Build-an-Ancestry

OSwR uses four core ancestries - Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, and Human - but you can easily create new ones.

Each ancestry has 3 traits max (Humans are the exception). Traits come in a few categories:

  • Sense: Darkvision (30 ft) or Edge on a sense (sight, hearing, smell). Keep darkvision rare.
  • Resist: Edge on one type of save (poison, charm, fear, spells, cold/heat).
  • Knack: Edge on one exploration task (stone sense, find secret doors, woodland stealth, tracking).
  • Quirk: A small, always-on perk (ignore 1 Fatigue once/day, treat Bulky as 1 slot, Edge on sling attacks).

Pick 2–3 that fit the concept. Don’t stack the same category twice.

Sample Ancestries

These examples use the Build-an-Ancestry rules to show how you might create other ancestries.

Shadow Elf

Size: Medium · Languages: Common, Elvish Age: Adult ~100 · Lifespan ~400–1000+

  • Ghoul Immunity.
  • Darkvision (30 ft).
  • Resist Spells: Edge on saves vs spells and magical effects.

Note: Shadow Elves are often mistrusted by surface folk. The Referee may apply Setback on reaction rolls with NPCs unfamiliar with their culture.

Gnome

Size: Small · Languages: Common, Gnomish (often Dwarvish too) Age: Adult ~40 · Lifespan ~300–500

  • Stone Sense: As Dwarves, you detect stonework anomalies. If you pass within 5 ft of slopes, seams, traps, or recent masonry, the Referee may roll a secret INT check. When actively searching stonework, roll with Edge.
  • Resist Illusion: Edge on saves vs illusions and trickery.
  • Tinker’s Knack: Edge on checks to repair, disassemble, or jury-rig mechanical devices.

Restriction: You’re Small, so you can’t wield Large or Heavy weapons (polearms, greatswords, etc.).