What is the attraction?
- Thread starter Limper
- Start date
ConcreteBuddha said:
You can't? Loser. Try picking up Hoyle's Book of Games.
Actually, I have played just enough D&D (and read enough of these boards) to know that the most special thing you can do in D&D is to actually play a human. I like playing humans because, even though the settings claim humans dominate, PCs tend to be elf, halfling, dwarf, gnome (ick), tiefling (gag), drow (puke), aasimar (ROFLMAO), genasi (the tears! the tears!)...
Having said that, I used to love playing elves because Legolas was my favorite character from LotR. I can imagine feeling good about myself playing a good old-fashioned wood elf at some point.
Playing a half-orc or a minotaur in the right setting could be fun, too.
I wouldn't want to play a Yuan-Ti, though, because I find evil campaigns to be the worst of the worst. Though maybe, just mabye, I could play a purple-eyed Yuan-Ti ranger, who dual-wields scimitars of course, has a viper statuette who turns into his trusty giant viper companion, and who escapes the evil of his society to make friends in the surface world. I will call him Drisstss.
Limper
First Post
Half elf is OK, but still a feat and skill points allow one to develop a past for a character with ease. The fact I was a blacksmith apprentice has real effect if I chose human (4 ranks and possibly a related feat) and it doesn't hamstring my development to near the same degree the same choice would for the half elf.
SHARK
First Post
Greetings!
Hmmm...interesting thread, my dear Limper! Very interesting indeed!
I personally like lots of different and strange races--the more animal-like, wierd, or multi-colored, the better! (Yes, I think Talislanta, while long overlooked, will go down in RPG history as quite simply the most original and interesting game-world ever created. ) However, I am also a fan of humans. I think there is simply a desire to have characters that are interesting and different, in that they don't look like humans, nor do they have the same set of typical human problems and issues. They can approach life in wildly different ways--ways that are at least rare, if not impossible for humans to ascertain.
Having said that, in my own campaigns, despite many of my non-human races having powerful advantages over humans in a number of areas, or even most areas, it is interesting how many players decide to play humans, particularly Vallorean Humans. There are of course different tribes and provinces within the Vallorean Empire, but there seems to be a powerful draw to playing a human from the Vallorean Empire.
In my campaigns, many races have greater stats, extra powers, or longer lifespans than humans. Still, humans in general, and Valloreans in particular, have several advantages that I realise some seem to believe aren't *balancing* factors for superior or inferior stats, but I would have to disagree. Humans in general are still more pervasive, and more adaptable--in all ways--than other races. Humans are more flexible in alignments, religion, and in philosophy. Humans also breed faster, and ultimately outnumber most any foe that they face. Humans have very open and adaptive cultures, embracing virtually any class, magic, spell, or form of technology.
Thus, wherever the characters go, humans are everywhere. Humans are, per capita, richer than any other race. Humans have greater political organization, political and religious unity, as well as the largest and most adaptable armies, that even if defeated, are more easily and quickly replaced than the armies of other, non-human races. Humans are arrogant and powerful, and they know it. Even if they die, they have the smug satisfaction of knowing--and letting others know about it--that a hundred years from now, or five hundred years from now, the non-humans will still have to face the humans. The might of the humans is unstoppable. All of the non0humans should just see the light, and bow down! Humanity will eventually conquer everyone and everything in its path. That is the belief, and whether or not it is ultiamtely true doesn't stop humans from believing it passionately, nor does it stop any non-humans from, deep down, wondering in fear if it is really true. The non-humans, even in their contempt and hatred, fear and admire the humans for constantly marching and struggling--the humans never quit, they never surrender, they never give up.
In my campaigns, whether it is the Celtic barbarians of the isles and highlands, or the viking raiders, or ferocious barbarians of the northern forests, or the Vallorean Empire, or of the Egyptian-like empire that exists, or of the Greek-like city states, or the powerful Babylonian-like empire, humans are always interesting to play, and the players seem to always enjoy playing them, even in the face of *superior* non-human races. I suppose I am spoiled, because in my own experience, I have seen so many players seem to gravitate towards more character-driven and story-driven play, as opposed to *this race has a +2 higher strength, and two more skill points* approach, that I thus don't always think that a slavish concern for *balance* is always necessary or appropriate.
