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Added Gnomes, mentioned Menzoberranzan in the Drow Section. Just Tieflings left...
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== [[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.] | ||
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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. The greatest drow city now is {{FRWiki|Menzoberranzan}}. | ||
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* [[Proficiency]] with [[Battleaxes]], [[Handaxes]], [[Light Hammers]], and [[Warhammers]]. | * [[Proficiency]] with [[Battleaxes]], [[Handaxes]], [[Light Hammers]], and [[Warhammers]]. | ||
The Dwarven Subraces obtain: | The Dwarven Subraces additionally obtain: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Dwarven Subrace Features | |+ Dwarven Subrace Features | ||
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* [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft | * [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft | ||
The Elven Subraces obtain: | The Elven Subraces additionally obtain: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Elven Subrace Features | |+ Elven Subrace Features | ||
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Normally in Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition, Half-Elves get "Skill Versatility" allowing them to be proficient in two skills of their choice. This option does not appear to be present in BG3 and they must choose one of the below variant Half-Elf options which grants the following: | Normally in Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition, Half-Elves get "Skill Versatility" allowing them to be proficient in two skills of their choice. This option does not appear to be present in BG3 and they must choose one of the below variant Half-Elf options which grants the additional following features: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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The Halfling Subraces obtain | The Halfling Subraces additionally obtain: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ Halfling Subrace Features | |+ Halfling Subrace Features | ||
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If the melee cantrip spells Green flame blade and Booming Blade were to be added to BG3, Githyanki would become one of the top choices for melee full casters like sorcerers or wizards. Even without these melee cantrips Githyanki brings a lot to the table for any character, but especially for squishy casters who can take advantage of the medium armor proficiency or melee characters who can get added benefit from the mobility that [[Jump]] and [[Misty Step]] provide. | If the melee cantrip spells Green flame blade and Booming Blade were to be added to BG3, Githyanki would become one of the top choices for melee full casters like sorcerers or wizards. Even without these melee cantrips Githyanki brings a lot to the table for any character, but especially for squishy casters who can take advantage of the medium armor proficiency or melee characters who can get added benefit from the mobility that [[Jump]] and [[Misty Step]] provide. | ||
==[[Gnome|Gnomes]]== | |||
====Lore==== | |||
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URB6xH1ocN8&t=306s This 15 Minute Video by Spell&Shield] covers the Gnome race in greater detail than I do here and is a wonderful resource. | |||
{{FRWiki|Gnome|Gnomes}} have various stories on how they came to exist on Faerun, but the common theme is that their souls were drawn from gems by their patron god {{FRWiki|Garl Glittergold}} around 20,000 or more years prior to BG3. It is said that the [[Gnome#Rock_Gnomes|Rock Gnomes]] are born from the souls of diamonds, [[Gnome#Forest_Gnomes|Forest Gnomes]] are born from the souls of emeralds, while the [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] are born from the souls of rubies. It's worth noting that [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] have the [[Underdark]] based subrace [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] which are a result of Mind Flayer experimentation, and [[Elf|Elves]] have their Underdark based cousins the [[Drow]] which are the result of Dark Elves being cursed by the Seldarine Gods, but the Deep Gnomes are Underdark dwelling variants of Gnomes yet they were never cursed or transformed into this form. It is how they have always been. | |||
The Rock Gnomes and Forest Gnomes have a largely shared history. While they often don't coexist and settle in the same communities, historical events influenced both similarly. Both are very adept craftspeople and inventors, with rock gnomes being especially skilled with masonry and metalwork, while forest gnomes were more capable woodworkers. Both Rock and Forest Gnomes are excellent at gem crarfting. These qualities and skills were sought after by some, and as a result the gnomes were brought into slavery by the humans of Netheril (see the [[Guide:Races_Guide_by_Phantomsplit#Humans|Human Lore]] section) starting around 5,000 years before BG3. Those that escaped would often go to live with nearby High Elf settlements, where the elves would over the years try to teach the Gnomes some magic. Gnomes proved to be shockingly adept at Illusion Magic much to the surprise of the Gnomes and Elves both. The bulk of surface gnomes spent 1,300 years in slavery to the human Netheril empire before a combination of Gnomes acting as saboteurs and diplomatic intercession by neighboring elves finally led to the empire freeing their slaves. From there the gnomes went on to move into or near dwarven, elven, and human settlements across Faerun. | |||
Rock Gnomes are the most common variant of Gnomes, and they tend to make homes from burrows built into the ground. While the more rare Forest Gnomes tend to build their homes up in the trees. The only large Gnomish settlement was populated by Rock Gnomes and found on {{FRWiki|Lantan}} located quite a ways to the southwest of the {{FRWiki|Sword Coast}}, which is the region where Baldur's Gate 3 takes place. Many thought the island was destroyed in the {{FRWiki|Spellplague}}, but it turns out most of it was instead sent to the planet {{FRWiki|Abeir}} as described in the [[Guide:Races_Guide_by_Phantomsplit#Dragonborn|Dragonborn Lore]] section. Lantan was returned to {{FRWiki|Toril}} During the {{FRWiki|Second Sundering}}, and the gnomes of Lantan are said to be both more secretive and have far more advanced technology than before. | |||
