For the time being I am only including original 5 Races for Shadowrun: Humans, Elves, Orks, Trolls, and Dwarves. Later I will include the races from Europe such as Minotaur, Dwarves, etc. You can join the Yahoo group if you have any ideas!
The races were of particular interest to me. I love Shadowrun and the races were a great amount of the flavor of the dark future that is the SHadows we run in. However there were several mechanic problems in converting. The primary one has to do with the generation methods.
SHadowrun bases resources, magical ability, and other things in a "priority character generation method. Meaning essentially that certain races just can be as good as others. Now...this jsut makes no sense. Troll or not, one can still make as much money as a human. It jsut depends on where you start off from. In D20, all money is determined by class. It represents part of the game balance. It is assumed that certain classes will have more from various methods. It is compensated for.
Lastly came the problem of trying to keep racial statistics in line. This again had to do withthe priority system which uses starting money, magical ability, etc. to compensate for incresed strength or other attributes. In D20, compensation is handled differently. However I tried to keep the "flavor" of each of the races and kept the important stuff statistical. Ex...Trolls are still very bad to meet in a dark alley.
Racial Adjustments
Name STR CON DEX WIS INT CHA ESS FAVORED CLASS
Dwarf +2 -2 RIGGER
Elf -2 +2 MAGICIAN
Human ANY
Ork +2 +3 -1 -2 -2 ROGUE
Troll +4 +5 -3 -4 -3 FIGHTER
DESCRIPTIONS
Dwarf
Dont let their size fool you, Dwarves are not to be reckoned with if possible. I chose Rigger as their favored class becasue due to stereotyping, they are often raised with an advanced understanding of mechanics. Dwarves have the following Racial Traits.
* +2 COnstitution, -2 Charisma: Dwarves are stalwart and tough but tend to be gruff.
* Medium Size
* Base Speed is 20 feet
* Darkvision - Dwarves can See in the dark up to 60 feet.
* +2 racial bonus to saving throws against Poison
* +2 racial bonus to craft/build/repair checks having to do with electronics or mechanics.
Elf
Elves are one of the most coveted races. In fact, many Faux Elves have become popular nowadays at plastic surgery clinics. Elves have a strong tendancy towards magic. I chose their favored class as magician because their study of magic is academic in most cases. Elves have the following racial traits:
* -2 Constitution, +2 Dexterity : Elves are graceful but frail. They have very strict diets in most cases excluding most forms of meat.
* Medium Size
* Base Speed is 30 feet
* Low Light Vision
* +2 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks : elves senses are natuarally more advanced
Human
Humans are humans. they resisted the changes facing metahumanity but even they are adjusting to the new world. Humans have had to learn to adjust faster to their enviroment and gain bonuses to reflect that. Human racial traits are:
* Medium Sized
* Base speed is 30 feet
* 1 extra feat at 1st level
* 4 extra skill points at first level and 1 extra skill point each additional level.
Ork
Orks are the scum of society. Or so the government would lead you to believe. Orks, long considered the dredge of humanity have learned to adapt to their way of life. Though bulky and sometimes not so limber as humans they make perfect rogues. They live by building huge cities in the sewers of Seattle or just learning how to be avoided and often start running very young. Orkish racial traits are:
* +2 Strength, +3 Constitution, -1 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence, -2 Charisma
* Medium Sized
* Darkvision
* Base speed is 30 feet
Troll
If Orks are considered the dredge of society, Trolls are looked on as plain monstrous. Trolls reach often to 9 to 11 feet in height and have horns, tusks, and thick hard skin. They are incredibly strong and their dermal armor gives them a natural strength.
* +4 Strength, +5 Constitution, -3 Dexterity, -4 Intelligence, -3 Charisma
* Large Sized: -1 to AC, -1 to Attacks
* Base Speed is 40 feet
* Low Light Vision
* Dermal Armor: A thick bony, carapace-like skin that covers the Trolls body giving +1/3 Damage Reduction.
* Trolls have reach of 5 feet
If you have an idea for another Race, or are itnereste din seeing it online. join the yahoo group and post your idea. We'll work it out see about getting it converted. I kow Gnomes and Minotaurs are next on my list.
