Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5344315" data-attributes="member: 92511">Racial Archetypes: Gnome & HalflingContinuing...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</blockquote>

Verification