Race

A character's Race describes what type of creature they are, namely their lineage and physical traits. The term is most often used to describe the various species of sentient beings native to The Old World, although some have theorized that The New World may be home to new Races not yet discovered. Some Races are almost entirely uniform, while others are divided into Sub-Races, which share similar heritage but have significant physiological differences, or ethnicities, which differ from one another only slightly. Members of all known Races are able to "breed true" with other members of their Race, producing fertile offspring with similar physical and mental traits to their parents. Additionally, certain Races are able to hybridize with one another to varying degrees of success.

There are nine extant Races native to the Old World: Humans, Aasimar, Dragonborn, Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, Gnomes, Orcs, and Tieflings. Half-Elves and Half-Orcs, though technically hybrids, are widespread enough that they are sometimes considered distinct Races as well. Archeological and historical evidence indicates that other Races once existed in the Old World, but are now extinct or have morphed over time into one or more of the modern Races.

Choosing a character's Race is one of the first steps in Character Creation and, along with their Class, plays a large part in determining that character's place in the world and their role in an Adventuring Party. Each Race and Sub-Race (if applicable) has different effects on a character's ability scores and may grant one or more unique bonuses or powers. See the articles on each individual race for more information and a list of Sub-Races (if applicable) for each.

List of Known Races:

• Human
• Aasimar
• Dragonborn
• Dwarf
• Elf
• Half-Elf (Hybrid Race)
• Halfling
• Gnome
• Orc
• Half-Orc (Hybrid Race)
• Tiefling