D&D 5E Elf Subrace Survey Up

[MechaTarrasque]

The survey for the elf subraces UA is up: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/survey-elf-subraces

Think there aren't enough elves? Too many elves? Should Shadar-Kai be elves? Here is your chance to let your voice be heard.

 

[Parmandur]

Very nice. Put in my two cents: generally very cool, think the Avarial could use a ribbon for flavor.

 

[Shroomy]

It's been a while since I gave my opinion in a survey, but I decided to give more feedback going forward. Here are my quick thoughts:

1. Avariel - rated it OK. Noted that in previous lore, they are noted for their beautiful singing voices, so I suggested proficiency in Performance. Also said that their "hollow bones" could create some sort of drawback that might balance flight in the eyes of many, though I did note that drawbacks aren't too popular.

2. Grugach - I really loved the grugrach and said so. However, I noted that according to the accompanying text, they should probably get some sort of bonus to Survival checks and have trap-making skills.

3. Sea Elf - Again, really loved this one, though I said they need to be able to talk with dolphins.

4. Shadar-kai - Expressed my dissatisfaction, not so much with the mechanics, but with making them elves. I said that they should go back to being 3e shadow fey, 4e descendants of humans, or make them their own thing.

 

[Bitbrain]

Took the survey.

Don't care for the Avariel. Neither want nor need them.

Grugach are interesting (I've never played in Greyhawk, so I don't know much about these guys), but they feel like the Druid to the the Wood Elf's Ranger. Recommended replacing Strength with Wisdom.

Recommended Sea Elves have Strength instead of Constitution. They should also be allowed to talk to Dolphins.

Shadar-Kai are the ones with the obsession with spiked chains and body piercings right? Recommended replacing Cantrip and Blessing of the Raven Queen with the following:
Thorn Whip cantrip, Ensnaring Strike as 2nd-level spell at 3rd level, Invisibility at 5th level, spellcasting ability being Charisma.

 

[Horwath]

Grugach are wild elves(in FR).

They should get +2 str instead of +1. +1 str on +2 dex means almost nothing as they are mutually exclusive stats in prime-dump combo 95% of the time.

 

[WayOfTheFourElements]

Grugach are wild elves(in FR).

They should get +2 str instead of +1. +1 str on +2 dex means almost nothing as they are mutually exclusive stats in prime-dump combo 95% of the time.

Which is unbelievably dumb.

 

[Horwath]

Which is unbelievably dumb.

Why?

If you are attacking with str, you most probably have heavy armor and no use of dex.

If you are attacking with dex you are in light(no) armor and have no use of str.

Except as a skill usage bonus.

 

[Mistwell]

Grugach are wild elves(in FR).

They should get +2 str instead of +1. +1 str on +2 dex means almost nothing as they are mutually exclusive stats in prime-dump combo 95% of the time.

You're claiming 95% of players min/max those stats?

I disagree. I like my fighter-types to both engage well in melee, and also have a decent shot at ranged attacks when necessary. It would be pretty rare for me to dump both as a fighter-type.

 

[Yaarel]

The reason the Grugach Elf needs +2 Strength is because of flavor.

The Grugach is *STRONG* and that is the flavor.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Avariel are completely worthless. I’d rather play a Kobold.

30ft flight with no medium or heavy armor replaces an ability score bonus, weapon training, and cantrip/improved stealth/teleport/waterbreathing/whatever? Really? First time in a while I chose “very disatisfied” in a survey.

The Shadar-kai is fine. I’d rather the teleport work differently, to seek more like becoming a shadow. I’d do “bonus action, until end of next turn, gain resistance to all damage, and you can teleport using your movement on your turn.”