In most books, each race, class, culture is depicted as being very similar in views. Why is this? In the real world every person whether in different parts of the world or right next door has different views. For example in the slayer's guides (good books--not meant to be a troll) every member of that race IS ______ . Of course there are always special exceptions (bilbo baggins being an adventurous hobbit, etc.).
I understand a social view (dwarf vs. troll). those views were raised in the society. But a personality style (from reading a recent post on kender--they are inquisitive by nature, steal, and are annoying) is from the point of the individual.
But why is this? Why is each race outlined in thier personality and alignment. It is asumed that since you are a halfling you are lazy, like to steal, love to eat, are of a certain alignment. All members of a certain race are intelligent while another race is stupid.
I know it's nice to have a general overview of each race but they get to specific. I say draw the lines on physical features. Of course every dwarf has a beard, every halfling has padded feet, etc. But each character IMO should have their own personality.
What are your opinions? How do you describe races in your campaign?
(If you noticed I used the halfling in all the examples its because i am re-reading the Hobbit and started noticing that in D&D that each member of a particular race is similar.)
I understand a social view (dwarf vs. troll). those views were raised in the society. But a personality style (from reading a recent post on kender--they are inquisitive by nature, steal, and are annoying) is from the point of the individual.
But why is this? Why is each race outlined in thier personality and alignment. It is asumed that since you are a halfling you are lazy, like to steal, love to eat, are of a certain alignment. All members of a certain race are intelligent while another race is stupid.
I know it's nice to have a general overview of each race but they get to specific. I say draw the lines on physical features. Of course every dwarf has a beard, every halfling has padded feet, etc. But each character IMO should have their own personality.
What are your opinions? How do you describe races in your campaign?
(If you noticed I used the halfling in all the examples its because i am re-reading the Hobbit and started noticing that in D&D that each member of a particular race is similar.)
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