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Original Author: Phantomsplit | |||
Experiience/Credentials: 9 years as a player and GM for D&D 5e, mild experience with PF1E and PF2E | |||
Hobbies: I can fix her | |||
^ The above is to try and get the wiki to rank via Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and I feel corny for including it. | |||
This guide is to introduce players new to D&D 5e, the Forgotten Realms, or Baldur's Gate 3 to the [[Races|races]] available for you to use for your custom character "Tav," [[The Dark Urge|Dark Urge]], or [[Companions#Hirelings|hirelings]] and to understand the races of [[Origins|origin]] characters and [[Companions|companions]]. It will go over how the dialogue tag system may cause a character's race to play a role in conversation options and how the world reacts to your character. And it will cover the mechanical features of the races, and what [[Classes|classes]] or builds may go well with each race. | This guide is to introduce players new to D&D 5e, the Forgotten Realms, or Baldur's Gate 3 to the [[Races|races]] available for you to use for your custom character "Tav," [[The Dark Urge|Dark Urge]], or [[Companions#Hirelings|hirelings]] and to understand the races of [[Origins|origin]] characters and [[Companions|companions]]. It will go over how the dialogue tag system may cause a character's race to play a role in conversation options and how the world reacts to your character. And it will cover the mechanical features of the races, and what [[Classes|classes]] or builds may go well with each race. | ||
== Flexible Ability Scores == | == Flexible Ability Scores == | ||
In BG3's Early Access different races have fixed [[Ability Scores|ability score]] increases. For example, [[Githyanki]] have a +2 bonus to [[Strength]] and a +1 bonus to [[Intelligence]]. This leads many to recommend Githyanki for character builds that use at least one if not both of these abilities, so they may be recommended for something like an [[Eldritch Knight]] [[Fighter]] or a [[Wizard]]. However at launch this is going to change and all races will have a floating +2 that they can put into any ability score, and a +1 they can put into a different ability score. So you may see old build guides out there saying that a [[Elf#Wood_Elf|Wood Elf]] is a bad choice for say a [[Paladin]], while [[Dragonborn]] would be a bad choice for [[Monk]] based off the ability score increases for these races vs. the ability scores that the respective classes focus in. However those recommendations will be out of date when launch comes around and you will be able to put the ability scores wherever you want. | In BG3's Early Access different races have fixed [[Ability Scores|ability score]] increases. For example, [[Githyanki]] have a +2 bonus to [[Strength]] and a +1 bonus to [[Intelligence]]. This leads many to recommend Githyanki for character builds that use at least one if not both of these abilities, so they may be recommended for something like an [[Eldritch Knight]] [[Fighter]] or a [[Wizard]]. However at launch this is going to change and all races will have a floating +2 that they can put into any ability score, and a +1 they can put into a different ability score. So you may see old build guides out there saying that a [[Elf#Wood_Elf|Wood Elf]] is a bad choice for say a [[Paladin]], while [[Dragonborn]] would be a bad choice for [[Monk]] based off the ability score increases for these races vs. the ability scores that the respective classes focus in. However those recommendations will be out of date when launch comes around and you will be able to put the ability scores wherever you want. | ||
There are three races that lose out by this change however. [[Human|Humans]] used to get a +1 to all ability scores. [[Half-Elf|Half-elves]] used to get a +2 to [[Charisma]] and then a +1 they could put in any two other ability scores of their choosing. And a [[Dwarf#Shield_Dwarves|Shield Dwarf]] (a.k.a. Mountain Dwarf) would get a +2 to Strength as well as a +2 to Constitution. | |||
There are three races that lose out by this change however. [[Human|Humans]] used to get a +1 to all ability scores. [[Half-Elf|Half-elves]] used to get a +2 to [[Charisma]] and then a +1 they could put in any two other ability scores of their choosing. And a [[Dwarf#Shield_Dwarves|Shield Dwarf]] (a.k.a. Mountain Dwarf) would get a +2 to Strength as well as a +2 to Constitution. As of the time of writing we know that Larian intends to buff Humans and Half elves for this change, and this will likely include proficiency in [[spears]], [[pikes]], [[Halberds|halberds]], [[glaives]], and [[shields]] as well as possible additional features. We so far have no indication on how the Mountain Dwarf will be implemented with these changes. | |||
== Racial Spellcasting == | == Racial Spellcasting == | ||
This section applies to [[Elf#High_elves|High elves]], [[Drow]] a.k.a. Dark Elves, [[Half-Elf#High_Half-Elves|High Half-Elves]], [[Half-Elf#Drow_Half-Elves|Drow | |||
This section applies to [[Elf#High_elves|High elves]], [[Drow]] a.k.a. Dark Elves, [[Half-Elf#High_Half-Elves|High Half-Elves]], [[Half-Elf#Drow_Half-Elves|Drow Dalf-Elves]], [[Tiefling|Tieflings]], and ''possibly'' [[Githyanki]]. Rather than repeating the same information for each of these I will cover this aspect of racial spellcasting for all the above at once, and when I discuss those individual races I will refer back to this section when discussing their spellcasting. | |||
The [[Races|races]] that this section applies to all have racial features that allow them to cast spells which may require either an [[Attack Roll|attack roll]] or [[Saving Throw|saving throw]]. An [[Attack Roll|attack roll]] means that you will have to roll a 20 sided die (often referred to as a d20) '''and apply applicable bonuses and penalties to the result''' to see if the attack hits the target. A target rolling a [[Saving Throw|save]] means that the target will roll a d20 and apply relevant modifiers to try and avoid the effect of something like a spell, and '''how difficult this will be for your target to avoid for your target will depend on your character's relevant modifiers'''. For more information see the [[Die Rolls]] page. | The [[Races|races]] that this section applies to all have racial features that allow them to cast spells which may require either an [[Attack Roll|attack roll]] or [[Saving Throw|saving throw]]. An [[Attack Roll|attack roll]] means that you will have to roll a 20 sided die (often referred to as a d20) '''and apply applicable bonuses and penalties to the result''' to see if the attack hits the target. A target rolling a [[Saving Throw|save]] means that the target will roll a d20 and apply relevant modifiers to try and avoid the effect of something like a spell, and '''how difficult this will be for your target to avoid for your target will depend on your character's relevant modifiers'''. For more information see the [[Die Rolls]] page. | ||
So your character's relevant spellcasting modifier will have an effect on how useful these racial spells that require attack rolls and saving throws are. If say you are a [[Drow]] but have a low Charisma then enemies will be able to more easily avoid your racial [[Faerie Fire]] spell, or if you make a High Elf with a low Intelligence and select [[Fire Bolt]] as your racial cantrip, then you will miss more of your attacks. Spells which are affected by this mechanic and their relevant spellcasting ability modifier are: | So your character's relevant spellcasting modifier will have an effect on how useful these racial spells that require attack rolls and saving throws are. If say you are a [[Drow]] but have a low Charisma then enemies will be able to more easily avoid your racial [[Faerie Fire]] spell, or if you make a High Elf with a low Intelligence and select [[Fire Bolt]] as your racial cantrip, then you will miss more of your attacks. Spells which are affected by this mechanic and their relevant spellcasting ability modifier are: | ||
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| [[Githyanki]] || [[Intelligence]] || [[Mage Hand]]* | | [[Githyanki]] || [[Intelligence]] || [[Mage Hand]]* | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Tiefling#Asmodeus_Tieflings|Asmodeous Tiefling]] || [[Charisma]] || | | [[Tiefling#Asmodeus_Tieflings|Asmodeous Tiefling]] || [[Charisma]] || [[Hellish Rebuke]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Tiefling#Mephistopholes_Tieflings|Mephistopholes Tiefling]] || [[Charisma]] || [[Burning Hands]], [[Flame Blade]], [[Mage Hand]]* | | [[Tiefling#Mephistopholes_Tieflings|Mephistopholes Tiefling]] || [[Charisma]] || [[Burning Hands]], [[Flame Blade]], [[Mage Hand]]* | ||
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|} | |} | ||
[[Mage Hand]] should use your spellcasting ability modifiers for things such as trying to [[Shove|shove]] creatures, but I have not tested this to verify | |||
Lately in the tabletop realm of D&D 5e the rules have begun shifting towards letting a player choose what the racial spellcasting ability modifier is. However there are no signs of these rules lateraling over to Baldur's Gate 3 at the time of writing. | |||
== [[Dragonborn]] == | == [[Dragonborn]] == | ||
==== Lore ==== | ==== Lore ==== | ||
The {{FRWiki|Dragonborn}} are beyond a doubt the most unique appearing races with a very strange history going back to the origin of the Forgotten Realms world. To understand the lore of Dragonborn in this setting, you need to first understand the lore of the world of Toril itself. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAHM99biirU A 10 minute video by Spell&Shield also summarizes these events.] | |||
The {{FRWiki|Dragonborn}} are beyond a doubt the most unique appearing races with a very strange history going back to the origin of the Forgotten Realms world. To understand the lore of Dragonborn in this setting, you need to first understand the lore of the world of Toril itself. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAHM99biirU A 10 minute video by Spell&Shield also summarizes these events.] | |||
