Races
Almost everything in Murdon is ultimately created by the ChatMaster and the players. However, everything exists within a shared framework that all players adhere to. One prominent example of this framework is the Races of Murdon. Each world within the Murdon universe may feature a diverse array of races or just a few. Each race has its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses that influence their specialties. Below are some of the more common races found throughout Murdon.
Humans
Humans are by far the most common and diverse race in any world. As a species, humans lack any particular trait that makes them collectively better or worse at anything. This versatility allows players great freedom when choosing proficiencies and defining their play style. Without natural strengths to rely on or weaknesses to avoid, a human adventurer can more easily define themselves on their own terms compared to members of other races.
Advantage: None
Disadvantage: None
Elves
Elves are naturally drawn to the wilds and are the fastest race in Murdon. Their speed allows them to attack more times each turn, making them highly effective with ranged weaponry and any weapons that benefit from speed rolls. This agility also helps them manage multiple targets with their magic more efficiently. However, their greatest drawback is their relatively weak physical strength, which makes them more vulnerable to being pinned, grabbed, and tossed around.
Advantage: Speed
Disadvantage: Strength
Dwarves
Dwarves are renowned for their incredible strength and resilience. Their hardy build makes them exceptional fighters, ideal for the front lines where they can absorb hits for their weaker allies. Dwarves also have average magical abilities, enabling them to amplify their remarkable strength with a touch of magic. However, their main drawback is their slower speed, which typically limits them to only one or two actions per turn.
Advantage: Strength
Disadvantage: Speed
Drakhi
Drakhi are, in every sense, the ultimate warriors. They are blessed with incredible strength and hardy defenses. Although they may lack the intelligence and cultural sophistication of other races, their brute strength has ensured their survival. Many of the strongest adventurers have been Drakhi, as these reptilian humanoids are among the most versatile of races. Unfortunately, Drakhi are incapable of channeling the focus needed to effectively use magic, so they must rely on their physical strength to achieve success.
Advantages: StrengthDisadvantage: Magic
Advantages: StrengthDisadvantage: Magic
Tobins
Tobins are infused with the world's magic and excel as spellcasters. There is no better wizard, mage, or cleric than a tobin. However, this magical prowess comes at the cost of their incredibly weak physical frames. Canine tobins were not designed to be warriors; instead, they dedicate their lives to conducting research and building vast libraries of knowledge.
Advantage: Magic
Disadvantage: Strength
Gria
The all-female Gria outwardly resemble humans with wings but are blessed with above-average charisma and talent. Their desire for travel and extensive knowledge of other cultures contribute to their exceptional skills. However, their focus on flying leaves them with limited magical abilities, with only a few Gria in each village or town possessing notable magical talent.
Advantages: Skill
Disadvantage: Magic
Variant: Grian Mystic
Advantages: Magic
Disadvantages: Skill
Verans (Angelborn)
Forged from clay by the progenitor Michael's kiln, the dark-skinned Verans are known for their greed for gold and their belief in their superiority over other races. This conceited nature stems from an old legend claiming Verans were the first race, though many scholars argue that Tobins preceded them. Despite their exceptional skills as merchants and silver-tongued orators, their arrogance often prevents them from breaking the law, though they may manipulate the system in questionable ways. One significant drawback for Verans is their poor physical strength and limited fighting ability.
Advantage: Skill
Disadvantage: Strength
Killians (Demonborn)
Killians, named after a legendary demon king, come in various hues including grey, red, black, and orange. Much like their namesakes, they thrive on violence and disdain ranged weaponry, preferring close combat weapons that allow them to engage directly with their opponents. While they do use magic, it is primarily focused on destruction, contributing to their reputation as feared and despised by other races. Conversations with Killians are often dreaded, and many wish for the encounter to end swiftly.
Advantage: Strength
Disadvantage: Skill