Looking at OGL Playable Species, aka Races

This is part of somewhat a informal series comparing Open Gaming License (OGL) data from various gaming systems. The prior posts in this comparison were looking at the Abilities & Skills and basic stat blocks from the OGL games.

1) Attributes, skills, and special gifts
2) Looking at OGL stat data: Black Bear

In this post, I wanted to compare the stat bonuses of common, and lesser common but popular, gaming playable species normally called races. I normally like to call them species because it gets weird for me when referring to less-than-human-like species. Species where hybrids are more difficult for me to imagine.

Stable Between Games

Humans - In all of the systems, a humans is the most flexible of the races.
Dwarf - In all of the games, a dwarf is sturdy and resilient.
Elf - In all of the games, an elf is quick.
Halfling - In all of the games, a halfling is quick.
Orc - In all of the games, an orc is strong.
Goblin - In all of the games, a goblin is quick.
Angel - These are normally wise and charismatic.
Demon - These are normally intelligent and hideous.

Differ Between Games

Gnome - Really vary between games.
Vampire/Dhampir - Somewhat vary between games.

My Evaluation of the Playable Species

Although there is a core trait-consistent group of playable fantasy species, a few of them aren't as standardized. Quick trait seems to be the most common type of non-human species. Quickness is normally important in games for initiative and long range attacks.

Looking at OGL stat data: Black Bear

Comparative Stat Structure

For creatures, monsters, and encounters, I wanted to look at and test out some of the things that other games have done. For the comparison, system information will be placed on a spreadsheet with columns presenting similar data for each system. The comparison that I am doing is based on game systems that have some sort of Open License. This comparison is for my own study and information purposes and does not mean that any of these systems endorses such comparison. Copyrights of the actual product names remain with their creators.

To show the method I am considering, I just pick one creature - the black bear.

Black Bear

For a creature, a black bear seemed like a good beginning creature to show in this post.

Most of the systems are consistent with each other.

They show that it is very aware and perceptive.
It is strong and can be quick.
Bears are somewhat wise.
They aren't very intelligent nor charismatic.
Their armor defense is very slight.
They seem to have a slightly more powerful bite than the claw attacks.
Personality wise, they avoid threats unless protecting themselves or others.
Most games put them on average at a level 2 or 3 encounter.
Some games mention that they are intimidating.

Comparative Stat Block

For the comparison, I chose to use  the model that I presented in the Attributes post as an overall structure.

For spirit I used wisdom, alignment, and acumen for different systems. Most of the systems that mentioned they were either protective, neutral, or unaligned. 

Although I didn't add it to this stat block, most of the systems mention that these bears have good survival, resilience, will, or mettle skills.