Do Variant Humans Get an Extra Feat?

Variant humans in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th edition do indeed get an extra feat at the start of the game, which is a significant advantage, especially when compared to other races. This extra feat can be chosen from any feat that the Dungeon Master (DM) allows, giving variant humans a considerable amount of flexibility and customization in terms of their abilities and playstyle.

Understanding Variant Humans and Feats

To fully grasp the implications of variant humans getting an extra feat, it’s essential to understand what variant humans are and how feats work in D&D 5E. Variant humans are an optional rule for creating human characters, offering a different set of racial traits compared to the standard human. This option allows players to customize their human characters further, making them more versatile.

What is a Feat in D&D 5E?

A feat in D&D 5E represents a special talent or ability that a character possesses. It can be anything from proficiency in a particular skill, resistance to certain types of damage, to unique combat maneuvers. Feats are a way for players to distinguish their characters from others of the same class and background, adding depth and variety to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a standard human and a variant human in D&D 5E?

• The main difference lies in their racial traits. Standard humans get a +1 bonus to all ability scores, while variant humans can increase two ability scores of their choice by 1 and gain a feat at level 1.

1. How many feats can a variant human get?

• A variant human starts with one feat at level 1. Beyond this, the number of feats a character can acquire depends on their class and level, with fighters being able to choose up to 7 feats by level 20 if they opt for feats over ability score increases.

1. Do variant humans get an extra language?

• No, variant humans do not get an extra language beyond what is granted to standard humans, which is Common and one extra language of their choice.

1. Why are variant humans considered strong?

• The combination of being able to increase two ability scores of their choice by 1 and gaining a feat at level 1 makes variant humans versatile and powerful.

1. Can any race get a free feat?

• No, the option to get a feat at level 1 is specific to variant humans (and potentially other custom or optional rules like Custom Lineage).

1. What is Custom Lineage, and how does it compare to variant human?

• Custom Lineage is an optional rule that allows players to create characters with a +2 bonus to one ability score and proficiency in two skills or a skill and Darkvision. It trades off against the variant human‘s ability to split the ability score increase and gain a feat.

1. Do humans have Darkvision?

• No, humans (including variant humans) do not have Darkvision as a racial trait. They must find other ways to see in the dark, such as through magic items, spells, or feats.

1. What is the standard array in D&D 5E?

• The standard array is a method for determining ability scores, where players assign six predetermined numbers (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) to their six abilities.

1. Is English the most spoken language in the world?

• Yes, according to Ethnologue, English is the most-spoken language globally, including both native and non-native speakers.

1. Will variant humans live longer than standard humans?

   • The lifespan of variant humans is the same as standard humans, reaching adulthood in their late teens and living less than a century.

2. Can variant humans get feats at any level?

   • Beyond the feat gained at level 1, acquiring additional feats depends on the character’s class and level progression, not their race.

3. How does the Mark of Making affect variant humans?

   • The Mark of Making is a specific trait that can replace the standard racial traits of a human, providing different ability score increases and potentially other benefits.

4. Are humans underpowered in D&D 5E compared to other races?

   • Humans are not underpowered; their versatility with a +1 bonus to all ability scores makes them competitive, albeit in a different way than races with more specialized traits.

5. Do dwarves get along with humans in D&D?

   • Yes, dwarves generally get along well with humans, though their longer lifespan can make forming close, long-term friendships challenging.

6. Will the world speak one language in the future?

   • It’s unlikely that the world will speak a single language any time soon due to the importance of cultural diversity and the role languages play in preserving heritage and identity.

By understanding the variant human‘s ability to get an extra feat and exploring these FAQs, players and DMs can better navigate the complexities and opportunities of D&D 5E, creating richer and more engaging stories within the world of Dungeons & Dragons.