So, we've got this wonderful suggestion system where any player can build a race to the point where it's completely ready for play. All Nick or I need to do is provide feedback and approve as necessary. That being said, exactly what is acceptable has been something of a mystery to you guys up until now.
After the recent race updates, I can at last offer you some concrete guidelines for building your own races. Here's what you'll need:
Game Stats
- Three class affinities.
- Nine weak skill affinities. No more than two of these should be for trade skills. Note that, in almost all cases, moderate or strong skill affinities will not be allowed on a playable race.
- Three racial actions. One of these should be available between levels one and three, another between level four and six, and the last between levels seven and ten. All of these actions must become available at the appropriate level.
Fluff
- Physical Description. What does your race's most defining features? How do they commonly dress?
- Personality. How do members of your race commonly act? Does every member of the race possess a predisposition toward certain personality traits or behaviors?
- Relations. How does your race get along with other races? Do they have a reputation? Are they famous (or infamous) for something?
- Adventurers. Are adventuring members of your race common or rare? Why do members of your race typically seek adventure? How do they prefer to function in an adventuring group?
- Costuming Requirements. This should have been mentioned in Physical Description, but be specific. What sort of specific makeup or props are required to play as a member of your race?
In all cases, these features should not closely match the features of another race. Well-built, distinctive races will be allowed for playtest or restricted use. The best of them may even be allowed for approved use by anyone.
And remember, as with all game content, there are human beings involved in the review process. Smart ones (or so we like to think). Making a new race is a great way to add flavor and character to the game; it is not a way to make a power character. The fitness of any new race will be judged against the precedents set by existing races. Anything that isn't in line with that level of power will be nerfed or deleted.