Dungeons and Dragons

Are you making a character and don’t know what race to pick? There are a lot of options in the Player’s Handbook, but where do you start? Unless you’re trying to make the most optimal character, race and class combinations don’t matter. Pick something that you like the sound of or are interested in playing. It’s your character after all. If you’ve never played before, here’s a brief explanation of Humans (without all the confusing numbers attached to it).

What can you expect from a Human?

Humans are the easiest of all the races for us to relate to. We’re all human after all. They are the youngest amongst the common races within D&D. They don’t have the lifespan of an Elf or a Dwarf, but what they lack in years, they make up in unparalleled ambition and the drive to get things done while they still live. The elder races see Humans as rash and hasty, always in a hurry to get somewhere. Maybe because of their short lifespans, the Humans have something to prove, showing their defiance against age and proving that they deserve to be on the world’s stage.

Humans in D&D – much like us in real life – are the embodiment of diversity. Tall or short, petite or broad, hair colour and style of every type, skin colour of a variety of shades, upholding traditions and cultures of every kind. They are the most adaptable race in the world. They all have different tastes, morals and even where they want to settle. They make the most of what they have and live in the moment. Unlike Elves and Dwarves who could puta single set of guards in place at important locations for hundreds of years, Humans don’t have that option. So, they establish long lasting institutions that will outlive them, but uphold everything that they stand for.

How does this translate to your character sheet?

As I’ve all ready mentioned, Humans are the most versatile of the races. They can find greatest in many different forms. Whether they dedicate themselves to strength to become a gladiator, or they might show a penchant for intricate and delicate workings of crafting. They may choice to live a healthy life and become the hardiest of folk, or they may pursue an understanding of the divine. They might choice to bury themselves in books, diving into academics, or use their charms to gain favour amongst the masses, and strive to make the world better for everyone. Just like us, Human are considered to hit adult hood in their late teens and live on average into their eighties, though some have been blessed and reached their first century. Like many of the other races, they know Common, but they would have likely picked up another language as well, being the worldly race that they are. Whether it’s fragments of the musical poetry of the Elves, militaristic phrases of the Dwarves, or a good old Orcish curse.

Subraces:

Humans don’t have subraces, in the way that the other races do. They have people that are from different places within the world, and therefore share characteristic from those places. To get a little technical for a moment, there is a variant to the base Human race, making them less versatile than normal, but they do have the advantage of knowing more skills and special traits.

What class should I pick for a Human?

I’ve said it a lot in this article all ready, but when it comes down to it, Humans can fit into any class. You want to make a sword and shield wielding warrior? A Fighter would work for you. Want to be in touch with nature and command wild animals? Druids fit that mould perfectly. Had the idea to sell your soul to an Eldrich monstrosity for powers beyond comprehension? Pick a Warlock, you’ll have a lot of fun with it.

Does that mean there are more varieties of Humans?

Unfortunately, no. They are the one race that doesn’t have additional subraces. This is because unlike the other races, Humans have many different communities and cultures.