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Racial traits

Postby GDEXXY » Jan 15, 2004 (7:02 pm)

Racial traits have been released for all pure-blood races (except Humans). This excludes half-races for now, but we may eventually give them half of each bonus and penalty of whatever they are half-of. Let us know what your opinions on that are.

Here is the list, which will eventually make its way into our game library in the races section:


Elves
Mystic Aura
Coming from a long line of scholars, historians, and wizards, Elves
tend to be more in touch with The Flow and can more easily draw upon
its powers, giving you a larger pool of mana and strong inclinations
towards using magical devices.
Paranoia
Elves have come to wear a bitter dislike for other races and their
physical training tends to suffer some as a result, leaving them
slightly more frail than most races. They also have a great fear
for the undead and the perversion of the nature that they represent
and are thus more susceptible to damage caused by unholy magic.

Goblins
Lucky
Goblins have an uncanny ability to find the best treasures, despite
having no detectable magic aiding them. Gold, gems, and other items
seem to be found in far greater quantities in the treasures that
Goblins find. Their luck is such too that even health reserves are
often found where none should be and a lucky goblin can often survive
a critical strike that would otherwise kill you.
Shunned
Generally unwelcome in civilized society, and having a certain smell
and color, goblins stick out in a crowd like a sore thumb and are
often eyed carefully by untrusting eyes. This unwelcome attention
puts Goblins at a disadvantage when trying to lie low or steal.

Trolls
Supernatural Regeneration
Trolls have an unreal ability to heal any wound, even in death.
Without the aid of neither alchemy nor magic, a Troll's flesh mends
itself constantly, but at a slow rate. Even when killed, the
regenerative properties of the flesh persist, repairing itself for
when the spirit is again infused with the body.
Fire Susceptibility
An unfortunate byproduct of the supernatural regeneration that
Trolls have is that their skin is much more flammable and burns
at a higher temperature than most, causing the Troll to receive
much more damage from fire-based attacks.

Dwarves
War Mastery
Dwarves are widely known for their combat prowess and are rivaled by
few. Such is their might that they have an inate ability to
attack with greater accuracy and when engaged in melee combat, they
know the precise moment to turn their weapon to produce a bit more
damage. Even more, Dwarves are battle-hardened and know how to
better protect themselves.
Arrogance
Running low in the bloodline of the Dwarves is a lack of patience
for the mystic arts. From holy to arcane, nature to dark, magic
eludes the common Dwarf a bit, reducing the available mana that
Dwarves can use somewhat.

Ogres
Enormous Strength
With brute strength many times over normal, the Ogre can drive
a force behind any attack far greater than any of his or her peers.
This powerful strength also gives Ogres a healthy, ox-like life,
bringing additional health reserves and the ability to withstand
extreme temperatures, toxins, and other hazards.
Dimwitted
Ogres aren't known to be astonishing intellectuals. In fact, a
common Ogre could be found having an intellectually-stimulating
conversation with a potato. This makes it far more difficult for
an Ogre to withstand mental attempts to control him/her as well
as resisting psychic attacks. More than that, the Ogre has
barely any access to The Flow, although a great deal of training
can overcome the handicap. Lastly, the Ogre suffers a slower
reflex than most because of his knack for not thinking quickly.

Drago
Naturalist
The Drago are exceptionally in-tune to the lands and to nature,
learning from all it has to offer and allows all Drago to sharpen
their minds. From this, Drago gain a small bonus to all experience
they earn and are slightly more resistant to psychic attacks as
well as being more resistant to poisons, toxins, extreme
temperatures, etc.
Stubborn
A proud race, Drago tend to diversify their combat tactics by
refusing to learn much from styles that other races have
developed. Their stubborn-born ignorance costs them in battle
by slightly reducing their ability to defend from and attack an
aggressor.

Gnomes
Eye Of The Appraiser
Gnomes are a city folk and generally persue unique relics and
treasures or anything they have not yet experienced before.
This tendancy gives them a better eye for the value of items
as well as a mischievous attitude towards acquiring them,
often giving the Gnome a better opporunity to hide, move
silently, and pick pockets.
Mesmerized
Too curious for their own good, Gnomes are in a constant and
perpetual state of amusement over everything they do and it
generally takes the Gnome a little longer to cast spells and
attack in result.
Size Restriction
Due to their small size, Gnomes can not wear any Heavy armor.

