Character Creation Guide

Welcome to Virturia!
This will serve a a simple guide to the peoples of Virturia, and allow you to build your character in a more informed way. This article will outline every playable race in D&D 5e, and then how that race may be similar or different in the Land of Virturia than in other settings. As a general rule the written lore of the standard races remains accurate here in Virturia.

Standard Races

Human

Humans are widely known as the most widespread race in Virturia. They can be found anywhere and everywhere. Their tenacity and creativity are widely known, and most other peoples respect humans for it.

Elf

Elves are rare in Virturia. They prefer to keep to themselves, but the occasional elf chooses to break the mould and travel out into the wide world. Their innate magic and long lifespan sometimes means that elves see themselves as superior, but not necessarily. Its not everyday you meet an elf, so some people view them as exotic and exciting, or as alien and untrustworthy, depending on their demeanour. In Virturia, other subraces are simply representing genetic diversities among Elves. The Drow, or dark elves, aren't innately evil, and don't carry the same (somewhat disturbing, if you read it) lore as can be found in official D&D material. Dark Elves are still uncommon among Elves, and they still prefer to dwell in darkness due to the sensitivity of their skin and eyes, but there is no bad blood between regular elves and dark elves in Virturia.

Dwarf

A few Dwarves can be found in most parts of Virturia, but most of them prefer to live together in close-knit groups than interact with others. Dwarves are known for their skill in Mining and Crafting, and most people will agree that a dwarves' handiwork in weapons or armour is the best you will find. In Virturia, the Duergar are a faction of dwarves who delved so deep underground they never returned to the surface. They now dwell in underground caverns and are almost never seen on the surface. In fact, it is unknown if they are even still there.

Dragonborn

(and Lizardfolk)
The Dragonborn of Virturia are something of a mystery. Nobody knows where they came from. They are found in many places, yet most are wanderers, with no real home. Instead, they form clans and long-lasting bonds with their fellow dragonborn which remain even after spending years apart. Many other races are scared of Dragonborn due to their fearsome appearance, but those who know a dragonborn can attest that with very few exceptions, they are loyal, friendly and Valiant. It is because of these values that Dragonborn often make excellent warriors, and so many of them are adventurers.
However, there also exists in Virturia what is known as the Dull dragonborn. These are dragonborn who have lost contact with the elemental magic flowing through all dragons, and as a result their scales are dull rather than shining with the bright colours of usual dragonborn. They don't have a breath weapon like other dragonborn, but they still have their draconic features, which they focus on developing to make up for what they have lost. Mechanically, playing a dull dragonborn is the same as playing a Lizardfolk.

Halfling

Halflings are known for their small stature and big hearts. They live together in small homely communities and generally get on well with other races due to their friendly culture. An adventuring halfling is an unusual thing, as most value comfort over the dangers of adventuring- but there are always exceptions.

Half-Elf

A half-elf is the child of a human and an elf. Given the propensity of most elves not to mix with humans, they aren't a common sight. Many people may mistake a half elf for a regular elf due to their distinct pointed ears, but elves will instantly recognise that they aren't the same. Therefore, half elves often have no real family, as neither elves or humans consider them one of their own. In Virturia, this means wandering half elves sometimes take up the mantle of adventurer so they can make friends and see the world.

Half-Orc

Half-orcs are typically thought of as rough and scary, but in the world of Virturia, there are two different types of Orcs- Wild Orcs maraud across the wastelands and pillage other settlements, but the aptly named common orc can be found in many settlements, and live much more peaceful lives. Almost all half orcs are offspring of common orcs, and so despite their tough appearance aren't necessarily brutish meatheads. Their natural strength makes them well suited for battle, so half-orcs are most frequently found among soldiers and mercenaries. (You could also choose to play just a common orc if you really want the orc statblock instead of half-orc)

Tiefling

Tieflings are people descended from Demons. In Virturia, demons dwell in the underworld, but during the cataclysm a number escaped to to the surface, and since had children with other races-who became the tieflings known today. For a long time, tieflings were distrusted, but recently people have come to see that they aren't necessarily a bad lot. There are still some places where a tiefling will earn uncomfortable glances, but in the world of Virturia, so many different peoples mingle together that most are unfazed by things like unusual skintones or horns.

Gnome

To be a gnome is to be smol. Gnomes are creative and witty, and almost universally liked for their works of genius. Some might find them irritating, but gnomes enthusiastic attitude tends to earn them fast friends.