The game Baldur's Gate 3 takes place in the region known as the {{FRWiki|Sword Coast}} on the continent of {{FRWiki|Faerûn}} on a world known as {{FRWiki|Toril}}. But Toril used to be known as {{FRWiki|Abeir-Toril}}, until drastic events caused this world to be split in two. The problem at the time was that chaotic and powerful creatures known as {{FRWiki|Primordials}} existed on Abeir-Toril at first. They went to war with the group of gods that had come to try and foster civilized life on the world, resulting in a conflict known as the {{FRWiki|Dawn War}}. As the war was drawing to an end and it seemed the Primordials were going to lose the war they began to grow desperate. In frustration Io the greatest of the Primordials decided that if he could not have Abeir-Toril then he would instead destroy it, which he attempted to do by dropping a moon on the world. As this event was in the process of destroying the world, Io's counterpart named Ao and the greatest of the gods quickly intervened. He split the world Abeir-Toril into two different worlds named Abeir and Toril which are similar but distinctly unique. This event is known as {{FRWiki|Tearfall}}, and occurred about 33,000 years before BG3 takes place. | The game Baldur's Gate 3 takes place in the region known as the {{FRWiki|Sword Coast}} on the continent of {{FRWiki|Faerûn}} on a world known as {{FRWiki|Toril}}. But Toril used to be known as {{FRWiki|Abeir-Toril}}, until drastic events caused this world to be split in two. The problem at the time was that chaotic and powerful creatures known as {{FRWiki|Primordials}} existed on Abeir-Toril at first. They went to war with the group of gods that had come to try and foster civilized life on the world, resulting in a conflict known as the {{FRWiki|Dawn War}}. As the war was drawing to an end and it seemed the Primordials were going to lose the war they began to grow desperate. In frustration Io the greatest of the Primordials decided that if he could not have Abeir-Toril then he would instead destroy it, which he attempted to do by dropping a moon on the world. As this event was in the process of destroying the world, Io's counterpart named Ao and the greatest of the gods quickly intervened. He split the world Abeir-Toril into two different worlds named Abeir and Toril which are similar but distinctly unique. This event is known as {{FRWiki|Tearfall}}, and occurred about 33,000 years before BG3 takes place. | ||
However things radically changed due to an event known as the {{FRWiki|Spellplague}} about 100 years before BG3. The evil goddess {{FRWiki|Shar}} sought control over magic in the year 1385 DR, and as a result she successfully plotted to have the goddess of magic {{FRWiki|Mystra_(Midnight)|Mystra}} killed. Mystra did die (though not permanently) and with this the Weave that constrains and controls magic fell apart in an event known as the Spellplague. This had many effects, but for this conversation it also caused parts of Toril to go to Abeir and parts of Abeir to go to Toril. This included the freed dragonborn region of Tymanther being brought to Toril, and that is how Dragonborn were introduced to the setting. The | While the above history occurred an unknown thousands of years before BG3, it is noteworthy because Dragonborn are originally from {{FRWiki|Abeir}} while the game is set in {{FRWiki|Toril}}. In the aftermath of Tearfall many dragons were brought to Abeir with the Primordials. But Abeir did not have access to the {{FRWiki|Weave}} making it impossible for Abeir's inhabitants to cast magic, and as a result they were unable to resist the dragons who came to conquer the planet Abeir. {{FRWiki|Dragonborn}} were created at some point after this, believed to be hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race (source 5e PHB). Regardless, they were slaves to the dragons for thousands of years, with the biggest exception being a group of Dargonborn in {{FRWiki|Tymanther}} who won their freedom against the dragons about 200 years before the events of BG3. | ||
However things radically changed due to an event known as the {{FRWiki|Spellplague}} about 100 years before BG3. The evil goddess {{FRWiki|Shar}} sought control over magic in the year 1385 DR, and as a result she successfully plotted to have the goddess of magic {{FRWiki|Mystra_(Midnight)|Mystra}} killed. Mystra did die (though not permanently) and with this the Weave that constrains and controls magic fell apart in an event known as the Spellplague. This had many effects, but for this conversation it also caused parts of Toril to go to Abeir and parts of Abeir to go to Toril. This included the freed dragonborn region of Tymanther being brought to Toril, and that is how Dragonborn were introduced to the setting. The Spellplague ended 10 years later in 1395 when Mystra returned. Ao later once again started to separate the worlds of Toril and Abeir in a period known as the {{FRWiki|Second Sundering}}. But Tymanther was never brought back to Abeir, so it and its Dragonborn inhabitants remain on Toril. Notably the Spellplague took place after the events of the first two games. Dragonborn did not exist on Faerun during the time of the first two Baldur's Gate games. | |||
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|+ Draconic Ancestry Table | |+ Draconic Ancestry Table | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Draconic Ancestor !! Damage Type | ! Draconic Ancestor !! Damage Type !! Breath Weapon | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Black || Acid | | Black || Acid || 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Blue || Lightning | | Blue || Lightning || 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Brass || Fire | | Brass || Fire || 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Bronze || Lightning | | Bronze || Lightning || 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Copper || Acid | | Copper || Acid || 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Gold || Fire | | Gold || Fire || 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Green || Poison | | Green || Poison || 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Red || Fire | | Red || Fire || 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Silver || Cold | | Silver || Cold || 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| White || Cold | | White || Cold || 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Build Synergy ==== | ==== Build Synergy ==== | ||
In D&D 5e tabletop the Dragonborn are normally seen as one of the weakest races overall. They don't have [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] which is significant | In D&D 5e tabletop the Dragonborn are normally seen as one of the weakest races overall. They don't have [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] which is very significant. The breath weapon damage is very, very low and requires your full action to use. Originally all races had locked in ability score bonuses, and Dragonborn had +2 Strength and +1 Cha. This was their biggest selling point, making them good choices for [[Paladin|Paladin]] characters due to these bonuses at least lining up with ability scores prioritized by Paladins. But with BG3 using the optional flexible Ability score rules, any race is able to select +2 Str and +1 Cha which also removes this advantage. If there is any build that gets particular synergy out of Dragonborn abilities, it would be one like a Circle of the Moon [[Druid]] or [[Barbarian]] which often have a high Constitution to make their breath weapon just a smidge better. I would argue that there are still much better choices out there from a mechanical standpoint. But in terms of appearance, lore, and culture Dragonborn are very interesting and you can certainly play as one regardless of what class you use. There will almost always be another option which is a bit better is all. | ||
Wizards of the Coast (the company that makes the tabletop rules) has buffed Dragonborns in the tabletop rules, but it so far does not appear that Larian intends to use these new rules. There are signs that Larian is changing some features of theirs but we don't have the details and from what is known these changes do not appear substantial. | |||
== [[Drow]] == | == [[Drow]] == | ||
==== Lore ==== | ==== Lore ==== | ||
Drow is pronounced like "cow" | Drow is pronounced like "cow" | ||
{{FRWiki|Drow}} have some of the most nuanced and fleshed out lore in the Forgotten Realms, largely due to the famous novels following the adventures of the legendary Drow ranger Drizzt Do'Urden. I am only going to give a very, very brief summary and for more details please see this [https://youtu.be/zcUk4kFNobQ 10 minute video by Spell&Shield] (which is still all things considered a brief summary of Drow lore). | {{FRWiki|Drow}} have some of the most nuanced and fleshed out lore in the Forgotten Realms, largely due to the famous novels following the adventures of the legendary Drow ranger Drizzt Do'Urden. I am only going to give a very, very brief summary and for more details please see this [https://youtu.be/zcUk4kFNobQ 10 minute video by Spell&Shield] (which is still all things considered a brief summary of Drow lore). | ||
In short summary, the elven gods were once all united and referred to as the {{FRWiki|Seldarine}} over 30,000 years before the events of Baldur's Gate 3. They were led by {{FRWiki|Corellon}}. His consort Araushnee craved Corellon's power and plotted against him, trying several times to get Corellon assassinated. Usually her plan consisted of causing an evil god and its forces to go to war with the Seldarine gods, and plotting for Corellon to "accidentally" die as a result of the battle. One notable case of this was when she convinced {{FRWiki|Gruumsh}} the god of Orcs to attack the Seldarine, and this is how Orcs were introduced to {{FRWiki|Toril}}. For the last of these plots Araushnee cursed Corellon's scabbard so that it would draw the arrows fired by their daughter {{FRWiki|Eilistraee}} and frame her for Corellon's death. This plan did somewhat work but it only wounded Corellon. Evenutally Araushnee and her son {{FRWiki|Vhaeraun}} who helped her with these plots would be caught and put on trial. Araushnee and her son were exiled from the Seldarine pantheon, and Araushnee would later turn herself into spider like demonic creature and take the name of {{FRWiki|Lolth}}. Meanwhile Eilistraee (the daughter of now Lolth who was framed for the attempted murder of her father Corellon) willingly exiled herself from the pantheon so that she may be there as a light to guide the dark elves who she feared were in danger from Lolth. | In short summary, the elven gods were once all united and referred to as the {{FRWiki|Seldarine}} over 30,000 years before the events of Baldur's Gate 3. They were led by {{FRWiki|Corellon}}. His consort Araushnee craved Corellon's power and plotted against him, trying several times to get Corellon assassinated. Usually her plan consisted of causing an evil god and its forces to go to war with the Seldarine gods, and plotting for Corellon to "accidentally" die as a result of the battle. One notable case of this was when she convinced {{FRWiki|Gruumsh}} the god of Orcs to attack the Seldarine, and this is how Orcs were introduced to {{FRWiki|Toril}}. For the last of these plots Araushnee cursed Corellon's scabbard so that it would draw the arrows fired by their daughter {{FRWiki|Eilistraee}} and frame her for Corellon's death. This plan did somewhat work but it only wounded Corellon. Evenutally Araushnee and her son {{FRWiki|Vhaeraun}} who helped her with these plots would be caught and put on trial. Araushnee and her son were exiled from the Seldarine pantheon, and Araushnee would later turn herself into spider like demonic creature and take the name of {{FRWiki|Lolth}}. Meanwhile Eilistraee (the daughter of now Lolth who was framed for the attempted murder of her father Corellon) willingly exiled herself from the pantheon so that she may be there as a light to guide the dark elves who she feared were in danger from Lolth. | ||
