Guide:Races Guide by Phantomsplit: Difference between revisions

This guide is to introduce players new to D&D 5e, the Forgotten Realms, or Baldur's Gate 3 to the [[Races|races]] available for you to use for your custom character "Tav," [[The Dark Urge|Dark Urge]], or [[Companions#Hirelings|hirelings]] and to understand the races of [[Origins|origin]] characters and [[Companions|companions]]. It will go over how the dialogue tag system may cause a character's race to play a role in conversation options and how the world reacts to your character. And it will cover the mechanical features of the races, and what [[Classes|classes]] or builds may go well with each race.

{{TOC|limit=2}}

In BG3's Early Access different races have fixed [[Ability Scores|ability score]] increases. For example, [[Githyanki]] have a +2 bonus to [[Strength]] and a +1 bonus to [[Intelligence]]. This leads many to recommend Githyanki for character builds that use at least one if not both of these abilities, so they may be recommended for something like an [[Eldritch Knight]] [[Fighter]] or a [[Wizard]]. However at launch this is going to change and all races will have a floating +2 that they can put into any ability score, and a +1 they can put into a different ability score. So you may see old build guides out there saying that a [[Elf#Wood_Elf|Wood Elf]] is a bad choice for say a [[Paladin]], while [[Dragonborn]] would be a bad choice for [[Monk]] based off the ability score increases for these races vs. the ability scores that the respective classes focus in. However those recommendations will be out of date when launch comes around and you will be able to put the ability scores wherever you want.

== Racial Spellcasting ==

The [[Races|races]] that this section applies to all have racial features that allow them to cast spells which may require either an [[Attack Roll|attack roll]] or [[Saving Throw|saving throw]]. An [[Attack Roll|attack roll]] means that you will have to roll a 20 sided die (often referred to as a d20) '''and apply applicable bonuses and penalties to the result''' to see if the attack hits the target. A target rolling a [[Saving Throw|save]] means that the target will roll a d20 and apply relevant modifiers to try and avoid the effect of something like a spell, and '''how difficult this will be for your target to avoid for your target will depend on your character's relevant modifiers'''. For more information see the [[Die Rolls]] page.

So your character's relevant spellcasting modifier will have an effect on how useful these racial spells that require attack rolls and saving throws are. If say you are a [[Drow]] but have a low Charisma then enemies will be able to more easily avoid your racial [[Faerie Fire]] spell, or if you make a High Elf with a low Intelligence and select [[Fire Bolt]] as your racial cantrip, then you will miss more of your attacks. Spells which are affected by this mechanic and their relevant spellcasting ability modifier are:

| [[Githyanki]] || [[Intelligence]] || [[Mage Hand]]*

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| [[Tiefling#Mephistopholes_Tieflings|Mephistopholes Tiefling]] || [[Charisma]] || [[Burning Hands]], [[Flame Blade]], [[Mage Hand]]*

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== [[Dragonborn]] ==

==== Lore ====

The {{FRWiki|Dragonborn}} are beyond a doubt the most unique appearing races with a very strange history going back to the origin of the Forgotten Realms world. To understand the lore of Dragonborn in this setting, you need to first understand the lore of the world of Toril itself. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAHM99biirU A 10 minute video by Spell&Shield also summarizes these events.]  

The game Baldur's Gate 3 takes place in the region known as the {{FRWiki|Sword Coast}} on the continent of {{FRWiki|Faerûn}} on a world known as {{FRWiki|Toril}}. But Toril used to be known as {{FRWiki|Abeir-Toril}}, until drastic events caused this world to be split in two. The problem at the time was that chaotic and powerful creatures known as {{FRWiki|Primordials}} existed on Abeir-Toril at first. They went to war with the group of gods that had come to try and foster civilized life on the world, resulting in a conflict known as the {{FRWiki|Dawn War}}. As the war was drawing to an end and it seemed the Primordials were going to lose the war they began to grow desperate. In frustration Io the greatest of the Primordials decided that if he could not have Abeir-Toril then he would instead destroy it, which he attempted to do by dropping a moon on the world. As this event was in the process of destroying the world, Io's counterpart named Ao and the greatest of the gods quickly intervened. He split the world Abeir-Toril into two different worlds named Abeir and Toril which are similar but distinctly unique. This event is known as {{FRWiki|Tearfall}}, and occurred about 33,000 years before BG3 takes place.

