Unearthed Arcana

224 Pages·2003·6.3 MB·English

by  Andy Collins

U N E A R T H E D A R C A N A
ANDY COLLINS, JESSE DECKER, DAVID NOONAN, RICH REDMAN
A D D I T I O N A L D E S I G N A R T D I R E C T O R
ANDREW FINCH, STEVE KENSON, CHARLES DAWN MURIN
RYAN, BILL SLAVICSEK, ED STARK, JONATHAN
C O V E R A R T I S T
TWEET, JD WIKER, JAMES WYATT MATT CAVOTTA
E D I T O R S I N T E R I O R A R T I S T S
MICHELE CARTER, GWENDOLYN F.M. STEVEN BELLEDIN, ED COX, WAYNE ENGLAND,
KESTREL, CHARLES RYAN EMILY FIEGENSCHUH, DAVID HUDNUT,
JEREMY JARVIS, DOUG KOVACS, JOHN AND
M A N A G I N G E D I T O R
LAURA LAKEY, DAVID MARTIN, DENNIS
KIM MOHAN
CRABAPPLE MCCLAIN, MARK NELSON, JAMES
D E S I G N M A N A G E R PAVELEC, STEVE PRESCOTT, DAVID ROACH,
ED STARK RICHARD SARDINHA, RON SPENCER, STEPHEN
TAPPIN, JOEL THOMAS, BEN THOMPSON
D I R E C T O R O F R P G R & D
G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R
BILL SLAVICSEK
DAWN MURIN
I M A G E T E C H N I C I A N
GRAPHIC PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
JAY SAKAMOTO ERIN DORRIES
P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E R C A R T O G R A P H E R
JOSH FISCHER TODD GAMBLE
This d20™ System game utilizes mechanics developed for the new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® game by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook,
Skip Williams, Richard Baker, and Peter Adkison.
Resources for this product include Psionics Handbook by Bruce Cordell, Swords of Our Fathers by JD Wiker (Game Mechanics),
Mutants & Masterminds by Steve Kenson (Green Ronin Publishing), Call of Cthulhu by Monte Cook and John Tynes, d20 Mod-
ern Roleplaying Game by Bill Slavicsek, Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, and Charles Ryan, Oriental Adventures by James Wyatt, Star
Wars Roleplaying Game by Bill Slavicsek, Andy Collins, and JD Wiker, Player’s Option: Combat & Tactics by L. Richard Baker III
and Skip Williams, Alternity Player’s Handbook by Bill Slavicsek and Richard Baker, and the University of Notre Dame’s Latin
parser at http://www.nd.edu/~archives/latgramm.htm.
Valuable advice provided by Bruce Cordell and James Wyatt
Playtesters: Richard Baker, Greg Collins, Dale Donovan, Chris Galvin, Joe Hauck, Kevin Kukas, Viet Nguyen, Brent Pearson, Tim
Rhoades, Marc Russell, Scott Smith, Dennis Worrell, Warren Wyman, James Wyatt
U.S., CANADA, ASIA, PACIFIC, EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS
& LATIN AMERICA Wizards of the Coast, Belgium
Wizards of the Coast, Inc. T Hofveld 6d
P.O. Box 707 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden
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Questions? 1-800-324-6496 620-88156-001-EN [phone]
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FIRST PRINTING: February 2004
Product Identity: The following items are hereby identifi ed as Product Identity, as defi ned in the Open Gaming License version 1.0a, Section 1(e), and are not Open Content: All
trademarks, registered trademarks, proper names (characters, deities, artifacts, places, etc.), artwork, trade dress, and the names and game statistics for the following monsters:
beholder, displacer beast, gauth, githyanki, githzerai, mind fl ayer, slaad, umber hulk, and yuan-ti.