After her exile, Lolth went on to rule the demon inhabited domain of the Abyss in a realm now known as the {{FRWiki|Demonweb_Pits|Demonweb Pits}}. From there she has plotted against Corellon and her former elven god kin by trying to steal the worship of the dark elves and have them go to war with Corellon's remaining elven worshippers. This primarily took the form of working behind the scenes to cause wars known as the Crown Wars between the dark elves of {{FRWiki|Ilythiir}} and other elven groups. Then Lolth would ''just happen'' to be there willing to aid the dark elves when they were in these dire times of war. After enough occurrences of this she became popular among the dark elves. As the dark elves then grew more powerful over time and became more violent under the influence of Lolth and other evil gods, the original elven Seldarine pantheon sought to stop these wars by cursing all dark elves; even those who were not involved in Lolth's wars. The Dark Elves were cursed to become [[Drow]] making it difficult for them to tolerate the sun's light on the surface and magically drawing them to the great underground network known as the [[Underdark]]. This did stop the conflicts so long as the surface elves stayed away from the underdark, but also drove many neutral or good Drow into the arms of Lolth who was there to care for them. As the Drow moved underground they conquered many locations including the Dwarven Kingdom of {{FRWiki|Bhaerynden}}, displacing the dwarves that remained and sending them into exile | |||
After her exile, Lolth went on to rule the demon inhabited domain of the Abyss in a realm now known as the {{FRWiki|Demonweb_Pits|Demonweb Pits}}. From there she has plotted against Corellon and her former elven god kin by trying to steal the worship of the dark elves and have them go to war with Corellon's remaining elven worshippers. This primarily took the form of working behind the scenes to cause wars known as the Crown Wars between the dark elves of {{FRWiki|Ilythiir}} and other elven groups. Then Lolth would ''just happen'' to be there willing to aid the dark elves when they were in these dire times of war. After enough occurrences of this she became popular among the dark elves. As the dark elves then grew more powerful over time and became more violent under the influence of Lolth and other evil gods, the original elven Seldarine pantheon sought to stop these wars by cursing all dark elves; even those who were not involved in Lolth's wars. The Dark Elves were cursed to become [[Drow]] making it difficult for them to tolerate the sun's light on the surface and magically drawing them to the great underground network known as the [[Underdark]]. This did stop the conflicts so long as the surface elves stayed away from the underdark, but also drove many neutral or good Drow into the arms of Lolth who was there to care for them. As the Drow moved underground they conquered many locations including the Dwarven Kingdom of {{FRWiki|Bhaerynden}}, displacing the dwarves that remained and sending them into exile. | |||
Drow occasionally return to the surface as raiding bands to fulfill some desire of Lolth or another, and these Drow leave disaster in their wake. This has been the state of things for over 10,000 years. Over this time Lolth's influence grew further to the point where most underdark dwelling Drow are fanatically [[Drow#Lolth-Sworn_Drow|Lolth-Sworn]]. There do remain some Drow that try to mend relations and coexist with surface races, to separate themselves from Lolth's influence, and to redeem their evil kin. These are referred to in BG3 as [[Drow#Seldarine_Drow|Seldarine Drow]], which is the name of the original elven pantheon of Gods led by Corellon. They will very likely worship Eilistraee for coming down from godhood to live among them and sharing her similar goals of redeeming the fallen Drow taken by her mother Lolth. | Drow occasionally return to the surface as raiding bands to fulfill some desire of Lolth or another, and these Drow leave disaster in their wake. This has been the state of things for over 10,000 years. Over this time Lolth's influence grew further to the point where most underdark dwelling Drow are fanatically [[Drow#Lolth-Sworn_Drow|Lolth-Sworn]]. There do remain some Drow that try to mend relations and coexist with surface races, to separate themselves from Lolth's influence, and to redeem their evil kin. These are referred to in BG3 as [[Drow#Seldarine_Drow|Seldarine Drow]], which is the name of the original elven pantheon of Gods led by Corellon. They will very likely worship Eilistraee for coming down from godhood to live among them and sharing her similar goals of redeeming the fallen Drow taken by her mother Lolth. | ||
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==== World Interactions ==== | ==== World Interactions ==== | ||
For a surface dweller, seeing a Drow is perhaps one of the most terrifying things imaginable. There are many stories of their surface raiding parties devastating small villages, taking slaves and treating them despicably, and torturing their victims. If your character is a Lolth-sworn Drow then they may encourage this type of reaction as they try to frighten those they meet, or give folks further stories to tell of the horrible things Drow are capable of. In underdark society Drow are at the top with female Drow calling all the shots. They have a house system led by matriarchs which I am not going to get into or we'll be here for hours, and so far I have not seen much mention of this in BG3. However underdark dwelling races like [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] will be especially frightful of Drow, as they often make slaves of the Deep Gnomes. [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] and Drow respect but hate one another, being the two most powerful civilized races in the underdark. At times they are at war, and at times they are allies by circumstances. | For a surface dweller, seeing a Drow is perhaps one of the most terrifying things imaginable. There are many stories of their surface raiding parties devastating small villages, taking slaves and treating them despicably, and torturing their victims. If your character is a Lolth-sworn Drow then they may encourage this type of reaction as they try to frighten those they meet, or give folks further stories to tell of the horrible things Drow are capable of. In underdark society Drow are at the top with female Drow calling all the shots. They have a house system led by matriarchs which I am not going to get into or we'll be here for hours, and so far I have not seen much mention of this in BG3. However underdark dwelling races like [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] will be especially frightful of Drow, as they often make slaves of the Deep Gnomes. [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] and Drow respect but hate one another, being the two most powerful civilized races in the underdark. At times they are at war, and at times they are allies by circumstances. | ||
A Seldarine Drow will likely be met with similar reactions to most people, but in most cases BG3 allows the Seldarine to try and calm the person they are talking to and persuade them that they do not behave like their evil brethren. | A Seldarine Drow will likely be met with similar reactions to most people, but in most cases BG3 allows the Seldarine to try and calm the person they are talking to and persuade them that they do not behave like their evil brethren. | ||
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==== Mechanical Traits ==== | ==== Mechanical Traits ==== | ||
* [[Keen Senses]] which grants them [[Proficiency|proficiency]] in [[Perception]]. | * [[Keen Senses]] which grants them [[Proficiency|proficiency]] in [[Perception]]. | ||
* [[Fey Ancestry]] making them impossible to put to sleep magically and granting [[advantage]] on saving throws to avoid being [[Charmed (Condition)|charmed]]. | * [[Fey Ancestry]] making them impossible to put to sleep magically and granting [[advantage]] on saving throws to avoid being [[Charmed (Condition)|charmed]]. | ||
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==== Build Synergy ==== | ==== Build Synergy ==== | ||
Normally in tabletop Drow have [[Sunlight Sensitivity]] which is a major, major downside to picking this race. However the tadpole in our brain seems to render our characters immune to these effects. | Normally in tabletop Drow have [[Sunlight Sensitivity]] which is a major, major downside to picking this race. However the tadpole in our brain seems to render our characters immune to these effects. | ||
[[Superior Darkvision]] is great for any character, and [[Perception]] is often seen as one of the most valuable skills in BG3 so having proficiency is great and the elf is already off to a good start. [[Fey Ancestry|Fey ancestry]] is a bit situational but by no means a bad thing to have. The [[Darkness]] Spell can also be great to have on any character. For example say you have some enemy bad guys on a platform firing ranged attacks at your party, and you would have to spend 2 turns just to move and get into range with them. You can cast darkness on the platform they are on therefore blinding them and making them come down. Or you can use it out of combat to help sneak about. This spell can get great mileage out of even non-spellcasters. | [[Superior Darkvision]] is great for any character, and [[Perception]] is often seen as one of the most valuable skills in BG3 so having proficiency is great and the elf is already off to a good start. [[Fey Ancestry|Fey ancestry]] is a bit situational but by no means a bad thing to have. The [[Darkness]] Spell can also be great to have on any character. For example say you have some enemy bad guys on a platform firing ranged attacks at your party, and you would have to spend 2 turns just to move and get into range with them. You can cast darkness on the platform they are on therefore blinding them and making them come down. Or you can use it out of combat to help sneak about. This spell can get great mileage out of even non-spellcasters. | ||