Halflings
Nimble
Being small and agile has its advantages as Halflings often
have an uncanny knack for doing things without anyone
being the wiser. In short, Halflings excel in stealing, but
are also better off hiding, moving silently, disabling traps,
and opening locks than most other races.
Weakling
Being small has its disadvantages too. Halflings are simply
too small to produce as much damage as someone of a larger size,
even if they have the strength to match.
Size Restriction
Due to their small size, Gnomes can not wear any Heavy armor.

Minotaurs
Battle Tactics
Excellent strategists and warriors, Minotaurs have a wonderful
knack of excelling in all areas of battle, mastering skills
a little faster and to a higher level than other races can.
Their wide and diverse studies of combat arts and styles give
them an inate bonus to their reflexes as well.
Tempermental
Minotaurs, although generally friendly, are an often misunderstood
and tempermental folk. The mind of a minotaur working a little
different than most and often focused on warfare makes
controlling them through psychic attacks easier.
Horn Restriction
Having horns sprouting up from their skulls, Minotaurs can not
wear anything over their head.

Avians
Wisened
Seekers of truth, knowledge, and wisdom, Avians excel in mystic
studies and practical use, even more so than the typical Elf.
Avians are able to pool more mana from The Flow as well as
resist psychic attacks and attempts to control easier than
other races.
Frail
Avian bones are brittle and lightweight, making flight possible.
Unfortunately, their physiology suffers and as a result, Avians
have significantly less tolerances to physical damage and to
poisons.
Wings
Wings allow the Avian to fly [note: the flight system is not
released at this time], but restricts the Avian to wearing
armor that is flexible and lightweight.

Rurowli
Swift
Graceful and agile, Rurowli have a developed combat style that
goes unrivaled in unarmed combat and are able to attack faster
than any other race. This trait extends to their accuracy and
relexes too, so long as the Rurowli is not wearing any restrictive
armor (light armor is not restrictive). Even when wearing
Medium and Heavy armors, Rurowli gain a fraction of their inate
bonuses.
Exposed
Rurowli are generally uncomfortable in their armor, should they
be wearing any, and have a constant feeling of being vulnerable
to attacks. Should the Rurowli not be wearing armor, then the
fear is realized all the same, though at least he/she can
spring out of danger easier. This overwhelming suspicion
causes the Rurowli to suffer slightly greater damage in combat
and be slightly less resistant to extreme temperatures, poisons,
toxins, etc.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby DYLNPERRY » Jan 15, 2004 (11:00 pm)

Very nice racial traits. Exxy, makes me wish Vedar wasn't human.

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Re: Racial traits

Postby GROVENBURGER » Jan 16, 2004 (2:20 pm)

Very Well Done, and I say that even though it hurts some of mine in their given profession. My drago chose to pursue the ranger path and it appears that was a good choice being a follower of Nature! Hopefully their keen sense of smell helps in that some too!

I do hope the half races are not overlooked very long and that they at soon see half bonuses for that major half race they are closest too! The half races really are a seperate race anyways and should have their own name anyways as opposed to being always looked at as Half Breeds!

Vladim does tend to be more dwarflike in his drinking ways and temperment but Jandar follows the path of others of his own kind although that does tend to follow the Elvish methods most of the time. Then again Cormanth is something completely differant than a typical full Ogre- perhaps the Ogre Mages are half breeds that have wandered down a differant path the same as he has?

All in all I like seeing this- was gonna suggest something along this path to your team soon anyways so ya saved me the trouble! Thanks.

Vladim toasts ya for a job well done (Of course he'd toast you at any chance anyways!)
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Re: Racial traits

Postby Clauddvon_Mauddiv » Jan 16, 2004 (3:44 pm)

I know there has to be reasons other than it's my race...but I wish Humans could get some of these cool things. Titles, abilities...sure is nice for all you non-humans.