Open Content: Except for material designated as Product Identity (see above) and the githyanki/githzerai, slaad, and yuan-ti bloodlines in Chapter 1, the contents of this WIZARDS
OF THE COAST® game product are Open Game Content, as defi ned in the Open Gaming License version 1.0a Section 1(d). No portion of this work other than the material designated
as Open Game Content may be reproduced in any form without written permission. To learn more about the Open Gaming License and the d20 System License, please visit
www.wizards.com/d20.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, DUNGEON MASTER, d20, d20 MODERN, d20 System, WIZARDS OF THE COAST, Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, Monster Manual, Unearthed
Arcana, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc., in the U.S.A. and other countries. Distributed to the hobby, toy, and comic trade in the United
States and Canada by regional distributors. Distributed in the United States to the book trade by Holtzbrinck Publishing. Distributed in Canada to the book trade by Fenn
Ltd. Distributed worldwide by Wizards of the Coast, Inc., and regional distributors. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any
reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This product is a
work of fi ction. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, places, or events is purely coincidental. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2004 Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Visit our website at www.wizards.com/dnd
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Contents
Sidebars Numbered Tables
(BtC = Behind the Curtain; 1–1: Reducing Level Adjustments. . . . . . . . . 18
Introduction...................................................4 HR = House Rule) 1–2: Bloodline Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Aquatic Race Level Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . 7 1–3: Bloodline Strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 1: Races.............................................5
Subraces and Paragon Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 1–4: Minor Bloodlines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Environmental Racial Variants. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
HR: Skilled Half-Elves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 1–5: Intermediate Bloodlines. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Elemental Racial Variants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Paragon Classes in Your Game. . . . . . . . . . . . 46 1–6: Major Bloodlines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Reducing Level Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Multiclassing and Variant Classes. . . . . . . . . 48 1–7: Bloodline Trait Distribution. . . . . . . . . 31
Bloodlines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Urban Tracking [General]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 1–8: The Drow Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Racial Paragon Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
HR: Spontaneous Domain Casting. . . . . . . . 64 1–9: The Dwarf Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chapter 2: Classes.......................................47 BtC: Spontaneous Casting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 1–10: The Elf Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Variant Character Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 HR: Druid Domains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 1–11: The Gnome Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Specialist Wizard Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Unique Spells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 1–12: The Half-Dragon Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . 39 COT
Spontaneous Divine Casters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 HR: Fractional Base Bonuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 1–13: The Half-Elf Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 NAB
Class Feature Variants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Skill Knowledge [General] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 1–14: The Half-Orc Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 TL
Prestigious Character Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Why Complex Checks?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 1–15: The Halfl ing Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 EE
Gestalt Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 BtC: How Many Successes?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 1–16: The Human Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 NT OF
Generic Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 BtC: Designing Traits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 1–17: The Orc Paragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 S
BtC: Creating Flaws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 1–18: The Tiefl ing Paragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Chapter 3: Building Characters............79
BtC: Spelltouched Feats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 2–1: Variant Paladin Class Features. . . . . . . 54
Alternative Skill Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
HR: Adding a Favored Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 2–2: Spells Known. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Complex Skill Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Additional Favored Class [General]. . . . . . 100 2–3: Ranger Favored Environments. . . . . . . 66
Character Traits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
BtC: Class Defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 2–4: The Prestige Bard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Character Flaws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
BtC: Armor as DR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 2–5: The Prestige Paladin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Spelltouched Feats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Combo: Defense Bonus and 2–6: The Prestige Ranger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Weapon Group Feats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Damage Reduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 2–7: The Expert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Craft Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
BtC: Damage Conversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 2–8: The Spellcaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Character Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
BtC: Injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 2–9: Spellcaster Spells Known. . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chapter 4: Adventuring.........................109 HR: Slower Magical Healing. . . . . . . . . . . . 115 2–10: The Warrior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Defense Bonus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 BtC: Vitality and Wounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 3–1: Skills by Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Armor as Damage Reduction. . . . . . . . . . . . 111 HR: Out-of-Turn Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 3–2: Example Complex Skill Checks. . . . . . 81
Damage Conversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 BtC: Reserve Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 3–3: Character Traits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 BtC: Massive Damage Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 3–4: Spelltouched Feats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Vitality and Wound Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 BtC: Death and Dying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 3–5: Sample Crafted Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Reserve Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 BtC: Action Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 3–6: Craft Points Gained by Level. . . . . . . . . 99
Massive Damage Thresholds HR: Luck Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 3–7: Item Creation Feats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
and Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Combat Awareness [General]. . . . . . . . . . . . 127 4–1: Defense Bonus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Death and Dying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 HR: Enhancement and Touch AC. . . . . . . . 128 4–2: Defense Bonus for Other Classes. . . . 110
Action Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 BtC: Variable Modifi ers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 4–3: Creature Defense Bonuses. . . . . . . . . . 110
Combat Facing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 BtC: The Bell Curve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 4–4: Armor and Damage Reduction. . . . . . 111
Hex Grid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 BtC: Players Rolling Dice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 4–5: Natural Armor and Damage
Variable Modifi ers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 BtC: Summoning Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Reduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Bell Curve Rolls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 HR: Metamagic and Sorcerers I. . . . . . . . . . 140 5–1: Magic Rating by Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Players Roll All the Dice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 BtC: Metamagic Components. . . . . . . . . . . . 150 5–2: Metamagic Components. . . . . . . . . . . . 141
HR: Metamagic and Sorcerers II. . . . . . . . . 151 5–3: Spell Points per Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Chapter 5: Magic........................................135
BtC: Spontaneous Metamagic. . . . . . . . . . . . 152 5–4: Bonus Spell Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Magic Rating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 HR: Daily Spell List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 5–5: Spell Point Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Summon Monster Variants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 BtC: Spell Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 5–6: General Recharge Times. . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Metamagic Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 HR: Simplifi ed NPC Spellcasters. . . . . . . . 156 5–7: Spell Recharge Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Spontaneous Metamagic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 HR: Recharging Magic Items. . . . . . . . . . . . 158 5–8: The Battle Scion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Spell Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 BtC: Recharge Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 5–9: The Faith Scion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Recharge Magic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 HR: No Spell Resistance against 5–10: The Spell Scion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Legendary Weapons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Energy Damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 5–11: The Swift Scion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Item Familiars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 BtC: Creating Incantations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 5–12: Item Familiar Abilities. . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Incantations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 BtC: Who’s Affected by Reputation?. . . . . 182 6–1: Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Chapter 6: Campaigns............................179 BtC: Honor and Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 6–2: Reputation Scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 BtC: Taint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 6–3: The Tainted Sorcerer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Reputation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 It Came from Cthulhu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 6–4: The Tainted Warrior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Honor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Sanity Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 6–5: Sanity Loss from Creatures. . . . . . . . . 196
Taint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Forbidden Knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 6–6: Sanity Loss from Spellcasting. . . . . . . 196
Tainted Prestige Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Variant Rule: Insane Insight. . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 6–7: Example Forbidden Tomes. . . . . . . . . . 198
Sanity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 The Heal Skill and Mental Treatment. . . . 202 6–8: Duration of Temporary Insanity. . . . 200
Test-Based Prerequisites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 HR: Puzzles and Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 6–9: Short-Term Temporary Insanity
Level-Independent XP Awards. . . . . . . . . . . 213 BtC: Sanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
BtC: Test-Based Prerequisites. . . . . . . . . . . . 212 6–10: Long-Term Temporary Insanity
Afterword: HR: XP Bonus Pool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
When Worlds Collide . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 BtC: Level-Independent XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 6–11: Random Indefi nite Insanity. . . . . . . 201
Variant Checklist.....................................219 6–12: Drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
6–13: Alternative Experience Point
Progression. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
6–14: Experience Award
3
(Single Monster). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
620_88156_UnearthedArcana2.indd 3 12/10/03, 2:28:20 PM
Introduction it presents paragon classes that enable characters to develop into
quintessential examples of their race.
