Racial Archetypes: Elf & Dwarf

[steeldragons]

Here are some of what I consider the racial archetypes of the genre plus a couple of "Orea specific" possibilities for players.

(corresponding images here http://www.enworld.org/forum/5344258-post49.html)

Racial Archetypes
These are by no means exhaustive lists of character types. They are simplified general descriptions of some of the most common and/or a few Orean specializations. Characters of any race can be developed in any number of directions beyond those listed below. But those less experienced players may find these archetypes useful guidelines to developing their character. More experienced players may find something on which to base their own vision of a character, or enjoy going “back” to those simpler role-playing types. Elf player characters are, in almost all cases, Miralostae (“High elves”). Though they may opt to be ShiCynallae (Cloud elves) or Kantiri (Wood elves), these archetypes are assumed to be Miralostae.

Elvin Types (Miralostae)

Joe Every-elf
a.k.a. “The Legolas.” This is everyone’s favorite first elvin character. He is your archetypal elf with a bow. Basic elf or AD&D fighter/magic-user, he has his special racial abilities and spell casting ability to match his martial prowess. Invariably wields a bow and long or short sword, probably has a dagger as well. He possibly has a shirt of elvin mail beneath his forest colored leathers and concealing cloak but will generally not opt for heavy armor preferring to maintain his speed and agility.

The Elf Magic-user
She is a formidable but compassionate sorceress, possibly multi-classed as a cleric to enhance her spell casting ability. She might also multi-class as a fighter or thief and have some light armor and a sword beneath those sparkly robes. After all, she has centuries to pursue her studies and increase her power…if she lives through her adventures. No doubt she has accumulated an assortment of magical items to add to her already diverse usefulness. Most likely has a staff (magical or not) to use if forced into hand-to-hand combat.

The Elf Rogue
Dashing and slashing, this elvin archetype (as with them all) can be a myriad of characters. He may be a simple gold-loving thief, an acrobat, a swashbuckler, or adventuring trap-expert. Maybe he is a bard. If he’s not specialized as a rogue perhaps he is multi-classed as a fighter to improve his fighting chances treasure hunting through dungeons or a thief/magic-user to aid in his heists in the big city. He is most likely outcast (or voluntarily left) his society in pursuit of more excitement or plain ole personal wealth. Most likely wielding a short sword or two, and most likely has at least one dagger concealed on his person for those “emergencies” that come up every now and again. He is also just as likely to use a wink and smile to get his way as his swift blades.

The Elf Mystic
Elves are creatures with highly enlightened spirits. Those elves that feel the calling or just plain desire to increase their spiritual awareness and/or links to those holy powers may chose to pursue a clerical way of life. Arinane, the great Mother Moon, and Syar, Defender of the Wood, are the most commonly worshipped among the Miarlostae. But other deities are revered. Elves also possess highly powerful minds, as evidenced by their advanced magical capabilities. It is not unusual for an elf to exhibit psionic awareness or abilities. If pursued and properly trained, this elf could be one of the members of the Order of the Emerald Tear. He would probably be a formidable telepath or clairvoyant with other supplemental abilities. Beyond the rigors of psionic training, he could possibly be a magic-user as well, or have some training with a blade to assist him when his mental powers falter. Another elvish mystic type could be in the Ancient Order of Mistwood, following the ways of the druids to increase his communion and control of his beloved natural world and home.

The Sorarynae
The “Golden Stags” are elite warrior-mystics who are the sworn protectors of the Miralostae. They possess highly specialized training with their weaponry as well as having certain spell craft, ranger- and druid-like abilities, and command over the creatures of their homeland. They are more paladins than rangers, more sorcerers than druids. They are staunch in their convictions and devotions, unyielding in battle and impressive in their diverse skills. They are thought of very highly by the rest of Miralosta society.


Dwarven Types

Joe Every-dwarf
a.k.a. “The Gimli.”
This is the Basic D&D dwarf fighter. A front-of-the-line warrior built for dungeon-going. He is well-armored, probably carries a shield unless he’s going to be fighting two-handed with his great battle axe. He is gruff but warm-hearted. He is strong willed. No one and no thing is going to knock him down… though he will probably knock back a few ales any chance he gets. He is an expert on all things stone, metal, and underground.