Yay
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GROVENBURGER » Jan 16, 2004 (3:46 pm)

I agree them humans outta get titles along with the half & halfs!
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Re: Racial traits

Postby DYLNPERRY » Jan 17, 2004 (12:30 am)

I agree Humans and the half-races should get somethings as well to stay balanced as the other races that just got racial traits, hopefully something's already in the works or soon will be, maybe.

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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDEXXY » Jan 17, 2004 (12:49 am)

Humans, while you won't get racial traits like some of the other races have, will get something nice in compensation. However, just as these races all have bonusing traits, they all have penalizing traits as well -- so you are definitely balanced as it is currently.

Half-races will likely wind up with half of the penalties/bonuses of their non-human Half. It's generally accepted and assumed that the half races are half-human/generic and half-whatever they're named of, so a Half-Goblin is half human and half goblin, thus gaining half of the racial traits of a goblin and half of a human's racial traits (none).

We're also bouncing around an idea of giving the half-races their own names and cultures instead of just calling them "half-this" or "half-that". Anyone have any feelings on that? Would that just make it more confusing and/or put out too many racial choices in the game or would it be beneficial? Let's hear from you!
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GROVENBURGER » Jan 17, 2004 (1:38 am)

And why is it the healers all suddenly became singing fishermen and fisherwoman that can brew might I ask? :?
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Re: Racial traits

Postby Islyn » Jan 17, 2004 (1:52 am)

Well, I believe all half-races would not consider themselves half-breeds but a unique race of their own having their own name ...like Tae'El for half-elf or maybe Rawther - for half-rurowli ....or Draman for half-drago ...just a few thoughts ...and as humans ....because they are bright shooting stars that do not have the longevity of some of the races maybe their learning curve should be shortened and they would be valiant and rash compared to the older races.... my opinion only ... but I like the idea for the half-races
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Re: Racial traits

Postby LAGRAMGAJ » Jan 17, 2004 (5:40 pm)

I just wanted to give my opinions of humans. I think humans should stay as they are. They are the norm that everything gets compared to. Like if Drago are more resistant to poison. More resistant than what? Human! If you start changing humans around you mess up the whole system. I've always liked humans for this, and in most cases have always prefered playing humans.
Humans are the dominant race, and as such are what everything gets compared to.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDEXXY » Jan 17, 2004 (6:37 pm)

GROVENBURGER wrote:And why is it the healers all suddenly became singing fishermen and fisherwoman that can brew might I ask? :?


Pardon?
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GROVENBURGER » Jan 17, 2004 (6:40 pm)

Luna and Chrystine are showing three new skills (at 0.0%) on their trade skills - Fishing, Brewing and Singing. These showed up after the race skills were added.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby WhispererQ » Jan 18, 2004 (10:29 pm)

I agree on not giving "Traits" as they are, to Humans. In just about ALL games, anywhere you go on the internet, Humans are supposed to be the exact "center" of all the gamut of racial traits and advantages and disadvantages. That's the main reason to play a Human, to begin with: They have no DISADVANTAGES and this "trait," in itself, is worth sacrificing advantages for.

There's only one thing about the racial traits as they are, that just angers the heck out of me, but I'm not going to make a stink about it because, again, EVERY game is the same. No matter where you go, no matter what game you play, whether table top, telnet, website, chat room: they're ALL the same. It's like there isn't a soul alive that is willing to challenge the canon dictates of Tolkien, and so they all obey this 'law.' So, I wont open the can of worms here and set off the powder keg. I almost always play Humans, myself, anyway, for the reasons I outlined above: No disadvantages and I'm willing to surrender advantages for that... so it's not like there's a point in getting all bent out of shape over something I don't get into myself.

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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDEXXY » Jan 18, 2004 (10:54 pm)

WhispererQ wrote:There's only one thing about the racial traits as they are, that just angers the heck out of me, but I'm not going to make a stink about it because, again, EVERY game is the same. No matter where you go, no matter what game you play, whether table top, telnet, website, chat room: they're ALL the same. It's like there isn't a soul alive that is willing to challenge the canon dictates of Tolkien, and so they all obey this 'law.' So, I wont open the can of worms here and set off the powder keg. I almost always play Humans, myself, anyway, for the reasons I outlined above: No disadvantages and I'm willing to surrender advantages for that... so it's not like there's a point in getting all bent out of shape over something I don't get into myself.


