This is something I baked up for my own homebrew OSR game, which caps out at level 10 for all races and classes.
Fuck if I know how to preserve the formatting, though. :mad:
Elves
Requirements: CHA 9
Prime Requisite: CHA
Hit Dice: 1d6
Maximum Level: 10
Elves have pointed ears, and are thin, fey beings. They are very diverse in appearance, much like humans, and there are said to be different kinds of elves in distant locations. They typically weigh about 120 pounds and are between 5 and 5 ½ feet tall. Skin color ranges from pale white to green to brown to pitch black. Hair color includes blond, brown, black, red, green, and blue.
Elves can wield any weapon and use any armor. An elf must have at least a 13 in Charisma in order to get the +5% to experience. They must have a CHA of 16 to get the +10% bonus.
Elves have infravision to 60 feet, and have keen eyes that allow them, when actively searching, to detect hidden and secret doors with a roll of 1-2 on 1d6. When in a forest setting, they have a 50% chance to successfully hide and move silently.
Because of their connection to nature, elves are completely unaffected by the paralysis ghouls can inflict.
Due to their magical nature, elves can use any magic-user item (including scrolls, staves, wands, rings, etc.), as if they were a magic-user of equal level. Elves suffer no penalty for using magic-user items while they are wearing armor.
Elves can speak their alignment language, common, elvish, gnoll, hobgoblin, and orc.
Reaching 9th Level: Elves can establish a stronghold in a natural setting, such as a forest or glen, when they reach 9th level. Rather than impose upon nature, this keep must blend seamlessly with it. Because of the elven connection to nature, within 5 miles of the stronghold all ordinary animals will be kind and helpful to elves. This helpfulness includes the ability to warn of dangers and pass information, or even messages to others nearby. However, in exchange, an elven ruler must always defend the animals within this territory.
Elven rulers can hire members of other races in the capacity of retainers or specialists, but only soldiers of elven stock may be hired.
Elf Level Progression
Experience Level Hit Dice (1d6)
0 1 1
2,001 2 2
4,001 3 3
8,001 4 4
16,001 5 5
32,501 6 6
65,001 7 7
120,001 8 8
240,001 9 9
360,001 10 +2 hp only *
*Hit point modifiers from constitution are ignored.
Elf Attack Values
Elves use the Fighter attack value.
Elf Saving Throws
Breath Poison Petrify
Level Attacks or Death or Paralyze
1-3 15 12 13
4-6 13 10 11
7-9 9 8 9
10 7 6 7
Spells or
Level Wands Spell-like Devices
1-3 13 15
4-6 11 13
7-9 9 11
10 7 9
So, basically, it's an elf who can't cast spells, but is able to use any magic items as if they were a wizard? That's a neat way of doing things.
It makes them tough warriors, but still innately magical, which is what I was going for.
Quote from: danbuter;558324It makes them tough warriors, but still innately magical, which is what I was going for.
It's a good idea, I just wanted to make sure I was reading it correctly. Elves are still really magical, especially later when they might have a wand of magic missle or a scroll of fireball, but their magic is limited by what they find. It seems obvious in retrospect, but often good ideas do. :)
Quote from: jcfiala;558419It's a good idea, I just wanted to make sure I was reading it correctly. Elves are still really magical, especially later when they might have a wand of magic missle or a scroll of fireball, but their magic is limited by what they find. It seems obvious in retrospect, but often good ideas do. :)
It might work, but I have to ask - if elves can use magical stuff they find, how did they first find it?
In a lot of game worlds, elves are considered an 'elder race' - unless they're able to craft magical items, it seems that they should never have developed the ability to use magical items - there would have been none to use.
Quote from: deadDMwalking;558434It might work, but I have to ask - if elves can use magical stuff they find, how did they first find it?
In a lot of game worlds, elves are considered an 'elder race' - unless they're able to craft magical items, it seems that they should never have developed the ability to use magical items - there would have been none to use.