The Dwarf Rogue
A dwarf thief is probably not a simple pickpocket. Besides the fact that he would have his beard shaven off if he was caught (in dwarf realms, at least), it’s not necessarily the dwarven style. He can definitely be stealthy when necessary and is almost certainly an expert with traps (probably laying them as much as diffusing) and locks. But he is just as likely to mix it up in a barroom brawl over some gambling (in which he cheated so he definitely should have won), or take advantage of his racial abilities and strength to make a living as a dungeoneer, sword-for-hire, or maybe even an assassin.

The Dwarf Paladin
Being exceptional warriors and paying tribute to powerful deities of good, dwarves are one of the only races to be able to assume the mantle of “Paladin.” She is the real crème of the proverbial crop among dwarf fighters, whether to the Forger of All, Toralon, the Great Fire of Valeran, or (most commonly) the Lord of Valor, Feoron, the Great Axe, she is armored in the finest armor dwarven craft can forge and wielding a weapon of unsurpassed beauty, and probably powerful enchantments. Though generally battling on foot, should she need her noble steed, it would most likely be a bear, one of the sturdy specially-bred mountain rams, or perhaps a giant boar.

The Dwarf Cleric
In AD&D 2e (I think it was) the game opened up a bit more to say, every civilization/culture has priests and/or religion of some kind. So it came to pass that the class of “Priest (nee “cleric”) was available to all. This dwarf’s innate strength of will and fortitude make the wielding of his spiritual magics quite potent. His racial disposition for physical strength and constitution make him equally potent in combat. His devotion to Toralon, the Great Hammer, Forger of All, exceeds his devotion to gold or king and his wisdom and divine power are greatly valued in the dark depths of the dwarven holds. His spells and blessings are also highly prized to contribute to the making of magical arms and items. Naturally, he is robed in the sacred vestments of his order, but dons sturdy armor beneath to allow him to join his brethren on the battlefield to aid and heal them as needed, and smite all evil in his path with his holy blessed hammer.


--SD

 

[steeldragons]

Racial Archetypes: Gnome & Halfling

Continuing...

Would be happy to hear people's thoughts, comments, other "types" of characters for these classic demi-human races or archetypes for other races they play/love that I have not gone into.

Here's gnomes and halflings...threw Half-elves in here too, just as a bonus.

Gnomish Types

Joe Every-gnome
This gnome is the twinkle-eyed craftsman or miner with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. He might be a fighter…he might be a rogue…he might be both and an illusionist to boot…but he’s not going to tell you. He probably has a pick-axe or hammer on his shoulder, but you’d better bet there’s a knife somewhere too…to whittle on his lunch break, of course. He could ask for a hunk of cheese or a bite of bread to exchange for this small dull copper bracelet. Yes or no, you’ll get a friendly flip of his brightly colored cap as he passes by on his way to his workshop or mine in his equally brightly colored (though probably not matching) stylish curly-toed shoes. Hey, where’s your coin purse? Hey! Where’d he go?!

The Gnome Fighter
This adventuresome forest gnome is not as strong as her dwarven counterpart, but twice as nimble and probably more intelligent. She makes up for her lack of strength with maneuverability and strategy. Lighter studded leather armor, a small shield and use of reach weapons like her spear-ax and sling, combined with her racial abilities and knack for trickery make her as real a threat as any dwarf with a hammer. Of course, a short sword is necessary when in close quarters. When not wandering, she is likely to spend time as one of the warren guards. It would not be unusual for her to be multi-classed fighter/thief to better be able to spot and deal with the traps and locks often encountered in adventuring. Besides, being stealthy is part of her nature.

The Gnome Illusionist
Among gnomes, those that primarily use magic are highly revered. Though many gnomes enjoy practicing magic, there are few that make it their life. This gnome is likely to be (or come from) a position of some authority from his warren. If he is a wanderer/adventurer, he is certainly a magician of some skill being able to dare the dangers of the world with only his arcane arts to protect him. He definitely has a magical item or two to help him in his pursuits. A wand or amulet, maybe a ring or some other trinkets that he asserts has mystical properties. Though he may appear befuddled or inept (by comparison to other wizards) he is still highly intelligent and as the old gnomish saying goes, “The size of one’s spell is in no way proportionate to the size of one’s stature.” A little gnomish ingenuity coupled with his sorcery make him a formidable opponent…and who knows? Beneath his robes might be some leather armor and a short sword that he just happened to find in his travels. He almost certainly has a dagger, stashed somewhere, should his magic fail…but that never happens, of course.