The remaining abilities are a bit more situational. [[Dancing Lights|Dancing lights]] requires [[Concentration|concentration]], which can be a serious downside for casters because this means they cannot concentrate on other more powerful spells. But on a non-caster class this isn't really an issue so may be more worth using. The [[Faerie Fire]] spell actually scales really well into mid game for a racial feature you get at level 1, but only if you have the high Charisma to use it effectively as discussed in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section. The weapon proficiencies don't help many builds | |||
The remaining abilities are a bit more situational. [[Dancing Lights|Dancing lights]] requires [[Concentration|concentration]], which can be a serious downside for casters because this means they cannot concentrate on other more powerful spells. But on a non-caster class this isn't really an issue so may be more worth using. The [[Faerie Fire]] spell actually scales really well into mid game for a racial feature you get at level 1, but only if you have the high Charisma to use it effectively as discussed in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section. The weapon proficiencies don't help many builds. The builds which could make good use of those proficiencies will already get them from their class. If D&D 5e cantrips like Booming Blade or Green-Flame Blade are added to BG3 then these proficiencies could become very helpful for [[Sorcerer|Sorcerers]] and [[Wizard|Wizards]], but that is unlikely to be present in BG3 without mods. | |||
Pretty much any class or build will get tremendous benefit from being a Drow. Charisma casting classes like [[Bard]], [[Warlock]], [[Paladin]], and [[Sorcerer]] may get a bit more benefit than others thanks to the [[Faerie Fire]] spell but nothing too substantial. Warlocks with the Devil's Sight [[Eldritch Invocation]] may get further use of the Drow's [[Darkness]] Spell. | Pretty much any class or build will get tremendous benefit from being a Drow. Charisma casting classes like [[Bard]], [[Warlock]], [[Paladin]], and [[Sorcerer]] may get a bit more benefit than others thanks to the [[Faerie Fire]] spell but nothing too substantial. Warlocks with the Devil's Sight [[Eldritch Invocation]] may get further use of the Drow's [[Darkness]] Spell. | ||
== [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] == | == [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] == | ||
====Lore==== | ====Lore==== | ||
{{FRWiki|Dwarf|Dwarves}} in the Forgotten Realms compare to the typical Dwarves in other conventional fantasy settings. They tend to develop underground kingdoms where they amass treasure and might, and develop clan like societies that respect their elders and gods such as the good aligned god of crafting [[Deities#Moradin|Moradin]]. Dwarven commerce largely revolves around mining and blacksmithing. They have great appreciation for finely crafted weapons, armor, and other objects such as chalices, jewelry, and architecture. They feel a natural draw towards the stone and have an intuitive understanding of it to an extent. The Dwarven disciplined structure causes them to come at odds with the elves who are seen as flippant and emotionally driven. However Dwarves tend to get along with [[human|Humans]], [[halfling|Halflings]] (primarily Strongheart Halflings), and especially [[Gnome|Gnomes]]. | {{FRWiki|Dwarf|Dwarves}} in the Forgotten Realms compare to the typical Dwarves in other conventional fantasy settings. They tend to develop underground kingdoms where they amass treasure and might, and develop clan like societies that respect their elders and gods such as the good aligned god of crafting [[Deities#Moradin|Moradin]]. Dwarven commerce largely revolves around mining and blacksmithing. They have great appreciation for finely crafted weapons, armor, and other objects such as chalices, jewelry, and architecture. They feel a natural draw towards the stone and have an intuitive understanding of it to an extent. The Dwarven disciplined structure causes them to come at odds with the elves who are seen as flippant and emotionally driven. However Dwarves tend to get along with [[human|Humans]], [[halfling|Halflings]] (primarily Strongheart Halflings), and especially [[Gnome|Gnomes]]. | ||
The most important events in Dwarven lore revolve around the kingdom {{FRWiki|Bhaerynden}}. This was the greatest of the dwarven kingdoms on {{FRWiki|Faerûn}}, located a fair bit South East of the Sword Coast where Baldur's Gate 3 is. Approximately 12,000 years before the events of BG3 one clan of dwarves had splintered off from the ruling dwarves at the time and set off west, founding a new kingdom of {{FRWiki|Shanatar}} just south of the Sword Coast (and actually pretty close to where Baldur's Gate II takes place). These dwarves would become known as the [[Dwarf#Shield_Dwarves|Shield Dwarves]]. Many dwarves still remained back in the kingdom of Bhaerynden after the Shield Dwarves splintered off. But a few hundred years later the dark elves were cursed to become [[Drow]] and they moved underground, conquering many lands in the process. Among these included the Dwarven kingdom of Bhaerynden. The refugee dwarves from this great empire fled far and wide and became nomadic, with some even going to live on the surface. These Bhaerynden refugees and their descendants became known as the [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves]] or the Hill Dwarves. | The most important events in Dwarven lore revolve around the kingdom {{FRWiki|Bhaerynden}}. This was the greatest of the dwarven kingdoms on {{FRWiki|Faerûn}}, located a fair bit South East of the Sword Coast where Baldur's Gate 3 is. Approximately 12,000 years before the events of BG3 one clan of dwarves had splintered off from the ruling dwarves at the time and set off west, founding a new kingdom of {{FRWiki|Shanatar}} just south of the Sword Coast (and actually pretty close to where Baldur's Gate II takes place). These dwarves would become known as the [[Dwarf#Shield_Dwarves|Shield Dwarves]]. Many dwarves still remained back in the kingdom of Bhaerynden after the Shield Dwarves splintered off. But a few hundred years later the dark elves were cursed to become [[Drow]] and they moved underground, conquering many lands in the process. Among these included the Dwarven kingdom of Bhaerynden. The refugee dwarves from this great empire fled far and wide and became nomadic, with some even going to live on the surface. These Bhaerynden refugees and their descendants became known as the [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves]] or the Hill Dwarves. | ||
Flipping back to the splintered off Shield Dwarves now and about 2,000 years after the fall of Bhaerynden, {{FRWiki|Clan_Duergar|Clan Duergar}} of the Shield Dwarves would begin causing trouble. Clan Duergar sought to practice the teachings of the evil aligned god of magical crafting {{FRWiki|Laduguer}} who was xenophobic and encouraged his followers to exploit slavery to obtain their goals. But the rest of the Shield Dwarves would not practice or even tolerate Clan Duergar's ideals. Clan Duergar then splintered off from the Shield Dwarves to set up their own society where they could freely practice these evil ideals, but their isolation made them a target for [[Mind Flayer|Illithids (Mind Flayers)]] who would capture and conduct experiments on them, and turn them into their own slaves. These changes would ultimately change the physiology of the Clan Duergar dwarves, mutating them into the [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] we know today. The {{FRWiki|Duergar}} remained slaves to the Illithids for about 5,000 years before they won their freedom by allying themselves with dark powers. They went on to found their own society in the Underdark in the great city {{FRWiki|Gracklstugh}} where the Duergar toil towards mastering their craft at an unhealthy level and remain very xenophobic. Especially towards their once Shield Dwarf brethren and anything relating to Illithids. [https://youtu.be/Iw0GN75zZ_E More information on Duergar can be found in this 8 minute video by Spell&Shield]. | Flipping back to the splintered off Shield Dwarves now and about 2,000 years after the fall of Bhaerynden, {{FRWiki|Clan_Duergar|Clan Duergar}} of the Shield Dwarves would begin causing trouble. Clan Duergar sought to practice the teachings of the evil aligned god of magical crafting {{FRWiki|Laduguer}} who was xenophobic and encouraged his followers to exploit slavery to obtain their goals. But the rest of the Shield Dwarves would not practice or even tolerate Clan Duergar's ideals. Clan Duergar then splintered off from the Shield Dwarves to set up their own society where they could freely practice these evil ideals, but their isolation made them a target for [[Mind Flayer|Illithids (Mind Flayers)]] who would capture and conduct experiments on them, and turn them into their own slaves. These changes would ultimately change the physiology of the Clan Duergar dwarves, mutating them into the [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] we know today. The {{FRWiki|Duergar}} remained slaves to the Illithids for about 5,000 years before they won their freedom by allying themselves with dark powers. They went on to found their own society in the Underdark in the great city {{FRWiki|Gracklstugh}} where the Duergar toil towards mastering their craft at an unhealthy level and remain very xenophobic. Especially towards their once Shield Dwarf brethren and anything relating to Illithids. [https://youtu.be/Iw0GN75zZ_E More information on Duergar can be found in this 8 minute video by Spell&Shield]. | ||
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==== World Interactions ==== | ==== World Interactions ==== | ||
A Dwarf will likely have extra dialogue options when it comes to recognizing and identifying weapons and armor of unique make, unique architecture masonry, or exploring underground areas as a result of their bond to the rock and stone. They may express some animosity or rivalry with [[elf|elves]] due to their extreme difference in lifestyle, though I doubt it will be much more than some quick quips rather than outright violence. Perhaps much like Gimli and Legolas from Lord of the Rings. [[Duergar]] will likely have an outright loathing for anything related to [[Mind Flayer|Illithids]]. And [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] will likely react with fear to the sight of a Duergar because the Duergar are known for making Deep Gnomes into slaves. Duergar and [[Drow]] are the two ruling civilized races in the underdark. They are often civil around one another, but are also rivals and have clashed many times before as well as becoming allies by circumstance on occassion. | A Dwarf will likely have extra dialogue options when it comes to recognizing and identifying weapons and armor of unique make, unique architecture masonry, or exploring underground areas as a result of their bond to the rock and stone. They may express some animosity or rivalry with [[elf|elves]] due to their extreme difference in lifestyle, though I doubt it will be much more than some quick quips rather than outright violence. Perhaps much like Gimli and Legolas from Lord of the Rings. [[Duergar]] will likely have an outright loathing for anything related to [[Mind Flayer|Illithids]]. And [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] will likely react with fear to the sight of a Duergar because the Duergar are known for making Deep Gnomes into slaves. Duergar and [[Drow]] are the two ruling civilized races in the underdark. They are often civil around one another, but are also rivals and have clashed many times before as well as becoming allies by circumstance on occassion. | ||
