Its not giantman you idiot!  They prefer to be called handi-capable.

Races

Keep in mind that roleplaying considerations also weigh heavily in character choice.  If you want to play something, then play it.

* Expressed in terms of spirit/minutes

* I need to research the Sylvan spirit numbers.  I've seen conflicting data.

Humans

Humans are of average stature, between 5'5 and 6', are rather stocky and show a wide range of variation in hair, skin and eye color. They tend to be somewhat rustic appearing, the men often sporting a beard or mustache. The women tend to be sturdy and good-natured.

Good natured women?  This really is a fantasy land.

Pros:  No huge negatives.  Mechanically, they're fairly well balanced and middle of the road.

Cons:  No huge positives.  Mechanically, they're fairly well balanced and middle of the road.

Conclusion:  I don't even like Humans in real life.  Aside from that, I have no real opinion.

Giantmen

Giantmen are tall (sometimes over 7'), well built and physically strong. They have dark brown or coal black hair, light complexions and a range of eye shades. They are great warriors and builders and their intuition matches their physical prowess. They are not, however, especially quick or agile.

Yes, Giantman.  Not Giantess.  Not Giantwoman.

Pros: Very significant strength bonus.  Highest maximum hitpoints is great for redux.  Second fastest spirit regen.  Only race with a bonus to spirit warding.

Cons: Can't aim vs. small opponents.  Halflings at a very uncomfortable height.

Conclusion:  Killing a giantman with redux is like shooting big pigeons with a Daisy Air Rifle.  It takes for freaking ever.

Elves

All Elves, though similar to mortal men, differ in a number of important ways. They are lithe and agile, with little body hair, fine features and unmarred skin. Elves are much more resistant than men to the ravages of time and disease. They are able to withstand a greater range of temperature extremes, and their senses are extremely keen. Because of their extended lifespans, they suffer from a natural lack of discipline.

They also suffer from a natural lack of not sucking.

Pros:  You'll be rare.  Last time I checked, Elves were the least numerous of the various races.  Best reflex bonus (whoopee).  Best charisma bonus (oh yeah, overpowering). 

Cons:  Low hitpoints.  Low strength.  Get encumbered easily.  Standard Elven warding penalties.  Elven decay timer.  Slowest spirit regen.  Horrible Growth Indexes. 

Conclusion:  The other races might be mechanically better, but Elves have a 3000+ year life span.  That makes up for it.  No, wait.  It doesn't.

Dark Elves

Dark Elves can be distinguished by their sharper features and usually dark brown or black skin color. This anomaly with Dark Elven skin can be attributed to the mana foci in Rhoska-tor where they were exiled to after the Undead War. They became bitter and resentful of their fair elven counterparts. They felt that their expulsion was more the result of political opportunism than anything else. Even today, Dark Elves are commonly shunned by their fairer brethren in the Elven Nations.

I also hear they eat babies.

Pros:  Only race with a wisdom bonus.  You're not as mechanically shitty as pure elves, I suppose.

Cons:  Standard Elven warding penalties.  Elven decay timer.  Slowest spirit regen.  Growth Intervals aren't *too* bad.

Conclusion:  Not as bad as pure Elves, but still no real reason to play one, aside from roleplaying considerations.

Half Elves

The progeny of human and elf parents, half-elves are often looked down upon by both races due to the immense dislike the elves and humans have for each other. They tend to look more like humans, but with slightly pointed ears and sharper facial features. Half-elves are lucky in that they acquire the agility and dexterity of their elven parents and the strength and stamina of their human parents, giving them the best of both worlds.

/rant on

You will be a pariah if you choose this race.  There isn't any getting around it.  It has been in the damn manual for *years*.  So either like it, or don't play one.

/rant off

Pros:  Good spirit regen.  Great GIs.  Good stat bonuses.  Lack of bad stat penalties. 

Cons:  Standard Elven warding penalties.  Elven decay timer.  Geki is a Half Elf, and that's a lot to live up to.

Conclusion:  One of the most mechanically sound race choices for a rogue, chicks dig them.

Sylvankind

Long ago, as the elves moved from the forests to build their Seven Cities, some remained and became what are now Sylvans. Sylvankind are extremely rare outside of the forest, as few ever leave their wooded homes. Females are the most numerous, though males are not unheard of. They are slight and lithe, with pale complexions, sandy hair and light eyes. Sylvans move about the woodlands and hills virtually undetected, often garbed in forest green or brown.

Kind of like the dirty Hippie version of an Elf.

Pros:  Good GIs.  No really bad stat penalties.

Cons:  Standard Elven warding penalties.  Elven decay timer.  Fairly slow spirit regen.  Scintillion was a Sylvan.  It will take years to live that down.

Conclusion:  Pretty good choice for a rogue, though Half Elves give you more bang for your buck. 

Dwarves

The hardiest of the races of Elanthia, they are short (usually under 4'6"), stocky and ruddy faced. They have dark, deep-set eyes with dark, wiry hair. Their beards are often long and elaborately braided, and are matters of great pride. Some dwarven females are bearded, some are not. Dwarves have a natural resistance to certain forms of elemental magic. Dwarves are neither agile nor quick of feet. Dwarves are well-known for their mining, though they keep their gold, silver, mithril and other mines hidden underground.

Pros:  Good max hitpoints.  Don't get encumbered easily.  Nice TD bonuses vs. Elemental and Sorcerer spells.

Cons:  Reflex and Dexterity penalties can cause problems initially.  Bearded women.  Giantmen always calling you 'shorty' and 'sport'.  Humans always resting their beer on your head.

Conclusion:  They make good rogues, if they're your thing.  I can't play them, since that Oompa Loompa song gets stuck in my head when I do.  Damn you, Willy Wonka.

Halflings

Halflings are the smallest of the mortal races in Elanthia, tending to be short and rotund. They have large feet endowed with luxuriant hair and often travel barefoot. They have an insatiable capacity for enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as good food (mostly tarts), drink and companionship. They also have an inquisitive manner that frequently lands them in awkward situations, though their clever minds usually hatch some sort of plan to get them out of trouble.

Pros:  Automatic membership in secret 'Lollipop Guild.'  Perfect 'dating height'.  Very nice warding bonuses vs. Elemental and Sorcerer spells.

Cons:  People always trying to cook you.  Tend to be played as brain-dead, giggly tart-whores.  Cripplingly low strength penalty. 

Conclusion:  I guess they're ok, as long as you like foot hair and being as strong as a crippled 4 year old girl.

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