BG - Race

index

Race

　Race defines the characters species: human, elf, dwarf, gnome, half-elf, or halfling. Race puts some limitations on the character’s Class.

Human

　Humans are the predominant race in Faerûn. Humans rule most of the significant empires and kingdoms in the Forgotten Realms. They are the most social and tolerant of races, excepting perhaps the halflings. The only special ability that a human possesses is that they may advance as any class, and
advance to any level.

Dwarves

　Dwarves are short stocky fellows, easily identifiable by their size and shape. They have ruddy cheeks, dark eyes, and dark hair. Dwarves tend to be dour and taciturn. Dwarves have a natural resistance to magic and poison. They possess infravision, which allows them to see in the dark. They gain a bonus to their Constitution, but incur a penalty to their Charisma and Dexterity.

Elves

　Elves tend to be shorter and slimmer than normal humans. Their features are finely chiseled and delicate, and they speak in melodic tones. Elves are looked upon as being frivolous and aloof. Elves have a natural resistance to charm and sleep magics. They can see in the dark with infravision, and they are very skilled in the use of the bow and long sword. They have a bonus to their Dexterity, but incur a penalty to their Constitution.

Gnomes

　Kin to dwarves, gnomes are noticeably smaller than their distant cousins. Gnomes, as they proudly maintain, are also less rotund than dwarves. Most have dark tan or brown skin, white hair, and rather large noses. Gnomes have natural resistance to magic. They can see in the dark with infravision.
They gain a bonus to their Intelligence scores, but incur a penalty to their Wisdom.

Halflings

　Halflings are short, generally plump people, very much like small humans. Their faces are round and broad, and often quite florid. Their hair is typically curly, and the tops of their feet are covered with coarse hair. Halflings are highly resistant to poisons and magic. They are naturally skilled with slings as weapons, and have a limited ability to see in the dark. They receive a bonus to their Dexterity, and incur a penalty to their Strength.

Half-Elves

　Half-elves are a mix of human and elven blood. They are handsome folk, with good features of each of their races. A half-elf has the curiosity, inventiveness, and ambition of their human ancestors, and the refined senses, love of nature, and artistic tastes of their elven ancestors. Half-elves have a limited resistance to Charm and Sleep spells. They can see in the dark with infravision.