Waldo52 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 12, 2024 12:31 am
I've played some RPG systems where there were very few meaningful mechanical differences between races and they tend to feel pretty bland.
I agree, but that's not the case here. Our selection of playable races have vast cultural differences, they can start in different places and have many culturally- and racially-oriented settlements, none of which would be affected at all.
So, as a greater/major award option I like this idea well enough, because it still keeps it rare.
But I know that DnD 5 is moving away from the idea that certain races get certain stat bonuses. And I'm not particularly in favour of that.
I think the blandness argument works more if we say, allowed this for all of Arelith races, then as players we'd be moving away from playing concepts that would fit into the expectations of the races.
As is, most PCs you'll meet who are halflings are fairly likely to have a level or two of rogue in there. By no means certain, but it's pretty likely. And that's fine. Fits to the halfling sterotype, and that gives flavour to the race. At the least, certain classes will be rather rare amongst some races, due to weaknesses.
You can of course, play something that goes against type. A halfling barbarian. A dwarven bard. A gnome fighter. An ogre Priest. It won't be the most optional thing in the world, but honestly? I think DnD is forgiving enough that it doesn't entirely need to be. Unless you're working quite hard to absolutly nix your pc, you're probably going to still be pretty effective in most combat situations, no matter what race you play. The Most Effecting Murderlicous Death Machine In All The Universe? No. But still good. Good enough that people more interested in unique roleplay concepts can take part in a game effectivly enough, but not so good that those who are more interested in strong builds would do it.
So if there's no incentive to play 'classic combos' then less people are likely to play 'classic combinations' because why? And because more people like to be unqiue than be classic. (No judgement there, I'm the same)
Yet if everyone is going purely for 'unique in roleplay bit still a powerbuild' some of that uniqueness fades.
So (in Arelith terms) you'd enter Brogendenstein to find that 80% of the dwarven population are playing Wizards, and Sorcerers running about in robes,. because of this nifty new feature Kalopsia put in that makes it the Best Build right now, for example. And that's not a terrible thing I guess but i'd make me a bit... sad.
Again though - this is why I'd be against it in general, for all pcs. As a Greater/major award I think it's OK, as it'd be still rare and unique. Though I susspect there might still be concerns re. power building maybe because of other combos? IDK.
This too shall pass.
(I now have a DM Discord (I hope) It's DM GrumpyCat#7185 but please keep in mind I'm very busy IRL so I can't promise how quick I'll get back to you.)