[dev1072] [dev1073] Physical bonus (aka stats) and race

I apologize if this has been addressed, but I haven't seen it anywhere. This is not a rant post.

As I understand it, physical levels are being de-segregated so class rank will be the sole determiner of a character's power, similar to how it was in FFXI. When this change occurs, stats will be assigned automatically as per the class rank but players will have the option to adjust their stats manually. I believe this is the common understanding.

In the current system, each race/clan starts with preset stats. For instance, STR ranges from 12 (Dunefolk) to 18 (Highlander), regardless of class. Upon leveling, these differences completely disappear as the player allocates stats to build the character they want. The same player with a MRD30 Dunefolk and MRD30 Highlander will have the exact same STR on each despite their initial differences. While race in FFXI was a significant factor (Elvaan STR vastly eclipsed Tarutaru STR, but Tarutaru INT eclipsed Elvaan INT), race in FFXIV is entirely cosmetic.

So, my question:

FFXIV is moving in a direction of being more similar to FFXI with regards to levels and stats, albeit with greater player customization than FFXI offered. With regards to these changes, how do the developers plan to address racial differences? Will:

• All races see uniform growth, meaning a Dunefolk will always have exactly 6 less STR than a Highlander? (Barring player adjustment, of course.)
• All races have their starting differences ironed out to be completely identical?
• Races be given greater and more lasting differences such as varied stat growth, unique traits, or "race paradigm" quests?

I know the devs are working to make the classes/jobs feel distinct, so are there any plans to make the races distinct?

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Now, that said, if the devs are looking for opinions and feedback before making a decision:

I find the current state of races disappointing. In a fantasy setting, if all races are functionally identical, then what's the point of having five races? (Why not just have one race with greater options for size, height, and tails?)

FFXI's race differences were significant, but not insurmountable. And I mean the serious differences, in lore and in physical abilities. "Mithra can eat raw fish" was a silly bonus and not exactly an advantage.

Personally i would rather that they focus on making races different through abilities/ traits than through stats. I dont mind there being a difference in stats but theres no point in having access to all the classes if you get shunned from half of them just because your stats poorly fit them. So stat differences shouldnt be insurmountable and each race should have abilities/traits that should benefit them wether they decide to be dow or dom etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alaltus

Personally i would rather that they focus on making races different through abilities/ traits than through stats. I dont mind there being a difference in stats but theres no point in having access to all the classes if you get shunned from half of them just because your stats poorly fit them. So stat differences shouldnt be insurmountable and each race should have abilities/traits that should benefit them wether they decide to be dow or dom etc.

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I am fine with that too. Either way, I would like to know what is being planned for the races.