Diversity is a welcome feature of this world.
This is the first in another small series of posts regarding GURPS templates geared for the creation of characters of different non-human races in the world of Golarion. These Core Races are classified as such in the Pathfinder core rules.
These are the core races in the world of Golarion and these templates were created for my Lest Dispelled GURPS campaign. The templates are intentionally divorced from cultural features including language; these should be contingent on the locale of birth of a character using the template. Credit goes out to Wierdoom for working with me on defining these.
A Dwarf is part of a proud race of short and stocky mountain fortress defenders. This race is intentionally modeled as having Colorblindness to reflect and expand upon the idea that Dungeons & Dragons Darkvision is intended to be black and white. In order to make the race more distinct, this is being augmented with their outdoors vision as well in order to add flavour to the race. If this is not intended, this disadvantage can be removed from the template.
They are modeled in physical stature in GURPS by referencing the correct entry in the Build Table (B18) and multiplying the height by two-thirds and shifting the weight a column to the right. They are still considered SM 0 and range from 4′ to 4.5′ in height and 175 to 250 lbs in weight.
Dwarf [23] Damage Resistance +1 (Tough Skin -40%) [3], Magic Resistance 2 [4]; Extended Lifespan [1]; Dark Vision [25], Colorblindness [-10]; ST +1 [10]; HT +1 [10]; HP +1 [2]; FP +1 [3]; DX -1 [-20], Speed -0.75 [-15], Will +2 [10].
An Elf is typically taller than a human. They are noble, surreal, long-lived, and subtle masters of the wilderness and excel in the arcane arts. Elves often give the impression they are indifferent to the conflicts of those races that are not their own.
Elf [22] Attractive [4]; Extended Lifespan [1]; Night Vision 4 [4]; Magic Resistance (Improved) [5]; Perfect Balance [15]; ST -1 [-10]; HT -2 [-20]; IQ +1 [20]; Per +1 [5]; Feature: Elvish Blood.
Originating from the land of the fey, the Gnome race are known for their eccentricity and whimsical nature.
A gnome’s height and weight in GURPS is found by referencing the correct entry in the Build Table (B18) and multiplying the height by by two-thirds but keeping the weight unchanged. They are still big enough to wield human weapons, but this is at a -1 to skill. A special perk can be defined here to remove this penalty.
Gnome [22] Night Vision 4 [4]; Animal Empathy [5]; Charisma 2 [10]; Magery 0 [5]; SM -2; ST -2 [-20]; Per +1 [5]; HT +1 [10]; FP +1 [3].
More than just half-breeds, the Half-Elf race is one of both grace and contradiction, possessing a dual heritage of two very different parent races.
Half-Elf [3] Magic Resistance 1 (Improved) [5]; Longevity [1]; Night Vision 2 [2]; Social Stigma (Half Breed) [-5]; Feature: Elvish Blood.
Similarly, the Half-Orc is known for their fierce, savage, and bestial nature.
Half-Orc [-3] Unattractive [-4]; Night Vision 5 [5]; Colorblindness [-10]; Resistance to Metabolic Hazards 3 [10]; Teeth (Sharp) [1]; Social Stigma (Half Breed) [-5]; Feature: Orcish Blood.
The Halfling finds strength in family and luck and are known for their incredible tendency to get in and out of dire situations.
To find the height and weight of a Halfling in GURPS involves finding the height and weight normally, and then halving both. They require a -2 to skill to wield human-sized weapons.
Halfling [25] Silence 2 [10]; Luck (1 hour) [15]; Increased Consumption [-10]; Tough, Hairy Feet (DR 1 to bottom of feet only) [1]; SM -2; ST -2 [-20]; DX +1 [20]; Per +1 [5]; Fearlessness 2 [4].
Finally, the Human stands as the most predominant race; choosing a human means one should choose an ethnicity. For more information, see this series of posts.