Step 1 of 8: Choose Your Species
Your species shapes your starting characteristics and skills. Choose wisely — the Old World rewards no second chances.
Humans are the most numerous and widespread of the civilised species of the Old World, occupying every corner of the continent. Their relatively short lives drive extraordinary ambition and versatility. Humans can enter any career class without restriction. They begin with 3 additional Random Talents rolled on the Random Talent Table, and have Extra Points to distribute freely between Fate and Resilience.
Dwarfs — or 'Dawi' as they call themselves — are legendarily gruff and stubborn. Squat with thick muscular limbs, they excel at stonework, smithing, and engineering. Their exceptional Toughness and Willpower reflect their famed resilience and mental fortitude. Dwarfs cannot cast spells and bear Animosity toward Elves from the ancient War of the Beard. Their long memories mean they nurse grudges for generations.
Halflings are ubiquitous across the Reikland, found in service industries and known for their enormous appetites and sunny dispositions. Short and apple-cheeked, they excel at ranged combat, dexterity, and fellowship. Their Small trait reduces their Wounds (calculated without Strength Bonus) but also makes them harder to hit. They begin with 2 additional Random Talents rolled on the Random Talent Table.
High Elves — the Asur — are native to the magical island of Ulthuan to the west. Tall, slender, and extraordinarily perceptive, they boast among the highest Initiative and Agility of any species. Merchants, diplomats, and scholars, they are widely seen as both the most beautiful and most arrogant of the elder races. High Elves have Extra Points to distribute between Fate and Resilience at character creation.
Wood Elves — the Asrai of Athel Loren and Eonir of the Laurelorn — remained in the Old World after the War of the Beard and withdrew into the deep forests. Sharing the same characteristic profile as High Elves, they differ markedly in culture and skills: wilderness-focused, stealthy hunters and trackers. They are rare and unsettling visitors to civilised lands, and deeply mistrustful of outsiders.