Race: Human

There are thousands of variations of the human species, many races biologically compatible with very little genetic differentiation. Gamebooks would claim they fall under the umbrella of a single race but ignoring stereotypes of color or ethnicity, there can be variations between even family members more extreme than two individuals on opposite sides of the globe.

Human Traits

• +1 to each ability score
• Speed 30
• English and one other language (French)

Genetic Diversity

Despite humans being biologically compatible with one another and sharing 99.9% of their genetic data, there is a universe of possibilities in that final decimal point. Deviating no more than 5% of that chromosomal data begets apes and chimpanzees. So, it’s no shock that a microscopic variation in the genetic code can change someone from short to tall or make them prefer art over sports. No doubt, people are exhibiting certain physical or mental advantages that are superior over others. It’s a simple fact of life. Someone can be born with numerous disadvantages over the norm. However, in real life, people do not have a disembodied puppeteer controlling every aspect of their creation…at least not one that rolls dice and paints miniatures

The Genetic Diversity table allows you to select an additional benefit to your character, or more at the cost of an ability score increase. Since most people can’t choose their biological parents, you can roll randomly instead of selecting (rolling twice and taking the preferred bonus). Note that ethnicity has no impact whatsoever on what traits you can have.

Genetic Benefits

Select or roll for one genetic benefit below. You can gain additional benefits by either forgoing one of your +1 ability score increases (but only one) or by incurring a penalty by selecting a shortcoming. The GM may choose to limit the number of benefits you can gain— generally no more than two or three. The GM may also require you to roll for both benefits and shortcomings instead of choosing to enforce the randomness of the genetic lottery.

• Additional benefit from no +1 to Vigor
• Additional benefit from a shortcoming
• Total 3 benefits and 1 shortcoming

Shortcomings

Frail Frame

You do not handle pain very well. Each time you suffer damage, you lose 1 additional hit point.

1d20

Benefits

Night Eyes

You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Toughness

Each time you suffer damage from a piercing or slashing weapon, you suffer 2 fewer points of damage.

Disciplined Lungs

You always could hold your breath longer than others. You can go without oxygen for as many minutes as twice your Constitution modifier.