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK
Hmmm...interesting thread, my dear Limper! Very interesting indeed!
I personally like lots of different and strange races--the more animal-like, wierd, or multi-colored, the better! (Yes, I think Talislanta, while long overlooked, will go down in RPG history as quite simply the most original and interesting game-world ever created. ) However, I am also a fan of humans. I think there is simply a desire to have characters that are interesting and different, in that they don't look like humans, nor do they have the same set of typical human problems and issues. They can approach life in wildly different ways--ways that are at least rare, if not impossible for humans to ascertain.Having said that, in my own campaigns, despite many of my non-human races having powerful advantages over humans in a number of areas, or even most areas, it is interesting how many players decide to play humans, particularly Vallorean Humans. There are of course different tribes and provinces within the Vallorean Empire, but there seems to be a powerful draw to playing a human from the Vallorean Empire.
In my campaigns, many races have greater stats, extra powers, or longer lifespans than humans. Still, humans in general, and Valloreans in particular, have several advantages that I realise some seem to believe aren't *balancing* factors for superior or inferior stats, but I would have to disagree. Humans in general are still more pervasive, and more adaptable--in all ways--than other races. Humans are more flexible in alignments, religion, and in philosophy. Humans also breed faster, and ultimately outnumber most any foe that they face. Humans have very open and adaptive cultures, embracing virtually any class, magic, spell, or form of technology.
Thus, wherever the characters go, humans are everywhere. Humans are, per capita, richer than any other race. Humans have greater political organization, political and religious unity, as well as the largest and most adaptable armies, that even if defeated, are more easily and quickly replaced than the armies of other, non-human races. Humans are arrogant and powerful, and they know it. Even if they die, they have the smug satisfaction of knowing--and letting others know about it--that a hundred years from now, or five hundred years from now, the non-humans will still have to face the humans. The might of the humans is unstoppable. All of the non0humans should just see the light, and bow down! Humanity will eventually conquer everyone and everything in its path. That is the belief, and whether or not it is ultiamtely true doesn't stop humans from believing it passionately, nor does it stop any non-humans from, deep down, wondering in fear if it is really true. The non-humans, even in their contempt and hatred, fear and admire the humans for constantly marching and struggling--the humans never quit, they never surrender, they never give up.
In my campaigns, whether it is the Celtic barbarians of the isles and highlands, or the viking raiders, or ferocious barbarians of the northern forests, or the Vallorean Empire, or of the Egyptian-like empire that exists, or of the Greek-like city states, or the powerful Babylonian-like empire, humans are always interesting to play, and the players seem to always enjoy playing them, even in the face of *superior* non-human races. I suppose I am spoiled, because in my own experience, I have seen so many players seem to gravitate towards more character-driven and story-driven play, as opposed to *this race has a +2 higher strength, and two more skill points* approach, that I thus don't always think that a slavish concern for *balance* is always necessary or appropriate.
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK
I play non-humans. Seems everyone is answering the 'What's the fascination with Non-humans' by saying they Play humans.
Why do I do it? Well, as pointed out, we're humans. Yep, fantasy worlds are a lot different, and we don't live in them, but you know what I mean.
The potential of coming from a different perspective culture, where hedonism or brutality or animality, it's prefered. Yes, humans can have that, but so can races. But to a point where it's so Abstract to humans.
Yes, Demi-humans are stereotypical. But sometimes you can gain Strenght from those weaknesses. For example, once, I played a halfling Transmuter. Hating being picked on for being short, the character's concept was cutting enemies down to size. Ray of Enfeeblement, Reduce, Blindness/Deafness, Slow, Poly Other. The whole point was to Take Away their power. That wizard is *blind*, that fighter is small and weak.
I like kobolds, for this. They're seen as weak, ineffective, cowardly things. Kobold wizards and so on, doing what they do to make a name for the Race. Or to be threatening, to be *surprising*. Or simply play the coward. But in lots of cases, Kobolds are underestimated. 'He's just a kobold!' And they're answered with a chain lightning.
But, one of my favorite races are animal-like. 'Anthropomorphic', like Gnolls, but less Ugly. The prospect of different senses, of smells and having fur, more animalistic qualities, having a *Tail*. I find that appealing, not by any special abilities, but other aspects. Take the cat-morph; Stealthy and sleek and stalking, or a roaring battlefield machine, the mysterious in the shadows spellcaster.