That's what I was wondering. Are there dedicated crafting classes that are seperate from magic using classes like Fantasy Craft? If so, this would work just fine. In fact, it would make alot of sense given that in a setup like that a subspecies of elf (looking at you Grey Elf) are master craftsmen in multiple crafts, well because they sit on mountaintops and have alot of time on their hands.:)
@danbuter
Interesting!
My take would be a bit different. Since the elves are one with nature, I'd say that they could not use any magical item that has been in some way manipulated or altered from its original form. Wands, scrolls, swords and so on would be out. Any weapon made of iron would burn and harm at the touch. However, they could take an ordinary branch and turn it into a weapon. Sing to the tree and it comes alive. Call to the ground and roots can grow, twist, and ensnare.
I like this. It's an adventuring elf who doesn't care about creating magic items.
I don't care how they made this computer, but I can damn sure use it to post.
So I guess to me it doesn't immediately ring: "All elves in the world are like the class PC's play."
Quote from: deadDMwalking;558434It might work, but I have to ask - if elves can use magical stuff they find, how did they first find it?
In a lot of game worlds, elves are considered an 'elder race' - unless they're able to craft magical items, it seems that they should never have developed the ability to use magical items - there would have been none to use.
Well, as I understand it the idea of 'race as class' is that the type of elf we run into while adventuring is just that - the type with wanderlust. The type of elf that learns how to cast magic and craft magic weapons stays home in the forest of the elders and earns his living with magic items.
And given the way that elves age, maybe the adventuring elf quiets down, goes back home to the Forests and learns how to do magic properly now that he's got all the wanderlust burned out of him. :)
Quote from: jcfiala;558567Well, as I understand it the idea of 'race as class' is that the type of elf we run into while adventuring is just that - the type with wanderlust. The type of elf that learns how to cast magic and craft magic weapons stays home in the forest of the elders and earns his living with magic items.
I understand that race as class presumes the 'archetype' that you might be most likely to encounter. But this particular version seems to logically require an elf that learns how to cast magic and craft magic weapons. Is there any reason such an elf COULDN'T have wanderlust and might not be encountered?
I think a race as class should be broad enough that low-level members of that race can plausibly fill all other 'culture roles'. If that's not the case, it may not work for me, personally. But if it is the case, it seems that this version of the elf needs at least one other 'race as class' that provides the magical gear...
Otherwise it seems to lead logically to a race of elves that likes to steal magical gear from other races that know how to make it.
QuoteOtherwise it seems to lead logically to a race of elves that likes to steal magical gear from other races that know how to make it.
Ack! Dark Sun Elves without even trying.;)
It's the reason I asked my question about dedicated crafting classes upthread but good observation.
Why are you assuming elves can't craft? Dwarves are always considered potent rune weapon makers (in most fantasy settings), yet they are not mages.
Note that most OSR games have no skill systems. You can assume what you want the character to know.
Quote from: danbuter;558625Why are you assuming elves can't craft? Dwarves are always considered potent rune weapon makers (in most fantasy settings), yet they are not mages.
Note that most OSR games have no skill systems. You can assume what you want the character to know.
That directed to me? If so, you misunderstood my question was did you have seperate craftsmen without requiring wozards is all. Seems sensible to have them in a society that uses any item. Put a whole other dimension into the game.
You are over thinking it and making the assumption that the character choices available to players are the sum total of the race. Were I to use this class, i would operate under the assumption that the magic making elves are essentially npc creatures like vampires, dragons, orcs or whatever.
Sensible choice.
I might have gone the other way. Let them have warrior magical items and be a wizard.
Sure they don't start the fight, or rely on it, but things go bad and their spells are gone? Whoosh magical flaming sword.
Quote from: Silverlion;558655I might have gone the other way. Let them have warrior magical items and be a wizard.
Sure they don't start the fight, or rely on it, but things go bad and their spells are gone? Whoosh magical flaming sword.
See I was thinking they were MERP style Noldor. The whole vibe was kickass bard to me. Your thought is very similar to mine.
