Races of... contrasting views

[Banshee16]

Well, the Aarakocra would be the classical one. They first appeared in the Fiend Folio (1981), and in 3.x they came back with the Forgotten Realms.
Finally someone who doesn't know the FR !

Of course, the Avariel were only inserted into FR *after* they were first created in the Complete Book of Elves in 2nd Ed....

Banshee

 

[Darkness]

Of course, the Avariel were only inserted into FR *after* they were first created in the Complete Book of Elves in 2nd Ed....

Right, there are quite a few critters the FR acquired in a similar way.

 

[Felon]

I don't care for the Raptorans. Beyond how silly the footbow bit is....

Seems like a pretty sensible weapon for a race of flying hunters IMO. And it's certainly no less silly than other exotic weapons like double-bladed swords and flails.

 

[Darkness]

Seems like a pretty sensible weapon for a race of flying hunters IMO. And it's certainly no less silly than other exotic weapons like double-bladed swords and flails.

Not to mention the gyrspike.

I rest my case.

 

[Dragonhelm]

Of course, the Avariel were only inserted into FR *after* they were first created in the Complete Book of Elves in 2nd Ed....

Banshee

And if you really want to go back in time, look for the Winged Folk in the pages of Dragon magazine, which I believe is what the avariel are based on.

 

[Arcane Runes Press]

Especially considering that footbow shooting is a real thing. Google it up.

Of course, it's not quite the same - but close enough to count.

 

[Jdvn1]

You mean this thing?

I dont' see how that's similar.

 

[Turjan]

Not to forget CRPG's. Baldur's Gate 2 (simplified AD&D 2E ruleset) sported a - wingless - Avariel .

 

[Felon]

You mean this thing?

I dont' see how that's similar.

No, there's a historical precedent for archers lying on the ground and using their leg muscles to fire torqued-up bows. Obviously, they're not aiming their shots from that position--just arching their volleys into units--which is why ARP added the caveat that it's not quite the same thing.

Of course raptorans have a capability that real people don't, and IMO it is quite an excellent idea to provide a race with a weapon that complements their racial advantages.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Clearly because Joe doesn't deserve his (self-appointed, I might add) "cynic" title!

The title isn't refering to d20 books as opposed to... other elements of the old En World.