However things radically changed due to an event known as the {{FRWiki|Spellplague}} about 100 years before BG3. The evil goddess {{FRWiki|Shar}} sought control over magic in the year 1385 DR, and as a result she successfully plotted to have the goddess of magic {{FRWiki|Mystra_(Midnight)|Mystra}} killed. Mystra did die (though not permanently) and with this the Weave that constrains and controls magic fell apart in an event known as the Spellplague. This had many effects, but for this conversation it also caused parts of Toril to go to Abeir and parts of Abeir to go to Toril. This included the freed dragonborn region of Tymanther being brought to Toril, and that is how Dragonborn were introduced to the setting. The worst effects of the Spellplague lasted for 10 years after which things began to calm down. Approximately 100 years later Mystra was restored and Ao once again started to separate the worlds of Toril and Abeir in a period known as the {{FRWiki|Second Sundering}}. But Tymanther was never brought back to Abeir, so it and its Dragonborn inhabitants remain on Toril. Notably the Spellplague took place after the events of the first two games. Dragonborn did not exist on Faerun during the time of the first two Baldur's Gate games.

|+ Draconic Ancestry Table

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==== Build Synergy ====

==== Lore ====

Drow is pronounced like "cow"

{{FRWiki|Drow}} have some of the most nuanced and fleshed out lore in the Forgotten Realms, largely due to the famous novels following the adventures of the legendary Drow ranger Drizzt Do'Urden. I am only going to give a very, very brief summary and for more details please see this [https://youtu.be/zcUk4kFNobQ 10 minute video by Spell&Shield] (which is still all things considered a brief summary of Drow lore).

In short summary, the elven gods were once all united and referred to as the {{FRWiki|Seldarine}} over 30,000 years before the events of Baldur's Gate 3. They were led by {{FRWiki|Corellon}}. His consort Araushnee craved Corellon's power and plotted against him, trying several times to get Corellon assassinated. Usually her plan consisted of causing an evil god and its forces to go to war with the Seldarine gods, and plotting for Corellon to "accidentally" die as a result of the battle. One notable case of this was when she convinced {{FRWiki|Gruumsh}} the god of Orcs to attack the Seldarine, and this is how Orcs were introduced to {{FRWiki|Toril}}. For the last of these plots Araushnee cursed Corellon's scabbard so that it would draw the arrows fired by their daughter {{FRWiki|Eilistraee}} and frame her for Corellon's death. This plan did somewhat work but it only wounded Corellon. Evenutally Araushnee and her son {{FRWiki|Vhaeraun}} who helped her with these plots would be caught and put on trial. Araushnee and her son were exiled from the Seldarine pantheon, and Araushnee would later turn herself into spider like demonic creature and take the name of {{FRWiki|Lolth}}. Meanwhile Eilistraee (the daughter of now Lolth who was framed for the attempted murder of her father Corellon) willingly exiled herself from the pantheon so that she may be there as a light to guide the dark elves who she feared were in danger from Lolth.

