lesser beings (especially the high (and mighty) elves. Half-elves having qualities from both elves and humans, really do make one of the best races. They get the knowledge and mental prowess from their elven side then the get humility and ambition from their human sides. Oh and unlike the feminine elves, these guys can grow beards and often do to hide their half-elf heritage from others.

In my opinion, half-elves are in the same boat as the tieflings. No one really likes them or wants to be around them in towns. If they live with humans, they live set apart because of physical and emotional differences and watch their friends and loved ones age while time barely touches them. When they live with elves, they are the ones that grow old while their friends stay children. Because of this most will take to living alone or with other unwanted people.

Now, I do not normally quote the book in these, but to really drive home how much this race is unloved and not welcome in either society I quote page 39 Player’s Handbook…

“Half-elves use either human or naming conventions. As if to emphasize that they don’t really fit in to either society, half-elves raised among humans are often given elven names, and those raised among elves often take human names.”

Just go ahead and let the depth of that sink in for a minute. I mean come on…

Anyways.

Traits and Bonuses

Half-elves get +2 charisma and get +1 to 2 other ability scores of their choice. Their speed is the standard 30 feet. Like their elven heritage, they also have darkvision.

Fey Ancestry

Half-elves have advantage on their saving throws against being charmed. Also, magic cannot put you to sleep.

Skill Versatility

Half-elves are proficient with two skills of your choice.

Languages

Half-elves can read, speak, and write Common, Elvish, and one other of your choice. Elvish is full of intricate grammar. Elvish language is sought after by bards especially so they can have access to all of the songs and ballads in Elvish.

Good Race/ Class Combinations

Half-elves get the +2 to charisma. That means, stat wise of course, that they could be good: bards, paladins, sorcerers, and warlocks. However, they also get +1 to other ability scores of their choice. This literally means that they can be good at anything. So I won’t even bother saying do something weird. Because these guys and gals are so boss at whatever they do, it won’t be weird.

My Opinion

Half-elves hit me like tieflings. I feel bad for these guys. No one really accepts them except for their own kind and this leads them to often live alone and wander the land. However, this race can literally do anything they want (except be loved ;p ) so you cannot feel too bad for them. With that said, half-elves are the one kind of elf I enjoy playing. Oh and I forgot to mention earlier that their eyes tend to get the eye color of their elven parent. So pick your elven race wisely. No one wants someone who looks like a human running around with drow eyes.

Good gaming and God bless!

Just Me Being Racist…. Elves!

I received a message awhile back about how I say, “I like this race.” or “I love this race.” They asked me if there was any race that I did hate in Dungeons and Dragons. I told them to stick around and find out. Well, here it is, this week things are going to be a little different. Usually I have a little bit where I, the tavern owner, talks about how I “hate” this race. Well, we have made it to the race I actually do hate finally, Elves!

Last week we looked at the dwarves. The stout little mountain and hill folk that are as hard and gruff as the stone they work with. They have a natural dislike for the elves because of they way they live, act, fight, etc. Now the dwarves are able to admit that yes they can be decent at things, but first and foremost they do not like them. The feeling is mutual as well! Elves find the dwarves clumsy and dull, lacking of humor. I side with the dwarves.

Elves are these lovely little tree hugging folk whose lives last entirely to long in the world. Lore always mentions how they are so intelligent because of their long lives and how they are super quick on their feet and are very dexterous. I say the elves are so quick because they like to run more than stay and fight or work things out. Because they like to run away, this allows them to bury their noses in books more. The only reason they are so “intelligent” is because they get over 7 human lifetimes to learn things.

Subraces

Elves have 3 subraces: High elves, wood elves, and drow (dark elves). High elves believe themselves superior to other elves. They are more into magic than the other elves. Wood elves are those that are more in tune with nature. They are even more quick on their feet than other elves. Drow are the elves that were banished to the Underdark from the surface. They are usually evil and have adapted themselves to living underground.