Warning: Get ready to drink from the fi re hose. Chapter 2: Classes is full of ways to tailor the standard D&D
Unearthed Arcana exposes you to more variant rules and alterna- character classes. It provides a system allowing divine spellcast-
tive methods of gaming than anyone can hope to use in a single ers to cast their spells spontaneously, as well as some variant
campaign. On top of those, a bunch of House Rule sidebars written class features. You can replace the standard bard, paladin, and
by various members of the Wizards of the Coast R&D department ranger classes with prestige versions of those classes, or you can
describe personal variants they’ve used in their home campaigns. create gestalt characters who gain levels in two classes at the
In fact, there’s probably more in here than you could reasonably use same time. For a simpler approach to class selection, try out the
N in a dozen campaigns, and some of it you probably won’t ever get generic classes at the end of this chapter.
O
around to actually introducing to your game. Chapter 3: Building Characters offers options for detailing
I
T
C Take a deep breath—it’s okay. a character—a new way of determining which skills a character
U Just as no player actually casts all the new spells in the latest knows, a system for complex skill checks, and selections of traits
D
O rulebook, and no DM actually uses all the new creatures in the and fl aws that make characters more distinctive. Spelltouched feats
R latest manual of monstrosities, you shouldn’t feel any compul- and weapon group feats add even more variety to what characters
T
N sion to use all these variants, even in a lifetime of gaming. can do. Instead of using the standard rules for the Craft skill, you
I
Instead, pick and choose the ones that feel right for your style of can give characters craft points that they spend to create alchemical
gaming, your players, and your campaign. Some groups may latch substances and magic items. The largest section of this chapter deals
on to a specifi c variant—whether the taint rules, Sanity checks, with character background, a way to create a character of higher
spell points, or legendary weapons—in a heartbeat, making it a cen- than 1st level who has a unique personal history.
tral feature of their game world. Others fi nd a few smaller changes Chapter 4: Adventuring is a treasure trove of ideas for chang-
to incorporate, such as a variant class or class feature, reputation ing basic aspects of the way the game works. If you want to try
checks, or alternative massive damage thresholds. Use the checklist out a new system for how Armor Class is determined, or the
at the back of the book to track what you’re using, and what changes benefi t that armor provides, or how characters are affected by
you make to the variants you use. damage, you’ll fi nd options here. You can give characters action
The “trick” behind getting your money’s worth from this book points, which they use to improve their chances of succeeding
is an attitude of curiosity and experimentation. Some groups may at a task. You can change the way combat works by keeping track
have a conservative outlook: “We like the way our game works and of a creature’s facing, or by using a hexagonal grid rather than a
don’t want to wreck it.” It’s okay to think that way—but nothing square grid. You can even modify the most fundamental concept
in this book can wreck your game unless you let it. If you try out a in the d20 System rules by getting rid of the d20 altogether!
variant and it doesn’t work for you after a session or three, go back Chapter 5: Magic is in many ways a counterpart to Chapter
to the way you were playing, or just start over from where you were 4, except that the variants here are all related to the effects of
before you tried out the new rules. No harm, no foul. magic on the game. You can give each character and creature a
The adventurous groups, though—the ones willing to learn magic rating, which determines its caster level. You can gener-
new ways to play their familiar game—stand to reap the biggest ate individualized lists of summon spells related to each caster’s
rewards from Unearthed Arcana. In a way, this book perfectly rep- world view or goals. Metamagic components allow spellcasters
resents the game itself: Adventurous characters get rewarded, to use spells with the effect of a metamagic feat already built in.
though it takes work to reap those rewards. The spontaneous metamagic variant gives casters the opportu-
When you turn to the next page, the inundation begins. Just nity to assign metamagic effects to a spell just as it is cast. The
remember to take small sips at fi rst—try out a small number of spell point system gives casters more fl exibility in their daily
variants for starters, gradually increasing the level of change until spell choices. Rather than limiting casters to a certain number
you reach your comfort level. Don’t worry that you’re not using all of spells per day, you can use the recharge magic system to de-
the new stuff at once. After all, there’s always another campaign termine how often a character can cast a particular spell or a
waiting to be born, and maybe in that one you fi nally try out the spell of a certain level. You can change the role of magic in the
new metamagic components, or the spelltouched feats, or . . . game without altering any other rules by using the material on
—Andy Collins legendary weapons, item familiars, and incantations.