Depending on how deep Larian goes with the lore you may see additional reactions based on the above lore. [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves]] (Hill Dwarves) may hold a grudge against the [[Drow]] for their conquering of Bhaerynden. Duergar often blame the Shield Dwarves for their abandonment to the hands of the Mind Flayers, so there could be animosity between Duergar and Shield Dwarves. And Hill Dwarves and Mountain Dwarves also often view [[Gnome|Gnomes]] as their cousins, so they may get along particularly well. | Depending on how deep Larian goes with the lore you may see additional reactions based on the above lore. [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves]] (Hill Dwarves) may hold a grudge against the [[Drow]] for their conquering of Bhaerynden. Duergar often blame the Shield Dwarves for their abandonment to the hands of the Mind Flayers, so there could be animosity between Duergar and Shield Dwarves. And Hill Dwarves and Mountain Dwarves also often view [[Gnome|Gnomes]] as their cousins, so they may get along particularly well. | ||
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* [[Proficiency]] with [[Battleaxes]], [[Handaxes]], [[Light Hammers]], and [[Warhammers]]. | * [[Proficiency]] with [[Battleaxes]], [[Handaxes]], [[Light Hammers]], and [[Warhammers]]. | ||
The Dwarven Subraces | The Dwarven Subraces obtain: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Dwarven Subrace Features | |+ Dwarven Subrace Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
! [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] !! [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves (Hill Dwarves)]] !! [[Dwarf#Shield_Dwarves|Shield Dwarves (Mountain Dwarves)]]** | ! [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]]* !! [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves (Hill Dwarves)]] !! [[Dwarf#Shield_Dwarves|Shield Dwarves (Mountain Dwarves)]]*** | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Superior Darkvision]] out to 80 ft* || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft | | [[Superior Darkvision]] out to 80 ft** || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Duergar Magic granting the ability to cast [[Enlarge/Reduce]] on self once per Long Rest starting at 3rd Level, and [[Invisibility]] on self once per | | Duergar Magic granting the ability to cast [[Enlarge/Reduce]] on self once per Long Rest starting at 3rd Level, and [[Invisibility]] on self once per long rest || [[Dwarven Toughness]] granting one additional hit point per character level || [[Proficiency]] in Light and Medium Armor | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Duergar resilience granting [[advantage]] on [[Saving Throw|saving throws]] against illusions as well as being [[Charmed (Condition)|Charmed]] or [[Paralysed (Condition)|Paralyzed]]. || - || - | | Duergar resilience granting [[advantage]] on [[Saving Throw|saving throws]] against illusions as well as being [[Charmed (Condition)|Charmed]] or [[Paralysed (Condition)|Paralyzed]]. || - || - | ||
|} | |} | ||
* The original rules regarding Duergar in tabletop also grants Duergar [[Sunlight Sensitivity]] which is a major drawback for this race. However Larian | * Duergar are not in Early Access, these features are expected on launch. | ||
** The Shield Dwarves normally get a +2 bonus to their [[Strength]] [[Ability Scores|Ability Score]] | ** The original rules regarding Duergar in tabletop also grants Duergar [[Sunlight Sensitivity]] which is a major drawback for this race. However Larian will likely not implement this feature in BG3, whether that is due to the Illithid tadpole in our brains or following updated tabletop rules. | ||
*** The Shield Dwarves normally get a +2 bonus to their [[Strength]] [[Ability Scores|Ability Score]]. However with the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Flexible_Ability_Score|Flexible Ability Scores]] changes Larian is making to BG3, the Shield Dwarves may or may not get some form of this feature or something to replace it. | |||
==== Build Synergy ==== | ==== Build Synergy ==== | ||
Poison damage is very common, so dwarves getting resistance and being able to cut the damage in half and resist related effects is very nice. And [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] can be immensely beneficial to any character as well | Poison damage is very common, so dwarves getting resistance and being able to cut the damage in half and resist related effects is very nice. And [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] can be immensely beneficial to any character as well. The Dwarves' movement speed reductions slightly hampers their melee combat ability, as you may not be able to close range with bad guys quite as quickly. But it doesn't have as great of an impact on characters able to make attacks from a distance. Additionally melee classes that can mitigate this movement speed penalty such as [[Monk]] and [[Barbarian]] may be able to offset it somewhat. Their additional weapon proficiencies are not going to be too beneficial on their own as most builds which want these proficiencies will get them from their class. But [[Monk]] is once again the standout winner from this feature. There is speculation that monks will be able to use their Martial Arts features like unarmed strikes with any weapon that they are [[proficient]] with but lacks the [[Heavy (weapon property)|heavy]] or [[Weapons#Properties|two-handed]] property. This means a dwarven monk might be able to wield a [[warhammer]] with its d10 damage die when wielded as a [[Weapons#Properties|versatile]] weapon, which is much better than the next best option monks normally get with the shortsword's d6 damage. | ||
The Gold Dwarves' additional HP per level goes | The Gold Dwarves' additional HP per level goes great with classes that get up close in melee. Combine this with the tough [[Feats|feat]] on a [[Barbarian|barbarian]] to make a super tank. The Shield Dwarves' additional armor proficiencies go great on characters like squishy casters such as [[wizard|wizards]], [[sorcerer|sorcerers]], lore [[bard|bards]], and [[warlock|warlocks]] as it allows you to leave your [[Dexterity]] at 14 and wear medium armor for an overall [[Armour Class|armor class]] of 16 before accounting for magical bonuses. This combined with dwarven weapon proficiencies makes it feasible (but far from ideal unless you have access to spells likely not to be in BG3 without mods) to make a melee [[Sorcerer|sorcerer]] or [[Wizard|wizard]] character. And lastly the Duergar's Enlarge ability goes great with a melee class that gets multiple attacks such as a monk. Normally in tabletop the bonus damage from [[Enlarge|enlarge]] does not apply to unarmed strikes but in BG3 you are able to apply this additional damage. While the Duergar's [[invisibility]] spell could be very nice for a sneaky type of character including [[rogue]] as well as many other classes if they build themselves this way. The duergar race overall synergizes excellently with Shadow Monk. | ||
== [[Elf|Elves]] == | == [[Elf|Elves]] == | ||
====Lore==== | ====Lore==== | ||
{{FRWiki|Elf|Elves}} initially came to Toril about 30,000 years ago (relatively shortly after Tearfall as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Dragonborn|Dragonborn Lore]] section) from the plane of the {{FRWiki|Feywild}}. This plane is known for harboring often mischievous magical creatures with attachment to nature such as satyrs, brownies, and sylphs. This helps explain the elves emotional and relaxed temperament. They include several subraces we will see in BG3 such as moon and sun elves (which are considered [[Elf#High_Elves|High Elves]]) and [[Elf#Wood_Elves|Wood Elves]] and dark elves which would later become [[Drow]] as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. They also included other subraces which we will likely not see in BG3 such as wild elves and sea elves as the more common options, and a few additional more rare elven | {{FRWiki|Elf|Elves}} initially came to Toril about 30,000 years ago (relatively shortly after Tearfall as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Dragonborn|Dragonborn Lore]] section) from the plane of the {{FRWiki|Feywild}}. This plane is known for harboring often mischievous magical creatures with attachment to nature such as satyrs, brownies, and sylphs. This helps explain the elves emotional and relaxed temperament. They include several subraces we will see in BG3 such as moon and sun elves (which are considered [[Elf#High_Elves|High Elves]]) and [[Elf#Wood_Elves|Wood Elves]] and dark elves which would later become [[Drow]] as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. They also included other subraces which we will likely not see in BG3 such as wild elves and sea elves as the more common options, and a few additional more rare elven subracees. With the exception of Drow, modern day elves still maintain their relaxed lifestyle with a focus on enjoying life and the world, maintaining nature's balance, and are known for their prowess and dance as well as the bow and sword. Elves were the first races to exist on Toril and had the time to build up their society, but as a race they were not inclined to building great cities with few exceptions. Events such as conflicts with the Drow, the rise of [[Human|Humans]], and catastrophes over the centuries have resulted in elven influence in the world diminishing in the world. | ||
