Races

Each character created on Vanguard's world of Telon can be one of 19 races.

The races are spread across the three continents; seven on Thestra and six each on Qalia and Kojan. Each continent has what might be described as 'evil' or 'bad' races, though in Vanguard the lines are blurred and racial conflict is based around a complex system of factions. Every race is the enemy of some other races, and some are universally hated. In this way the Vanguard designers have ensured that players will not be able to walk freely through some game areas, and must increase faction standing in order to avoid being killed by NPCs.

There has been some effort to balance the distribution of races between continents. Every continent has a human race, at least one 'small stature' or dwarf race, at least one 'large stature' or giant race, an elven race, and an anthropomorphic animal race.

Racial Abilities

Each race has an activated racial ability, and a number of inherent or passive abilities. Racial abilities are unique to each race, meaning for example the Dwarves will have a different ability than the High Elves .

Racial Attributes

Starting at level ten, all characters receive attribute points to spend as they choose. Each attribute point permanently increases one of the six attributes by one.

Game Implications

Choice of race has important consequences for character development and success in both PvP and PvE situations. Some races are considered far better suited to a particular class than others, and some racial abilities are valued highly in PvP.

For example, the Kojani Human ability Spirit of Jin instantly heals 45% of the defensive target's health and energy. This is a valuable ability in both PvE and PvP, favoured by players for getting out of those very close encounters alive.

Available Races

Thestra

		Race	Racial Bonus		WAR	PAL	DRK	RAN	ROG	MNK	BRD	CLR	SHM	DSC	BMG	SOR	DRD	PSI	NRM
		Thestran Human	Inspiring Tactics
		Dwarf	Earthen Embrace
		Halfling	Shroud of the Vael
		High Elf	Arcane Balance
		Vulmane	Spiritual Bond
		Varanjar	Endless Strength
		Lesser Giant	Fortitude of Torsheim

Kojan

Race			Racial Bonus		WAR	PAL	DRK	RAN	ROG	MNK	BRD	CLR	SHM	DSC	BMG	SOR	DRD	PSI	NRM
		Kojani Human	Spirit of Jin
		Wood Elf	Form of Nature
		Half Elf	Symbol of Jin
		Orc	Fury of Ghalnn
		Goblin	Hex of Ghalnn
		Raki	Planar Shift

Qalia

Race			Racial Bonus		WAR	PAL	DRK	RAN	ROG	MNK	BRD	CLR	SHM	DSC	BMG	SOR	DRD	PSI	NRM
		Qualiathari Human	Protection of the Sands
		Gnome	Gnomish Distillers
		Dark Elf	Call of Haelifur
		Kurashasa	Symbiotic Armor
		Mordebi Human	Curse of the Ancients
		Varanthari	Desert Skin