The Playable Races

With the removal of Elves, Half-Elves, Dwarves, and Half-Orcs from the usual docket of playable races, we have some new contenders to the arena. Goblins, Orcs, and Hobgoblins its your time to step up and shine!

Goblins:
- Stat adjustments: -2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma. Goblins are quick and dexterous, but lack the strength and people skills of the taller races.
- Small size: +1 bonus to Armor Class, +1 bonus on attack rolls, +4 bonus on Hide checks, -4 penalty on grapple checks, lifting and carrying limits ¾ those of Medium characters.
- A goblin’s base land speed is 30 feet. Despite being small, Goblins are always in a state of stride, lunging somewhat comically at tallfolk-like speed
- Darkvision out to 60 feet.
- +4 racial bonus on Move Silently and Appraise checks. Small and lithe, Goblins are natural sneaks, and their upbringing as traders gives them the keen eye and innate talents to coax the truest value out of any gemstone or precious metal.
- Automatic Languages: Common, Goblin. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Gnoll, Gnomish, Halfling, Kobold, Orc, Undercommon.
- Favored Class: Rogue.

Orcs:
- Stat adjustment: +4 Strength, -2 Intelligence, -2 Wisdom, -2 Charisma. Orcs are large and filled with natural strength and raw fighting potential, but commonly lack the candor, intellect, and conversational skills of other races.
- An orc’s base land speed is 30 feet.
- Darkvision out to 90 feet.
- Light Sensitivity: Generations of living underground has left its toll of the modern day Orc, as their eyes have yet to fully adjust to life above ground. As such, Orcs are dazzled in bright sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell.
- Automatic Languages: Common, Orc. Bonus Languages: Giant, Gnoll, Goblin, Undercommon.
Favored Class: Fighter or Barbarian.

Hobgoblins:
- Stat adjustment: -2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution *or* +2 Dexterity, -2 Constitution. In the period of time until the end of the Last War, Hobgoblin society was divided down the middle by bloodline. Chiefs and those of royal descent are especially strong of heart, granting a Constitution bonus. However, constant inbreeding has left their bulky bodies with slightly hampered mobility, cutting their Dexterity. Alternatively, the dregs which were prevented from mingling with the upper class are subsequently frail and prone to illness, yet retain the agility that their cousins lack.
- A hobgoblin’s base land speed is 30 feet.
- Darkvision out to 60 feet.
- +4 racial bonus on Diplomacy *or* +4 racial bonus on Move Silently checks. As with the stat adjustments, those of noble blood are better suited for actions of the court, while the lower class are adept at moving silently and common thievery.
-Automatic Languages: Common, Goblin. Bonus Languages: Gnomish, Giant, Halfling, Orc, Undercommon.
-Favored Class: Cleric *or* Rogue.

In addition to the new playable races introduced, Halflings and Gnomes have undergone slight modifications to make them fit into the world better.

Halflings:
- +2 to Ride and Handle Animal checks *instead of* +2 morale bonus vs. Fear. The nomadic Halfling is required to know his steed and how to ride in the harshest of climates, making the act nearly second nature to all Halflings.
- Automatic Languages: Halfling. Bonus Languages: Common, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Troll. As a nomadic people, Halflings usually only speak their own language, a variation of Common, although a few educate themselves in Goblin or Orc, for trading purposes.
- Favored Class: Ranger or Druid. As a tribal people, nature plays a larger role than the traditional D&D urban Halfling, making them pick different vocations.

Gnomes:
- +2 racial bonus on Craft (alchemy) and Spellcraft checks. Gnomes are the most magically inclined people in the land, and their skills reflect that.
- +4 dodge bonus to Armor Class against Trolls *instead of* +4 dodge bonus to Armor Class against creatures of the giant type (such as ogres, trolls, and hill giants). Gnomes and Trolls have been fighting each other since either race cares to recall, and Gnomes know how to outmaneuver their bulkier opponents.
- Automatic Languages: Common, Gnome. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Halfling, Giant, Goblin, Orc, Troll
- Favored Class: Wizard