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Planning to use a gray elf or better Mordant Spire elf in our next session, I wonder what about them would differ from the 3.5 version.
The 3.5 SRD says:
Gray Elf Traits (Ex)
These traits are in addition to the high elf traits.+2 Intelligence, -2 Strength
The PRD says on "normal" or high elves:
+2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, –2 Constitution: Elves are nimble, both in body and mind, but their form is frail.
Would you still give another +2 on Intelligence and -2 Strength?
You could also simply switch the default elf's -2 Con to -2 Str and be done with it.
The problem with that is the Grey Elves are supposed to actually be slightly more frail then the traditional High Elf. I know mechanically in 3rd that a -2 to strength could pay for a +2 to intelligence.
The -2 strength makes the most sense to drop between the two of them.
If they don't address this in the Bestiary, I think it would actually be interesting to see how a +4 int, +2 dex, -2 str, -2 con Grey elf would run. I know the character would have more skills, to be sure, and if they were a wizard they wouldn't have to worry much about having their key attribute to cast their spells, but other than that, I'm thinking this is more of a downside than any potential benefit from intelligence.
You could also simply switch the default elf's -2 Con to -2 Str and be done with it.The problem with that is the Grey Elves are supposed to actually be slightly more frail then the traditional High Elf. I know mechanically in 3rd that a -2 to strength could pay for a +2 to intelligence.
The -2 strength makes the most sense to drop between the two of them.
I'd consider someone with an average of 8 Str versus 10 Str to be more frail. Having less muscle mass can cause you to look skinnier.
I guess it all depends on whether you consider the definition of "frail" to apply only to Con (not healthy), or also be applicable to Str (weak).
I'd consider someone with an average of 8 Str versus 10 Str to be more frail. Having less muscle mass can cause you to look skinnier.
I guess it all depends on whether you consider the definition of "frail" to apply only to Con (not healthy), or also be applicable to Str (weak).
Suppose the question is, which way does your GM interpret it to go? The Pathfinder RPG just might not have different breeds of elf, halfling and so forth beyond the evil types (drow, deep dwarves, etc.) I know that I wouldn't personally be upset if that were the case, since the only real difference was a few stat changes and a paragraph or two here and there. Something easily mimicked through role-playing.
I don't think I'd allow a race to have +4 int, and Elven Magic. That's way too freaking good!
Hey, thanks to all so far! This discussion is quite interesting! Good arguments in every direction, it's gettin trickier and trickier. Now I have to form my position, but it's really hard. Stick to high elf would work great I think. +4 Int-and-Elven Magic-super elven casters would be really mighty, but hey we're talking gray elves! Masked Mordant Spire elves! A weak, sick elf who can call down powers unseen elsewhere ist somewhat intriguing...