Most of the notable Elven history is covered in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. One detail I'll add here but may not ever get mentioned in BG3 is the {{FRWiki|First_Sundering|First Sundering}}. After Araushnee (now Lolth) and her son Vhaeraun were exiled from the Elven pantheon but before the {{FRWiki|Crown Wars}} fully began, Lolth's and Vhaeraun's influence on the dark elves began spreading causing some minor conflicts. Around year -17,500 DR (about 19,000 years before BG3) many of the elves had enough of this and decided to pull a mass of land from the plane of {{FRWiki|Arborea}} full of enchanting magic and beautiful landscapes, and make it a remote island on this world of Toril. Then these peaceful elves could go live there away from all the war and strife of the dark elves. The good news is that the elves were successful and made their homeland island of {{FRWiki|Evermeet}}. The bad news is that with this came devastation across the continent of Faerun as the world reacted to this catastrophic change in geography and powerful magic. Many elven societies were flooded by the shifting seas and most would consider the event an overall disaster, save for the surviving elves who went off to live on Evermeet in peace. While many don't know this in modern days, the remote isle of Evermeet has since been pulled into the Feywild as a result of the Spellplague. | Most of the notable Elven history is covered in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. One detail I'll add here but may not ever get mentioned in BG3 is the {{FRWiki|First_Sundering|First Sundering}}. After Araushnee (now Lolth) and her son Vhaeraun were exiled from the Elven pantheon but before the {{FRWiki|Crown Wars}} fully began, Lolth's and Vhaeraun's influence on the dark elves began spreading causing some minor conflicts. Around year -17,500 DR (about 19,000 years before BG3) many of the elves had enough of this and decided to pull a mass of land from the plane of {{FRWiki|Arborea}} full of enchanting magic and beautiful landscapes, and make it a remote island on this world of Toril. Then these peaceful elves could go live there away from all the war and strife of the dark elves. The good news is that the elves were successful and made their homeland island of {{FRWiki|Evermeet}}. The bad news is that with this came devastation across the continent of Faerun as the world reacted to this catastrophic change in geography and powerful magic. Many elven societies were flooded by the shifting seas and most would consider the event an overall disaster, save for the surviving elves who went off to live on Evermeet in peace. While many don't know this in modern days, the remote isle of Evermeet has since been pulled into the Feywild as a result of the Spellplague. | ||
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* [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft | * [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft | ||
The Elven Subraces | The Elven Subraces obtain: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Elven Subrace Features | |+ Elven Subrace Features | ||
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|} | |} | ||
* For High Elf's Cantrip feature, see the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section | * For High Elf's Cantrip feature, see the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section | ||
==== Build Synergy ==== | ==== Build Synergy ==== | ||
Elves' [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] is great for any character, and [[Perception]] is often seen as one of the most valuable skills in BG3 so having proficiency is great and the elf is already off to a good start. [[Fey Ancestry|Fey ancestry]] is a bit situational but by no means a bad thing to have. And like with [[Drow]] and [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] above, the racial weapon proficiencies are not that great unless you are going for a melee [[Wizard|wizard]] or [[Sorcerer|sorcerer]] build which will be difficult to pull of in BG3. | Elves' [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] is great for any character, and [[Perception]] is often seen as one of the most valuable skills in BG3 so having proficiency is great and the elf is already off to a good start. [[Fey Ancestry|Fey ancestry]] is a bit situational but by no means a bad thing to have. And like with [[Drow]] and [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] above, the racial weapon proficiencies are not that great unless you are going for a melee [[Wizard|wizard]] or [[Sorcerer|sorcerer]] build which will be difficult to pull of in BG3. But the [[Longswords|longsword]] proficiency could be nice for a [[Monk|monk]] character if you can in-fact use a longsword as a monk weapon. The [[longbow]] proficiency can also be nice on a [[rogue]] as they are a build that can make good use of a Longbow but are not proficient with it normally. | ||
As mentioned in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section, you may need to be a little careful about what cantrip you pick if you are going [[Elf#High_Elves|High Elf]]. If your character is not going to have a high [[Intelligence]] then do not pick one of the spells listed in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] table. Of the remaining options some standout choices include [[Light]] (which you can cast on the weapon of an ally who does not have darkvision and make them shed their own light), [[Minor Illusion]] (which you can use to draw creatures to a certain area whether to sneak by them or ambush them) and [[Mage Hand]] (if you do not intend to use the Mage Hand to shove your enemies, or are not playing a race like [[Githyanki]] or a class like [[Arcane Trickster]] [[Rogue]] which automatically gets this spell). The wood elve's movement speed bonus is very helpful for melee characters who may need to close the gap with enemies, while their proficiency in [[stealth]] is great for characters who will be doing your sneaking around. | |||
== | == Half-Elves == | ||
Coming back to this after Human | |||
== [[Half-Orc|Half-Orcs]] == | == [[Half-Orc|Half-Orcs]] == | ||
====Lore==== | ====Lore==== | ||
{{FRWiki|Orc|Orcs}} first came to the planet of Toril as a result of one of {{FRWiki|Lolth|Lolth's}} plots to kill {{FRWiki|Corellon}} as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's_Gate_3_Races_Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. One of the gods who Lolth tricked into fighting the Seldarine was {{FRWiki|Gruumsh}}, patron god of orcs who brought a horde of orc with him. Upon Gruumsh's defeat many orcs would be left behind in Faerun and more orcs crossed into Faerun via other methods. For tens of thousands of years orcs were isolated savages which posed no major threat to civilized races. However around -3,600 DR (about 5,000 years before BG3) orcs began to band together and raid civilized lands in massive hordes. And in fact this is how most orcs to this day still behave. They are typically violent, selfish, short tempered creatures. | {{FRWiki|Orc|Orcs}} first came to the planet of Toril as a result of one of {{FRWiki|Lolth|Lolth's}} plots to kill {{FRWiki|Corellon}} as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's_Gate_3_Races_Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. One of the gods who Lolth tricked into fighting the Seldarine was {{FRWiki|Gruumsh}}, patron god of orcs who brought a horde of orc with him. Upon Gruumsh's defeat many orcs would be left behind in Faerun and more orcs crossed into Faerun via other methods. For tens of thousands of years orcs were isolated savages which posed no major threat to civilized races. However around -3,600 DR (about 5,000 years before BG3) orcs began to band together and raid civilized lands in massive hordes. And in fact this is how most orcs to this day still behave. They are typically violent, selfish, short tempered creatures. | ||
Humans and orcs have been known to exist peacefully together in some scenarios, as stated in the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Players Handbook which states, "Whether united under the leadership of a mighty warlock or having fought to a standstill after years of conflict, orc and human communities, sometimes form alliances. When these alliances are sealed by marriages, half-orcs are born. Some half-orcs rise to become proud leaders of orc communities. Some venture into the world to prove their worth. Many of these become adventurers, achieving greatness for their mighty deeds." One popular example of this cooperation is {{FRWiki|Many-Arrows|Kingdom of Many Arrows}} located near the northern end of the Sword Coast. Many-Arrows was established just over 100 years before the events in BG3 and is a peaceful settlement of orcs that has generated bonds and relationships with their neighbors. In-fact their neighbors have even come to the military defense of Many-Arrows. From these kinds of relationships between humans and orcs, half-orcs can be born. | Humans and orcs have been known to exist peacefully together in some scenarios, as stated in the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Players Handbook which states, "Whether united under the leadership of a mighty warlock or having fought to a standstill after years of conflict, orc and human communities, sometimes form alliances. When these alliances are sealed by marriages, half-orcs are born. Some half-orcs rise to become proud leaders of orc communities. Some venture into the world to prove their worth. Many of these become adventurers, achieving greatness for their mighty deeds." One popular example of this cooperation is {{FRWiki|Many-Arrows|Kingdom of Many Arrows}} located near the northern end of the Sword Coast. Many-Arrows was established just over 100 years before the events in BG3 and is a peaceful settlement of orcs that has generated bonds and relationships with their neighbors. In-fact their neighbors have even come to the military defense of Many-Arrows. From these kinds of relationships between humans and orcs, half-orcs can be born. | ||
Half-orcs are rare and do not have a society or culture of their own. They tend to adopt the culture of whatever settlement they are in. If they venture out from their home they are very likely to be met with hesitation from all they meet due to the reputation orcs have. Even other orc tribes will be unfriendly toward their half-orc kin due to the human blood being seen as a weakness. | Half-orcs are rare and do not have a society or culture of their own. They tend to adopt the culture of whatever settlement they are in. If they venture out from their home they are very likely to be met with hesitation from all they meet due to the reputation orcs have. Even other orc tribes will be unfriendly toward their half-orc kin due to the human blood being seen as a weakness. | ||
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====Build Synergy==== | ====Build Synergy==== | ||
