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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Swiftbrook" data-source="post: 2126390" data-attributes="member: 6198">A casual gamer's review.I had heard good things about Races of Stone and also about this book, Race of the Wild, so I decided to pick it up.Races of the Wild is Wizards of the Coast third non-setting specific races book--Races of Stone and Races of Destiny are the other two.  Races of the Wild is a 192 page hardbound book that explores Elves, Halflings and a new race called Raptorans, as well as a few other 'minor' races.Introduction [4 pages]This section includes the credits, an excellent table of contents and the standard 'Introduction' page.  There is no Index, but the table of content does an adequate job in place of an index.Chapter 1: Elves [32 pages]This chapter describes elves life style--family, community, religion, history, etc.  The highlight of this chapter for me was the sample elven settlement, providing a map and ideas for homes and locals.  Lacking was descriptions of elven sub races (drow, wood, gray, etc.)  Some may argue that this information is available in other sources (Monster Manual, Underdark, etc.), but I expected a chapter of elves to include it.  I would have preferred to see more details of elven sub races or new ones in place of other material placed in this book.Chapter 2: Halflings [28 pages]I love Tolkien.  Ever since I started playing D&D halflings have been hobbits.  When WotC produced 3e, halflings became much more Kender like.  So, I hate this chapter.This chapter describes halflings life style--family, community, religion, history, etc.  It expands on the PHB description of the halfling being a nomad people who tend to get into mischief.  Included in this chapter is a picture of a typical Halfling House Wagon.  This thing is HUGE.  15 feet wide by 27 feet long - IMO absurd even for a fantasy game.  For comparison, a typical RV is 8' wide by 30' long.  This chapter is not without its useful material.  Like the chapter on elves, this chapter has a typical Halfling village.Chapter 3: Raptorans [26 pages]This chapter introduces a new race, the Raptorans.  Think bird people.  The chapter gives a good overview of the race and includes race stats and pantheons information.  I do think this would be a difficult race to DM and I just don't see a need for additional races.Chapter 4: Other Races [16 pages]This chapter includes expanded information on Catfolk, Centaur, Gnoll, and Killoren.  I really wish this chapter had been expanded.  Mechanically, this chapter is pretty good.  One problem area seems to be the Centaur Monster Class.  Progressing from a 5th level Centaur to 6th you increase your HD, BAB, Ref & Will saves, skill points and hooves attack damage.  Also, your size increases from medium to large.  This change eliminates your BAB bonus for the level, decreases your AC by 1, and reduces your Hide check by 4.  The only benefit is an increase on your grapple check of 4. IMO there is no advantage to being a 6th level Centaur - a problem with the mechanics.Chapter 5: Prestige Classes [38 Pages]Arcane Hierophant: a wild shaper who advances both arcane and divine each level.  Mechanical problem-the description states that the Arcane Heierophant can wild shape but the rules block states he doesn't get this feature, he only adds to his druid levels. Champion of Corellon Larethian: An elf fighter who works well in heavy armor.Luckstealer: A halfling spellcaster how can steal you 'luck'.Ruathar: An Elf friend.  Just 3 levels open to any race.Skypledged: A Raptoran PC.Stormtalon: A Raptoran PC.Whisperknife: A Halfling revenge seeker (or assassin) who's good at throwing knifes.Wildrunner: An elf ranger type with a rage variant mixed in.Your general mix of prestige classes.  You'll like some and ignore the rest.Chapter 6: Character Options [18 pages]This chapter is the gem of the book, and why I purchased it.  Several skills are expanded upon and 31 new feats are introduced.  Also included are racial substitution levels which I found to be balanced and flavorful.Chapter 7: Equipment and Magic [14 pages]Some of the weapons (like the elven thin blade) are repeated from other sources, but that's OK.  Their inclusion is more helpful than annoying.  Also, this chapter kills Elven Chain.  Basically, anyone, any race can make chain mail armor with Mithral and get all the benefits.  Mechanically this is sound.  I don't care, I still hate it.Chapter 8: Campaigns in the Wild [14 pages]Ideas for settings, demographics, adventures and sample NPCs.  Also included are four new creatures know as Friends of the Wild.  They include the Brixashuty (a sheep), Chordevoc (bird), Dire Halk and Elven Hound (magical dog).  The only problems I noticed were that with the Elven Hound in one line commonly lives for 100 year and in another place can live for 50.  Also, the proportions are mixed up stating that the dog is 200 pounds, 24 inches high at the shoulders and huge paws.  My dog is 70 pounds and 28 inches high.  Yes a nit pick.Appendices 1 & 2 [2 pages]100 adventure ideas and a list of the NPCs by CR.My scoringIntroduction: 5 stars x 4 pages = 20Chapter 1: 2 stars x 32 pages = 64Chapter 2: 1 star x 28 pages = 28Chapter 3: 2 stars x 26 pages = 52Chapter 4: 4 stars x 16 pages = 64Chapter 5: 4 stars x 38 pages =  152Chapter 6: 5 stars x 18 pages = 90 Chapter 7: 4 stars x 14 pages = 56Chapter 8: 4 stars x 14 pages = 56Appendices: 5 stars x 2 pages = 10Total 590 / 192 pages = 3.1 --> 3 after dropping fractions in D&D fashion.This book isn't a good bang for the buck book for me, but its a good book for mining material that you like.  Also, this is a WotC book so my expectations are higher.  I really want to give this book only 2 stars, but there is enough good material to  bring it up to 3.-SwiftbrookJust My Thoughts</blockquote>

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