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

Dyslexia.

You have disadvantage on checks that involve reading or research unless you take double the usual time to perform them.

Benefits

Skill/Tool Proficiency.

You are adept at one thing since birth, a calling. You gain proficiency in one skill or tool of your choice. (Alchemist’s Supplies)

Eidetic Memory.

You remember nearly everything. You automatically pass any Intelligence checks to recall any information you have been exposed to.

Extra Fatigue.

You’ve always been running. You can ignore level 1 and 2 exhaustion effects.