After her exile, Lolth went on to rule the demon inhabited domain of the Abyss in a realm now known as the {{FRWiki|Demonweb_Pits|Demonweb Pits}}. From there she has plotted against Corellon and her former elven god kin by trying to steal the worship of the dark elves and have them go to war with Corellon's remaining elven worshippers. This primarily took the form of working behind the scenes to cause wars known as the Crown Wars between the dark elves of {{FRWiki|Ilythiir}} and other elven groups. Then Lolth would ''just happen'' to be there willing to aid the dark elves when they were in these dire times of war. After enough occurrences of this she became popular among the dark elves. As the dark elves then grew more powerful over time and became more violent under the influence of Lolth and other evil gods, the original elven Seldarine pantheon sought to stop these wars by cursing all dark elves; even those who were not involved in Lolth's wars. The Dark Elves were cursed to become [[Drow]] making it difficult for them to tolerate the sun's light on the surface and magically drawing them to the great underground network known as the [[Underdark]]. This did stop the conflicts so long as the surface elves stayed away from the underdark, but also drove many neutral or good Drow into the arms of Lolth who was there to care for them. As the Drow moved underground they conquered many locations including the Dwarven Kingdom of {{FRWiki|Bhaerynden}}, displacing the dwarves that remained and sending them into exile. The greatest drow city now is {{FRWiki|Menzoberranzan}}.

Drow occasionally return to the surface as raiding bands to fulfill some desire of Lolth or another, and these Drow leave disaster in their wake. This has been the state of things for over 10,000 years. Over this time Lolth's influence grew further to the point where most underdark dwelling Drow are fanatically [[Drow#Lolth-Sworn_Drow|Lolth-Sworn]]. There do remain some Drow that try to mend relations and coexist with surface races, to separate themselves from Lolth's influence, and to redeem their evil kin. These are referred to in BG3 as [[Drow#Seldarine_Drow|Seldarine Drow]], which is the name of the original elven pantheon of Gods led by Corellon. They will very likely worship Eilistraee for coming down from godhood to live among them and sharing her similar goals of redeeming the fallen Drow taken by her mother Lolth.

==== World Interactions ====

For a surface dweller, seeing a Drow is perhaps one of the most terrifying things imaginable. There are many stories of their surface raiding parties devastating small villages, taking slaves and treating them despicably, and torturing their victims. If your character is a Lolth-sworn Drow then they may encourage this type of reaction as they try to frighten those they meet, or give folks further stories to tell of the horrible things Drow are capable of. In underdark society Drow are at the top with female Drow calling all the shots. They have a house system led by matriarchs which I am not going to get into or we'll be here for hours, and so far I have not seen much mention of this in BG3. However underdark dwelling races like [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] will be especially frightful of Drow, as they often make slaves of the Deep Gnomes. [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] and Drow respect but hate one another, being the two most powerful civilized races in the underdark. At times they are at war, and at times they are allies by circumstances.

A Seldarine Drow will likely be met with similar reactions to most people, but in most cases BG3 allows the Seldarine to try and calm the person they are talking to and persuade them that they do not behave like their evil brethren.

==== Build Synergy ====

Normally in tabletop Drow have [[Sunlight Sensitivity]] which is a major, major downside to picking this race. However the tadpole in our brain seems to render our characters immune to these effects.

[[Superior Darkvision]] is great for any character, and [[Perception]] is often seen as one of the most valuable skills in BG3 so having proficiency is great and the elf is already off to a good start. [[Fey Ancestry|Fey ancestry]] is a bit situational but by no means a bad thing to have. The [[Darkness]] Spell can also be great to have on any character. For example say you have some enemy bad guys on a platform firing ranged attacks at your party, and you would have to spend 2 turns just to move and get into range with them. You can cast darkness on the platform they are on therefore blinding them and making them come down. Or you can use it out of combat to help sneak about. This spell can get great mileage out of even non-spellcasters.

Pretty much any class or build will get tremendous benefit from being a Drow. Charisma casting classes like [[Bard]], [[Warlock]], [[Paladin]], and [[Sorcerer]] may get a bit more benefit than others thanks to the [[Faerie Fire]] spell but nothing too substantial. Warlocks with the Devil's Sight [[Eldritch Invocation]] may get further use of the Drow's [[Darkness]] Spell.