I'm interested in hearing your opinions if you'd do me the favor of sending me an e-mail at GD-ExXX@XXXXX.XXX or an IM at GD Exxy.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby DYLNPERRY » Jan 19, 2004 (1:18 pm)

But disadvantages are fun, how fun is it to roleplay the perfect race, give me some weaknesses mechanically speaking so we can roleplay it out and such. Thanks for listening!

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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDPALLIDAR » Jan 19, 2004 (2:44 pm)

Ah, but Humans are far from perfect. Their virtues just happen to evenly match their flaws. Or you could say they have no flaws, but then they have no virtues, either.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby DrifterOmega » Jan 19, 2004 (2:44 pm)

i mus agree on just about all points.

but the one i must least add my 2 gold coins about is nae goin aginst tha Tolkin way of thinkin, only ins as much as ifn yrh look as tha way elves are ment ta be portraied, an tha way Ty actually is...

its always been me opinopn tha yeh is how yeh is, nae matta race, er guild.
Ty

(OOC)

it would infact be nice to see some differences in the way races are portrayed but it doesnt have to come from the Gods, but rather from the players themselves. as stated above sometimes you need to take the innictive.

Elves according to lore are supposed to be prim and proper, magickally inclined, arrogent towards most if not all other beings and races, hateful of all that is "balck/dark" magick, and the undead, wise and intelligent.
Yet look at the execption to the rules, Tyvalgar Shadowstalk...ie Village Idiot, blithering bovine extrodinare...his actions and frame of mind are not those of any elf I've ever seen in any form. All of his intrists lie in that of the dead and undead, and tho being an elf he's entitled to more magick then most, he uses little to none. In some cases hes a retarted orc at best.

Sometimes someone sets a standard so high an so well that many if not most feel obligated to follow, and this isn't nessisserilly(scuse the spelling) a bad thing or somethign to worry much about, cauz when in doubt adlib and improvise.

I must definatly agree with Lagramgaj in that humans should not get anythign in the way of bonus', unless we go by the suggestions of WQ and change all races around, in wich case then humans amy not in this light be the center of all and that wich all are based around, in witch case humans should then be entitled to something in the way of bonu's or extra abilities
Anyway thats my 2 cents and a gold coin.

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Re: Racial traits

Postby DrifterOmega » Jan 19, 2004 (2:51 pm)

i mus agree on just about all points.

but the one i must least add my 2 gold coins about is nae goin aginst tha Tolkin way of thinkin, only ins as much as ifn yrh look as tha way elves are ment ta be portraied, an tha way Ty actually is...

its always been me opinopn tha yeh is how yeh is, nae matta race, er guild.
Ty

(OOC)

it would infact be nice to see some differences in the way races are portrayed but it doesnt have to come from the Gods, but rather from the players themselves. as stated above sometimes you need to take the innictive.

Elves according to lore are supposed to be prim and proper, magickally inclined, arrogent towards most if not all other beings and races, hateful of all that is "balck/dark" magick, and the undead, wise and intelligent.
Yet look at the execption to the rules, Tyvalgar Shadowstalk...ie Village Idiot, blithering bovine extrodinare...his actions and frame of mind are not those of any elf I've ever seen in any form. All of his intrists lie in that of the dead and undead, and tho being an elf he's entitled to more magick then most, he uses little to none. In some cases hes a retarted orc at best.

Sometimes someone sets a standard so high an so well that many if not most feel obligated to follow, and this isn't nessisserilly(scuse the spelling) a bad thing or somethign to worry much about, cauz when in doubt adlib and improvise.

I must definatly agree with Lagramgaj in that humans should not get anythign in the way of bonus', unless we go by the suggestions of WQ and change all races around, in wich case then humans amy not in this light be the center of all and that wich all are based around, in witch case humans should then be entitled to something in the way of bonu's or extra abilities
Anyway thats my 2 cents and a gold coin.

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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDEXXY » Jan 20, 2004 (10:39 am)

I've seen rare duplicate posts occur and if I delete one, both will be deleted, so let's just cope with the minor phpBB bug and ignore it...

