Dungeons and Dragons to change problematic elements of races
Dungeons and Dragons source material has always been more than a little problematic when it comes to races. The fact that there are racial modifiers in the first place is sketchy, especially when races like orcs and drow get minus modifiers in things such as constitution and intelligence.
While this may not seem like a problem on the surface, Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) have openly admitted in a blog post that descriptions of races such as drow, and how they are treated, are indeed drawn from “real-world ethnic groups [that] have been and continue to be denigrated.” WOTC have said that the inclusion of, frankly, racist and problematic elements in Dungeons and Dragons is “not what [they] believe in.”
Dungeons and Dragons fans have been open about their aversion to the handling of race for a while now, particularly when it comes to the Drow. Some have even turned to creating their own versions of how to handle creating characters in Dungeons and Dragons, using personality and class to obtain their character’s modifiers instead. Here is a particularly great way from Gabe James: the class modifier module.
As for WOTC, they have outlined ways in which they will be making changes to Dungeons and Dragons problematic material. They’ll be making changes in their reprints of modules, as well as offering a new way for players to customize their character’s origin that allows your characters to be more unique. For the full list, check out the WOTC blog post.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a diverse adventure to play in the meantime, check out Adventuring with Pride – where drag queens, gay pride, and more are sure to be found!
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