Chapter 6: Campaigns takes a look at concepts that can fl esh
out characters and affect (for good or ill) the way they interact
WHAT’S INSIDE?
with their world. Contacts are NPCs who can provide various
It’s usually true that you don’t need to read a D&D rulebook forms of aid to player characters. Reputation and honor help
from front to back to get the most out of it—and that’s never to determine how the other residents of the campaign world
been more true than in the case of Unearthed Arcana. Using the perceive the PCs. For a darker and grittier campaign world, one
table of contents as a guide, you can simply fl ip to a part of the in which characters are up against perils they can’t control, you
book that looks interesting and start reading. That said, here’s a can incorporate the rules for taint or insanity (or both). Finally,
summary of what each chapter contains. for a different way of determining how characters fullfi ll the
Chapter 1: Races introduces the concept of racial variants, requirements for feats and prestige classes, check out the variant
keyed either to a particular environment or a certain elemental on test-based prerequisites.
type. It offers a way to reduce a character’s level adjustment, which Afterword: When Worlds Collide offers some brief advice
can pay off in more rapid advancement at higher levels. Much of for DMs on how to use a wide variety of variant rules during
the chapter is devoted to bloodlines—a way to make characters play without necessarily creating different campaign worlds for
4
distinctive by giving them a hint of monstrous ancestry. Finally, different combinations of variants.
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II
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n many ways, a character’s race provides a foundation Alternatively, these variants could coexist with the stan-
for defi ning his place in the game world. Whether elf dard races (or even with other variants) in your world. For
or dwarf, half-orc or half-dragon, a character’s race is the example, you can use them as world-building tools—the
cornerstone upon which the character crafts an identity. existence of racial offshoots may constitute living proof of
The races in the Player’s Handbook provide a variety of an ancient racial migration in response to some disaster.
interesting roles. Add in the options presented in the Monster Each racial variant modifi es the race to which it is
Manual or various campaign settings, and the variety becomes applied (hereafter called the standard race) in minor
impressive indeed. But what if that variety isn’t enough? ways. All racial traits of the standard race—racial skill
That’s where this chapter comes in. The four variant sys- bonuses, bonus feats, special sensory capabilities (such
tems presented here throw open the doors of racial options. as darkvision and low-light vision), ability modifi ers,
You can play a troll-blooded human or a jungle-born halfl ing, combat bonuses against specifi c foes, and racial weapon
a fi re-touched elf or a paragon of dwarvenkind. These variants profi ciencies—are retained unless the variant specifi es
can be used individually or alongside one another, depending otherwise. For instance, a human retains his extra skill
on the whims of the DM. points and extra feat at 1st level, a dwarf retains his
So dig in! You may never look at gnomes the same way stonecunning ability, and an elf retains her ability
again. . . . to spot secret doors, unless the variant description
specifi cally indicates otherwise.
ENVIRONMENTAL Many of the variant races described in this sec-
tion provide alternate ability score adjustments. In
RACIAL VARIANTS
these cases, the adjustments given here supersede
Racial variants are a great way add diversity to your game the standard race’s adjustments. For example, the
without drastically changing the ecology of your world. One aquatic goblin’s ability score adjustments are –2
method of altering the existing races is to introduce environ- Strength, +2 Constitution, and –2 Charisma. These
mental variants, a number of which are presented here. adjustments take the place of the goblin’s normal –2
You may decide that one or more of these variants represent Strength, +2 Dexterity, and –2 Charisma.
the “standard” version of a given race in your world. For in- Because humans are, by nature, the most adaptable
stance, in a desert-based campaign the desert races presented of races, environmental variants are generally not
below could replace the normal versions of the races described included for humans. The exception is aquatic 5
in the Player’s Handbook and Monster Manual. humans, which, due to their ability to live and
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breathe underwater, are Aquatic gnome aquatic races generally treat landborn creatures with guarded
sufficiently different pleasantness on the rare occasions when they meet.
from other humans Alignment: Having avoided most of the political,
to warrant an envi- economic, and military turmoil of the surface world,
ronmental variant. water creatures tend to take a much more
placid view of life than their landborn
AQUATIC
cousins do. Members of an aquatic race
RACES
favor neutrality in at least one aspect of
Beneath the sur- alignment, if not both.
face of the ocean Lands: The civilizations of
1
lies an exotic and water dwellers often mirror
R
ES alien world, com- those of their standard races,
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C plete with canyons, though water folk favor more
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A mountains, volca- loosely organized governments
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H noes, and forests. and more open societies. Wa-
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Inky depths con- ter creatures generally have
ceal sunken cities, plenty of space available
sleeping deities, and for building, so they rarely
titanic monsters. For structure their habitats as
residents of the aquatic densely populated cities.
realm, the sunny world Instead, undersea races
of the air is as mysteri- prefer to maintain loosely
ous and unknown as Arctic gnome defined territories in
the black depths of which families and
the sea. individuals can carve
Players wanting their out their own niches.
n
Nelso cdhwaerlalcetresr cs atno ubsee otcheeasne tuRreesl iugsiuoanl:l Wy paateyr h corema--
M. variants. Or, their char- age to at least one deity
y acters might encounter related to oceans, storms,
b
us. these races while jour- or nature, such as Obad-
Ill neying beneath the sea. Desert Hai. Otherwise, their
The following cultural gnome worshiping habits are
attributes are common similar to those of their
to most aquat ic races. standard races.
