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I. basics on races: most important race boni:
- SR (spell resistance)
- extra stat points (needed for some powerfull MC builds)
- racial boni
- the right favored class for the planned build
level mali:
ECL races are by far not that worse as they look like!
- ECL races start with more EXP - this way all races only need 1000 EXP to level 2! (EDIT: for DG you need to mod the game with Weidu to avoid the "bug" that you start with only 1000EXP!)
- ECL races lower your average party level -> this way the party gets more EXP!
- ECL races can reach level 30
sensitive to daylight: also not that big problem as most fights are inside and you can rest during day that you can fight the few difficult outside battles at night!
II. Powerfull races: 1. Drows
definetly the best race!
- SR
- great stat boni - but the +2 on CHA are useless for most drow-builds
- the "right" favored classes (wizard or cleric!)
- +2 boni on will-saves
- 3 times a day Faeri Fire (don't underestimate FF - cause really ever enemy in HOF is affected by this spell!)
2. Deep Gnomes
if you want to build an ultimate AC "decoy" - DG is best choice!
-> have a look at JUPP for the details - as I personally don't like DG decoys!
- SR
- racial AC boni
- +2 boni on saves
- 2 stat points less then humans but due to the -4 on CHA this isn't a big problem, +2 on WIS is great
- MI & blur are nice but only available once a day / battle!
III. races for special builds 1. Aasimar
due to the +2 CHA & +2 WIS...
...best choice for a Pal 2 - Sorc X
very good choice for cleric / paladin / monk MC-builds
- +5 elemental resistance (besides fire)
- sunscorch is also nice (great against undead if you use the targos mod and for finishing trolls!)
as the PAL level allows you to use the holy avenger, you won't get problems with the missing SR!
2. Tiefling
with +2 INT and +2 DEX
good choice for MC/DC builds with rogue and/or wiz as a major class - but for most "good" tiefling MC-builds a drow is the better choice!
3. Human
If you have build that needs an extra feat or an extra SP per level - humans are a good choice.
EDIT: If you can't use a better race for a special build to avoid the EXP-penalty - humans are best choice of all races with no fix favored class!
Especially for the bard 9 - druid 21 build (recommended later - 7.5.) - humans are best choice!
4. Half-ORC
if you go for a barb X- fighter 4 (what is not recommended!!!) a half-orc isn't a bad choice due the +2 STR boni!
IV. Roleplaying (~weak) races
...all races not mentioned above!
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