See also: Species/List.
Species describes both one of the widest differences between characters, but also simultaneously a feature difference which in the end may be fairly small.
Species describe the difference between creatures biology and psychological baseline, their general morals and tendencies, their societal and cultural structure and finally, their mechanical differences.
Depending on the world and the folks within it, the species may play a more important role for either RP or mechanics. However, the features gained by the species are limited compared to the experienced adventurer.
The rules proposed here, and like most rules presented within this project wants to deepen the customization aspect. Balance between species and well, balance, has not been the the main purpose or goal, rather a side interest, to not create to vast differences. Species ability scores and features not only affect mechanics, they also implicitly tell you something about the world and change the storytelling of the game and major plot devices that can be used.
To satisfy individuality, species are broken down into three parts. The main species, a race, and genetics. Giving three opportunities to customize you character. Additionally, it presents a wider array of options within most species, races.
Below is a species structure overview of the three parts:
Species
Your character's species is the overarching description for most characteristics, generally lifespan and size. Your species also has an overarching relationship to any and all other races of the same species, as they are from the same origin.
When picking a species, or creating a species in combination with the DM, you should always think of the reason of why. Species have very different histories and relationships with the world around them, most often in shades of gray. If you choose to pick a less common species, or create one, why are you... you? Why are you where you are? How have you come to be there? And if stereotypes, racism or racial tensions exist, how do your character adapt to it?
A species generally cover these features: Lifespan, height, weight, size category, base speed, ability scores, languages and their racial features. Racial feature most often include a few minor features, creating the main structure for the species which the races are built upon.
Race
Your character's race describes how your species may have changed and evolved in different areas around the world. Some species are affected by this phenomenon through biology, others by culture. While some species have many such deviations, like elves, some do not have any, like humans.
The race requires the same questions answered as the species. When choosing to play a certain race, how do they affect the world, and how are they received? This is especially important between the other races.
A race generally cover these features: Changes in lifespan, height, weight. Increased ability score and race features, which include specialized bonuses most often built upon what the species offers.
Genetics
Your character's genetics is the last part of the biological base you are defined by. This part gives even further ability to define a character, generally through their own lineage.
Genetics should be thought of as exactly the meaning of the word. It's the variation within one's species and race to which areas you have proclivity in.
Either born with higher intelligence, stronger build or a more charismatic character, or lower intelligence, weaker health or a more socially inept character. All this relative to a species' and race's own averages.
Indiviudal Ability Scores
You have 32 ability points to spend on your ability scores.
- Over 10. The cost of each increased step over 10 is the ability modifier of the ability score changed to. Each reduced step over 10 gives you a refund of points equal to the ability modifier of the score changed from.
- Below 10. The cost of each increased step below 10 is the ability modifier of the ability score changed from. Each reduced step below 10 gives you a refund of points equal to the ability modifier of the score changed to.
- 0+ modifier counts as +1 when spending.
For example, changing a score of 13 to 14 costs 2 points; changing a score from 8 to 7 refunds 2 points; changing a score from 12 to 15 costs in total 5 points.
Using this method, you can't reduce an ability score by more than 3. For example, if your species has a Constitution of 11, you can't reduce your constitution lower than 8.
| Size | HD | STR | DEX | Typical Height/Length |
Typical Weight |
Space | Typical Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | 1 | -8 | +8 | 15 cm or less | 50 g or less | 40 cm or less | 40 cm or less |
| Diminutive | d2 | -6 | +6 | 15 cm - 30 cm | 50 g - 500 g | 40 cm | 80 cm |
| Tiny | d4 | -4 | +4 | 30 cm - 60 cm | 0.5 kg - 3.5 kg | 80 cm | 80 cm |
| Small | d6 | -2 | +2 | 0.6 m - 1.2 m | 3.5 kg - 30 kg | 1.5 m | 1.5 m |
| Medium | d8 | +0 | +0 | 1.2 m - 2.4 m | 30 kg - 230 kg | 1.5 m | 1.5 m |
| Large | d10 | +4 | -2 | 2.4 m - 5 m | 0.23 t - 2 t | 3 m | 3 m |
| Huge | d12 | +8 | -4 | 5 m - 10 m | 2 t - 16 t | 4.5 m | 3 m |
| Gargantuan | d20 | +12 | -6 | 10 m+ | 16 t - 128 t | 6 m | 3 m |
Size
Size may play a major part of one's species and especially one's identity as an adventurer. Not only does it determine your strength and overall fortitude, but also how much threat the character is perceived as, how easily it is to seek cover and how dexterous you are.
Using cover
The cover degree of an object is increased by one for each decreased creature size. Such that a low brick wall might be half cover for a medium sized creature, but three-quarters cover for a small creature.
Climbing creatures
Creatures can use the Climb a Creature action against larger creatures.
Hiding
Smaller creatures can use the Hide action behind smaller things.
Passing creatures
Creatures can move through another creature's space for free if the size difference between the two is equal to or larger than two.
Squeezing
Creature can squeeze through a space at minimum two size categories smaller than itself. A creature must spend 1 extra foot for every foot it moves there, and it has disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity ability checks. Attack rolls against the creature have advantage while it’s in the smaller space.