| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| thomas b. |
Posted - 30 May 2005 : 18:52:41
What is your favorite race, and why? |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Old Man Harpell |
Posted - 30 Aug 2011 : 06:43:00
I did not have a preference previously, but after 4th Edition came out, I started liking drow much more than I had before. Not because of what was done to them to update them, but because I feel that any drow in a campaign I run have a lot of work ahead of them to correct the damage that WotC inflicted on their very existence (along with the Shattered Realms in general). |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 29 Aug 2011 : 20:40:30
Will anyone think i am a racist if i vote "human?" :) |
| Eli the Tanner |
Posted - 21 May 2011 : 23:18:01
There is something about the Elves which is enchanting. Their faded grandeur? Their diversity of individuals after years of invasions, interbreeding and adaption? Their rich history and culture? Hmmm
....maybe it is something about being British which makes me like them. A culture that clings to its history in the aftermath of a great decline.
I wonder if people's class/race preferences have much to do with their own backgrounds?
Food for thought
-Eli the Tanner |
| Dennis |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 06:10:56
I don't think a magocracy has to follow a "lineage" in order to make an "impact" on the world, on history. Telamont upholds the old Netherese tradition, but he, his sons, and his lackeys have been devising new avenues of learning and crafting magic.
The present magocracies repeat what their ancestors had done. Why wouldn't they, when it would benefit them in many ways? However, they don't stop at repetition. They seek new means to further their goals, and try as much as they could to never repeat their forbears' mistakes. Telamont surely wouldn't emulate Karsus. I don't think he's demented enough to try to steal Shar's divinity.
Another example is Halruaa. By not seeking other lands or kingdoms to conquer, which its ancestors had been happy doing in the past, it succeeded in preserving its culture.
The great empire of Imaskar was destroyed when the gods of their slaves rose up and shattered the empire. To prevent this from happening again, Empress Ususi of High Imaskar made it her first imperial decree to abolish the Imaskari tradition of slave-holding and outlawed slavery on pain of death.
The human magocracies of the present may be just a shadow of their great ancestors, but they certainly did improve. |
| froglegg |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 06:08:37
In 3.5?
Its humans.
John |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 05:36:52
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I don't know, but most of the civilizations that had the greatest impact on Toril are human. Karsus practically changed the Weave and how people could access it. Netherese spells and artifacts, all potent that those who can wield them are usually archmages, are still being used in the present. Netheril spawned some of the greatest figures in history---Karsus, Ioulaum, Larloch, Telamont. Imaskar was an unrivaled empire during its time, creating their own source of magic and defying the very gods. The New Netheril, Shade, remains a threat to several realms not just in the Sword Coast.
-The great magical empires created by Humans- Imaskar, Netheril, Narfell, Raumathar, Thay, Halruaa, and a bunch of others that I know I've forgotten- for the most part, while they've reached various unreachable pinnacles that, in some cases, even thousands of years later still have yet to be done again, most of that knowledge, expertise, and collective wisdom has faded on and been lost, to a degree. Netheril, for example, a fallen, defunct realm (you can make the case that the Shadovar kept the Netherese tradition alive, but it's certainly been modified a great deal) where Arcanists did things that most contemporary magicians can only dream of. Narfell, Raumathar, a lot of the same, ancient, defunct realms primarily represented by ruins and concepts, along with the occasional functioning spell, item, creature, whatever. Thay, Halruaa, magic-rich realms, developed in semi-isolation, where going-ons are semi-secret. With the majority of Human magocracies, there isn't a clear "linage", if you will. Magic was developed, and heights were reached in Empire A, that were then later on extrapolated upon, improved/augmented/implemented in Empire B, where the same thing then happened in Empire C, in a clear chronological stream (either contemporary or some sequential order). The pattern, more or less, are these various magocracies developing semi-independently of each other, with a limited amount of diffusion between them. The various Elven realms, because of their closer connection to magic and the general "community", as well as their longer lifespans and cultural mores, have a closer synthesis between more of them. The magicians of Occidian rejuvenated Sharlarion when Occidian was sacked by Orc hordes. The Elves of Sharlarion eventually spawned Aryvandaar. Exoduses of Elves from Aryvandaar for various socio-political reasons spawned further realms that continued on the tradition. Then, come the end of the First Elven Age of Empires, you have Aryvandaari magicians bringing the traditions to Evermeet, and later on, the various realms of the Second Elven Age of Empires. When that came to a close, you had it still evolving on Evermeet.
-There is a fluidity that exists in the Elven world that does not exist, for the most part, in the Human world, concerning this matter. The Elves, you have a long, flowing, evolving linage, going back thousands of years. With the Humans, because of the lack of overall cultural and societal harmony, it's a jarring, up-and-down development that seem to repeat with patterns of some culture rising up to great heights, toppling for whatever reason and becoming a lost culture, and then a new one replacing it in time, and doing the same thing, independently of the previous magocracy it's replacing, or with only a limited amount of osmosis from the former one to the newer one. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 04:55:53
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Even Eltargrim Irithyl admitted that humans crafted spells that rivaled or surpassed the elves'.
