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Message: <blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5344299" data-attributes="member: 92511">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 <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/5344258-post49.html" target="_blank">http://www.enworld.org/forum/5344258-post49.html</a>) 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</blockquote>

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