The Deep Gnomes (called Svirfneblin in their own tongue) have a separate history. They have largely lived in the Underdark trying to stay unnoticed by their neighbors, both uncivilized and civilized. They tend to not build large settlements underground because this just makes them a large target for slaving raids by their [[Duergar]] and [[Drow]] neighbors. {{FRWiki|Blingdenstone}} is the greatest settlement they ever made, yet it was quickly squashed by the Drow who summoned demons in the city when the gnomes had made a nuisance of themselves. Deep Gnomes are able to survive and thrive in the perilous Underdark so long as they do not draw attention to themselves. Like their surface cousins, Deep Gnomes are also very well known for their abilities with Illusion magic, and in fact to a greater degree since the Deep Gnomes use this magic regularly to ensure survival. | |||
====World Interactions==== | |||
While both Rock Gnomes and Forest gnomes have a knack for tinkering as well as for wildlife and animals, the Rock Gnomes further embody the inventing aspects while the Forest Gnomes further embody the bond with nature. Both may have specific reactions to mechanical constructs or interacting with wildlife, but Rock Gnomes are more likely to have the former while Forest Gnomes are more likely to have the latter. Other surface races see Gnomes as a mix between [[Elf|Elves]] and [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] in mentality. Gnomes have the ability to be industrious and craft magnificent things (their gem crafting capability earns them particular respect from the Dwarves). But they also know how to kick back and enjoy life. They have the greatest power of all; a work-life balance. The Gnomes are also known for their lighthearted pranks and mischief. While a [[Halfling|halfling]] is often too innocent to understand the mischief they are getting themselves into, Gnomes intentionally cause mischief for a good laugh. | |||
Deep Gnomes exhibit many of the above personality features, but only if you get to know them first. The millenia of hiding to survive from the [[Drow]] and [[Duergar]] have led them to be paranoid and distrustful of all, and this social reluctance can lead many to think that Deep Gnomes are cold and callous creatures. When a Deep Gnome has the slightest suspicion that danger is on the horizon their survival instinct kicks in and they clam up. But when they are able to relax with those they trust then they behave much like their surface brethren. That said, it will be difficult for a Deep Gnome to ever trust a Duergar or Drow. If there is any other race that Deep Gnomes may have good relations with, it is Mountain Dwarves who are known to trade and cooperate with Deep Gnomes or shelter the Deep Gnomes when their homes are destroyed by the Underdark's inhabitants. | |||
====Mechanical Traits==== | |||
All [[Gnome|Gnomes]] are granted: | |||
* A 25 ft movement speed (5 ft less than normal) | |||
* [[Gnome Cunning]] granting them [[Advantage|advantage]] on [[Intelligence]], [[Charisma]], and [[Wisdom]] [[Saving Throw|saving throws]]. | |||
The Gnome Subraces additionally obtain: | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|+ Gnome Subrace Features | |||
|- | |||
! Deep Gnomes !! Forest Gnomes !! Rock Gnomes | |||
|- | |||
| [[Superior Darkvision]] out to 80 ft || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft | |||
|- | |||
| [[Stone Camouflage]] granting them [[advantage]] on [[Stealth]] [[Skill Check|skill checks]] || The ability to cast [[Speak with Animals]] at will || [[Artificer's Lore]] granting [[Expertise]] with [[History]] [[Skill Check|skill checks]] | |||
|} | |||
====Build Synergy==== | |||
As with [[Halfling]] and [[Dwarf]], the Gnome'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]]. The [[Gnome Cunning]] ability is seen right up there with Halfling's [[Lucky]] as one of the best racial abilities in the game. Lucky has the added benefit of applying to all [[Attack Rolls|attack rolls]], [[Saving Throws|saving throws]], and [[Skill Check|skill checks]]. While [[Gnome Cunning]] only applies to [[Saving Throws|saving throws]] that specifically use Intelligence, Charisma, and Wisdom. However if you are making one of those types of saving throws then Gnome Cunning applies every time, whereas halfling's Lucky only applies on the off-chance your roll ends up as a natural 1. Lucky is not as powerful but more universally applied, while Gnome Cunning is far more useful in the specific scenarios it applies. Wisdom, Intelligence, and Charisma saving throws are typically used to resist mind altering affects that can make you skip turns. In turnbased combat games action economy is paramount. If you have a 6th level [[Paladin]] aura applied to a Gnome (or if the Gnome themself is a Paladin) then it will be very difficult for them to fail sucha a debilitating saving throw. Baldur's Gate 3 also often uses Wisdom Saving throws in certain dialogue scenes, so having [[Advantage|advantage]] on these saves is immensely benefical. | |||
Each of the Gnome subraces bring a lot to the table as well. This is a Larian game, so a Forest Gnome being able to [[Speak with Animals]] at will is a wonderful ability to have and will certainly open new paths up to players to explore if you don't already have somebdoy with such an ability. The Rock Gnome's expertise in History is a bit more niche and specifically useful for high Intelligence characters like [[Wizard|Wizards]] where it will get the most mileage in ensuring you succeed on History checks. And I have seen many suggest that Deep Gnome is the best race overall for stealthy characters as having advantage on stealth checks permanently is not something you will likely not be able to get elsewhere barring magic items. Combine this with [[Pass Without Trace]] from a caster in your party with access to the spell and possibly [[Expertise]] in [[Stealth|stealth]] from playing either a [[rogue]] or a [[bard]] to become practically undetectable. | |||
== Remaining Races are Work in Progress == | == Remaining Races are Work in Progress == | ||
[[Category:Guides]] | [[Category:Guides]] | ||