I decided to start a new thread in the hopes that someone would see it. I can't help but notice in all the discussions that the word 'race' is completely mis-used at a very fundamental level. Whatever we use IRL as the definition of race (just pick any definition), it just doesn't fit with how WotC has appropriated it. Elves and dwarves are different species, at the least. Even within elves, i'd say the differences between drow and elves (as one example) are wide enough that they could be no closer than different subspecies.
I think WotC could benefit from addressing their understanding of race first, then look at how to apply that understanding.
can't seem to edit my original post - 'in all the discussions' is limited to relating to D&D. also, i'd think humanoids would be the genus (our IRL homo), then you get into species such as elves, dwarves, etc, then subspecies such as shield and mountain dwarves....and way below that would be race - which is where vastani and some of the other topics come up. also meant to say 'drow and wood elves'
There's a reason I push against the term 'races' in my games. These are species, not races. But hey - this game got started something like forty years ago? They're mired in their own history, and when they tried to get out of that history to an extent (4e) everybody *****slapped them for it. People don't ever want D&D to change. Until they do. Then it changes and they get mad about that.
So yeah. Try and get used to calling these things species, because man I'm tired of that other word getting thrown around where it has no business. Especially since it tends to preclude actual races in the game, i.e. distinct cultures or subcultures within a given species. Because really now - who's okay with All Humanity (or dwarfdom, or golbinkind, or whatever) being a single homogenous Borg-like Overmind with no variation whatsoever?
Thank you, but please limit discussions to one thread. There is no need to create separate threads to emphasize discussions taking place in another chain..
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I decided to start a new thread in the hopes that someone would see it. I can't help but notice in all the discussions that the word 'race' is completely mis-used at a very fundamental level. Whatever we use IRL as the definition of race (just pick any definition), it just doesn't fit with how WotC has appropriated it. Elves and dwarves are different species, at the least. Even within elves, i'd say the differences between drow and elves (as one example) are wide enough that they could be no closer than different subspecies.
I think WotC could benefit from addressing their understanding of race first, then look at how to apply that understanding.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks
can't seem to edit my original post - 'in all the discussions' is limited to relating to D&D. also, i'd think humanoids would be the genus (our IRL homo), then you get into species such as elves, dwarves, etc, then subspecies such as shield and mountain dwarves....and way below that would be race - which is where vastani and some of the other topics come up. also meant to say 'drow and wood elves'
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks
Yes, but most of the people who work at WotC probably don't have a major in taxonomy.
There is no dawn after eternal night.
Homebrew: Magic items, Subclasses
There's a reason I push against the term 'races' in my games. These are species, not races. But hey - this game got started something like forty years ago? They're mired in their own history, and when they tried to get out of that history to an extent (4e) everybody *****slapped them for it. People don't ever want D&D to change. Until they do. Then it changes and they get mad about that.
So yeah. Try and get used to calling these things species, because man I'm tired of that other word getting thrown around where it has no business. Especially since it tends to preclude actual races in the game, i.e. distinct cultures or subcultures within a given species. Because really now - who's okay with All Humanity (or dwarfdom, or golbinkind, or whatever) being a single homogenous Borg-like Overmind with no variation whatsoever?
Please do not contact or message me.
Technically, D&D uses “race” correctly. It’s society that uses it incorrectly.
And this website is not owned by WotC, so a forum thread here will get nobodies attention over there.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Thank you, but please limit discussions to one thread. There is no need to create separate threads to emphasize discussions taking place in another chain..