Racial Traits

In 5e, a character is given certain traits that define them: two personality traits, an ideal (an idea that drives your character), a bond (to an item, place, or person), and a flaw. These are based on your background, whether you worked as a sailor or served as a temple acolyte.

However, I found that these backgrounds tend to create a certain type of personality in the player, which doesn't always reflect the full nature of the character. Sometimes, a creature's racial identity is much stronger than their previous job.

I have put together a list of "Racial Traits". The traits function exactly like the background traits, and if you prefer a racial trait you simply may select it instead of the same trait in your background. I hope that this will lead to players using their race as a story and world building device, rather than just something they picked because it had the best stats for the class they wanted.

These traits are based on the descriptions found in the Player's Handbook. in your setting, you may need to adjust them to better fit your versions of the D&D races.

Dwarves





d8 Personality Trait 1 I could talk for days about my home, my clan, or my family trade. 2 I consider myself a purveyor of the finer things in life, especially ale and gold. 3 I speak directly. No use bandying words around. 4 I treat master craftsmen and warriors with the highest respect. 5 I'd much rather take my time and do things right than rush in and muck everything up. 6 I'm a highly valued member of my clan and I carry that reputation with me wherever I go. 7 I always consider what my clan or God would do before I act. 8 I'm quick to invoke my clan name to swear oaths and curses.





d6 Ideal 1 Courage. It is only in the face of evil that a dwarf can truly forge their bravery. (Good) 2 Perseverance. My people are as eternal as the mountains, and so am I. (Lawful) 3 Justice. Evildoers must meet the fate they deserve, and if it is under my boot all the better. (Lawful) 4 Loyalty. A friend justly earned is a friend for life. (Good) 5 Stubbornness. The old ways are best, and fools ignore them at their own peril. (Lawful) 6 Perspective. I've lived much longer than humans and halflings, and my experience guides my actions. (Any)





d6 Bond 1 I am committed to serving my clan, and my actions represent their name. 2 The mountain I was born under will always have a special place in my heart. 3 My ancestors forged a great artifact that was lost to time. I hope to find it and reclaim my inheritance. 4 Just as Morodin forged the dwarves, I use my forge to craft my works and myself. 5 I learned to fight from the best warrior in my clan, and I will always respect and honor great warriors. 6 My clan has killed Orcs, Goblins, and even dragons; I am here to continue our tradition.





d6 Flaw 1 I never forgive a grudge, even among allies. 2 There's no such thing as an inappropriate time for a drink. 3 I would do anything, kill anyone, to get my hands on the treasure I seek. 4 I won't set foot on a boat or in anything bigger than a puddle. I hate the feeling of leaving the earth behind me. 5 Never trust an elf, no matter what they say with their honeyed words. 6 If you wrong me, you had better expect to face the wrath of my clan.





Elves