Personality: An Language: Water crea-
aquat ic race usually tures speak any languages
shares the tempera- spoken by members of
ment and interests of their standard race.
the standard race, but Many also learn Aquan
its members tend to be to facilitate communica-
more serene than their tion with other under-
landborn cousins. water creatures.
Physical Description: Adventurers: While
A water creature is taller there are plenty of ad-
and thinner than a standard ventures to be found
member of her race. Her beneath the waves, wa-
feet and hands are webbed to ter creatures occasion-
facilitate swimming. (Aquatic ally venture onto land to
elves even have fi ns along their fulfi ll some important
limbs that serve the same pur- goal. Some are lured by
pose.) A water creature’s skin ranges the alien ways of the sur-
from pale green to dark blue. Her hair face people; others feel a
usually matches her skin color but may wanderlust that can be
be one or two shades darker. tamed only by walking
Water dwellers wear very little cloth- the earth.
ing, and what they do wear tends to cling
tightly to their bodies. Some favor jewelry General Aquatic
made of coral and other undersea treasures. Racial Traits
Relations: The attitudes of water creatures tend to All aquatic races have the fol-
6
be very similar to those of their landborn cousins. Members of Jungle gnome lowing racial traits.
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• Aquatic: An aquatic race gains the aquatic subtype. An aquatic • An aquatic gnome has a swim speed of 20 feet.
creature can breathe underwater. It cannot also breathe air • Well-Traveled: Aquatic gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on
unless it also has the amphibious special quality. An aquatic Sense Motive and Gather Information checks. They always
creature can hold its breath outside the water for 2 rounds per know when their welcome is wearing out.
point of Constitution. After that, it begins to suffocate (see • No +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against kobolds: Aquatic
page 304 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide). gnomes do not come into combat with kobolds as frequently
• Swim speed: An aquatic creature always has a swim speed. It as their land-bound cousins. They retain their bonus against
can move through water at its swim speed without making goblinoids, however.
Swim checks. It has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to • No racial bonus on Craft (alchemy) checks or Listen checks:
perform some action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose Aquatic gnomes’ visual acuity has improved at the expense of
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to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. their other senses.
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It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims RA
in a straight line. Aquatic Goblins AP
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• Bonus Language: Aquan. Aquatic races are familiar with the Aquatic goblins are feared and reviled as ocean-dwelling piranhas. ET
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language of water-based creatures. A band of aquatic goblins and their shark mounts is likely to swoop R

down on any individual or group perceived as weak, to strip it of 1
Aquatic Dwarves everything from gold and jewelry to clothing and hides. Leaving
Beneath the waves, dwarves remain the masters of stone. They a trail of junk behind them as they evaluate their loot, the ban-
build massive, elaborate fortresses near the mineral-rich waters dits swim off in search of other unlucky victims.
that surround undersea thermal vents. Aquatic goblins to take up adventuring for many reasons.
Racial Traits: Aquatic dwarves have the general aquatic ra- While most goblins are neutral evil, many have different beliefs
cial traits described above and all the dwarf racial traits given in and seek like-minded individuals outside the tribe. Some lack
Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, as well as those noted below. opportunities to advance, and tire of living on the scraps of those
• +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, –4 Dexterity, –2 Charisma. with more authority or higher social position.
Aquatic dwarves are tough enough to survive the brutal en- Racial Traits: Aquatic goblins have the general aquatic racial
vironment of the sea fl oor, but rely on strength and heavy traits described above and all the goblin racial traits given on
armor rather than agility. page 134 of the Monster Manual, with additions and exceptions
• An aquatic dwarf has a swim speed of 20 feet. as noted below.
• –2 Strength, +2 Constitution, –2 Charisma. Aquatic goblins
Aquatic Elves are hardy creatures, but weaker than many races.
The aquatic landscape is dotted with forests of kelp and roofed • An aquatic goblin has a swim speed of 30 feet.
with sporadic blankets of sargasso weed. Hidden among these • Thievery: Aquatic goblins get a +2 racial bonus on Disable
watery groves are the ancient settlements of the elves. Device and Sleight of Hand checks.
Racial Traits: Aquatic elves have the general aquatic racial • An aquatic goblin’s racial bonus on Move Silently and Ride
traits described above, the elf racial traits given in Chapter 2 of checks is only +2. Aquatic goblins are known for riding Me-
the Player’s Handbook, and the aquatic elf traits given on page 103 dium sharks.
of the Monster Manual, with the following exception.