-Collectively, the work of Elvendom trumps that of Humanity, as a whole, for sure. Having a (for the most part) magic-rich culture dating back almost 30,000 years, that normally is big on the shared nature of community and history would do that, though- as opposed to the triumphs of Human cultures, many of which were certainly great (Netheril, for example), but achieved in semi-isolation and have become semi-forgotten over time.
I don't know, but most of the civilizations that had the greatest impact on Toril are human. Karsus practically changed the Weave and how people could access it. Netherese spells and artifacts, all potent that those who can wield them are usually archmages, are still being used in the present. Netheril spawned some of the greatest figures in history---Karsus, Ioulaum, Larloch, Telamont. Imaskar was an unrivaled empire during its time, creating their own source of magic and defying the very gods. The New Netheril, Shade, remains a threat to several realms not just in the Sword Coast. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 03:23:49
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Even Eltargrim Irithyl admitted that humans crafted spells that rivaled or surpassed the elves'.
-Collectively, the work of Elvendom trumps that of Humanity, as a whole, for sure. Having a (for the most part) magic-rich culture dating back almost 30,000 years, that normally is big on the shared nature of community and history would do that, though- as opposed to the triumphs of Human cultures, many of which were certainly great (Netheril, for example), but achieved in semi-isolation and have become semi-forgotten over time. |
| ChieftainTwilight |
Posted - 23 Apr 2011 : 10:47:16
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Xysma
Aha! I see half-orcs are in the running now! My vote is placed. Come on, who doesn't love a big dumb meat shield?
Best half-orc I ever saw was a female NPC for the Freeport Campaign System. The designers did a good job of giving her a vivid personality and colorful history. In other words, she was more than a prestige class and numbers.
AYE! there we go! :D I'm not the only onewho has an interest in Female Half-Orcs! |
| ChieftainTwilight |
Posted - 23 Apr 2011 : 10:40:30
quote:
Originally posted by Xysma
D'oh! I can't vote in this poll since my fovorite race is not listed. Where are the Half-orcs?!?!? Half-orcs are big, dumb, strong, dirty, uncouth, and all around wonderful, I love 'em. Darkvision, +2 Strength, and orcblood (orc double axe as martial rather than exotic is nice) only offset by a measly -2 CHA, and -2 INT? Bah, what use is charisma when you can do your talking with steel? As for intelligence, just point me in the right direction and tell me who to kill!
I also chose Half-Orcs, yet for completely different reasons. >.>
I adore the cultural mores of this oft-discredited race. the Half-Orcs are one of the most intersting races to tell a story about, to roleplay, and to develop as a character. the possibilities are endless, and the plot hooks even more so. and yet, I also cannot help but stick to common tropes and cliches! XD
the Orphaned bastard, living in a human world with human education, however still distrusted and treated with prejudice forhis heritage? many a good character can come of that, from a Monk, to a Bard, to Fighter, to a Rogue, to a Cleric.
the half-breed ghetto street rat revolutionary, possibly a refugee? wonderful for playing a ogue, Barbarian, Fighter, Cleric, Bard, Sorcerer, Ranger, or Druid.
the culturally misunderstood "savage" Spiritualist? another Ranger, Druid, Cleric, Barbarian, or Monk.
don't forget the stoic, secretly bleeding-hearted warrior! a Fighter, Barbarian, Ranger, Monk, Sorcerer, Druid, or Cleric.
aye, most of the classes are reused over and over, and some of them won't make sense to most of you. you have to see me in action to realy understand. =w= |
| Dennis |
Posted - 23 Apr 2011 : 03:43:28
Even Eltargrim Irithyl admitted that humans crafted spells that rivaled or surpassed the elves'. |
| Marquant Volker |
Posted - 22 Apr 2011 : 19:45:42
My favourite FR book: is "Evermeet: Island of the Elves" after re-reading it for the 3rd time, it was easy to answer that poll.
"For The People!" |
| chamber101 |
Posted - 22 Apr 2011 : 17:25:14
To me, 'human' is made up of many different races as I am more interested in background, history, culture, language, traits etc These things are more important to me than bonus feats, dark vision, spell like abilites or extra skill point l00t.
Races of Faerun is one of my favourite books.
Therefore, I submit Calishites and Tethyrians.
|
| Dennis |
Posted - 22 Apr 2011 : 12:09:16
quote:
Originally posted by Fletcher
Humans.
This isn't just because they have the most notable and influential people in the world.
Indeed. Besides, what else is there that humans haven't yet accomplished? Become a god? Hah! Tell that to Karsus. |
| BARDOBARBAROS |
Posted - 17 Jan 2011 : 21:31:34
Humans |
| webmanus |
Posted - 11 Aug 2005 : 10:15:27
Humans ... |
| Iliphar1 |
Posted - 21 Jul 2005 : 11:57:45
I love Halflings, mainly because I don't like to play High Power Characters, but personalities, who develop. As a Halfling, you can do a lot, but fightings. This is, what makes a character really funny.
