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Jim's DragonQuest Campaign:
Races and Cultures

The descriptions of each culture and race below represents the typical member of that society. Characters are free to act any way they see fit, but they must realize which behaviors would be considered normal or surprising.

Human Cultures
CultureModifiersPBDescription
British+3EN2D+4 Most inhabitants of the island of Britain are Britons. In particular, most of Arthur's subjects are Britons. Most Britons are Christians, but some still practice the pagan ways. Britons speak British. For playability, all player characters will be able to speak British to some extent.
French+1PS, +1MD, +1EN2D+4 These are the Franks of northern France, interested in hunting and brave deeds. The French are Christians. They speak French.
Irish+3EN2D+4 The Irish maintain the old tribal ways for the most part. Some have adopted feudalism and chivalry, following Arthur's example. Most Irish still practice their pagan religion, but some have converted to Christianity. The Irish speak Irish.
Occitanian+1MD, +1EN2D+5 These are the Gauls (specifically, Gallo-Romans) of southern France: literary, cultured, and influenced by the old Roman Empire. They are subject to the French king. The Occitanians are Christians, and they speak Occitan, which is related to French.
Pict+1MD, +2AG, +2PC2D+1 These are the primitive people of northern Britain. A few have taken to the ways of feudalism and chivalry. Most Picts practice a pagan religion, but some have adopted Christianity. Picts speak Pictish.
Roman+1MD2D+6 The Romans (specifically, Romano-Britons) represent the remnants of the Roman Empire in Britain. Primarily, they live in the large, old Roman cities. The Romans are Christians. They speak Latin.
Saxon+3PS, -2MD, -1AG, +2WP2D+4 The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes (grouped together as "Saxons" by most Britons) are the descendants of continental barbarians who invaded Britain. Many of them are now subjects of King Arthur, having been conquered by him in recent years. Saxons practice the Wotanic religion, and they speak Saxon.

Non-Human Player Races
CultureModifiersPBDescription
Bear Shape-Changer+23PS, -3MD, -3AG, +18EN, +10FT, -6WP, +5PC, -7PB, +2TMR Very Rare. Bear shape-changers tend to be coarse but down-to-earth. They're very loyal to their families above all else. They're likely to act without thinking. Like all shape-changers, they live as normal members of human society; they keep their shape-changing ability a secret because normal humans fear them.
Boar Shape-Changer+10PS, +1MD, +8AG, +8EN, +4FT, -8WP, -1PC, -7PB Very Rare. Boar shape-changers are usually quick-tempered and stubborn. They tend to be suspicious and resentful. However, they make brave and tenacious fighters.
Cloud Giant+18PS, -1MD, -2AG, +24EN, -1MA, -1WP, +1FT, +8TMR2D+3 Very Rare. 15-20' tall. Giants usually view the smaller races as pests to be avoided or raided, although attractive members of the opposite sex might be captured for their decorative value. Giants don't observe the rules of hospitality like humans do, but they do enjoy raucous fun.
Dwarf+4PS, -4AG, +2EN, -3MA, +4WP, +2PC, -1TMR2D+2 Uncommon. Some dwarves view humans as annoyances, and some dwarves view themselves as guides and caretakers for humanity. Dwarves in this second group might even take up residence with humans. Either way, dwarves respect the rules of hospitality. Dwarves find elves aloof and frivolous, and they tolerate halflings. Dwarves hate orcs and take an immediate dislike to giants and other large creatures.
Elf-3PS, +3AG, -1EN, +3MA, +3WP, +2FT, +2PC, +1TMR2D+6 Uncommon. Most elves remain aloof from humans, although sometimes they take an interest. Elves show hospitality to courteous and worthy visitors, but they pass judgment on their visitors as well, meting out rewards, punishments, or indifference as they see fit. One source of friction between elves and humans is that each often finds the other's motives baffling. Any elf with a sufficient MA score is expected to practice the realm's magical art. Elves think little of dwarves and giants. They find halflings amusing. They hate orcs.
Fire Giant+9PS, -1MD, -2AG, +14EN, -1MA, -1WP, +1FT, +4TMR2D+3 Rare. About 12' tall. See the cloud giant description.
Frost Giant+18PS, -1MD, -2AG, +19EN, -1MA, -1WP, +1FT, +8TMR2D+3 Rare. 15-20' tall. See the cloud giant description.
Halfling-6PS, +5MD, +2AG, -4EN, -2MA, +2WP2D+3 Uncommon. Halflings are friendly, tolerant, and mostly harmless. Those that mingle closely with humans tend to adopt human cultural practices. Halflings observe the rules of hospitality carefully, serving as a model to all.
Lion Shape-Changer+13PS, +8MD, +13AG, +8EN, +5FT, -1WP, +6PC, -8PB, +1TMR Very Rare. Lion shape-changers are usually courageous, merciful to the innocent, and noble in spirit. Like all shape-changers, though, they keep their ability secret because normal humans fear them. A lion shape-changer is likely to never forget someone who has wronged him, or someone who has done him a noteworthy service.
Orc+4PS, +2EN, -4MA, -4WP, +4FT, -1TMR2D Uncommon. Orcs are a rough and bloodthirsty race. Usually, the only persuasive arguments orcs understand are brute force and intimidation. Orcs view hospitality as a weakness. Almost every orc encounter is a contest to see who is superior and who is inferior.
Stone Giant+7PS, -1MD, -2AG, +5EN, -1MA, -1WP, +1FT, +4TMR2D+3 Rare. About 10' tall. See the cloud giant description.
Wolf Shape-Changer-4PS, +4MD, +4AG, +3EN, +11FT, +5WP, +7PC, -8PB, +2TMR Very Rare. Wolf shape-changers can be fierce and cruel, but they are very protective of their territory and they can be surprisingly kind to the innocent. While they are very careful about whom they allow into their homes, they are also observant of the rules of hospitality. They are more likely than other shape-changers to seek out others of their kind, whom they can often recognize by scent.

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