[[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] is always great to have. Relentless Endurance goes great with any melee character that you will have getting up into the thick of things and is especially desired on tanky characters like [[Barbarian|Barbarians]], [[Circle_of_the_Moon|Moon]] [[Druid|Druids]], [[Fighter|Fighters]], and [[Paladin|Paladins]]. Meanwhile Savage Attacks goes great with anyone making melee weapon attacks which goes great with tons of characters. We'll have to see if Larian applies the Savage Attacks damage to a Monk's unarmed strikes or a wildshaped Druid's natural attacks, which is normally not allowed per D&D 5e but I suspect Larian may change this. It isn't a massive damage increase but can become more notable on Champion [[Fighter]] characters with their increased chance to critically hit, or any melee character where parties can guarantee crits such as if you have casters who can consistently land [[Hold Person]]. The proficiency in [[Intimidation|intimidation]] is a nice | [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] is always great to have. Relentless Endurance goes great with any melee character that you will have getting up into the thick of things and is especially desired on tanky characters like [[Barbarian|Barbarians]], [[Circle_of_the_Moon|Moon]] [[Druid|Druids]], [[Fighter|Fighters]], and [[Paladin|Paladins]]. Meanwhile Savage Attacks goes great with anyone making melee weapon attacks which goes great with tons of characters. We'll have to see if Larian applies the Savage Attacks damage to a Monk's unarmed strikes or a wildshaped Druid's natural attacks, which is normally not allowed per D&D 5e but I suspect Larian may change this. It isn't a massive damage increase but can become more notable on Champion [[Fighter]] characters with their increased chance to critically hit, or any melee character where parties can guarantee crits such as if you have casters who can consistently land [[Hold Person]]. The proficiency in [[Intimidation|intimidation]] is a nice tassle on the end, but could become more significant for classes with a high [[Charisma]] like a [[College of Valour|Valor]] [[Bard]] or Swords Bard or [[Paladin]] or Pact of the Blade [[Warlock]]. | ||
Overall the Half-Orc is one of the best races for melee combat characters with a heavy emphasis on the combat part. | Overall the Half-Orc is one of the best races for melee combat characters with a heavy emphasis on the combat part. Ourtside of melee characters they will offer a little bit of something if mechanically implemented as expected. | ||
==[[Halfling|Halflings]]== | ==[[Halfling|Halflings]]== | ||
====Lore==== | ====Lore==== | ||
{{FRWiki|Halfling}} Lore is extremely sparse. There is no information on when or where the first halflings appeared. They tend to have a sense of wanderlust and exploration moreso than even the elves, as well as a tendency towards finding | {{FRWiki|Halfling}} Lore is extremely sparse. There is no information on when or where the first halflings appeared. They tend to have a sense of wanderlust and exploration moreso than even the elves, as well as a tendency towards finding mishchief whether wittingly or not. They are known for their clan like social structure with an emphasis on family bonds. Some bands may settled down and make a small isolated village for a while before getting bored of it and packing up to leave with little worry or concern. Others will roam about and never settle down at all. The only major halfling settlement of {{FRWiki|Luiren}} was flooded as a result of the world shaking Spellplague as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Dragonborn|Dragonborn Lore]] section and this further emphasizes the modern day halfling tendency to roam. | ||
Besides the flooding of Luiren, the only other major Halfling lore event (which I doubt will be brought up in BG3) is the {{FRWiki|Hin_Ghostwar|Hin Ghostwar}}. "Hin" is another name for Halfling, and the Ghostwar is so named because the {{FRWiki|Strongheart_halfling|Strongheart Tribe}} and {{FRWiki|Lightfoot_halfling|Lightfoot Tribe}} teamed up and went to war with their {{FRWiki|Ghostwise_Halfling|Ghostwise Tribe}} brethren. Around year -100 DR (about 1,600 years before BG3) the druidic Ghostwise halflings were led by a cleric who came to worship the evil god of primal savagery and stalking, {{FRWiki|Malar}}. The cleric led her tribe to ruthlessly attack and torment wild creatures as well as other halflings from the Lightfoot and Strongheart Tribes. The Lightfoot and Strongheart tribes teamed together in the Hin Ghostwar to push the Ghostwise halflings back and killed their evil cleric. The surviving Ghostwise tribe members exiled themselves in shame for their actions under the clerics influence. While the [[Halfling#Strongheart_Halflings|Strongheart halflings]] were happy to continue living in and around Luiren, the [http://Halfling#Lightfoot_Halflings Lightfoot halflings] were horrified by the bloody events that had taken place at the hands of both the Ghostwise and the Strongheart tribes. They instead decided to set off and explore the continent of Faerun rather than stay with the awful memories of what had occurred. | |||
While I do say that Larian may not really include the above lore info, they did go out of their way to refer to Strongheart Halflings as such, rather than simply saying Stout halflings as they are known in the D&D 5e Player Handbook Rules. So perhaps they will keep it in mind. | While I do say that Larian may not really include the above lore info, they did go out of their way to refer to Strongheart Halflings as such, rather than simply saying Stout halflings as they are known in the D&D 5e Player Handbook Rules. So perhaps they will keep it in mind. | ||
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====World Interactions==== | ====World Interactions==== | ||
Many civilized races give a bit of pause when a [[halfling]] is in their midst, as their tendency to get into often innocent mischief is well known. On the other hand, halflings imagine that they are getting along with pretty much everyone. Since halflings lack their own large settlements and tend to roam about, they often come to settle for short times in the settlements developed by other races doing odds and end jobs. This is especially common in [[human|human]] and [[gnome|gnome]] settlements, while strongheart halflings tend to also relate well with [[dwarf|dwarves]]. One common theme among all other races is that they tend to view a halfling's typical lack of interest in combat and warfare as the inability to fight. But when backed into a corner a halfling will fight ferociously, claws out, no tactic is too cheap, I didn't hear no bell, and with an indomitable instinct to survive. I personally doubt there will be many if any | Many civilized races give a bit of pause when a [[halfling]] is in their midst, as their tendency to get into often innocent mischief is well known. On the other hand, halflings imagine that they are getting along with pretty much everyone. Since halflings lack their own large settlements and tend to roam about, they often come to settle for short times in the settlements developed by other races doing odds and end jobs. This is especially common in [[human|human]] and [[gnome|gnome]] settlements, while strongheart halflings tend to also relate well with [[dwarf|dwarves]]. One common theme among all other races is that they tend to view a halfling's typical lack of interest in combat and warfare as the inability to fight. But when backed into a corner a halfling will fight ferociously, claws out, no tactic is too cheap, I didn't hear no bell, and with an indomitable instinct to survive. I personally doubt there will be many if any interractions specific to Lightfoot Halflings meeting Strongheart Halflings in BG3 regarding the Hin Ghostwars, but I could be mistaken. Besides Ghostwise Halflings (which are not character options in BG3 and we have seen no sign of any NPC Ghostwise in the games) halflings mostly all get along now given their friendly attitudes. | ||
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All [[Halfling|Halflings]] have: | All [[Halfling|Halflings]] have: | ||
* A 25 ft movement speed (5 ft less than normal) | * A 25 ft movement speed (5 ft less than normal) | ||
* [[ | * [[Lucky]] allowing them to reroll any natural 1 they get on [[Attack Roll|attack rolls]], [[Saving Throw|saving throws]], or [[Ability Check|ability checks]] | ||
* [[Brave]] granting them [[advantage]] on saving throws against being frightened. | * [[Brave]] granting them [[advantage]] on saving throws against being frightened. | ||
The Halfling Subraces | The Halfling Subraces obtain | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Halfling Subrace Features | |+ Halfling Subrace Features | ||
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! [[Halfling#Lightfoot_Halflings|Lightfoot Halfling]] !! [[Halfling#Strongheart_Halflingsf|Strongheart Halfling]] (Stout Halfling) | ! [[Halfling#Lightfoot_Halflings|Lightfoot Halfling]] !! [[Halfling#Strongheart_Halflingsf|Strongheart Halfling]] (Stout Halfling) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Naturally Stealthy]] granting | | [[Naturally Stealthy]] granting [[proficiency]] in [[Stealth]] || [[Strongheart Resilience]] giving them resistance to poison damage and [[advantage]] on saving throws against poison. | ||
|} | |} | ||
====Build Synergy==== | ====Build Synergy==== | ||
As with [[dwarf]] and [[gnome]], the halfling's movement speed penalty mostly hurts them when it comes to melee combat builds because this may make it more difficult to close the distance with their target, though this is not as important for ranged builds and can be somewhat offset by melee builds that get a movement speed bonus like [[Barbarian]] and [[Monk]]. Not having darkvision is a pretty significant detriment to this class which is something you'll have to keep in mind while playing in dark areas. Brave giving them [[advantage]] on saving throws against being [[Frightened (Condition)|frightened]] can be very helpful at high levels when creatures start having powerful effects that apply fear, but until then it is very situational. Their best ability is by far [[ | As with [[dwarf]] and [[gnome]], the halfling's movement speed penalty mostly hurts them when it comes to melee combat builds because this may make it more difficult to close the distance with their target, though this is not as important for ranged builds and can be somewhat offset by melee builds that get a movement speed bonus like [[Barbarian]] and [[Monk]]. Not having darkvision is a pretty significant detriment to this class which is something you'll have to keep in mind while playing in dark areas. Brave giving them [[advantage]] on saving throws against being [[Frightened (Condition)|frightened]] can be very helpful at high levels when creatures start having powerful effects that apply fear, but until then it is very situational. Their best ability is by far [[Lucky]], as it gives you a chance to succeed on checks you would have otherwise failed. Lucky is further moderately buffed in BG3. Larian has implemented a controversial [[D&D_5e_Rule_Changes#Fundamental_Changes|rule change]] where a natural 1 on an [[Ability Check|ability check]] results in an automatic failure, even if your modifiers, proficiency bonus, [[Guidance|guidance]], etc. would put you over the DC of the check. This can cause you to fail a check which by the D&D 5e books you should have succeeded just because you rolled a 1. A halfling's ability to reroll natural ones reduces the likelihood of this Larian houserule hurting your character. This makes halfling a more tempting race for skill monkey character like [[Rogue|rogue]], [[Bard|bard]], [[Ranger|ranger]], or knowledge domain [[Cleric|cleric]]. | ||
