Realms of Wonder

In the beginning there were Humans, Elves and Ogres. Humans are the most numerous and the plainest race in the Realms. Although possessing no special abilities or bonuses, they are the most adaptable and flexible race and are able to assume any class. Their height, weight, eye and hair color vary greatly. In dark times Humans mated with Elves and Ogres, creating the Half-Elf and Half-Ogre races.

Tall, slender creatures with an affinity for the woods and nature, Elves are distant cousins to the Pixies and share their intelligence and dexterity. With a lighter frame than Humans, what they lack in strength and stamina is made up for with superior agility. Most Elves prefer to stay close to nature, and many become druids. All Elves have the inherent ability to detect magic.

Dwarves are relatively short, stocky and powerfully-built creatures. Long-lived and extremely sturdy, they are known equally for their hardiness and their cantankerous personalities. Their thick, stout frames lend them poor dexterity, but high strength and stamina. This race has produced some of the most renowned fighters. Dwarves possess inherent infravision.

Drow are the darker, more evil cousins of Elves. They have moved underground, building vast subterranean cities and complex networks of caves. With black skin and white hair, they specialize in spell casting and have developed very high intelligence. Being creatures of darkness, Drow fight more proficiently in darkness and have innate infravision.

These beautiful creatures result from the mixing of human and Elven blood. Though not as intelligent as pure-blooded Elves nor as hardy as full-blooded Humans, this mix serves well in classes requiring both mental and physical prowess. Their almond eyes enable them to see in darkness.

A mingling of Orcish and Human blood, most Half-Orcs are distinctly more Orcish than Human. Large and dull of wit, with short but broad bodies, their poor dexterity is offset by an iron constitution. Brute combat stirs in their soul. Standing five to seven feet tall and averaging two hundred pounds, an altogether fearsome race. All Half-Orcs possess infravision.

The Half-Ogre stands six to nine feet tall and weighs three to four hundred pounds. This offspring of humans and Ogres has inherited great physical abilities: an aptitude for aggression, inherent infravision, and awesome strength. Being territorial, most will readily engage in battle. A race best suited for the role of pure fighter.

An intermingling of Troll and Human blood, the Half-troll often stands over eight feet tall at over three hundred pounds. Though naturally of low wisdom, the race was imbued with wicked intelligence and darkvision. They make poor pure magic users and suffer low dexterity, yet their boundless energy and intellect create one of the most cunning physical beasts in experienced hands.

Gnomes are a quirky demi-human race well versed in knowledges, magics and religions. Due to their familiarity with such lore, they tend to be more resistant to magics but can suffer from physical attacks. Short and stocky like their dwarven cousins, most prefer an evening with a magical tome and a cup of ale over venturing into battle.

Stout, round, open-minded and very elusive, the Halfling has a level of dexterity equal only to his wit. Many enjoy reading or telling stories by the fire. Their keen intellect and surprising determination make them a curious (though somewhat underpowered) ally. Compact bodies with thick limbs and famously hairy feet.

The Gith descended from humans once captured and tormented for centuries by mind flayers. Freed by a savior named Gith, they became stronger, quicker, and smarter than humans, but lost much faith, wisdom, and charisma. With yellowed skin and sunken eyes capable of detecting invisible things, they have split into three groups: the good Githzerai, the neutral Pirates of Gith, and the evil Githyanki.

Once thought a myth, the Huline are humanoid cats appearing Elvish in stature. Very stealthy and dexterous, most become thieves or scouts. Their fur-covered bodies feature tiger-like faces, dexterous clawed hands, and an extra foot joint granting innate stealth. They live tribally, so magecraft and druidry also exist in their ranks.

The kender are a short, cheerful people who wander aimlessly, intent on vanquishing boredom. They often find themselves holding interesting objects belonging to others. No kender can resist attempting to pick any lock. They are nimble with better luck than any other race. Beware: you will seldom realize a kender has entered the room unless it be after he has relieved you of all your possessions.

Pixies are small Elfin creatures with gossamer wings, far more intelligent than most other races, though their strength and constitution suffers from their small size. They excel especially in the arts of the Mage; the mind of the Pixie knows no equal. Standing less than five feet tall, their skin and hair vary among all colors of the rainbow. Pixies possess the ability of flight.

Also called Aquatic Elves, they are akin to mermen as land elves are akin to men. Found among heavy weed beds in sheltered, salty waters, they are great friends of the dolphins. Humanoid in appearance with gill slits, greenish-silver skin and blue-green hair, Sea-Elves can detect magical auras and breathe under water.