In a previous post I set the base layer for Heirs of Argax - Fantasy Adventure Campaign by establishing available classes and races, at least in the region of Gertania. I've now been running 3 campaigns in the region (planning on more in future). Two using Swords & Wizardry/OD&D and the other Castles & Crusades. One parameter I had stet was that there are no half-elves, halfling, or gnomes. I felt that as written they offered too little. Dwarves and elves are must-haves for me. Since setting out my "base layer" I've had a few players challenge me on the excluded races and wonder "why not?" I explained my reasonings as seeing them all a bit too bland nowadays. I had one player, rightfully, challenge me to "make them" interesting by approaching them from a world-first perspective. And thus, I tackled half-elves, halflings, and gnomes and how they could not only fit into my setting from a "lore" perspective, but also from the mechanics as presented in Swords & Wizardry.
To be honest, I did not just focus on S&W, but also looked at OSRIC. As you can tell, I am a Matt Finch fan. I am also a fan of racial class & level limits. Aside from game design reasons, they imply worldbuilding and that is the aspect I focused on.
Half-elves
To understand half-elves in Heirs of Argax, you have to understand elves. Elves live in a mythical plane that is akin to a separate dimension from the realms of the other races: Ailindae. The connection to the human dimension is via "elven gates." When residing within Ailindae, elves age at an extremely slow rate (hence the long lifespans). But when traveling the "mortal lands" they age at the same rate as humans. Many elves leave their lands to wander the lands of humans, they are called the Profiadin. Once they enter the mortal realms, they have no recollection of the gate through which they entered. But these elves are eventually called back to their homes (once they reach their level limits or 10 years have passed, whichever happens first), at which time they are drawn to the nearest gate and travel back into Ailindae. There are those rare elves who do not heed the call. These stay and are called Caridin: the half elven, no longer seen as true elves. Their offspring carry the traits of the half elven, which are the traits as described in Swords & Wizardry, OSRIC, OSE, Castles & Crusades, etc.
Halflings & Gnomes
Halflings and gnomes are linked by a shared heritage in Heirs of Argax. They are all termed "half folk" due to their size respective to humans. Gnomes (Svirdaelf) live in service to elves and often accompany them on their journeys across the mortal realms, also returning once they receive the call. Their connection to the fey world of the elves have given them magical abilities, e.g., the gnomish abilities as listed in Castles & Crusades or the fact that they can become illusionists in OSRIC and Swords & Wizardry. Halflings are those who, like the half elven, did not return to Ailindae and thus lost their connections to magic (hence the lack of a halfling magic-user). This disconnect from magic is passed on through the generations.
That is how I ended up changing my mind and including half-elves, halflings, and gnomes in Heirs of Argax, albeit from an in-world perspective that reinforces (and explains) the rules found in Swords & Wizardry. I believe the setting is richer with these added pieces of lore, as they not only explain these races but also give more depth and weight to the elves of the world.
Comments
Post a Comment