Crossroads SF
Races
Choosing a Race
Below are the many races the setting was designed around. Most of these are the typical fantasy races that we all know and (debatably) love.
Choosing a race mostly affects the Base [M]ovement and Base [H]ealth of a character, but the decision over which race 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. Racial attributes have been kept quite simple for this reason.
Racial Culture
Races are not homogeneous. Each race has many different cultures and languages, and cultures or languages are not limited to a single race. While tribal and familial nature means that individuals may tend to stay with others of the same race, integrated cultures and languages should exist.
No race is inherently Good or Evil. Certain cultures may exist with harmful practices but individuals of each race can decide for themselves how they wish to act and any race may have any culture.
Racial Issues
Whether or not race is important in your game is up to you.
Some people enjoy using games to deal with difficult topics such as racial 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.
Half-Races
As standard, the setting includes no notable half-races. Crossbreeding is uncommon and any possible children will strongly resemble one of their parents.
If a character wishes to be a half-race, simply choose one of the races and use the rules for that race.
The Five Races
Many legends are told about the races of this world, and how they came to be. The Five Races have been at the centre of destiny for as long as can be remembered.
In MVP, there are only 5 races for simplicity.
Dwarf
Renowned 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.
| • | Racial [M]: | 6 metres |
| • | Racial [H]: | HH HHH H |
| • | Size: | Medium |
| • | Armour penalties are reduced by 1 | |
| • | +1 Max [T] (Default 4) | |
Elf
Fast but fragile, Elves are well known for being able to train their senses to higher levels than other races. Therefore, Elves are particularly renowned for their archers and scouts, often providing such services even to the other races.
| • | Racial [M]: | 10 metres |
| • | Racial [H]: | HH HH H |
| • | Size: | Medium |
| • | +1 Max [C] (Default 4) | |
Halfling
Halflings 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 races, Halflings are well able to handle themselves in various situations.
| • | Racial [M]: | 6 metres |
| • | Racial [H]: | HH HH H |
| • | Size: | Small |
| • | +1 [F] | |
| • | +1 max [K] (Default 4) | |
Human
Humans are deemed average in terms of speed and size, but are regarded as having minds tuned towards understanding social cues in any race. This makes them particularly successful merchants and diplomats, and it is no coincidence that Tradespeak began as a Human language.
| • | Racial [M]: | 8 metres |
| • | Racial [H]: | HHH HH H |
| • | Size: | Medium |
| • | +1 max [S] (Default 4) | |
Orc
Orcs are well known for being larger and stronger than the other races. While commonly believed to be stupider than the other races, 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.
| • | Racial [M]: | 8 metres |
| • | Racial [H]: | HHH HH H |
| • | Size: | Medium |
| • | +1 max [B] (Default 4) | |