Everybody can play High Power Characters who kills easily, but to have to talk you way out of fights requires role playing skills. (And if they can't fight their way out of fights Halflings are still excellent in hiding....)
|
| Faramicos |
Posted - 20 Jul 2005 : 15:37:22
no doubt elves. They are widely accepted and allow a broad variety of RPG. |
| Bjorn the Studious |
Posted - 19 Jul 2005 : 23:11:30
I like Dwarves, specifically Shield Dwarves.
They built many cool settlements that are now Uber dungeons(The Wailing Dwarf, Gauntylgrym, Tethyamar)
They are tough as nails.
They have lots of history.(Delzoun, Shanatar, Ammarindar)
Battleragers.
|
| Alisttair |
Posted - 19 Jul 2005 : 04:26:42
HUMANS = EXTRA SKILL + EXTRA FEAT = CHOICE = FUN
Other races are fun too though. I musn't forget my pipe smoking, cheese eating, tobacco chewing, dual-kukri wielding (all at the same time) halfling, Semajis Bligith. |
| magnakanus |
Posted - 11 Jul 2005 : 18:06:47
I like humans most because they don't have all of those favored class limits, etc. They are the most versitile class available. |
| Vangelor |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 01:22:16
When I was new to D&D, back when dinosaurs walked the Earth, half-elf was my favorite. I would go for a half-elf fighter/magic-user (this was AD&D, pre-Wizard) every time!
I liked the combination because I am fairly indecisive. So, elf? Human? Why pick? Same with the classes. I wanted magic, but also wanted to wear armor, and use a sword.
So - what class to I favor now? Bard!  |
| ode904 |
Posted - 06 Jul 2005 : 22:22:51
I was waiting for someone asks this!
I like half-elves. They have good abilities of both race(ok, spotting& nature typic senses and so on missing) they are good in magic like elves(but not so good perhaps), they are quite tall & strong. And I just like them |
| Thureen Buroch |
Posted - 02 Jul 2005 : 23:46:56
The dwarven subrace Urdunnir is awesome! I mean, come on, they can walk through stone! At will! Meaning, some evil high level wizard pops up a wall of stone to keep out an army, just call in one of these guys! They get to Stone Shape once a day, so they can just shape a hole in that wall. Even if they've used up that ability, give them a magical sword, and they'll just walk through and that'll be wizard chop suey! |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 02 Jul 2005 : 12:32:00
quote:
Originally posted by Xysma
Aha! I see half-orcs are in the running now! My vote is placed. Come on, who doesn't love a big dumb meat shield?
Best half-orc I ever saw was a female NPC for the Freeport Campaign System. The designers did a good job of giving her a vivid personality and colorful history. In other words, she was more than a prestige class and numbers. |
| Vangelor |
Posted - 30 Jun 2005 : 14:14:59
"Meat-shield" is a term I first heard from a new player in my campaign last fall, and has replaced "tank" in my vocabulary.
I'll admit, in the right game context the half-orc can be fun...
The same goes for any race, of course. I think that gnomes are sadly overlooked and underdeveloped.
As for which end of a hammer is the business end, I will merely observe that a snappy comeback that is apt to be funny (when not offensive) in many situations works well here: "Bend over - I'll show you!"
My dwarves also tend to have a pencheant for telling people to "Kiss my axe!". |
| Xysma |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 18:48:32
Aha! I see half-orcs are in the running now! My vote is placed. Come on, who doesn't love a big dumb meat shield? |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 17:47:21
quote:
Originally posted by Jindael
Drow are pretty huge now. And I’ve heard (but have never been able to confirm) that RAS doesn’t like the fact that Drow are so common and popular.
I would imagine not. Having them be so popular and always in the limelight takes away alot of the mystery of the race. Also, since people are now determined to have good-aligned drow as characters (I've even created one as an NPC, but his alignment change was involuntary), it takes away the novelty of Drizzt, Liriel, and any other good drow that have been written about.
quote:
Originally posted by Jindael
Also, TSR/WoTC keeps making books about them :p There are more books about drow then there are about surface elves. And Halfling? Gnome? Nah. Not sexy. :p
That's true. Halflings and gnomes are often ignored; the gnomes are the "Forgotten Folk" in more ways than one!  |
| Jindael |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 12:49:23
quote:
Originally posted by Vangelor
I cannot fathom why the accursed-traitor-not-elves (Commonly, Drow) have such a following. I can only hope that Corellon knew something about them that I don't when he permitted them exile to the Underdark instead of obliteration.
Drow are pretty huge now. And I’ve heard (but have never been able to confirm) that RAS doesn’t like the fact that Drow are so common and popular.
As far as Corellon knowing something about them: he did. His daughter still has close ties to the Seldarine. As more and more drow come to the surface, more and more are coming back to the light. It probably would have been easier for the Seldarine to just give all the drow kidney failure or something, and just let them drop dead. But redemption, especially in the face of Lolth, is far better. \
Also, TSR/WoTC keeps making books about them :p There are more books about drow then there are about surface elves. And Halfling? Gnome? Nah. Not sexy. :p
|
| khorne |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 10:54:32
quote:
Originally posted by hammer of Moradin
Um, dwarves!
Why, because if you don't like it you can meet the business end of this hammer! Any questions?
No need for the hammer. The children of Moradin are my favorites. |
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