Racial Traits

The description of each race includes racial traits that are common to members of that race. The following entries appear among the traits of most races.

Some traits, such as water breathing or dark vision, are inherited and thus shared by almost all members of a race. Other traits, such as weapon proficiencies, are learned, and thus may not be shared by all members of a race. These traits are marked with (Typical) next to them, indicating they are typical but not necessary features. If you feel a Typical feature does not suit your character, you may be able to change it using the Customizing your Origins options from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, or by working with the DM.

Ability Score Increase

Every race increases one or more of a character’s Ability Scores.

Age

The age entry notes the age when a member of the race is considered an adult, as well as the race’s expected lifespan. This information can help you decide how old your character is at the start of the game. You can choose any age for your character, which could provide an explanation for some of your ability scores. For example, if you play a young or very old character, your age could explain a particularly low Strength or Constitution score, while advanced age could account for a high Intelligence or Wisdom.

Size

Characters of most races are Medium, a size category including creatures that are roughly 4 to 8 feet tall. Members of a few races are Small (between 2 and 4 feet tall), which means that certain rules of the game affect them differently. The most important of these rules is that Small characters have trouble wielding heavy weapons, as explained in “Equipment.”

Speed

Your speed determines how far you can move when traveling (“Adventuring”) and fighting.

Languages

By virtue of your upbringing and studies, your character can speak, read, and write certain Languages. Most races have certain languages they are likely to know.

Subraces

Some races have subraces. Members of a subrace have the traits of the parent race in addition to the traits specified for their subrace.