D&D 5E Humans Only

[Laurefindel]

Most likely,

I recon there are three types of humans-only D&D games;

• games in multi-racial setting (lets say FR) but race choice is restricted to human.
• games in a human-only setting (other races can exist, but their entry would be in the Monstrous Manual rather than the PHB).
• games in a human-only setting but where PHB races are re-fluffed as regional/cultural/ancestral variations of humans.

I really like the last one. I'd miss the customization loss of the second one, but would enjoy the game nonetheless (especially for a mythical history game). As for the first, I wholly rely on DM to make it pertinent.

 

[Li Shenron]

Extreme restrictions or big themes are things I would have to know the DM can handle well first.

As a DM, I would be interested in hearing what worries you that a DM couldn't handle when using character creation restrictions... usually it gets more messy when players have too many options rather than too few, except maybe if everyone must be the same class. Being all human is hardly a significant restriction in terms of what characters can or cannot do.

 

[MatthewJHanson]

Yes. The people that I play with are the main factor for me. If the GM wanted to do just humans I'd be fine with that.

 

[Minigiant]

As a DM, I would be interested in hearing what worries you that a DM couldn't handle when using character creation restrictions... usually it gets more messy when players have too many options rather than too few, except maybe if everyone must be the same class. Being all human is hardly a significant restriction in terms of what characters can or cannot do.

As a DM, it's less that a DM couldn't handle when using character creation restrictions as it is more that extreme restrictions are often indicative of the DM departing heavily from base D&D assumptions.

Not every DM knows how to do that. Most don't if they haven't received help, aren't experienced in the edition, or aren't using a book written by someone who is.

 

[Greg K]

An all human campaign would pique my interest, but my final decision would depend upon the setting, which classes and subclasses are being included, and, what options/house rules are or not included.

 

[Steampunkette]

Here's a question: Human only in -concept- or human only in -function-?

You could easily run a game where you adapt the racial traits of various D&D races into a single "Human" race where different members get different benefits, possibly through culture and background.

Like a group of larger-than-average humans who are Natural Athletes and Shrug off some Damage, adapted to extreme environments, and lift/drag/carry larger amounts than the standard human.

Which is a Goliath with the Narrative removed.

 

[jmartkdr2]

Not a negative for me. The dm obviously wants to do something different, and different is usually good.

 

[opacitizen]

Sure. Chances are I'd prefer it to the other end of the spectrum where everything is allowed (thus probably nothing feels really special.)

 

[el-remmen]

Oh and I wanted to add that I never thought of "All one Lineage" campaigns as that uncommon. I have played in groups where everyone was dwarves from the same stronghold and another spelljammer one where everyone was a lizardfolk!

 

[Reynard]

Here's a question: Human only in -concept- or human only in -function-?

You could easily run a game where you adapt the racial traits of various D&D races into a single "Human" race where different members get different benefits, possibly through culture and background.

Like a group of larger-than-average humans who are Natural Athletes and Shrug off some Damage, adapted to extreme environments, and lift/drag/carry larger amounts than the standard human.

Which is a Goliath with the Narrative removed.

Actually human only, not merely obfuscated.