All the standard character races exist in the Land of Fate. Players may assume the roles of dwarves, elves, gnomes, half-elves, halflings, and humans. Except as noted here, the usual abilities of each race still apply.
Humans are by far the most common race in Zakhara, especially in the more populous areas. Although elven and dwarven nations lie on the fringes of the Land of Fate, in the heart of Zakhara nonhumans are a vibrant minority, maintaining at best a "halflings' market" or "gnome district" in a few cities. In addition to the PC races, a number of other humanoids may be found in Zakhara's cities, including orcs, goblins, gnolls, and even ogres.
Despite their small numbers, nonhumans suffer almost none of the prejudices found in most "Western" AD&D campaigns. In comparison, Zakhara is an egalitarian society. Here the standard "racial hatreds" of the AD&D game—such as the antipathy between dwarf and elf, or hatred between gnome and goblin—no longer exist. Zakharan elves deal with orcs and dwarves as easily as they deal with humans (though it's true that many elves ultimately prefer to deal with other elves). Hatred may arise between individuals, families, or nations—but not at the level of racial hatreds detailed in the core AD&DR rules.
Abilities: Zakhara's racial harmony causes a change in ability for dwarves and gnomes.
- Dwarves no longer gain a +1 attack bonus against orcs, half-orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins. However, dwarves retain their benefit when being attacked by ogres, trolls, ogre magi, giants, or titans.
- Gnomes no longer gain a +1 attack bonus against kobolds or goblins. However, gnomes retain their benefit when being attacked by gnolls, bugbears, ogres, trolls, ogre magi, giants, or titans.
Classes: Each race is eligible for the classes and multi-class combinations noted in the Player's Handbook, with two exceptions:
- Dwarves who are native Zakharan wizards must take the sha'ir kit (see Chapter 3). As wizards, their maximum experience level is 10. A dwarf who is a mage may not be multi-class. In addition, he or she has further limitations as noted for the sha'ir kit.
- Gnomes may be any type of wizard introduced in Chapter 3, including sha'irs, elemental mages, and sorcerers. They are limited to the usual maximum level of 15 in wizard kits.
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