This is the second blog post in a series on getting started playing DnD. In the previous blog post, we covered your character's class. Hopefully you've already found one that you think is cool to play! In this post we are going to talk about the race of your character.

Race

In DnD the population of the world consists of different races and fantasy races that you can all play. Don't just think of humans, dwarfs and elves! If there's a non-human character in a series, movie, game or book that you like, there's always a DnD race out there that matches your idea. It can also be the other way around, maybe you will find a race somewhere that seems so interesting to play that you will form your entire character around it!

Each DnD race has a different experience of the world, which you can find a lot of inspiration in when roleplaying. Consider the mere fact that humans live relatively short lives, while dwarfs and elves live hundreds (or even thousands) of years, has a great deal of influence on your worldview and the personality of your character!

The race of your character also determines the skills and bonuses you get. Dwarves, for example, are small, can see without light, and are handy with a set of tools of your choice. Also, many races have sub-races that you get to choose from, including small bonuses. Hill dwarves are tougher and get extra hit points while mountain dwarves are stronger and can wear armor regardless of their class.

NB: The race of your character is the part of your character that may depend most on the world you play in. Maybe you have a cool idea for a Viking dwarf or a Celtic elf, but those races have very different cultures in the world of your Dungeon Master. Maybe haveelven and dwarfs dislike each other, or are they close friends. Maybe their world doesn't even have dwarves or elves! That is why it can be quite useful to discuss this with your Dungeon Master.

You can find a complete list of all technical information (such as bonuses and skills you get) for all standard races and subraces in the Player’s Handbook.

In extensions for the rules like Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, in Monsters of the Multiverse, or guides to alternate campaign settings such as Eberron: Rising from the Last War, in Mythic Odessa of Theros other races can be found too, if you're looking for something outrageous. For example, in these books you will find mighty onescentaurs who trample their enemies, aliens with telekinetic powers, or crow people who can't talk themselves but can only mimic sounds!

Are you curious about more Dungeons & Dragons books? Discover them here.

In addition to everything you need as a group to get started, the essentials kit also contains the rules of the game and a brief explanation of how to create your own character.

Are you looking for a nice dice set that suits your character? You'll find it here!