I'm trying to create a parent race with a few variants. All of the variants are currently modeled off of the half-elf variants which all replace a feature from the parent race. Additionally, like the wood elf, I have one variant that replaces a trait of the parent race with the choice of a few alternative features. I have two questions.
The half-elf variants can forgo "Skill Versatility" and either choose between the elf trait "Keen Senses" or a trait based on their variant. What's the best way to enable this, given it isn't currently possible using the half-elf variants on this site?
Second, when I create a variant race that can choose between two options when replacing the parent race feature, all that appears on the builder is the text of the feature containing the option. So for example, the half-wood elf has a feature called "Half-Elf Variant", which contains the options "Elf Weapon Training, Fleet of Foot, or Mask of the Wild". However, when I create a similar feature for my variant race, I see the text of "Half-Elf Variant" in the builder, with no options available. How do I go about this? I figure the answer has something to do with a combination of the features being either granted or replacements. Currently, the "Half-Elf Variant" trait is "granted", and shows that it replaces the "Skill Versatility" trait in the homebrew builder. The options attached to it are not granted.
I'm trying to create a parent race with a few variants. All of the variants are currently modeled off of the half-elf variants which all replace a feature from the parent race. Additionally, like the wood elf, I have one variant that replaces a trait of the parent race with the choice of a few alternative features. I have two questions.
The half-elf variants can forgo "Skill Versatility" and either choose between the elf trait "Keen Senses" or a trait based on their variant. What's the best way to enable this, given it isn't currently possible using the half-elf variants on this site?
Hi,
Simply by choosing the variant it automatically replaces Skill Versatility with the variant trait from the associated Elf Subrace. For example, selecting a Wood Half-Elf it automatically replaces Skill Versatility with the choice of Elf Weapon Training, Fleet of Foot, or Mask of the Wild.
Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a “Wood Half-Elf.” That’s something DDB had to make up in order to implement that option in the builder. (It was more limited back when they had to enable it.)
Second, when I create a variant race that can choose between two options when replacing the parent race feature, all that appears on the builder is the text of the feature containing the option. So for example, the half-wood elf has a feature called "Half-Elf Variant", which contains the options "Elf Weapon Training, Fleet of Foot, or Mask of the Wild". However, when I create a similar feature for my variant race, I see the text of "Half-Elf Variant" in the builder, with no options available. How do I go about this? I figure the answer has something to do with a combination of the features being either granted or replacements. Currently, the "Half-Elf Variant" trait is "granted", and shows that it replaces the "Skill Versatility" trait in the homebrew builder. The options attached to it are not granted.
In regards to a trait being “Granted,” “Optional,” or “Replacement,” those last two have to do with Tasha’s Cauldron style “Optional Class Feature” type stuff. That has nothing to do with “Options” within a feature, nor to do with “Granted Options.” It also has nothing to do with a Variant Race’s “REPLACE BASE RACE RACIAL TRAIT.” (I know, it confusing because they use “Granted” 2 different ways, “Option” 2 different ways, and “Replace” 2 different ways. 🙄)
If I were to do it I would make the initial base “Homebrewed Half-Elf” using the OG Half-Elf as the Template so it would carry everything over as it currently exists. (All features would be “Feature Type: Granted.”) Then I would add another trait with “Feature Type: Replacement,” and that would be “Keen Senses” set to replace Skill Versatility. To make it work in builder you would need to toggle on “Customize Your Origin” on the Home tab of the character builder, and then use the “Origin Manager” on the Race tab to activate that Replacement feature. (The reason DDB never implemented this option is because nobody ever chooses it. You can get Proficiency in Perception… or in any two skills of your choice, including Perception…. Everyone takes Skill Versatility.)
