Player Character Races
When we talk about “race” in HackMaster, we’re not talking about whether your character is black, white, Asian, etc., we’re talking about what species your character is — dwarf, elf, halfling or human. Racial stock is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the character creation process and therefore should be made with a great deal of thought and consideration.
Each race is different, has different powers and affects ability scores and BPs differently. Further, each can learn different skills and acquire different talents at different costs, so racial choice will certainly be important later in the character creation process.
HackMaster Basic features 4 Player Character races: Humans, Dwarves, Elves and Halflings. (The HackMaster Player's Handbook adds Gnomes, Gnome Titans, Grel, Half-Elves, Half-Hobgoblins, Half-Orcs and Pixie Fairies to the mix).
DWARVES
Dwarves are a hearty race preferring the alpine beauty of rugged mountains. They are excellent miners and seem built for the task with their short but powerfully built frames. Though they typically dwell underground, it is not in dank warrens. Rather they construct magnificent vaulted caverns that are both engineering marvels and possessed of unparalleled aesthetic beauty.
Often pejoratively dismissed as dour and grumpy, this perception stems from a typical dwarf’s disinterest in gossip and small talk. They are serious, hard-working folk whose interest lies in precious metals and gems. No obstacle is too overwhelming to deter dwarves from delving far beneath the earth in search of these treasures. This frequently brings them into conflict with goblins and other humanoid races. Fortunately dwarves are doughty fighters and well able to hold their own.
Dwarves are not without their own unique foibles. Chief amongst these are their beards that they, both male and female, value highly and tend to groom them very carefully.
Dwarves at a Glance
Ability adjustments
+4 Constitution
-2 Charisma
-2 Looks
Dwarven Pros
- size Large for knock backs
- size Medium for HPs (i.e. 10 hp + Constitution + class roll)
- low light vision
- Magic Resistance: Dwarves receive a +1 on Saving Throws versus magic for every 3 full points of Constitution
- Poison Resistance: Dwarves receive a +1 on Saving Throws versus poison for every 3 full points of Constitution
- One free purchase of the Mining skill
Dwarven Cons
- Poor reach (effective weapon reach is -1 foot)
- Character’s native language is Dwarven (must purchase any additional languages)
Preferential talent access
May purchase the following Talents at 50% BP cost
- Attack Bonus, Damage Bonus, Parry Bonus or Swiftblade (only for Axes or Warhammers)
ELVES
Elves are often perceived as haughty and aloof, unconcerned with the affairs of humans (or dwarves and halflings for that matter). They seem content to seclude themselves within old growth forests pursing esoteric interests.
This preference for detachment is derived from the elven race’s longevity. As beings that do not age once reaching maturity, they are loath to form close bonds with any individual who will grow old and die in the blink of an eye. The affairs of man, though not inconsequential, are viewed in terms of scores of generations. For someone that could be present at the Battle of Hastings and later in life witness the Battle of Britain, intervention is a matter to be given the greatest forethought lest it have unforeseen consequences centuries forward!
Elves are physically smaller than men, averaging 5 feet in height and with a svelte build. Their features are delicate and pleasing and they speak in melodic tones which dwarves absolutely hate. Not unsurprisingly for so fair a race, they are patrons of the arts delighting in fine crafts, sculpture and poetry. Magic, though, is their true fascination.
Elves at a Glance
Ability adjustments
-2 Strength
+2 Dexterity
-4 Constitution
+2 Looks
+2 Charisma
Elven Pros
- Two free purchases of the Arcane Lore skill
- One free purchase of the Listening skill
- One free purchase of the Observation skill
- One free purchase of the Sneaking skill
- +2 defense bonus
- Hiding in natural surroundings bonus
- Initiative bonus
Elven Cons
- Size small with regard to HPs (i.e. 5 hp + CON + class roll)
- Size small for knock backs
- Character’s native language is Elven (must purchase any additional languages)
Preferential talent access
May purchase the following Talents at 50% BP cost
- Crack Shot or Greased Lightning (only for Longbows or Shortbows)
- Attack Bonus, Damage Bonus, Parry Bonus or Swiftblade (only for longswords or short swords)
- Charm Resistance
- Less Sleep
HALFLINGS
Halflings resemble diminutive, and frequently portly, humans. They prefer a pastoral existence, dwelling in small farming communities without aspirations for empire. Halflings frequently live alongside or nearby humans but possess none of the latter’s penchant for building grand monuments or castles.
Though they may appear to be rustic simpletons, this assessment is short of the mark for halflings possess an inherent mental toughness belied by their appearance and mannerisms.
Halflings at a Glance
Ability adjustments
-4 Strength
+1 Wisdom
+2 Dexterity
+1 Constitution
Halfling Pros
- One free purchase of the Hiding skill
- One free purchase of the Sneaking skill
- Harder to hit (+4 Defense bonus)
- Hiding in natural surroundings bonus
- Initiative bonus
Halfling Cons
- Poor reach (effective weapon reach is -1 foot)
- Size small with regard to HPs (i.e. 5 hp + CON + class roll)
- Size small for knock backs
- Character’s native language is the local Human tongue (must purchase any additional languages)
Preferential talent access
May purchase the following Talents at 50% BP cost
- Crack Shot or Greased Lightning (only for Slings)
HUMANS
Humans are the most flexible and adaptable of the races, driven by a deep curiosity about the world around them. There is an almost innate drive that moves men to explore their surroundings with an eye on expanding and exerting their influence and control.
Because of their almost limitless abilities unrestricted by the shortcomings of other races, humans are adept at establishing bases of power and accomplishing things of which members of other races only dream. They also multiply like rabbits and spread themselves like a manifest plague across the lands.
Because humans are the yardstick by which the other fantasy races are compared, they receive no modifiers and few special skills.
Humans at a Glance
Ability adjustments
none
Human Pros
- Size medium for HP (i.e. 10 hp + Constitution + class roll)
- May purchase Language (Merchant’s Tongue) at 50% cost
Human Cons
none
Related Content
HackMaster Basic (FREE)
This starter (yet fully forward compatible) edition of HackMaster features simplified rules perfect for initial play to 5th level. It is a complete game (231 pages) with player and GM sections, a selection of 70+ monsters and 3 scenarios ready to explore.
HackMaster Basic Plus
This inexpensive PDF expands upon the free version with added rules, combat options, spells and advancement to 10th level.
HackMaster Player's Handbook
This 400 page hardcover expands upon HackMaster Basic with new races, classes, skills, talents and spells with advancement opportunities to 20th level.
Hacklopedia of Beasts
This is it, the definitive work by the esteemed sage Greytar. Within these pages he catalogues a collection of the most varied and interesting creatures that populate the Kingdoms of Kalamar. A stunning 384 page hardcover that sets a new standard for monsterous cyclopedias.
HackMaster Player's Handbook (PDF edition)
The Player's Handbook is also available in digital format.
