Crossroads MVP
Below are the many species the setting was designed around. Most of these are the typical fantasy species that we all know and (debatably) love.
Choosing a species mostly affects the Size and [H]ealth of a character, but the decision over which species to play should be a narrative one rather than one based on who does what best. While Elves are usually fast and Dwarfs are usually tough, there's nothing stopping you from playing an agile Dwarf or a stalwart Elf. Species attributes have been kept quite simple for this reason.
Species are not homogeneous. Each species has many different cultures and languages, and cultures or languages are not limited to a single species. While tribal and familial nature means that individuals may tend to stay with others of the same species, integrated cultures and languages should exist.
No species is inherently Good or Evil. Certain cultures may exist with harmful practices but individuals of each species can decide for themselves how they wish to act.
Whether or not species is important in your game is up to you.
Some people enjoy using games to deal with difficult topics such as Inter-Species tensions and other issues, while others simply see them as ways to make their character more unique or to fit a certain idea. Whether or not you decide to deal with racism in your world is up to you, but this MUST be clarified before starting the game.
As standard, the setting includes no notable half-species. Crossbreeding is uncommon and any possible children will strongly resemble one of their parents.
If a character wishes to be a half-species, simply choose one of the species and use the rules for that species. The rest will be flavour for role-playing.
Sex and Gender have no effect on gameplay.
Some cultures might treat characters differently based on their sex/gender. Some players might want to play characters that have no gender, a gender different from their sex, or their sex may have changed since they were born. Whether or not you decide to deal with sexism or other gender-issues in your world is up to you, but this MUST be clarified before starting the game.
Many legends are told about the species of this world, and how they came to be. The Five Species have been at the centre of destiny for as long as can be remembered.
In MVP, there are only 5 species for simplicity.
Character [H] is explained further in the Combat — Taking Damage section.
DwarfRenowned for being particularly tough, albeit slow, the sturdy stature of Dwarfs also allows them to carry heavy weights without being encumbered. This natural ability often makes them particularly stout warriors and front-line fighters.
| ○ | Species [H]: | HH HHH H |
| ○ | Size: | Medium |
ElfFast but fragile, Elves are well known for being able to train their senses to higher levels than other species. Therefore, Elves are particularly renowned for their archers and scouts, often providing such services even to the other species.
| ○ | Species [H]: | HH HH H |
| ○ | Size: | Medium |
HalflingHalflings are typically small and soft, but are amazing learners with a fantastic ability to remember details and seem to be unnaturally lucky, as if blessed by some higher power. While physically weaker than the other species, Halflings are well able to handle themselves in various situations.
| ○ | Species [H]: | HH HH H |
| ○ | Size: | Small |
| ○ | +1 [F] | |
HumanHumans are deemed average in terms of speed and size, but are regarded as having minds tuned towards understanding social cues in any species. This makes them particularly successful merchants and diplomats, and it is no coincidence that Tradespeak began as a Human language.
| ○ | Species [H]: | HHH HH H |
| ○ | Size: | Medium |
OrcOrcs are well known for being larger and stronger than the other species. While commonly believed to be stupider than the other species, this is blatantly untrue, though many Orcs use this prejudice to their advantage when outsmarting foes. When wits fail, however, Orcs frequently have the muscle to compensate.
| ○ | Species [H]: | HHH HH H |
| ○ | Size: | Medium |
Next StepAfter Species, you can move on to the Backgrounds section.