====Lore====

{{FRWiki|Dwarf|Dwarves}} in the Forgotten Realms compare to the typical Dwarves in other conventional fantasy settings. They tend to develop underground kingdoms where they amass treasure and might, and develop clan like societies that respect their elders and gods such as the good aligned god of crafting [[Deities#Moradin|Moradin]]. Dwarven commerce largely revolves around mining and blacksmithing. They have great appreciation for finely crafted weapons, armor, and other objects such as chalices, jewelry, and architecture. They feel a natural draw towards the stone and have an intuitive understanding of it to an extent. The Dwarven disciplined structure causes them to come at odds with the elves who are seen as flippant and emotionally driven. However Dwarves tend to get along with [[human|Humans]], [[halfling|Halflings]] (primarily Strongheart Halflings), and especially [[Gnome|Gnomes]].

The most important events in Dwarven lore revolve around the kingdom {{FRWiki|Bhaerynden}}. This was the greatest of the dwarven kingdoms on {{FRWiki|Faerûn}}, located a fair bit South East of the Sword Coast where Baldur's Gate 3 is. Approximately 12,000 years before the events of BG3 one clan of dwarves had splintered off from the ruling dwarves at the time and set off west, founding a new kingdom of {{FRWiki|Shanatar}} just south of the Sword Coast (and actually pretty close to where Baldur's Gate II takes place). These dwarves would become known as the [[Dwarf#Shield_Dwarves|Shield Dwarves]]. Many dwarves still remained back in the kingdom of Bhaerynden after the Shield Dwarves splintered off. But a few hundred years later the dark elves were cursed to become [[Drow]] and they moved underground, conquering many lands in the process. Among these included the Dwarven kingdom of Bhaerynden. The refugee dwarves from this great empire fled far and wide and became nomadic, with some even going to live on the surface. These Bhaerynden refugees and their descendants became known as the [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves]] or the Hill Dwarves.  

Flipping back to the splintered off Shield Dwarves now and about 2,000 years after the fall of Bhaerynden, {{FRWiki|Clan_Duergar|Clan Duergar}} of the Shield Dwarves would begin causing trouble. Clan Duergar sought to practice the teachings of the evil aligned god of magical crafting {{FRWiki|Laduguer}} who was xenophobic and encouraged his followers to exploit slavery to obtain their goals. But the rest of the Shield Dwarves would not practice or even tolerate Clan Duergar's ideals. Clan Duergar then splintered off from the Shield Dwarves to set up their own society where they could freely practice these evil ideals, but their isolation made them a target for [[Mind Flayer|Illithids (Mind Flayers)]] who would capture and conduct experiments on them, and turn them into their own slaves. These changes would ultimately change the physiology of the Clan Duergar dwarves, mutating them into the [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] we know today. The {{FRWiki|Duergar}} remained slaves to the Illithids for about 5,000 years before they won their freedom by allying themselves with dark powers. They went on to found their own society in the Underdark in the great city {{FRWiki|Gracklstugh}} where the Duergar toil towards mastering their craft at an unhealthy level and remain very xenophobic. Especially towards their once Shield Dwarf brethren and anything relating to Illithids. [https://youtu.be/Iw0GN75zZ_E More information on Duergar can be found in this 8 minute video by Spell&Shield].

==== World Interactions ====

A Dwarf will likely have extra dialogue options when it comes to recognizing and identifying weapons and armor of unique make, unique architecture masonry, or exploring underground areas as a result of their bond to the rock and stone. They may express some animosity or rivalry with [[elf|elves]] due to their extreme difference in lifestyle, though I doubt it will be much more than some quick quips rather than outright violence. Perhaps much like Gimli and Legolas from Lord of the Rings. [[Duergar]] will likely have an outright loathing for anything related to [[Mind Flayer|Illithids]]. And [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] will likely react with fear to the sight of a Duergar because the Duergar are known for making Deep Gnomes into slaves. Duergar and [[Drow]] are the two ruling civilized races in the underdark. They are often civil around one another, but are also rivals and have clashed many times before as well as becoming allies by circumstance on occassion.