Then I would make the three Racial Variants just as they exist. Those all have entirely “Granted” features as well, however the Wood Half-Elf’s “Half-Elf Variant” trait (which is a “Granted” trait) has three “Options,” one for each of the three choices. The High Half-Elf’s trait has two “Options,” one for each the weapons or the cantrip. The Aquatic Half-Elf just offers the swimming speed, no Options required. (The reason that I wouldn’t implement the skippable Keen Senses and Skill Versatility as Options is because the “Modifier: Proficiency->Subtype: Choose a Skill” that Skill Versatility uses doesn’t like to work correctly as part of an option attached to a trait for some reason.) I explain Options in further detail, including granted options here:
Hi all,
I'm trying to create a parent race with a few variants. All of the variants are currently modeled off of the half-elf variants which all replace a feature from the parent race. Additionally, like the wood elf, I have one variant that replaces a trait of the parent race with the choice of a few alternative features. I have two questions.
The half-elf variants can forgo "Skill Versatility" and either choose between the elf trait "Keen Senses" or a trait based on their variant. What's the best way to enable this, given it isn't currently possible using the half-elf variants on this site?
Second, when I create a variant race that can choose between two options when replacing the parent race feature, all that appears on the builder is the text of the feature containing the option. So for example, the half-wood elf has a feature called "Half-Elf Variant", which contains the options "Elf Weapon Training, Fleet of Foot, or Mask of the Wild". However, when I create a similar feature for my variant race, I see the text of "Half-Elf Variant" in the builder, with no options available. How do I go about this? I figure the answer has something to do with a combination of the features being either granted or replacements. Currently, the "Half-Elf Variant" trait is "granted", and shows that it replaces the "Skill Versatility" trait in the homebrew builder. The options attached to it are not granted.
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Simply by choosing the variant it automatically replaces Skill Versatility with the variant trait from the associated Elf Subrace. For example, selecting a Wood Half-Elf it automatically replaces Skill Versatility with the choice of Elf Weapon Training, Fleet of Foot, or Mask of the Wild.
Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a “Wood Half-Elf.” That’s something DDB had to make up in order to implement that option in the builder. (It was more limited back when they had to enable it.)
In regards to a trait being “Granted,” “Optional,” or “Replacement,” those last two have to do with Tasha’s Cauldron style “Optional Class Feature” type stuff. That has nothing to do with “Options” within a feature, nor to do with “Granted Options.” It also has nothing to do with a Variant Race’s “REPLACE BASE RACE RACIAL TRAIT.” (I know, it confusing because they use “Granted” 2 different ways, “Option” 2 different ways, and “Replace” 2 different ways. 🙄)
If I were to do it I would make the initial base “Homebrewed Half-Elf” using the OG Half-Elf as the Template so it would carry everything over as it currently exists. (All features would be “Feature Type: Granted.”) Then I would add another trait with “Feature Type: Replacement,” and that would be “Keen Senses” set to replace Skill Versatility. To make it work in builder you would need to toggle on “Customize Your Origin” on the Home tab of the character builder, and then use the “Origin Manager” on the Race tab to activate that Replacement feature. (The reason DDB never implemented this option is because nobody ever chooses it. You can get Proficiency in Perception… or in any two skills of your choice, including Perception…. Everyone takes Skill Versatility.)
Then I would make the three Racial Variants just as they exist. Those all have entirely “Granted” features as well, however the Wood Half-Elf’s “Half-Elf Variant” trait (which is a “Granted” trait) has three “Options,” one for each of the three choices. The High Half-Elf’s trait has two “Options,” one for each the weapons or the cantrip. The Aquatic Half-Elf just offers the swimming speed, no Options required. (The reason that I wouldn’t implement the skippable Keen Senses and Skill Versatility as Options is because the “Modifier: Proficiency->Subtype: Choose a Skill” that Skill Versatility uses doesn’t like to work correctly as part of an option attached to a trait for some reason.) I explain Options in further detail, including granted options here:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/dungeons-dragons-discussion/homebrew-house-rules/67361-subclass-help#c4
(I explained it for class features, but racial traits work the same way.)
I hope that helps.
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That's super helpful. Thanks!