Exotic Races

This is where things get a bit different! There are a lot of playable races in D&D, and since there would be a lot of complicated lore to fit into the world with every one of them, I've introduced a few homebrew races that act as umbrellas.

Beastfolk

The beastfolk used to be human, but their ancestors were transformed by the magic of the cataclysm into animalistic forms, and they've since multiplied and thrived ever since. Every beastfolk that is born has the traits of a certain animal, and there is little genetic rhyme or reason in these features. Also note that all beastfolk are bipedal, so Satyr's and centaurs will not have four legs, but could still hove powerful animal-like legs instead of human legs.
If you choose to play a beastfolk you could mechanically be a:

• Firbolg (Dog Beastfolk)
• Bugbear (Ape Beastfolk)
• Leonin (Lion Beastfolk)
• Satyr (Deer Beastfolk)
• Harengon (Rabbit Beastfolk)
• Tabaxi (Cat Beastfolk)
• Tortle (Tortoise Beastfolk)
• Loxodon (Elephant beastfolk)
• Centaur (Horse Beastfolk)
• Giff (Hippo Beastfolk)
• Minotaur (Bull Beastfolk)
• Yuan-Ti (Snake beastfolk)
• Any of the bestial shifter forms

Aquarian

The aquarian's are the people of the sea. They are an ancient and mysterious race that dwell in the watery depths and don't often interact with outsiders, although some do travel to the surface to see their fortunes. They all have gills, can breath underwater and are good swimmers- though they take a wide variety of different forms.
If you choose to be an aquarian you could mechanically be a:

• Triton
• Locathah
• grung
• Water Genasi
• any aquatic shifter forms

You choose you appearance based on a kind of aquatic animal, so you could have sharp shark-like teeth, be abnormally large as representing a whale, or have irridescent scales patterned after any kind of fish.

Avian

The Avian are the airborne counterparts of the aquarians. They are also ancient, and there are even theories that at one time these races shared a common ancestor. But today, the Avians live in remote mountaintop villages, and are rarely found among civilisation. They all have bird-like characteristics, although not all of them are able to fly.
If you choose to be an avian you could mechanically be a:

• Aarakocra
• Kenku
• Owlin
• Air Genasi
• any flying/bird type shifter form

You choose your appearance based on a kind of bird, so you might have taloned feet, bright plumage or the ability to make annoying honking sounds. (That last one was a joke please don't bring a goose character XD)

Goliath

Goliath lore remains much the same- they are proud mountain-dwelling people known for their strength and fortitude, who live in a tribal culture.

Goblin

(Plus half-goblin and Hobgoblin)
Goblins are known for being small and sneaky, but that isn't always a bad thing. They are very resilient, and even though many look down on them for their greed and underhandedness, some goblins can earn respect after proving they are honest folk. There are also Half-goblins, who are the offspring of goblins and humans. If playing a half-goblin, you can use the same statblock as goblins but with size medium, and the nimble escape feature includes hide but not disengage. Alternatively, you can play a hobgoblin as a half-goblin.

Kobold

Kobold are small, cowardly variants of the large and courageous dragonborn. They are known for idolising dragons and working together to overwhelm larger opponents. many Kobolds roam the wilds in packs, but a select few leave behind their monstrous ways and seek a better life. These few might find a place among civilisation if they can leave behind the influences of their clan siblings.

Changeling

In Virturia, changelings are a curious product of the magical fallout from the cataclysm. While most people affected by the magic went on to become Beastfolk, A minority gained the ability to change their appearance at will, a feature that was passed down through generations. Changelings are well suited to be wanderers or adventurers, as they have a face for any situation.

Warforged

In Virturia, warforged are the sentient automata animated by magic that were created in the past by genius scientists on Yokotana Island, some of which have since travelled across the world. They were invented to serve a wide variety of roles, from combat to reconnaissance to simply being mechanical servants. After the dynasty that created them fell, these automata were scattered. Many were sold as rare treasures, and sadly many were destroyed or critically damaged. In the present times, very few people have the technical skills to build or repair them, and nobody knows the secrets to the spell which gives them life.

Oni

The Oni are a bonus homebrew race I have added to the world of Virturia. They have a tribal culture, but many Oni choose to leave their home behind to seek adventure. There is a separate article detailing the race, which is linked here: Oni I just think they're cool!

I'm pretty sure that's everything- if you wanna play a transformed race like a reborn or a vampire, you just have to find a way to tie that into your backstory. If there are any races that are missed off this list (there might be a few) Just ask and I can try to fit them in or reflavour as necessary.