• No gills. Aquatic Half-Elves
Aquatic elves sometimes wed aquatic humans, just as land-based
Aquatic Gnomes elves sometimes marry surface-dwelling humans. The aquatic
Aquatic gnomes travel the world beneath the waves in elaborate results are aquatic half-elf children. They often serve as the dip-
wood and shell chariots pulled by domesticated sea creatures. lomats and negotiators for either their human or elf communi-
Their vehicles range in size from single-person launches to ties, depending on where they live.
those large enough to house several families. Elf Racial Traits: Aquatic half-elves have the general aquatic
Racial Traits: Aquatic gnomes have the general aquatic racial racial traits described above and all the half-elf racial traits given
traits described above and all the gnome racial traits given in in Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and excep-
Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and exceptions tions as noted below.
as noted below. • An aquatic half-elf has a swim speed of 40 feet.
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AQUATIC RACE LEVEL ADJUSTMENTS
None of the aquatic races have level adjustments (see Monsters However, when a mix of aquatic and nonaquatic characters
as Races, page 172 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide) when your occurs in an aquatic or ship-based campaign, aquatic characters
entire campaign is set underwater and all the PCs have the aquatic enjoy a distinct advantage over their land-based cousins. In this
subtype, or when playing a nonaquatic campaign. The advantages case, consider applying a +1 level adjustment for all aquatic
gained by an aquatic character when in an aquatic environment races, due to their swim speed, improved low-light vision or
even out with those of other aquatic characters, and their disad- darkvision, and other special abilities.
vantages in nonaquatic environments make up for any advantages
they might enjoy.
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• No racial bonus on Gather Information checks. Aquatic Kobolds
• +2 racial bonus on Survival checks: Aquatic half-elves spend Aquatic kobolds are seldom seen outside their mines, much like
a great deal of time traveling between elf and human settle- their surface-dwelling cousins—despite the fact that their broad
ments on their diplomacy work, and so are accustomed to tails make them exceptional swimmers. They dig constantly,
surviving in the undersea wilderness. always expanding their subterranean territory, and as a result
frequently come into confl ict with aquatic dwarves. Aquatic
Aquatic Half-Orcs kobolds often hire mercenaries to fi ght for them, hiding behind
In their remote and wild tribal homes, aquatic orcs occasionally their carefully constructed traps and other defenses and paying
coexist with barbarian tribes of aquatic humans. Sometimes the their defenders with the mineral wealth they uncover while
two groups intermarry, producing aquatic half-orcs. expanding their warrens.
1
Racial Traits: Aquatic half-orcs have the general aquatic The life of an aquatic kobold is one of constant toil and
R
ES racial traits described above and all the half-orc racial traits fear. Some few kobolds seek peace of mind through personal
TE
C given in Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, in addition to those power and boon companions. These rare individuals
P
A
A noted below. become adventurers.
R
H • An aquatic half-orc has a swim speed of 30 feet. Racial Traits: Aquatic kobolds have the
C
• Emissaries: As emissaries for their tribes, general aquatic racial traits described
aquatic half-orcs receive a +2 racial above and all the kobold racial
bonus on Diplomacy and Gather traits given on page 162 of
Information checks. They aren’t the Monster Manual, as well
the best diplomats under the as the following trait.
waves, but they’re a far • An aquatic kobold
sight better than their has a swim speed of
orc cousins. 40 feet.
Aquatic Halflings Aquatic Orcs
e Aquatic halflings Aquatic orcs survive
ppl are much more settled on the slopes of cliff
a
ab than their surface- sides or undersea drops,
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D.
slight size means they nic vents and the nurturing light of
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the waves like the rivers of the menaced by fell creatures that rise up out of
surface world. Many predatory creatures the trenches in search of fresh prey.
think nothing of swooping down on such small prey. As a result, Aquatic orcs stand ever vigilant against attackers and
aquatic halfl ings often live among dwarves and humans, within thieves when they’re not making preemptive strikes against
the defenses those races provide. those foolish enough to settle near their territory.
Racial Traits: Aquatic halfl ings have the general aquatic Occasionally an individual orc questions the need for con-
racial traits described above and all the halfl ing racial traits stant battle, or seeks strategies other than brute force. Such
given in Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, in addition to those iconoclasts often leave their tribes—at least temporarily—to
noted below. become adventurers.
• An aquatic halfl ing has a swim speed of 20 feet. Racial Traits: Aquatic orcs have the general aquatic racial
• Low-Light Vision: An aquatic halfl ing can see four times as far traits described above and all the orc racial traits given on page
as a nonaquatic human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and 204 of the Monster Manual, as well as the following trait.
similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability • An aquatic orc has a swim speed of 30 feet.
to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
ARCTIC RACES
Aquatic Humans Your campaign might be set in a snow-swept expanse of glaciers,
Aquatic humans have a place beneath the surface of the sea, mountains, and icy seas. Settlements cluster around sources of
perhaps as descendants of forgotten civilizations whose island heat, including hot springs and volcanic vents. Frozen in the
cities sank beneath the surface. They may replace merfolk in ice are relics of a forgotten, warmer time. Strange creatures
such campaigns, or exist along with them. descend from the glaciers, wreaking havoc and drawing adven-
Racial Traits: Aquatic humans have the general aquatic turers like beacons.
racial traits described above and all the human racial traits Players wanting their characters to be nonhuman arctic
given in Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, in addition to dwellers can build characters using these variants, or their
those noted below. characters could encounter these races while journeying across
• An aquatic human has a swim speed of 30 feet. the ice and snow.
