D&D 5E If not the word "race", what word instead?

[Haldrik]

The recent WotC announcement used a shotgun approach of various words, hinting that the word "race" will no longer be used: "ethnicity", "people", "folk", "origin".

If not the word "race", which word would you prefer instead?

Choose as many options as you prefer.



[edit]

NOT mentioned in the list of choices:

• lineage
• dynasty
• genealogy
• parentage
• pedigree
• type / subtype
• metatype
• form
• bioform
• creature
• biology
• stock
• descent
• root / stem / branch
• clade
• genetics
• peoplehood
• progenitor
• birth

 

[delphonso]

I quite like "kin". It has a familial feel, but is more sterile than family but less sterile than blood. It's also one of those words I rarely hear outside of fiction books.

Nation, heritage, culture, are a bit off for me. A human raised by dwarves makes these feel a bit off.

I was always fond of Shadowrun's "Metatype".

 

[Giltonio_Santos]

Still like Burning Wheel's stock.

I can't believe species in on the lead. Now I know how the "your psionics are making my D&D too sci-fi" crowd feels.

 

[Derren]

Still like Burning Wheel's stock.

I can't believe species in on the lead. Now I know how the "your psionics are making my D&D too sci-fi" crowd feels.

Because its the only word in the list that actually describes what a race is supposed to be. All other words are social constructs and do not describe biological facts.

 

[GameOgre]

I voted Kin because the old second best rpg and now the Best rpg uses that one! Tunnels and Trolls!

 

[Shiroiken]

Species would be the most accurate, but this is more scientific term than fantasy normally supports. However, I think that People and Folk would be workable terms, giving us something like Elf-folk or the Elven People.

I also think that sub-races should be ethnicity, but I also think that sub-classes should be theme as well. I just feel the use of "sub-" is lazy.

 

[Giltonio_Santos]

Because its the only word in the list that actually describes what a race is supposed to be. All other words are social constructs and do not describe biological facts.

And hold monster can be used to hold creatures that are not monstrous at all. If there is one thing that would probably change the D&D books for worse, it would be to change the choice of words to appease the "well, actually" crowd.

 

[jasper]

Just call it jasper" since it is game jargon which has effects and affects in a game.

 

[tommybahama]

Because its the only word in the list that actually describes what a race is supposed to be. All other words are social constructs and do not describe biological facts.

You are missing the purpose of Newspeak. Reported to Minitrue for doubleplusungood. Also, equating race to biology is a thoughtcrime. Everyone knows race is a social construct. Right, bb?

 

[Derren]

Just call it jasper" since it is game jargon which has effects and affects in a game.

Aladeen