Depending on how deep Larian goes with the lore you may see additional reactions based on the above lore. [[Dwarf#Gold_Dwarves|Gold Dwarves]] (Hill Dwarves) may hold a grudge against the [[Drow]] for their conquering of Bhaerynden. Duergar often blame the Shield Dwarves for their abandonment to the hands of the Mind Flayers, so there could be animosity between Duergar and Shield Dwarves. And Hill Dwarves and Mountain Dwarves also often view [[Gnome|Gnomes]] as their cousins, so they may get along particularly well.

|+ Dwarven Subrace Features

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| Duergar resilience granting [[advantage]] on [[Saving Throw|saving throws]] against illusions as well as being [[Charmed (Condition)|Charmed]] or [[Paralysed (Condition)|Paralyzed]]. || - || -

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==== Build Synergy ====

== [[Elf|Elves]] ==

====Lore====

Most of the notable Elven history is covered in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. One detail I'll add here but may not ever get mentioned in BG3 is the {{FRWiki|First_Sundering|First Sundering}}. After Araushnee (now Lolth) and her son Vhaeraun were exiled from the Elven pantheon but before the {{FRWiki|Crown Wars}} fully began, Lolth's and Vhaeraun's influence on the dark elves began spreading causing some minor conflicts. Around year -17,500 DR (about 19,000 years before BG3) many of the elves had enough of this and decided to pull a mass of land from the plane of {{FRWiki|Arborea}} full of enchanting magic and beautiful landscapes, and make it a remote island on this world of Toril. Then these peaceful elves could go live there away from all the war and strife of the dark elves. The good news is that the elves were successful and made their homeland island of {{FRWiki|Evermeet}}. The bad news is that with this came devastation across the continent of Faerun as the world reacted to this catastrophic change in geography and powerful magic. Many elven societies were flooded by the shifting seas and most would consider the event an overall disaster, save for the surviving elves who went off to live on Evermeet in peace. While many don't know this in modern days, the remote isle of Evermeet has since been pulled into the Feywild as a result of the Spellplague.

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  * For High Elf's Cantrip feature, see the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section

==== Build Synergy ====

== [[Half-Elf|Half-Elves]] ==

* [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft

* [[Fey Ancestry]] making them impossible to put to sleep magically and granting [[advantage]] on saving throws to avoid being [[Charmed (Condition)|charmed]].

Normally in Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition, Half-Elves get "Skill Versatility" allowing them to be proficient in two skills of their choice. This option does not appear to be present in BG3 and they must choose one of the below variant Half-Elf options which grants the additional following features:

In tabletop the Half-Elf is the second most common race for players to pick behind variant human. This is largely due to their ability score bonuses where they get a +2 to [[Charisma]] (as well as flexible ability scores they can put elsewhere) in combination with Charisma focused classes like [[Bard]], [[Warlock]], [[Sorcerer]], [[Paladin]], and possibly even some charming [[Rogue|Rogues]]. They are also desired in tabletop for their [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] and Skill Versatility options. Of the above three features (ability score bonuses, darkvision, and skill versatility), only Darkvision will be available to Half-elves in BG3. This significantly shakes them up. The [[Fey Ancestry]] is a nice feature, but rather niche and by no means a reason why most people pick this class in tabletop.

The subrace features synergize just like the same features do for the base Elf race:

* Drow Half-Elf's [[Dancing Lights]] is not very helpful on caster character because it competes for [[Concentration]] but can be of a bit of benefit to non caster builds. [[Darkness]] has great in combat and out of combat utility whether you are a caster or not, but is especially good on a Warlock with the Devil's Sight [[Eldritch Invocation]]. [[Faerie Fire]] is a great spell into the midgame even, but only on characters with decent Charisma as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section.

* Wood Half-Elf movement speed bonus is nice on all characters, but especially nice on melee characters who can use this to get into range of their target. Their stealth proficiency is nice on sneaky characters as it opens you up to put proficiencies from [[background]] and your starting class elsewhere.

