Do you want to play a non-PHB character?

[Quasqueton]

If you were about to play in a campaign where the DM allowed you to play a race/creature outside the Player's Handbook, would you jump at the chance to play such a character? Or would you still probably stick to the PHB races?

For this poll assume the campaign is limited to the 3 core D&D books. So "outside the PHB" basically means "inside the MM" in this poll. And assume that the DM obeys the LA/ECL rules to keep the characters balanced with each other at the start of the campaign.

Please discuss your vote.

Quasqueton

 

[Turjan]

I'm not sure what to choose from that list up there. I probably draw the line somewhere in the middle.
Personally, I think that race is only one of many traits that define the personality of a character. The stress should be on other things, like how this character sees the world, how he handles his environment and what kind of relationship he builds up with his companions.
This said, I wouldn't be miffed if somebody wanted to play an orc, goblin or kobold, if he wanted to. This should not be the norm, but might be a nice change from the usual path.
On the other hand, I don't like trolls or other overpowered races in the group, because that restricts the campaign. I'm not sure what common townspeople would think of us if we showed up with this guy in town.
Lastly, I have a very strong dislike for all this half-this and half-that characters with their odd mix of mind flayer, dragon, fiend and celestial in. This makes a setting change from a somewhat coherent system to a strange zoo of monstrosities. Nothing for me .

 

[Elf Witch]

I think it might be fun to play a non standard race once in a while just to keep the game fresh.

After awhile I have noticed that I start getting blase about the game and I think some of this is because it becomes the same old thing.

 

[Aeolius]

You might also include the options presented in Savage Species. As my campaign is set beneath the surface of the sea, I don't allow PH races as a rule. There are exceptions, of course. One PC is a human, albeit one with pseudonatural fish hag grafts...and perhaps a surprise or two.

 

[Wombat]

My answer would fall into the "Definite Maybe" category. It would depend on the tone of the campaign, what the world is like, and all the rest. To start with I'd probably go for a standard race, maybe switching over if the initial character were killed or retired. Too many variables here to give a solid answer.

 

[Malk]

I have seen and played just about most of everything, so i voted for, i'd probably play a non phb char at some point. I'm not hung up on wierd races or anything, but im not opposed to them either. and i like half-what'its

 

[Harlock]

I chose *might*. I've wanted to play a Kobold for so long...

 

[Epametheus]

I've played standard PHB races like 3 times, ever. I voted for "a non-standard race at least once."

 

[Jaws]

I always wanted to play a flind. That's how I found Eric Noah's Unofficial Dungeons & Dragons Third Edition News.


Peace and smiles

j.

 

[Nifft]

Sure, why not?

I'm not bored with the PHB stuff just yet, but it's always fun to try something different. I'd even enjoy playing a Celestial of some sort -- kinda like a Paladin on 'roids.

-- N