D&D (2024) One D&D Permanently Removes The Term 'Race'

In line with many other tabletop roleplaying games, such as Pathfinder or Level Up, One D&D is removing the term 'race'. Where Pathfinder uses 'Ancestry' and Level Up uses 'Heritage', One D&D will be using 'Species'.

Moving On From 'Race' in the 2024 Core Rulebooks

We understand "race" is a problematic term that has had prejudiced links between real world people and the fantasy peoples of D&D worlds.

www.dndbeyond.com

In a blog post, WotC announced that "We have made the decision to move on from using the term "race" everywhere in One D&D, and we do not intend to return to that term."

 

[Azzy]

I'd prefer either "Ancestry" or "Folk" (since there's already a folk in the game—like lizardfolk, and merfolk).

 

[Charlaquin]

I'd prefer either "Ancestry" or "Folk" (since there's already a folk in the game—like lizardfolk, and merfolk).

Ancestry, heritage, lineage, folk, people… Anything but species, IMO. (Besides race, of course. I dislike species, but I dislike race more).

 

[Tonguez]

Heck, they've been around since 3.5's OA (and were some of the least problematic aspects of that book).

Vanara first appeared in 1985 AD&D Oriental Adventures, theyre based on Hindu stories (particularly the Ramayana) and notably the diety Hanuman is a Vanara.

 

[Stone Dog]

My only problem with race in D&D is that in game it cludges together education and culture with biology. I'm aware of other problems, but that is what always bugged me.

Like, I can get halflings having excellent hand-eye coordination or elven senses and such, but all elves learn swordsmanship?

But the term species is... Functional. It fails on non-orgamic or constructed characters sure, but eh. Just sounds clinical to me is all.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Can't say creature type. That's already an established game term.

“Type” also has RW connotations that could get…interesting.

“So, what’s your type?”

“I like ‘em big, red and scaly!”

 

[Jfdlsjfd]

As a powergamer myself, I approve this change. Since One D&D will be backward compatible, I fully expect to be able to pick both a 2014 Race and a 2024 Species when building my character. "I am a goliath of the mountain dwarf race."

 

[Lanefan]

As a completely neutral, purely descriptive term that acknowledges that your character may have traits that are biologically inherited, magically changed, or artificially constructed, I propose "Physical Vessel".

Does that mean a wraith is now classed as a Non-Physical Vessel?

Character names would start sounding like ships - I'm the PV Jelessa Evensong, out of Waterdeep bound for Baldur's Gate. And you?

 

[Nikosandros]

people just keep arguing for the sake of arguing.

Isn't that the purpose of forums?

 

[Eyes of Nine]

Lots of great suggestions in this thread (I like Origin personally). Hopefully everyone will put their feedback on this into the next questionnaire

 

[Lanefan]

So, you are technically correct.
But, that technical correctness isn't actually helpful for a game that isn't really beholden to technically correct science.

Au contraire, mon Capitan - it's very helpful; in that defaulting the in-game science to be the same as real-world science where possible makes it hella easier for everyone to intuitively grasp without having to think twice about it.

If questions of non-magical physics and other sciences can usually go like this, all is good:

Player: "How does [gravity, biology, erosion, rainfall, or other common thing] work in the game?"
DM: "Just like in the real world."
Player: "OK, got it."

Exceptions, where mundane things do NOT work as per the real world e.g. gunpowder doesn't work as advertised, can then be clearly noted and spelled out.