== [[Half-Orc|Half-Orcs]] ==

====Lore====

{{FRWiki|Orc|Orcs}} first came to the planet of Toril as a result of one of {{FRWiki|Lolth|Lolth's}} plots to kill {{FRWiki|Corellon}} as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's_Gate_3_Races_Guide#Drow|Drow Lore]] section. One of the gods who Lolth tricked into fighting the Seldarine was {{FRWiki|Gruumsh}}, patron god of orcs who brought a horde of orc with him. Upon Gruumsh's defeat many orcs would be left behind in Faerun and more orcs crossed into Faerun via other methods. For tens of thousands of years orcs were isolated savages which posed no major threat to civilized races. However around -3,600 DR (about 5,000 years before BG3) orcs began to band together and raid civilized lands in massive hordes. And in fact this is how most orcs to this day still behave. They are typically violent, selfish, short tempered creatures.

Humans and orcs have been known to exist peacefully together in some scenarios, as stated in the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Players Handbook which states, "Whether united under the leadership of a mighty warlock or having fought to a standstill after years of conflict, orc and human communities, sometimes form alliances. When these alliances are sealed by marriages, half-orcs are born. Some half-orcs rise to become proud leaders of orc communities. Some venture into the world to prove their worth. Many of these become adventurers, achieving greatness for their mighty deeds." One popular example of this cooperation is {{FRWiki|Many-Arrows|Kingdom of Many Arrows}} located near the northern end of the Sword Coast. Many-Arrows was established just over 100 years before the events in BG3 and is a peaceful settlement of orcs that has generated bonds and relationships with their neighbors. In-fact their neighbors have even come to the military defense of Many-Arrows. From these kinds of relationships between humans and orcs, half-orcs can be born.

Half-orcs are rare and do not have a society or culture of their own. They tend to adopt the culture of whatever settlement they are in. If they venture out from their home they are very likely to be met with hesitation from all they meet due to the reputation orcs have. Even other orc tribes will be unfriendly toward their half-orc kin due to the human blood being seen as a weakness.

====Build Synergy====

==[[Halfling|Halflings]]==

====Lore====

While I do say that Larian may not really include the above lore info, they did go out of their way to refer to Strongheart Halflings as such, rather than simply saying Stout halflings as they are known in the D&D 5e Player Handbook Rules. So perhaps they will keep it in mind.

====World Interactions====

All [[Halfling|Halflings]] have:

* A 25 ft movement speed (5 ft less than normal)

* [[Brave]] granting them [[advantage]] on saving throws against being frightened.

! [[Halfling#Lightfoot_Halflings|Lightfoot Halfling]] !! [[Halfling#Strongheart_Halflingsf|Strongheart Halfling]] (Stout Halfling)

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====Build Synergy====

== [[Human|Humans]] ==

==== Lore ====

Like with [[Elf|Elves]] and [[Dwarf|Dwarves]], the {{FRWiki|Human}} history also tends to meet typical fantasy expectation.  For thousands of years the dwarves ruled the depths while the elves roamed far and wide and were the greatest power on the surface. But as a result of human ingenuity, dedication, perseverence, and a fast rate of reproduction they established large settlements at critical locations for trade allowing them to prosper commercially over time. The human kingdoms would fight among one another which certainly did not help their rise to dominance. But these skirmishes were nothing compared to the devastation the elves suffered in the First Sundering (as discussed in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Elves|Elven Lore]] section) and the {{FRWiki|Crown_Wars|Crown Wars}} and persistent conflicts with the [[Drow]], and the devastation that the Dwarves experienced when the [[Drow]] moved underground as described in the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Dwarves|Dwarven Lore]] section. As a result the Humans have grown to dominate much of {{FRWiki|Faerûn}}, including the {{FRWiki|Sword Coast}} region where Baldur's Gate is located.  