The Gnome Rogue
As with rogues of all races, he can be anything and with a race that seems (to outsiders) to be all rogues, he is particularly dangerous. He is a thief, an acrobat, an assassin, a con-man, a treasure-hunter, or a bard, perhaps. Who can say? Even in the bright garish garments that his kind prefers, he can be impossible to locate. Though carrying a dwarvish-made crossbow, having “just returned for a hunting expedition in the far off (insert name here) mountains”, and with a dirk hanging on his belt, it is still difficult to determine what his specialty is. He is a gentleman of the first order and a scoundrel of the highest rank. There isn’t a trap he hasn’t seen, a lock he hasn’t picked….or a pocket for that matter. His charming tales are the stuff of legend and he has a show-stopping singing voice as well. He is an expert jeweler, appraiser, merchant, antiques dealer, poet, linguist, monster-hunter, treasure-seeker, trap-springer, and assorted other less honorable pursuits. You’ll be happy to count him among your company for his expertise…in whatever…while he’ll happily make off with your gold.

The Gnome Trickster
One of the most popular multi-classes with gnomes is a thief-illusionist. She is happy to help you with whatever small magic she can, not having time to really study magic intently because she needs time to get her hair just right. She’ll pick a lock here or there, “…daddy was a locksmith”…scale the wall or get into that tight crevice, but you’d better watch your back when it comes time to divvy up the loot, because everything she does for you, she does for her. With a smile and a stab of her slender dagger she’ll make her cut to get your cut. If she likes you or isn’t feeling like drawing attention, maybe a sleep spell so she can quietly slip away. Her magic is all geared around playing tricks to get what she wants. If she has any magic items, you won’t know it until she uses them on you. She plays the damsel in distress every chance she gets and will try to flirt her way out of anything…unbelievable that humans still fall for that.


Halfling Types

Joe-Every-halfling/hairfoot
a.k.a. “The Hobbit”
This is the genius creation of J.R.R. Tolkien and his world of Middle Earth which began the entire D&D role-playing saga/creations. He is the diminutive hairfooted country gentleman with his pipe and warm dry home in the hill. Give him a sword he is a fighter, give him a shadow to hide in, he’s a thief. Most of the time, he’s both. He has heart and valor in an abundance that belies his small stature. But, he would be just as happy if not moreso to have a warm meal and good book to adventures and monsters….though the treasures are nice.

The Hairfoot Rogue
This is most likely the cloaked quick moving thief. He is happy to assist his comrades in the locating of traps, the dismantling of locks, and leave the heavy hitting to the big guys. Some light leather armor is all he needs and his trusty dagger if he can get a good sneak attack in (maybe a short sword if he has to fight for real). For all of his jovial comradery, he is one to watch your private belongings around as he might forget to let you know he’s “borrowing” them.

The Hairfoot Cleric
This seldom encountered priestess of the halfling’s mother/nature goddess (an aspect of Gilea called Faerantha) is a kind and compassionate healer. She probably doesn’t wear armor of any kind, opting for the simple comfort of robes or tunic. In the quiet country life of the Dales there is rarely need for armor or weapons. Besides, she has the divine magics of her goddess to protect her. She is most happy when conducting her priestly duties of officiating the happy occasions of life; marriages, births, blessing homes and fields. She does carry a “staff” (really just a cane or short walking stick to one of the “big folk.”) topped with the pine cone symbol of Faerantha that she has been known to use for a clunk on the head of those dalefolk who might become too unruly.

The Hairfoot Adventurer
Slightly more road-savy and trained than your average “Joe”, this hairfoot archetype is primarily a warrior though most likely a fighter/thief multi-class. She is comfortable in her shirt of chain that provides better protection than the basic leathers of her rogue companions without inhibiting her movement or dexterity. Like her gnomish counterpart, she makes up for her stature in combat by use of ranged weapons, agility, and stealth. A well placed strike with her spear or an arrow from afar are always the first line of attack. If pressed into close quarters she is skilled with her short sword or long dagger to quickly slash and stab. This hairfoot is also knowledgeable in a variety of skills that come in handy out on the road and in the greater realms beyond her quiet country home including: tracking, rope use, herbalism, possibly spelunking or stonework.