I like that enough that next time I run OD&D (which will be a while I admit, due to the Great Pendragon Campaign being on at the moment) I'll probably use it. Nice work.
Quote from: D-503;558760I like that enough that next time I run OD&D (which will be a while I admit, due to the Great Pendragon Campaign being on at the moment) I'll probably use it. Nice work.
Thanks very much!
Quote from: Marleycat;558630That directed to me? If so, you misunderstood my question was did you have seperate craftsmen without requiring wozards is all. Seems sensible to have them in a society that uses any item. Put a whole other dimension into the game.
Just the thread in general. It seemed to be veering towards elves aren't magical if they aren't spellcasters as PC's.
Quote from: danbuter;559032Just the thread in general. It seemed to be veering towards elves aren't magical if they aren't spellcasters as PC's.
Don't get me wrong the take intrigues me but not sure I'd use it myself for two reasons.
1. I heavily prefer ethereal magical elves ala Sword, Memory, and Sorrow.
2. Dark Sun elves. I see a big impetus to become nothing but nomadic tribal thieves par excellence. Which is cool but not what I want my elves to be.
I think that magic nature needs to be more than using magic items. They don't need to be spellcasters but I'd like to see some options beyond that.
Perhaps making it clear that they are uncanny--they've got night vision, they're immune to spells of certain types, play those things up. Perhaps letting them detect magic as a sense, and being able to charge their mortal weapons with magical energy (for a minor bonus.) Or something that shows they can feel the flow magic as is their nature.
Quote from: Silverlion;559073I think that magic nature needs to be more than using magic items. They don't need to be spellcasters but I'd like to see some options beyond that.
Perhaps making it clear that they are uncanny--they've got night vision, they're immune to spells of certain types, play those things up. Perhaps letting them detect magic as a sense, and being able to charge their mortal weapons with magical energy (for a minor bonus.) Or something that shows they can feel the flow magic as is their nature.
That is a SMS elf. They are the Nordic version with the Celtic mixed in as dashes. They aren't default magic users but their magic users are defacto minor gods and up. When they use magic it's damn serious and humans can only drool in envy, if they even understand what level the game is being played at. My version of elves are either avatars or forces of magic and nature in perfect fusion. :)
See I would consider using this build of Elf for changelings or half-elves myself. But then again I prefer my games to be entirely, or almost so, human. So actual elves, etc would be cast more in the Fea mold - alien, almost never seen, and very dangerous to interact with.
-TGA
Quote from: Marleycat;559075That is a SMS elf. They are the Nordic version with the Celtic mixed in as dashes. They aren't default magic users but their magic users are defacto minor gods and up. When they use magic it's damn serious and humans can only drool in envy, if they even understand what level the game is being played at. My version of elves are either avatars or forces of magic and nature in perfect fusion. :)
Its very similar to the Sidda in High Valor too. As they age and they do age, they become less "humans with funny ears" and more and more something "else" for example: The Lion of the North in High Valor is an ancient Elf who has become a massive white lion, magical and strange devouring monsters in the bitter chill cold of the northern parts of Albae. While a less serious elf, might diminish become a playful winged sprite, and a terrible and dark spirited elf might become a monster which feeds on men in lonely places. (Of course elves without souls are something else, Shriven.)
Aging for them though is, interesting, since despite being virtually immortal, they age, but usually through sorrow, tragedy, terror, great acts of heroism, magic or faith.
Of course that eventually leads us to discussing dragons, and how they age similarly (but slightly different, Dragons are still dragons even if one has become a manifestation of poison, or disease.) Elves are "other." Still.
Although in your usual game the aging thing may only come up once or twice and only mildly, its goes to help show that they really aren't men-like.
Of course Dwarves turn to stone when they die instead of corrupting (not instantly, rock does little "instantly.)
For these elves:
Maybe great magical items hold elvish souls, and it takes an elf to get the most out of them, in this version? Perhaps when they die they may flow into something making it magical, or burst in a flash of magical energy changing the rules of magic for an area temporarily until after a few hundred years it changes?