High elves have elf weapon training. This gives them proficiency with the longsword, longbow, shortbow, and shortsword.

Wood elves also have elf weapon training. They also have fleet of foot with makes their base speed 35 feet instead of 30. They also have mask of the wild that allows them hide even when they are only partially obscured by natural phenomena.

Traits and Bonuses

Elves get +2 to dexterity. High elves get +1 to intelligence, wood elves get +1 to wisdom, and drow get +1 to charisma. Elves, except wood elves, get 30 feet speed. They all have darkvision and proficiency to perception.

Fey Ancestry

Elves have advantage on their saving throws against being charmed. Also, magic cannot put you to sleep.

Trance

Elves do not sleep. They meditate instead of sleeping for 4 hours a day. The 4 hour rest provides the same benefits that a human gets from a full 8 hours of sleep.

Languages

Elves can read, speak, and write Common and Elvish. Elvish is full of intricate grammar. Elvish language is sought after by bards especially so they can have access to all of the songs and ballads in Elvish.

Good Race/ Class Combinations

Elves can literally be good at almost any class stat wise. If their bonuses do not affect the main ability score for the class it will for the secondary ability score. Rangers, wizards, sorcerers, and druids are the main elf characters I have seen. The occasional bard is fairly common as well. However, as mentioned above, elves can pull off just about any class pretty well. The only thing they are going to struggle with is the classes that rely on strength as their main stat. That is where people like me come in! I will of course have a elf fighter who wears plate mail and a pike because that is how I roll.

My Opinion

Elves being the opposite of dwarves are my natural opposite as well. This means I really am not fond of them. Yes I admit they get good bonuses and traits, however, I cannot stand the personality they always seem to have built into them. Elves seem to carry themselves as the “best race,” some of them *cough*cough*(high elves), see themselves as better than other elves.

Just Me Being Racist… Dwarves!

Of all the peoples in the realms.. These people are the worst. They are loud, obnoxious little folk, who come in her getting overly belligerent. They scream all kinds of random curses at people and always try to start a fight or compare beards… yes my patrons.. I am speaking of those horrible little dwarves.

Dwarves

This week we are going to look at another one of the familiar races in fantasy games. Dwarves are the hardiest of all the people. There are strong and sturdy like the stone that they work with. They are short little folk well under 5 feet tall and can weigh as much as humans. They can live as long as 400 years old and have a memory that matches it. Dwarves tend to favor justice and they are all slow to forget any wrongs they have suffered. And if you wrong one dwarf you wrong that dwarf’s entire clan. Dwarves, much like the explorers from Europe in search of new land many centuries ago, set out with 1 of 3 things in mind: God, Gold, or Glory. Some of them set out with all three things in mind.

Sub Races

There are two sub races that are included in the players handbook; the hill dwarf and the mountain dwarf. The hill dwarves have good senses and are resilient people. The mountain dwarves are the stronger and hardier dwarves. They are used to being underground and used to difficult terrain of mountains. These dwarves tend to be taller and have a lighter complexion.

The hill dwarves have the dwarven toughness feature. This gives them +1 hit point to start and +1 hit point every time you gain a level.

The mountain dwarves being the hardier folk have dwarven armor training. They receive proficiency with light and medium armor. This makes for a fun character. This means that you could make a dwarven warlock who wears medium armor and gets up close and personal with their foes even more so.

Traits and Bonuses

Dwarves receive +2 to Constitution. Hill dwarves will get +1 to Wisdom while mountain dwarves get +2 to Strength. Because they are smaller their speed is only 25 feet. However, their speed does not decrease for wearing heavy armor. They receive dark vision as well because of their underground heritage.

Dwarven Resilience

They receive advantage on saving throws against poison and have resistance against poison damage as well.

Dwarven Combat Training

They have proficiency with the battle-axe, handaxe, light hammer, and warhammer.

Tool Proficiency

They also get to pick one tool of their choice from: smith’s tools, brewer’s supplies, and mason’s tools.