However there are two human empires whose downfall look like they will play at least a minor part in BG3. First is {{FRWiki|Netheril}}. This kingdom was mankind's greatest at the time of its destruction in -339 DR (about 1,800 years before BG3) and consisted of common folk who lived on the planet's surface while the elite ruling class lived in flying cities. The mage Karsus of Netheril rightly feared the threat posed by worm like monsters called {{FRWiki|Phaerimm}} and sought a way to destroy this threat to the Netherese Empire. Unfortunately his plan to do so was to cast a 12th level spell to steal the power of the god of magic at the time, {{FRWiki|Mystryl}}. He did succeed at drawing Mystryl's power which ultimately killed her, but worse still Karsus himself was unable to contain the magic he had absorbed. He released Mystryl's power, the {{FRWiki|Weave}} which controls magic broke down, and the Netherese cities magically held aloft began to falter as they fell from the sky. The goddess of magic was quickly reborn, this time as {{FRWiki|Mystra}} and she was able to save some but not all of the falling cities. As a result of this Mystra made it so that no mortals could cast spells above 9th level, and the Netherese empire crumbled away with the death of so many high ranking citizens all due to this event now known as {{FRWiki|Karsus's Folly|Karsus's Folly}}. For the sake of BG3 it is important to note that Netherese magic was powerful, and may not have been implemented with adequate safeguards.

[https://youtu.be/8D44Ak%20X1%20I This 9 minute video by WolfheartFPS] covers Szass Tam's rise to power.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye-Y3EBXE6U This 8 minute video by Spell&Shield contains Act 1 spoilers on where Thay is mentioned in BG3 Early Access and also provides more lore on Thay's upheaval.]

====World Interactions====

====Mechanical Traits====

* [[Proficiency]] with [[Spears]], [[Pikes]], [[Halberds]], and [[Glaives]], [[Armour#Light_Armour|Light Armor]], and [[Shields]].

* [[Proficiency]] with one [[Skills|skill]] of your choice.

====Build Synergy====

==[[Githyanki]]==

The {{FRWiki|Githyanki}} have in my opinion the most interesting lore of all [[Races|races]] in BG3 and furthermore in all Dungeons and Dragons settings altogether, and BG3 Early Access touches on it in many ways. '''I think it is exceedingly likely that Githyanki lore will play a major role in Baldur's Gate 3.''' This lore is one of the main reasons I will be bringing [[Lae'zel]] as a companion on my first run, besides my appreciation for blunt and confident people. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9iQTnxyDqI This 10 minute video by WolfheartFPS] covers the Githyanki race.

After the Gith race earned their freedom and had established themselves as a force to be reckoned with two main Gith factions emerged. Those led by Gith the Warrior wanted to continue to hunt down the Mind Flayers to the ends of all realms and exterminate them at all costs. They would hunt down Mind Flayers on foreign planets and kill them, and if some of the planets' meaningless locals were harmed in the effort then it was all part of the greater mission of exterminating mind flayers. A rival faction led by {{FRWiki|Zerthimon}} instead sought to find a quiet place for the Gith race to settle and prosper peacefully, and would undermine some of the more locally destructive methods the Gith (the warrior) led fighters were implementing to hunt down Mind Flayers. These ideological differences became irreconcilable and a civil war among the Gith race broke out. In the end Zerthimon would die and his faction would retreat into the chaotic plane of {{FRWiki|Limbo}}, while the Gith (the warrior) led faction continued to live in the {{FRWiki|Astral Plane}} popping up to hunt down Mind Flayers wherever rumors of them emerged. The generations of isolation and magical effects of Limbo vs. the Astral Plane led to physiological differences between these two Gith factions. Those on the side of Gith the Warrior became known as the [[Githyanki]], while the more peaceful faction became known as the {{FRWiki|Githzerai}}. The Githyanki and Githzerai remain at war to this day thousands and thousands of years later.

