The Complete Book of Humanoids

The Complete Book of Humanoids is a roleplaying game sourcebook published in 1993 for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition. The book provides rules and guidelines for playing non-standard humanoid races as player characters, expanding beyond the core races like humans, elves, and dwarves. This comprehensive rulebook contains statistics, abilities, and cultural details for over 20 humanoid races including centaurs, pixies, githzerai, and minotaurs. Each race entry includes information on racial abilities, society, relations with other races, and special rules for implementing them as player characters. The book includes mechanics for racial level limits, class restrictions, and ability score adjustments to maintain game balance when using these more powerful races. Additional sections cover topics like roleplaying considerations, equipment modifications, and campaign integration. The Complete Book of Humanoids represents an early exploration of diversity and representation in fantasy gaming, offering players expanded options for character creation while examining themes of identity and acceptance within its fantasy framework.

Most reviewers see this as a useful D&D sourcebook for playing non-standard races. On RPGGeek and Goodreads, readers cite its comprehensive rules and creative options for playing creatures like centaurs, pixies, and alaghi. Readers liked: - Clear rules for balancing powerful races - Detailed cultural/societal information - Variety of creature options - Compatibility with AD&D 2nd edition Common criticisms: - Some races too powerful for typical campaigns - Inconsistent power levels between races - Layout and organization could be clearer Ratings: RPGGeek: 7.14/10 (14 ratings) Goodreads: 4.14/5 (35 ratings) Several reviewers noted it works best for experienced DMs who can manage power balance. One RPGGeek reviewer wrote: "Great for expanding player options but requires careful DM oversight to prevent game-breaking combinations." The book receives more positive reviews from collectors and completionists than from players using it in active campaigns.

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🎲 The book was published in 1993 for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition, marking the first time many non-human races became officially playable as characters. 🎲 Bill Slavicsek went on to become the Director of Roleplaying Game Design at Wizards of the Coast and helped create both the d20 Modern system and Star Wars Saga Edition. 🎲 The book introduced several races that would become staples in later D&D editions, including the alaghi, swanmay, and wemic. 🎲 The content sparked controversy among some D&D purists who felt that traditionally monster races like centaurs and pixies shouldn't be playable characters. 🎲 Many of the book's concepts influenced the "Monstrous Origins" section in future D&D editions, where players can create characters from monster races.