Stonecunning

When making an Intelligence (history) check related to the origin of stonework, you get double your proficiency bonus on the check.

Languages

Dwarves read, speak, and write Common and Dwarvish. Dwarvish is full of hard sounding consonants much like our Russians and Germans. These characteristics will spill over into what ever language they speak.

Good Race/Class Combinations

Dwarves make good clerics, paladins, fighters, and even monks. I also see how they could make good warlocks as well. In fact, I am really liking the idea of a dwarven warlock at the moment. One who is able to call upon a mighty warhammer out of no where. Yea.. good stuff. But dwarves can do what ever they want to. If you want a dwarven wizard then go for it! Anybody who reads these posts know I like making the weird class/race combinations.

My Opinion

Dwarves are a blast. They fit my real personality; belligerent disgruntled people who just want to be left to their own thing. I think a party without a dwarf is in for some sad times. Dwarves, despite their “politeness” that they are so great at, somehow they always seem to piss off someone in a tavern somewhere or do something clumsy. Like halflings you can also give a dwarf a toss into battle as well! However, this will give you a lot more of a challenge because they are after all bigger and most likely will be wearing medium or heavy armor. Get with your DM on some DCs for this.

Just Me Being Racist…. Tieflings

I say to you my patrons.. I cannot stand these people.. They come into my tavern, deceiving my patrons, intimidating folk with their vile, infernal looks.. yes my friends.. I am speaking of Tieflings.

Tieflings

Tieflings, unlike our other races we have seen so far, are unique to Dungeons and Dragons.

The Tieflings actually are a race that is on the receiving end of quite a bit of racism in Dungeons and Dragons. They are often stared at as freaks, talked about behind their backs, insulted and are the subject of physical hate crimes. This is because long ago their race made a pact with the devil. Because of this one pact long ago, the Tieflings are hated and reviled everywhere they go. As a constant reminder of their pact long ago, they have an infernal look to them. They have horns, a thick tail, fangs, and eyes with solid colors only, no pupil.

Because of this they live in small groups in human towns, usually in the worst parts of town. They grow up to be some kind of deviant in these areas. Tieflings are the last to trust others, but once you prove your worthiness, their trust is rock solid.

Traits and Bonuses

Tie flings get a +1 to their Intelligence and a +2 to their Charisma. They have a land speed of 30 and are about the same size as humans. Many of the Tieflings lean towards evil because of the ways they are treated by the other races. They also have Darkvision, allowing them to see in dim light like normal and dark as if it were dim light. Because of their Infernal heritage they also have resistance to fire damage. Tieflings are fluent in Common and Infernal.

Infernal Legacy

Because of your heritage, you have access to certain spells. You have thaumaturgy as a cantrip. At level 3 you can cast hellish rebuke, once a day as a 2nd level spell. At level 5 you can cast the darkness spell once a day as well. You will use Charisma for these spells.

Good Race/Class Combinations

Seeing as they get a +2 in Charisma Tieflings could make good Bards, Sorcerers,Paladins, and Warlocks. I have also seen them as pretty successful rogues because of their bonuses to deception and the like. I could see them being good Wizards as well.

My Opinion

Of course, you should all know by now that any race will work for anything for me, because I am open to the fun possibilities of them. They may not be statistically awesome, but they are fun to role-play. On the topics of Tieflings, I feel bad for them. I actually enjoy them because they are the hated race of the game. They might as well be called monsters (technically they are called monsters… and worse at times). I think they are great at spell caster classes, because lets face it, having a tail(if your DM is cool) hold your wand and cast spells while you use a bow and arrow with your hands is pretty freaking awesome.
I do have a nugget of food for thought for my patrons… If the Tieflings are hated by everyone.. Then why do they get +2 Charisma? Perhaps because they have that magical infernal legacy. Anyways.. Have a good Friday, God Bless and Happy Gaming! See you all here for our Play-Through Party on Sunday!