How Moving from DnD 5e Races to One DnD Species Leads to Better Storytelling
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has evolved over time to be more inclusive. As part of that effort WotC has decided to abandon the use of the term Race in the One D&D update.
In the latest edition, the fifth edition released in 2014, the term "race" only applied to the game mechanic. In The next edition, One D&D, Wizard's plans to replace the term "race" with "species".
Technically, species is a much more accurate way of describing the various different intelligent beings that players can choose for their characters. But the Dungeon Matters team thinks that this small word change can lead to bigger and more interesting changes in the way Dungeons and Dragons is played. Read on to learn how.
What Was Wrong with the Term Race in DnD?
In the past, DnD used the term "race" to describe the different types of beings. This term was problematic because it was often associated with real-world concepts of race and racism. The use of the term Species in One DnD instead of using One DnD Races acknowledges that these different beings are unique, distinct creatures with their own biology, culture, and history.
The change from "race" to "species" also opens up new possibilities for storytelling in DnD. By treating each species as a unique and distinct entity, Dungeon Masters can create rich, detailed backstories, cultures, and motivations for each species that include racial conflicts within that species. This allows a framework for exploring real-world issues of race and prejudice within a fantasy setting and it allows players to gain a deeper understanding and connection to the creatures they encounter.
How Adopting Species in DnD Creates New Possibilities for Storytelling
Additional changes to the way species alignments and ability improvements are applied in One DnD allows for a more nuanced and dynamic approach to character creation.
Using the optional character creation rules that first appeared in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Players can now choose from a variety of species, each with its own unique traits and abilities, and then customize those beings with more flexibility, to create more interesting and nuanced characters. After all, who says there isn't a clumsy halfling out there who is incredibly strong – or a brainy Goliath who never felt like he fit in with his fellow herd-mates.
How Species Ability Score Improvements Work:
Instead of applying Ability modifiers to specific, mandated ability scores, players can now take those modifiers and use them as points that can be freely applied to any Ability Score as long as there is an explanation for why the ability scores or applied that both the DM and player agree on.
Another Big Change Is the Removal of Species-Mandated Alignments
WotC will no longer apply alignments to player or monster races. This gives Dungeon Masters significantly more flexibility in creating interesting opponents and allies for their players that have complex backgrounds and motivations. It also paves the way for more monsters to become playable characters. For instance, you could create a game where the players are a party of good or neutral aligned Vampires.
Moving from Race to Species Creates New Possibilities for Storytelling
The shift from races to species in One DnD and the removal of rigid alignments allows for more meaningful and interesting storytelling. With the new rules and expanded options for character creation, players are free to create unique and original characters that challenge traditional fantasy tropes.
Additionally, DMs should use this as an opportunity to explore cultural tensions and relationships between and within species in the game. DMs could delve into complex, thought-provoking issues that are relevant to our world, such as racism and bigotry, within a fantasy setting.
For example, consider the scenario of an ancient conflict between two races of elves that have grown apart over time due to centuries of cultural divergence. The DM could use this as a backdrop for a thrilling adventure that challenges players to navigate the intricacies of inter-species relations, and to grapple with the issues that arise when two groups of people who are biologically identical are deeply divided by cultural differences.
Another example might be a scenario in which two different species of dwarves are vying for control over valuable resources and territory. In this case, the DM could explore the tensions between these two groups, as well as the political and social dynamics that underlie their conflict. This could be a great opportunity for players to engage in role-play, to negotiate and build alliances, and to think deeply about the underlying motivations and cultural attitudes that drive these characters.
Advice for Refining and Improving Species in One DnD
One DnD has made significant progress in creating a more flexible and diverse framework for Species in the game. By removing the alignment restrictions and mandatory ability score assignments, players have more freedom to create unique characters that are representative of their own personal stories and backgrounds. At Dungeon Matters, we think further improvement can still be made.
One key area where species can be improved is in suggested ability score modifiers. While removing the mandatory assignments of ability scores allows for more creative freedom, the game could still benefit from suggested modifications that are representative of the species as a whole. This allows players to build characters that have distinct strengths and weaknesses based on their species, while still retaining the ability to modify those scores based on their own personal stories and experiences.
For example, a species of dwarves may have a suggested modifier to their Constitution score, reflecting their hardy and resilient nature. However, a player could choose to apply that modifier to another score, such as Wisdom, to create a character that was born with health problems that made them sickly, but who is wise and perceptive.
What Are the Playable Species in One DnD?
All the Playable Species in One DnD have not been released yet. Here's what we know so far from the Unearthed Arcana: Cleric and Revised Species Playtest on DnD Beyond.
The species released for One DnD so far include the Ardling, Dragonborn, and Goliath.
DnD Species List (So far)
Ardlings
The Ardling species are descended from celestial animals and can be found on many worlds. Ardlings are humanoids and come in either Medium (about 4–7 feet tall) or Small (about 3–4 feet tall) size. They have a speed of 30 feet and an average lifespan of 200 years. Ardlings have a keen sense of perception, and can channel minor divine magic. They have the ability to choose their animal ancestry, with each ancestry offering a different set of benefits such as the ability to climb, fly, swim, or race.
Dragonborn
The Dragonborn species are descendants of chromatic and metallic dragons. They have the appearance of wingless, bipedal dragons with scaly skin and horns. Dragonborn are Medium size, with a speed of 30 feet and an average lifespan of 80 years. Each Dragon Born has a unique Draconic Ancestry which affects their appearance and also determines their breath weapon and damage resistance. The type of dragon ancestry also influences their damage type and the look of their Draconic Flight.
Goliaths
Goliaths are one of the species that have benefited most from their One DnD makeover. In this edition, the creators of One DnD delve deeper into the Goliath's giant ancestry.
Goliaths now possess unique supernatural Boons and physical traits that are linked to the giant heritage they hail from. This enhances the diversity and individuality of Goliath characters, drawing closer similarities to the Dragonborn race.
Goliaths are medium sized (7 to 8 feet tall), with a speed of 35 feet and an average lifespan of 80 years.
Please Note: As new information is released, we will update this article with a complete list of all DnD Species.
Explore New Possibilities for Storytelling and Character Creation in One DnD
The shift from "race" to "species" in One DnD is a significant change in the game's approach to character creation and storytelling. By treating each species as a unique and distinct entity, the game allows for a more detailed and dynamic approach that creates new opportunities for players to create original characters and delve into the world of DnD.
This change also opens up exciting possibilities for exploring cultural tensions, conflicts and relationships between different species, providing a platform for DMs to tackle real-world issues within the game.
We think this makes DnD a more immersive and engaging experience for players.