• Low-Light Vision: An aquatic human can see four times as far The following cultural attributes are common to most arctic
as a nonaquatic human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and races.
similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability Personality: Nearly all ice dwellers are more grim and
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to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. humorless than members of their standard races. Effi ciency
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in word and deed is crucial to survival in the harsh arctic Arctic Dwarves
realms, so arctic creatures tend to get straight to the point in In the icy wastes, dwarves are the masters of both ice and stone.
conversation, and they have little patience for those who speak They build massive, elaborate defenses of ice and rock around
in riddles or half truths. Because they must struggle for even the mines where they dig for copper, silver, gold, and iron.
the most basic existence in the severe climate of the arctic re- Racial Traits: Arctic dwarves have the general arctic racial
gions, excess of any kind is offensive to them. Thus, they tend trait described above and all the dwarf racial traits given in
to be frugal and to value hard work for the benefi t of all over Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and exceptions
individual accomplishment. as noted below.
Physical Description: An ice dweller is hardier than a mem- • +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, –4 Dexterity, –2 Charisma.
ber of his standard race, and he tends to carry extra weight on Arctic dwarves are tough enough to survive the brutal
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his frame even when in exceptional physical condition. His environment of the arctic, but rely on strength and heavy
H
skin can be any shade from pale white to light blue, and his armor rather than agility. RA
hair and eyes can be of any color found among members of • Icecunning: Arctic dwarves can apply their stonecunning AP
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his standard race. benefi ts to structures and natural features made of ice, as well ET
SE
Arctic creatures wear many layers of clothing as protection as those made of stone. R

against the intense cold of their homeland. They do not particu- • +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against kobolds: Arctic 1
larly value jewelry or other ornamentation, and they carry only dwarves must defend against constant assaults by kobolds.
what they need to survive. This trait replaces the dwarf’s racial bonus on attack rolls
Relations: Those who spend their lives in the bleak and against orcs.
comfortless arctic regions treat outsiders with guarded wari- • +2 racial bonus on Appraise and Craft checks related to items
ness, if not outright distrust. Though members of most arc- made of ice.
tic tribes are willing to welcome strangers in from the cold,
they tend to watch such newcomers very closely and hurry Arctic Elves
them on their way as soon as possible. Of course, a stranger The arctic landscape is dotted here and there with perma-
with a particularly useful skill may be invited to stay—it is nent fog banks caused by subterranean heat interacting with
difficult to turn away a strong back or a skilled toolmaker snow and ice or warm springs steaming in the freezing air.
in the desolate and frigid lands where the arctic races make Hidden in these oases of warmth are the ancient settlements
their homes. of the elves.
In addition to their particular distrust of outsiders, members Racial Traits: Arctic elves have the general arctic racial trait
of arctic races tend to harbor many of the same prejudices held described above and all the elf racial traits given in Chapter
by their standard races. 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and exceptions as
Alignment: Arctic races are generally inclined toward the noted below.
alignment preferences of their standard races. • –2 Strength, +2 Dexterity: Arctic elves look down on physical
Lands: It is diffi cult for any living thing to survive in the exertion, preferring quick action when necessary.
frozen wastelands where arctic races live. Thus, most other • +2 racial bonus on any one Craft skill (chosen by the character
races know little or nothing of their arctic cousins, and what at the time of creation).
they do know is often tainted by legend and hearsay. Most arctic • +2 racial bonus on Survival checks made in arctic environ ments:
creatures make their homes in ice caves or beneath the ground, Arctic elves are naturally adept at staying alive in the harsh
although some tribes have adapted to life on the surface by conditions of their homeland.
building ice houses and other structures that can survive fi erce • No racial bonus on Search checks.
winter storms. • No special ability to notice a secret or concealed door within
Religion: Arctic races worship deities typical of their stan- 5 feet without actively looking for it.
dard races. Obad-Hai is a popular choice of worship, and some
give sacrifi ce to Nerull to ward away the attention of the Arctic Gnomes
Reaper. Boccob is often associated with the uncaring forces Arctic gnomes travel the ice and snow on cleverly constructed
of arctic weather. sleds pulled by immense woolly mammoths. The animals serve
Adventurers: Ice dwellers must exert themselves merely to as transportation, a source of fibers for weaving, and walls
survive in the bitter climate of their homelands, so they tend against the elements. The sleds are enclosed, often transporting
to make ideal adventurers. Those who dislike the constant entire families.
struggle of life in the arctic often travel far from their homes in Racial Traits: Arctic gnomes have the general arctic racial
search of comfort, if not adventure. Occasionally, arctic tribes trait described above and all the gnome racial traits given in
send emissaries into temperate lands to gather aid against par- Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and exceptions
ticularly strong enemies or to secure emergency stores during as noted below.
hard times. • +2 racial bonus on Sense Motive checks: Arctic gnomes
always seem to know instinctively when their welcome is
General Arctic Racial Trait wearing out.
All arctic races have the following racial trait. • No racial bonus on Craft (alchemy) checks.