The lightfoot halfling's naturally stealthy could be nice on a character who is doing some sneaking about and allow them to focus proficiencies they get from their class and/or background in other areas. While a strongheart halfling's resilience will help them resist the very common poison damage and associated effects in combat. | |||
== [[Human|Humans]] == | == [[Human|Humans]] == | ||
==== Lore ==== | ==== Lore ==== | ||
Like with [[Elf|Elves]] and [[Dwarf|Dwarves]], the {{FRWiki|Human}} history also tends to meet typical fantasy expectation. For thousands of years the dwarves ruled the depths while the elves roamed far and wide and were the greatest power on the surface. But as a result of human ingenuity, dedication, perseverence, and a fast rate of reproduction they established large settlements at critical locations for trade allowing them to prosper commercially over time. The human kingdoms would fight among one another which certainly did not help their rise to dominance. But these skirmishes were nothing compared to the devastation the elves suffered in the First Sundering (as discussed in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Elves|Elven Lore]] section) and the {{FRWiki|Crown_Wars|Crown Wars}} and persistent conflicts with the [[Drow]], and the devastation that the Dwarves experienced when the [[Drow]] moved underground as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Dwarves|Dwarven Lore]] section. As a result the Humans have grown to dominate much of {{FRWiki|Faerûn}}, including the {{FRWiki|Sword Coast}} region where Baldur's Gate is located. | Like with [[Elf|Elves]] and [[Dwarf|Dwarves]], the {{FRWiki|Human}} history also tends to meet typical fantasy expectation. For thousands of years the dwarves ruled the depths while the elves roamed far and wide and were the greatest power on the surface. But as a result of human ingenuity, dedication, perseverence, and a fast rate of reproduction they established large settlements at critical locations for trade allowing them to prosper commercially over time. The human kingdoms would fight among one another which certainly did not help their rise to dominance. But these skirmishes were nothing compared to the devastation the elves suffered in the First Sundering (as discussed in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Elves|Elven Lore]] section) and the {{FRWiki|Crown_Wars|Crown Wars}} and persistent conflicts with the [[Drow]], and the devastation that the Dwarves experienced when the [[Drow]] moved underground as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Dwarves|Dwarven Lore]] section. As a result the Humans have grown to dominate much of {{FRWiki|Faerûn}}, including the {{FRWiki|Sword Coast}} region where Baldur's Gate is located. | ||
However there are two human empires whose downfall look like they will play at least a minor part in BG3. First is {{FRWiki|Netheril}}. This kingdom was mankind's greatest at the time of its destruction in -339 DR (about 1,800 years before BG3) and consisted of common folk who lived on the planet's surface while the elite ruling class lived in flying cities. The mage Karsus of Netheril rightly feared the threat posed by worm like monsters called {{FRWiki|Phaerimm}} and sought a way to destroy this threat to the Netherese Empire. Unfortunately his plan to do so was to cast a 12th level spell to steal the power of the god of magic at the time, {{FRWiki|Mystryl}}. He did succeed at drawing Mystryl's power which ultimately killed her, but worse still Karsus himself was unable to contain the magic he had absorbed. He released Mystryl's power, the {{FRWiki|Weave}} which controls magic broke down, and the Netherese cities magically held aloft began to falter as they fell from the sky. The goddess of magic was quickly reborn, this time as {{FRWiki|Mystra}} and she was able to save some but not all of the falling cities. As a result of this Mystra made it so that no mortals could cast spells above 9th level, and the Netherese empire crumbled away with the death of so many high ranking citizens all due to this event now known as {{FRWiki|Karsus's Folly|Karsus's Folly}}. For the sake of BG3 it is important to note that Netherese magic was powerful, and may not have been implemented with adequate safeguards. | However there are two human empires whose downfall look like they will play at least a minor part in BG3. First is {{FRWiki|Netheril}}. This kingdom was mankind's greatest at the time of its destruction in -339 DR (about 1,800 years before BG3) and consisted of common folk who lived on the planet's surface while the elite ruling class lived in flying cities. The mage Karsus of Netheril rightly feared the threat posed by worm like monsters called {{FRWiki|Phaerimm}} and sought a way to destroy this threat to the Netherese Empire. Unfortunately his plan to do so was to cast a 12th level spell to steal the power of the god of magic at the time, {{FRWiki|Mystryl}}. He did succeed at drawing Mystryl's power which ultimately killed her, but worse still Karsus himself was unable to contain the magic he had absorbed. He released Mystryl's power, the {{FRWiki|Weave}} which controls magic broke down, and the Netherese cities magically held aloft began to falter as they fell from the sky. The goddess of magic was quickly reborn, this time as {{FRWiki|Mystra}} and she was able to save some but not all of the falling cities. As a result of this Mystra made it so that no mortals could cast spells above 9th level, and the Netherese empire crumbled away with the death of so many high ranking citizens all due to this event now known as {{FRWiki|Karsus's Folly|Karsus's Folly}}. For the sake of BG3 it is important to note that Netherese magic was powerful, and may not have been implemented with adequate safeguards. | ||
The second notable human Kingdom to look into is {{FRWiki|Thay}}. In short starting around 100 years ago this nation far to the East of Baldur's Gate came under the control of a necromancer wizard named {{FRWiki|Szass_Tam|Szass Tam}} after a civil war, and the nation is now known for | |||
The second notable human Kingdom to look into is {{FRWiki|Thay}}. In short starting around 100 years ago this nation far to the East of Baldur's Gate came under the control of a necromancer wizard named {{FRWiki|Szass_Tam|Szass Tam}} after a civil war, and the nation is now known for comitting evil acts on the regular such as consulting with devils and evil gods. They implement slavery, but they also often use undead to conduct meanial day to day routines or to make up the bulk of the nation's army. More recently Szass Tam and his {{FRWiki|Red_Wizards_of_Thay|Red Wizards of Thay}} have attempted to take over foreign kingdoms across Faerun using discrete tactics with years of planning, usually wrecking absolute chaos when their plans come to fruition. There are some notable references to Thay in BG3 but it is difficult to tell how related they will be to the main plot if at all. The Red Wizards of Thay and Szass Tam are covered more in the D&D Honor Among Thieves movie. | |||
[https://youtu.be/8D44Ak%20X1%20I This 9 minute video by WolfheartFPS] covers Szass Tam's rise to power. | [https://youtu.be/8D44Ak%20X1%20I This 9 minute video by WolfheartFPS] covers Szass Tam's rise to power. | ||
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====World Interactions==== | ====World Interactions==== | ||
Humans are widely considered the most vanilla race. They are the most populous and common race in the Sword Coast where BG3 takes place. They do not have any major disputes with other races. While different human kingdoms will have skirmishes, it is almost never a kill-on-sight type of reaction to a rival human unless they are something like a Red Wizard of Thay (which our characters in BG3 are not). Humans are known for their | Humans are widely considered the most vanilla race. They are the most populous and common race in the Sword Coast where BG3 takes place. They do not have any major disputes with other races. While different human kingdoms will have skirmishes, it is almost never a kill-on-sight type of reaction to a rival human unless they are something like a Red Wizard of Thay (which our characters in BG3 are not). Humans are known for their perseverence and knack for learning and applying new skills, but otherwise they are rather plain. | ||
====Mechanical | ====Mechanical Features==== | ||
Normally in D&D 5e there is an optional rule | Normally in D&D 5e there is an optional rule whicha allows a player to use a set of features for humnans referred to as "variant human." This is seen as the most powerful race mechanically due to the variant human's feature which grants them a [[Feats|feat]] at level 1. However variant human will not be in BG3 (without mods) and therefore I'll go no further here. | ||
[[Human|Humans]] in BG3 are one of the races that are hampered by Larian's [[Guide:Baldur's_Gate_3_Races_Guide#Flexible_Ability_Scores|Flexible Ability Scores]] changes. | [[Human|Humans]] in BG3 are one of the races that are hampered by Larian's [[Guide:Baldur's_Gate_3_Races_Guide#Flexible_Ability_Scores|Flexible Ability Scores]] changes. It is ''speculated'' based off some launch build footage from content creators that Humans will get: | ||
* [[Proficiency]] with [[Spears]], [[Pikes]], [[Halberds]], and [[Glaives]], [[Armour#Light_Armour|Light Armor]], and [[Shields]]. | * [[Proficiency]] with [[Spears]], [[Pikes]], [[Halberds]], and [[Glaives]], [[Armour#Light_Armour|Light Armor]], and [[Shields]]. | ||
* [[Proficiency]] with one [[Skills|skill]] of your choice. | * [[Proficiency]] with one [[Skills|skill]] of your choice. | ||
* | * Likely something else | ||
====Build Synergy==== | ====Build Synergy==== | ||
The lack of [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|darkvision]] is a downside for humans. | It is difficult to say what a [[human]] synergizes with given that we are still unceratin about the actual features they get. The lack of [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|darkvision]] is a big downside for humans. Their light armor and shield proficiency does make them somewhat tempting for squishy casters like [[sorcerer|sorcerers]], [[wizard|wizards]], [[College of Lore|lore bards]], or [[warlock|warlocks]]. But until we know more about if they get something more, they do not appear to be very appealng for much of any builds. | ||
== | == Remaining Races are Work in Progress == | ||
[[Category:Guides]] | |||