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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JohnSnow" data-source="post: 2533635" data-attributes="member: 32164">For those looking for mechanical ways to differentiate humans, Mike Mearls' Iron Heroes replaces the default human benefits (feat + skill points) with traits. Characters get to pick 2 traits each.Some traits are background traits, and a few of those are cultural in nature. This allows for meaningful mechanical differentiation of humans, while ducking the pitfall-laden minefield of assigning modifiers based on "race" in the ethnicity sense of the word. Obviously, there's a fairly limited selection in the Iron Heroes book, but the idea is sound. And it stimulates the imagination...For instance, let's say I want to capture Jordan's Aiel with traits. The trait that seems most appropriate is "Desert Born." However, looking at the other traits, I notice that the "Arctic Born" trait has some characteristics in its subtypes that I associate with Aiel (background traits come in "subtypes" that offer mechanically different advantages). So I create a new trait:Child of the Waste [Background]You were born to the harsh and punishing environment of the Aiel Waste. Punishing heat has little effect on you, and you have learned to travel long distances on foot at great speed without tiring.Mechanics: You gain a +2 bonus on all saves against fire effects. You treat Survival as a trained skill while in the desert and gain a +4 bonus to all survival checks made in that environment. Additionally, you may hustle for up to 4 hours in a day without penalty.In addition, select one of the following trait abilities:Dunestalker: You can run across the shifting sand dunes with ease, while others might slip or stumble in the sand. You gain a +2 bonus to all Balance and Tumble checks.Fearless: You remain stoic in the face of danger. After surviving torturous heats and spending days traveling without rest, you have developed a certain mental toughness. You enjoy a +2 bonus on saves against mind-affecting effects.That's just a first cut at an Aiel-appropriate trait. But it's a pretty good way to differentiate human cultures. One could, of course, require that all characters from a particular culture HAD to take a particular background trait, but leaving it as an option is probably better.(Note: Iron Heroes has two classes - berzerker and harrier, which seem particularly appropriate for Aiel).</blockquote>

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