WhispererQ's issue with Tolkien's influence in medieval games is centered around an affinity towards Halflings and what they "should" be instead of breaking away from Tolkien's norm. WhispererQ would prefer to see us move away from the thiefly-built traits and promote other, non-standard aspects of the race. I'm indifferent myself, neither favoring nor against the idea or the general take on Halflings, though I do agree that Tolkien sure has a huge influence on a variety of racial traits and quirks.

Any input on this?
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GROVENBURGER » Jan 20, 2004 (7:05 pm)

Some thoughts :idea:

I do agree it's always kinda bothered me to see halflings getting thief bonuses in games because in fact in Tolkiens writing that is a far cry from what the race is like. Two things cause this I believe.

#1 With the exception of the 5 in the books Halflings are not adventurer material, and even those 5 tend to be more like country bumpkins most of the time. Halflings are a peace loving race of farmers. But these 5 are the heroes so its kinda hard to leave the race out! :shock:

#2 To give them a place in role playing games its pretty hard to see them as mighty warriors and certainly not mages at least based on the source material. Instead because Bilbo's one encounter when he found the ring and sneaked off we here Gollum yelling Thief! No sneakiness involved other than becoming invisible and too scared to peep! Yet to make a spot for Halflings this is what has been used. :x


Now one place Halflings did seem to excel a bit was as merchants, and their friendly disposition certainly is a bonus there. Like the other small races they also appeared to be good with their hands making things and so forth. In game terms what should we expect?

No heavy armor for small races - Store bought armor has to be cut down to fit as it is so can see this. :idea: Later when we see armorers or perhaps a merchant perhaps that could change.

:idea: Perhaps a bonus in hands on trade skills such as carving, gem cutting , even bow making skills, even maybe alchemy (working with herbs seems good for the farmer/gardeners)

:idea: These guys probably would make good druids, merchants, healers and sailors (being lightweight makes good rigging climbers) and possibly rangers in my eyes. Then again my eyes are always bloodshot! :twisted:
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GMBRAHLIA » Jan 20, 2004 (8:01 pm)

GROVENBURGER wrote:
Now one place Halflings did seem to excel a bit was as merchants, and their friendly disposition certainly is a bonus there. Like the other small races they also appeared to be good with their hands making things and so forth. In game terms what should we expect?

No heavy armor for small races - Store bought armor has to be cut down to fit as it is so can see this. :idea: Later when we see armorers or perhaps a merchant perhaps that could change.

:idea: Perhaps a bonus in hands on trade skills such as carving, gem cutting , even bow making skills, even maybe alchemy (working with herbs seems good for the farmer/gardeners)

:idea: These guys probably would make good druids, merchants, healers and sailors (being lightweight makes good rigging climbers) and possibly rangers in my eyes. Then again my eyes are always bloodshot! :twisted:


I agree wholeheartedly with your whole post, but specifically I think your ideas are very good and well thought out. They make a huge amount of sense. Great post and great ideas. :D
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Re: Racial traits

Postby LAGRAMGAJ » Jan 21, 2004 (6:48 am)

According to Tolkien halflings could move silently when they wanted to, they were good with bows, slings and ranged weapons in general. This seems to fit in with the D&D idea of a thief. They also were smaller so had to use lighter armor and smaller weapons which is not a disadvantage if you are a thief anyway.
I think the main reason they became the 'thief' class is because the original D&D rules only allowed halflings to be fighters or thieves and they could only advance to level 6 as fighters. As for myself this was the first impression I had of halflings as I was involved in D&D before I read Tolkien. Times have changed, D&D rules have become much more relaxed, but the stereotype is there.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDPALLIDAR » Jan 21, 2004 (8:56 am)

I don't see these stereotypes as a bad thing. Sure, if you're a halfling mage, you're probably not too excited over thief-style bonuses. But then the same holds true if you're an elven thief, or an avian warrior.

Smaller persons are directly more suited to work that involves not being seen. It doesn't mean every halfling would be a good thief, they could be incredibly bumbling and uncoordinated, for example. But, their small size is an asset to stealth. Characters with small hands can more easily finely manipulate devices or pick pockets without notice.

