Some players enjoy small races, and games like Tunnels & Trolls and the classic Wizardry series offer fairies to scratch that itch. Brownies provide a similar appeal without introducing flying PCs at level 1.
What does a brownie get?
- Class Options. Fighters (to 5th), Magic-User (to 13th) and Thief (U) and multiclass options (f/m, m/t and f/t). Thief multi-class are restricted to thief armour and weapons.
- Magic Resistant. Constitution-based, like dwarves.
- Surprise Advantage. 3-in-6 surprise chance with no conditions opens brownies up to being the party scout though the lack of infravision kind of spoils it. 1-in-8 chance of not getting surprised is amazing. Who needs a ranger?
- Directional Sense. 50% chance to determine direction underground.
- Dodgy. -4 penalty to big creatures’ attack rolls, similar to dwarves.
- Attribute Modifiers. -2 to STR but +1 DEX and CON.
- Thief Bonuses. Racial bonuses align with key 'sneaky' thief skills, similar to halflings, but with a standout +20% to hide in shadows. With a potential 19 DEX, starting thief skills are exceptional.
The Downside
- Too Small. At 1.5 feet tall, Brownies struggle with equipment. Magic armor won’t fit, and daggers are likely their largest viable weapons. The MM mentions brownies using short swords so I guess that's OK?
- Weak fighters. A level cap of 5, -2 STR (max 16), and limited weapon options make Brownie fighters awful.
Why add the race?
For players who love small verging on tiny characters, Brownies are a good option. They excel as Thieves, Magic-Users, or a multiclass of the two, offering high magic resistance and exceptional thief abilities. Their racial advantages make them the best single class Magic-Users race available. Power creep and a race catering to a minority of players does not get you onto the 'best of' list. Also their pic in the Monster Manual is not great.
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