====World Interactions====

The slaying of a Mind Flayer is a right of passage for a Githyanki. Doing so is the main way to gain renown and rise through the ranks to one day become a knight like a kith'rak, be able to wield a legendary {{FRWiki|Githyanki Silver Sword}}, and/or earn a red dragon mount to then kill more Mind Flayers with. Being infected with a Mind Flayer tadpole is the worst imaginable thing to a Githyanki, as becoming one of the creatures they are sworn to kill would be as dishonorable of a death possible.

* [[Proficiency]] with light and medium [[Armour|armor]].

* [[Proficiency]] with [[shortswords]], [[longswords]], and [[greatswords]].

* Githyanki Psionics granting the ability to cast:

** [[Mage Hand]] at level 1 which is invisible when you cast it this way. (For this spell see the [[Guide:Baldur's Gate 3 Races Guide#Racial_Spellcasting|Racial Spellcasting]] section)

====Build Synergy====

==[[Gnome|Gnomes]]==

{{FRWiki|Gnome|Gnomes}} have various stories on how they came to exist on Faerun, but the common theme is that their souls were drawn from gems by their patron god {{FRWiki|Garl Glittergold}} around 20,000 or more years prior to BG3. It is said that the [[Gnome#Rock_Gnomes|Rock Gnomes]] are born from the souls of diamonds, [[Gnome#Forest_Gnomes|Forest Gnomes]] are born from the souls of emeralds, while the [[Gnome#Deep_Gnomes|Deep Gnomes]] are born from the souls of rubies. It's worth noting that [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] have the [[Underdark]] based subrace [[Dwarf#Duergar|Duergar]] which are a result of Mind Flayer experimentation, and [[Elf|Elves]] have their Underdark based cousins the [[Drow]] which are the result of Dark Elves being cursed by the Seldarine Gods, but the Deep Gnomes are Underdark dwelling variants of Gnomes yet they were never cursed or transformed into this form. It is how they have always been.

The Deep Gnomes (called Svirfneblin in their own tongue) have a separate history. They have largely lived in the Underdark trying to stay unnoticed by their neighbors, both uncivilized and civilized. They tend to not build large settlements underground because this just makes them a large target for slaving raids by their [[Duergar]] and [[Drow]] neighbors. {{FRWiki|Blingdenstone}} is the greatest settlement they ever made, yet it was quickly squashed by the Drow who summoned demons in the city when the gnomes had made a nuisance of themselves. Deep Gnomes are able to survive and thrive in the perilous Underdark so long as they do not draw attention to themselves. Like their surface cousins, Deep Gnomes are also very well known for their abilities with Illusion magic, and in fact to a greater degree since the Deep Gnomes use this magic regularly to ensure survival.

While both Rock Gnomes and Forest gnomes have a knack for tinkering as well as for wildlife and animals, the Rock Gnomes further embody the inventing aspects while the Forest Gnomes further embody the bond with nature. Both may have specific reactions to mechanical constructs or interacting with wildlife, but Rock Gnomes are more likely to have the former while Forest Gnomes are more likely to have the latter. Other surface races see Gnomes as a mix between [[Elf|Elves]] and [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] in mentality. Gnomes have the ability to be industrious and craft magnificent things (their gem crafting capability earns them particular respect from the Dwarves). But they also know how to kick back and enjoy life. They have the greatest power of all; a work-life balance. The Gnomes are also known for their lighthearted pranks and mischief. While a [[Halfling|halfling]] is often too innocent to understand the mischief they are getting themselves into, Gnomes intentionally cause mischief for a good laugh.

* A 25 ft movement speed (5 ft less than normal)

* [[Gnome Cunning]] granting them [[Advantage|advantage]] on [[Intelligence]], [[Charisma]], and [[Wisdom]] [[Saving Throw|saving throws]].

The Gnome Subraces additionally obtain:

|+ Gnome Subrace Features

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| [[Superior Darkvision]] out to 80 ft || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft || [[Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision]] out to 40 ft  

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