All in all, while not every halfling is suited for thievery just because they are a halfling, you'd have to say that they do possess benefits for such a role based on their size and nature.

However, I do see the point about them being equally suited for other trades, and I for one agree. However, let's not turn this too much into a halfling topic, the fact is that all of the racial traits provide distinct bonuses that will not benefit every class. I think that was intended rather than any notion of patterning the system on realism.

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Re: Racial traits

Postby GROVENBURGER » Jan 21, 2004 (7:10 pm)

I Really Do want to see the half races get in on the action, both with something in bonuses/ disadvantages and in race titles. My Half-Ogre Mage isn't necessarily looking forward to that but he's an oddball anyways (Who ever heard of an Ogre that wants to be a scholar? :shock: Gotta be the human blood! :?

Vladim fits both sides fine- He drinks like a dwarf but only holds his liquor like his human half :wink:

Jandar leans a bit towards the Elvish side as far as the classical woodsman type(Should be a Druid soon too!). Have no problem with however this goes for him

My one Human seems to be looking at the dark arts so probably as well off with no gains or minuses while messing with undead :twisted:

The racial traits help and hurt both- I'll slide with the blows and roleplay both sides. Some are easy or already part of my characters anyways. Like my Monk- mine is Avian so fits the old frail looking fellow that can make awesome attacks that amaze ya, but boy if he ever gets hit is like- SPLAT! :shock: - as it should be.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby SHAMAN » Jan 22, 2004 (11:46 am)

great points i must admit, but one small prolem from myne own eyes....

there are execptions to every rule and those who have the drive and desire can accomplish anyting, an i think thas wah the movies an books were tryin ta point out...specially when tha Elven lass of tha woods told Bilbo that even the smallest of beings can change the course of things.

is true that there are some races tha just don seem like they could accomplish as much as some do but again the execptions to every rule. take for example the fact tha in our werld most barbabrians are minataurs, a few ogres and such..this is almost to be expected but then the execptions come into play. Gnomes are niftyneat in an rp situation but being as small and fragile as they are how oft wil you actually see them out doing the same as a minataur or ogre...wich is why ive noticed tha most Gnomes are inface healers and clergy. well i could go on an on but i think the point i wanted ta make was made clear nuff, be back soon ta check out whas bein said

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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDPALLIDAR » Jan 22, 2004 (11:54 am)

You're totally right, Ty. But, if we were to take that fact that there's always exceptions too seriously, the only argument it would further is removal of racial traits together. That's really what it covers, whether or not there should be traits, not if the current ones are the most accurate possible.

My post was to say that I think while the traits are never going to be a perfect fit for all members of that race, they are probably good fits for the majority of that race. I think as long as you see racial traits as a good and positive thing, you'd probably have to agree that the existing setup is pretty close to ideal. After all, if you make exceptions for the minority members of that race, where's the point of having racial traits at all?

But also, I think you should keep in mind the actual situation at hand -- to use the hobbit example, anyone can make a difference, no matter how small, but that doesn't negate the hardships they have from being small. The movie also accurately reflected this by not throwing the Hobbits in as heroes locked in battle face to face with insurmountable odds alone. For example, you didn't see the major, really hard battles happening between a hobbit and a major foe much, but you still saw they were certainly battle capable. Their weaknesses for mischief were also reflected well, despite their other strengths.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby GDEXXY » Jan 23, 2004 (2:52 pm)

In general, I have to agree with what Pallidar here, but to amend and on a side note... traits represent different genetic and/or supernatural differences between one race and another. Sometimes these traits are so different, it makes doing something other races can do almost impossible (like excelling in magic if you are an Ogre). However it is the case that adventurers are the pick-of-the-litter and tend to be above average and exceptions to the rule, so it's possible to almost always compensate for any shortcoming that the penalizing racial traits bring. Keep it in mind that it's up to you to do so and to take the traits of your race whichever way you like.
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Re: Racial traits

Postby Hokeypokey » Feb 23, 2004 (1:02 am)

Personally...I think that the traits have been well thought out and perfectly established. Eaxia's staff couldnt have done a better job. Kudos guys!
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