The Defender of the Dale
Beyond their luck and charm and furry feet, the hairfoot are a good and noble hearted people (for the most part). Just because a halfling cannot become a “Paladin” per se does not mean they cannot look or act the part. With a valor to match the tallest human, this hairfoot proudly brandishes his enchanted broad sword. He is found in gleaming plate armor with a shining shield to rival any Starsword Knight or Paladin of Celradorn. He might even have a “noble steed” in the form of an armored pony, mastiff or maybe a ram. Following the tenets of good and justice (not necessarily always in line with the “law”) he is a hero among the dalefolk, and a boon to his comrades-in-arms. His skills as a field medic may not be as immediate as “laying on hands” but can be just as effective. He can be a commanding and reassuring presence and is a truly valiant warrior.


Half-Elf Types

Joe Every-Half-elf
There really is no set archetype for the half-elf, though presumable they are inspired by the Tolkien “Strider”/Aragorn character. He is most likely a ranger (possibly a fighter/cleric multi-class) a swift capable warrior with his twin scimitars, adept at hunting, tracking, animal husbandry, and/or any number of related woodcraft skills. His long life-span affords him the ability to master a number of skills and talents, often pursuing a number of classes as well. While generally not sporting the features of his elvish heritage, maybe a slight point to his ear, a slight slant or striking color to his eye, he will be a handsome man. He does possess, however, a number of racial abilities. He undoubtedly has a degree of night vision and enhanced hearing and reflexes. He’ll also exhibit a certain resistance to certain magic and aptitude with magic in general, and of course the elvish trademark of keen aim with his short bow. Regardless of his typically tough upbringing and possible seclusion, he is a valiant fighter for the forces of good and a truly devout companion and friend, if he let’s you get to know him.

The Half-Elf Druid
Given their general exclusion, or at least unacceptance, from human and elvish societies many of those with mixed blood choose to live lives of relative solitude or find themselves drawn to pursuits and/or organizations that are themselves reclusive. There are few such societies more secretive than the druids of the Ancient Order of Mistwood.


This half-elf has chosen to follow his affinity from the natural world, inherent to his mother’s race, by joining the Ancient Order. He is often shrouded in the shadowy boughs of his wooded hold or at least in the deep hood of his druid’s cloak. Beneath the magical protections of his cloak, he dons some light leather armor should he find himself in dire straights. Though usually seen with the sacred leaf-tipped spear of the Order, you can be sure that a scimitar or cudgel is secreted in the dark recess of his cloak if needed. He is capable in a fight, but his real power is in the exhibition of his druid magic and powers more often opting to battle in animal form or with his command of the elements to drawing blade or club.

The Half-Elf Bard
Another of the archetypes generally attributed to half-elves is the bard. This class allows the half-elf to enjoy and appreciate the natural world to which they find an affinity, and is another relatively solitary life. She will generally be on the road seeking great happenings, places, and persons for which to compose her epic poems and songs. She is lovely to behold and a charming companion though there are no “elvin” features about her, she is simply a notably attractive woman. She is capable of attracting attention with her good looks, soothing voice and harp, or the enchantments of her bardic spellsongs. She is also adept in the various arts of stealth and can go from the center of attention to lost in a crowd with ease. In her travels she has also picked up a thing or two about traps, locks, and a great deal of local and/or ancient history and lore to add to her bardic studies. Simple leather armor, perhaps studded, is all the attire she requires so as to be free to move quickly, utilizing her enhanced reflexes and agility. Her racial background might be noticed by her uncanny aim with her hand crossbow, or throwing daggers. If necessary, she will surprise her foes with skillful use of her long slender rapier. Though encountering a half-elf is uncommon, and a bard (versus a simple minstrel) equally so making the half-elf bard a rarity indeed, there are few greater pleasures for the weary traveler than to enjoy her talents and magics of song, tales, and music.


The Half-Elf Everything
One of the great things about half-elves always was that they were capable of pursuing virtually all classes. Their above-average abilities from their mixed blood gave them, not only a high capacity for magic-use, making magic-use/clerics a possibility for the first (and originally “only”) time. But half-elves were also allowed to combine interests and skills in just about any combination. Half-elf characters could multi-class as just about anything from ranger/magic-users to cleric/thieves to the pinnacle triple-classed, fighter/cleric/magic-user. She could do it all. With the eventual evolution of the gaming systems, these possible combinations are much more available and the use of “feats” and acquisition of “skills” make just about any character of any race able to tailor him/her-self in a variety of ways. The Half-Elf however, will always be the first and best with the diversity of abilities.

--Steel Dragons