• Cold Endurance: Members of arctic races have a +4 racial
bonus on Fortitude saves made to resist the effects of cold Arctic Goblins
weather or exposure. Arctic goblins are feared and reviled because their appearance
9
heralds theft, assaults, and property damage. They survive by
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moving from place to place, constantly driven out of their previ- • +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy checks: Arctic half-orcs
ous homes by irate neighbors. often serve as emissaries for the arctic orc tribes that
Arctic goblins to take up adventuring for many reasons. spawned them.
While most goblins are neutral evil, many have different beliefs
and seek like-minded individuals outside the tribe. Some just Arctic Halflings
want an opportunity to settle down and work to earn a better Arctic halfl ings are hunters and fi shermen, stalking walrus
reputation than that of their fellows. and seal and putting to sea to fi sh, usually in the company of
Racial Traits: Arctic goblins have the general arctic racial larger races such as humans. They are a peaceful, spiritual people
trait described above and all the goblin racial traits given on whose rituals include preexpedition prayers for forgiveness
page 134 of the Monster Manual, with additions and exceptions from the animals they hope to kill.
1
as noted below. Racial Traits: Arctic halfl ings have the general arctic racial
R
ES • –2 Strength, +2 Constitution, –2 Charisma. Arctic goblins are trait described above and all the halfl ing racial traits given in
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C hardy creatures, but weaker than many races. Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and exceptions
P
A
A • Low-Light Vision: An arctic goblin can see twice as far as as noted below.
R
H a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar • +2 racial bonus on Swim checks: Arctic halfl ings rarely
C
conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to swim by choice, but are reasonably good at saving them-
distinguish color and detail under these conditions. selves from drowning.
• No darkvision. • No racial bonus on attack rolls with slings. Arctic halfl ings do
• +2 racial bonus on Bluff and Sleight of Hand checks: Arctic not particularly favor slings for hunting.
goblins are natural thieves, snatching up anything that isn’t • Favored Class: Ranger. A multiclass arctic halfl ing’s ranger
nailed down. class does not count when determining whether she takes an
• No racial bonus on Move Silently checks: Arctic goblins aren’t experience point penalty for multiclassing (see XP for Multi-
as stealthy as their nonarctic cousins. class Characters, page 60 of the Player’s Handbook). This trait
replaces the base halfl ing’s favored class.
Arctic Half-Elves
Arctic elves wed humans as often as basic elves do, producing Arctic Kobolds
arctic half-elf children. These half-breeds tend to have great Arctic kobolds are seldom seen outside their mines. They dig
wanderlust, and are uncomfortable staying in one place for very constantly, always expanding their subterranean territory
long. They often carry messages and rumors with them as they (which is often carefully constructed to tap into geothermal
travel between communities. vents for heat), and as a result are in constant confl ict with arc-
Racial Traits: Arctic half-elves have the general arctic racial tic dwarves. Arctic kobolds often hire mercenaries to fi ght for
trait described above and all the half-elf racial traits given in them, hiding behind their carefully constructed traps and other
Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and exceptions defenses and paying their defenders with the mineral wealth
as noted below. they uncover while expanding their warrens.
• No racial bonus on Diplomacy checks: Their transient nature Racial Traits: Aquatic kobolds have the general arctic
prevents arctic half-elves from being as well trusted as their racial trait described above and all the kobold racial traits
normal counterparts. given on page 162 of the Monster Manual, with one exception
• +2 racial bonus on Survival checks: Arctic half-elves as noted below.
spend a great deal of time traveling between elf and hu- • –2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, –2 Constitution, –2 Wisdom:
man settlements, and are accustomed to surviving in the Arctic kobolds are stronger than other kobolds, but are
wilderness. weaker of will.
Arctic Half-Orcs Arctic Orcs
The arctic is a harsh place, a frozen testing ground for the chosen Arctic orcs are primitive herders, eking out a living on the
people of Gruumsh. Many tribes of arctic orcs eke out a living slopes of volcanic mountains and building their crude huts
on the warm slopes of volcanic mountains, herding elk and cari- near hot springs or steam vents. They herd woolly cattle,
bou. Often their mutual dependence on sources of fresh water caribou, and elk. As a result, they control large sources of
and meat brings them into contact with arctic-dwelling human meat, water, and heat—all things coveted by others living in
barbarians. The resulting offspring are sometimes welcome in or traveling through the arctic. What they don’t have, they
places where full orcs are not, valued for their tenacity, courage, take by force.
and combat prowess. Arctic orcs stand ever vigilant against attackers and thieves—
Racial Traits: Arctic half-orcs have the general arctic racial when they’re not making preemptive strikes against those fool-
trait described above and all the half-orc racial traits given in ish enough to settle near their territory.
Chapter 2 of the Player’s Handbook, with additions and exceptions Occasionally an individual orc questions the need for con-
as noted below. stant battle, or seeks strategies other than brute force. Such
• Low-Light Vision: An arctic half-orc can see twice as far as a iconoclasts often leave their tribes—at least temporarily—to
human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar condi- become adventurers.
tions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distin- Racial Traits: Arctic orcs have the general arctic racial trait
guish color and detail under these conditions. described above and all the orc racial traits given on page
• No darkvision. 204 of the Monster Manual, with additions and exceptions as
10
noted below.
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