Making races

[RangerWickett]

Right now we don't have:

half-orc
half-elf
gnome
dragonborn
tiefling
minotaur
shifter
githzerai
etc etc etc.

So what should they have, stat-wise?

Typically each race has two or three abilities and a stat boost. Minotaurs, which are big, would probably get a boost to Strength, a bonus to damage with heavy weapons, and a gore attack, plus probably low-light vision, or a bonus to navigating mazes.

Any other thoughts?

 

[Ellington]

Gnome

Size: Small
Speed: 25 ft
Low-Light Vision: As the elven ability
Curiosity: Gain training in one extra skill at first level
Trickster: Gain a free minor illusion spell from the wizard spell list. Once per day you may cast an illusion spell you know as a reaction after being hit by an enemy attack.
Observant: Advantage on checks made to find traps/secret doors and saving throws vs illusions.

Subraces:

Rock Gnome

Ability Score: +1 Intelligence
Tinker: Discount when crafting objects and casting rituals. Can craft and use special gnome equipment.

Forest Gnome

Ability Score: +1 Charisma
Companion: A small or tiny non-combat animal companion similar to a familiar, but non-intelligent.

 

[SLOTHmaster]

Minotaur - 570 xp

 

[Kobold Stew]

Half-Elf

Size: Medium
Speed: 30 feet
Low-Light Vision
Free Spirit (as Elf)
Inscrutable: You have advantage when rolling Diplomacy or Bluff

Languages: Common and Elven
Ability Score Adjustment: +1 Cha, +1 Wis*

*Trying to represent something of the human element, and +1 in a second stat (Wisdom) seems preferable than automatic training in Insight (or advantage with Insight).


Half-Orc

Size: Medium
Speed: 35*
Darkvision, 60 feet
Savage: You have advantage when rolling Intimidate or Survival
Subterranean: You are trained in Underdark Lore**

Languages: Common and Orc
Ability Score Adjustment: +1 Str

* I know Orcs only move 30, but a 35 move would be pretty appealing here, and seems a more flavourful addition than a racial weapon (for example).
** Not wanting to pre-judge backstory, but this assumes some orcish cultural contact