I'm about to start a new campaign with a backstory that fits well into the DM's world setting. I have most things about my character and backstory sorted out, but I'm still unsure which species to choose for my character. For context, I'll be playing a Circle of the Moon druid.
I'm torn between playing a shadar-kai or a firbolg—two very different species, each with appealing racial bonuses.
I'd love to hear opinions on which might be more fun to role-play.
FYI - both species are from MMOM so ASI's aren't an issue. (using 2014 rules)
I've not played a firbolg, but have 2 Shadar-kai characters. One of my favorite RP aspects of them is the way they typically only experience emotions in extremes. So for example, they don't show anger - they go from seeming calm to outraged. They don't have crushes - they fall in love with someone who catches their attention. That sort of thing. While you do have to be careful, as role-playing that kind of thing (especially the negative emotions like anger) could be triggering for some folks, I've found it quite fun.
Also, while this is by no means cannon - I gave one of my Shadar-kai (the one that actually grew up in the Shadowfell, the other was abandoned by his parents and grew up in a monastery in Chult) a handicap. When they are exposed to bright light (like daylight) or raucous colors for more than 2 hours, they get a -1 on to all Wisdom checks (including perception). This is cumulative per hour, maxing at -5. My DM allowed me to equip him with special goggles he can wear that filter everything out and mitigate these hinderances.
And I just noticed when I posted this that my avatar is that Shadar-kai, with his goggles perched on top of his head lol
I finished a Campaign about 6 months ago where I played a Circle of Spores Druid Firbolg, and it was great.
The fact that Firbolgs get to talk to plants and animals (Speech of Beast and Leaf) is perfect for a Druid.
Cheers!
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Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty. Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers; Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas. Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
I'm about to start a new campaign with a backstory that fits well into the DM's world setting. I have most things about my character and backstory sorted out, but I'm still unsure which species to choose for my character. For context, I'll be playing a Circle of the Moon druid.
I'm torn between playing a shadar-kai or a firbolg—two very different species, each with appealing racial bonuses.
I'd love to hear opinions on which might be more fun to role-play.
FYI - both species are from MMOM so ASI's aren't an issue. (using 2014 rules)
I've not played a firbolg, but have 2 Shadar-kai characters. One of my favorite RP aspects of them is the way they typically only experience emotions in extremes. So for example, they don't show anger - they go from seeming calm to outraged. They don't have crushes - they fall in love with someone who catches their attention. That sort of thing. While you do have to be careful, as role-playing that kind of thing (especially the negative emotions like anger) could be triggering for some folks, I've found it quite fun.
Also, while this is by no means cannon - I gave one of my Shadar-kai (the one that actually grew up in the Shadowfell, the other was abandoned by his parents and grew up in a monastery in Chult) a handicap. When they are exposed to bright light (like daylight) or raucous colors for more than 2 hours, they get a -1 on to all Wisdom checks (including perception). This is cumulative per hour, maxing at -5. My DM allowed me to equip him with special goggles he can wear that filter everything out and mitigate these hinderances.
And I just noticed when I posted this that my avatar is that Shadar-kai, with his goggles perched on top of his head lol
I'd go with Firbolg. They just feel more right for a Druidic role too!
Enjoy your slop. I'll be enjoying good products elsewhere.
Yea, for a Circle of the Moon Druid, I'd go with a Firbolg.
I finished a Campaign about 6 months ago where I played a Circle of Spores Druid Firbolg, and it was great.
The fact that Firbolgs get to talk to plants and animals (Speech of Beast and Leaf) is perfect for a Druid.
Cheers!
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty.
Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers;
Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas.
Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
I find shadar-kai more appealing as a species choice generally but support going firbolg for a druid. It feels like a 10/10 classic combo.