Yes, humans can use any concept, but they're still *humans*.
Why do I do it? Well, as pointed out, we're humans. Yep, fantasy worlds are a lot different, and we don't live in them, but you know what I mean.
The potential of coming from a different perspective culture, where hedonism or brutality or animality, it's prefered. Yes, humans can have that, but so can races. But to a point where it's so Abstract to humans.
Yes, Demi-humans are stereotypical. But sometimes you can gain Strenght from those weaknesses. For example, once, I played a halfling Transmuter. Hating being picked on for being short, the character's concept was cutting enemies down to size. Ray of Enfeeblement, Reduce, Blindness/Deafness, Slow, Poly Other. The whole point was to Take Away their power. That wizard is *blind*, that fighter is small and weak.
I like kobolds, for this. They're seen as weak, ineffective, cowardly things. Kobold wizards and so on, doing what they do to make a name for the Race. Or to be threatening, to be *surprising*. Or simply play the coward. But in lots of cases, Kobolds are underestimated. 'He's just a kobold!' And they're answered with a chain lightning.
But, one of my favorite races are animal-like. 'Anthropomorphic', like Gnolls, but less Ugly. The prospect of different senses, of smells and having fur, more animalistic qualities, having a *Tail*. I find that appealing, not by any special abilities, but other aspects. Take the cat-morph; Stealthy and sleek and stalking, or a roaring battlefield machine, the mysterious in the shadows spellcaster.
Yes, humans can use any concept, but they're still *humans*.
Black Omega
First Post
*snip*
Well, good points. But still, in each example the race defines the concept. Nothing wrong with that, it's why aloty of people play other races. It's easy to pick a race and define the character by that. You can't really do that with humans.
True. I don't see this as a bad thing, however.
Though, I'll likely say a little more: For one, if I ever do get into a game (I'm DMing the only one I'm in), I'd likely play a human bard, if I was ever to play one.
Another factor, and poke me if I'm wrong, but this could be for psychological reasons? Elves live long. Maybe some people have an internal, unconcious fear of death. That long life is a cushion.
Halflings Like To Eat. Some people do, but their social norms dictate this is Okay. So, it could be someone who feels uncomfortable with their apperance, and finds acceptance here. Also with elves; elves are seen as attractive, mystically inhuman and yet 'higher', these people could feel unattractive, yet desire to be a part of that.
Half-orcs are *Powerful*. I know a guy who only plays the Big, Strong 'I'll crush you' kind've character. In every system. A wookie, a werewolf, a half orc, whatever it is. That's just what he does. He likes to be the biggest, strongest guy out there. Thus, it could be a feeling of insecurity, or a need to Be The Strongest, the dominant, the alpha. Weak, or people who are 'pushovers' in life could also persue this, simply because they Do have the power to Smack someone and Have the muscle.
Of course, these are just mental ramblings, and I Could Be Wrong.
Another factor, and poke me if I'm wrong, but this could be for psychological reasons? Elves live long. Maybe some people have an internal, unconcious fear of death. That long life is a cushion.
Halflings Like To Eat. Some people do, but their social norms dictate this is Okay. So, it could be someone who feels uncomfortable with their apperance, and finds acceptance here. Also with elves; elves are seen as attractive, mystically inhuman and yet 'higher', these people could feel unattractive, yet desire to be a part of that.
Half-orcs are *Powerful*. I know a guy who only plays the Big, Strong 'I'll crush you' kind've character. In every system. A wookie, a werewolf, a half orc, whatever it is. That's just what he does. He likes to be the biggest, strongest guy out there. Thus, it could be a feeling of insecurity, or a need to Be The Strongest, the dominant, the alpha. Weak, or people who are 'pushovers' in life could also persue this, simply because they Do have the power to Smack someone and Have the muscle.
Of course, these are just mental ramblings, and I Could Be Wrong.
Limper
First Post
Psychology of the player is indivisable from the choices he makes. I'm not sure if its as cut and dry as your suggesting Xarlen, but I think this angle also deserves some thought.
SHARK I couldn't agree more Talislanta had a very original twist on races. I'm also starting to agree that balance is more a curse than a blessing.
SHARK I couldn't agree more Talislanta had a very original twist on races. I'm also starting to agree that balance is more a curse than a blessing.
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