D&D 5E Human Standard vs Variant

[Professor Murder]

Given the changes to races we are already seeing, I am expecting Humans to also see changes when we get the revised edition in a few years, if not sooner. But I am kinda curious. I can't see the point in not playing the variant human when it is an option. Standard human is just so incredibly underwhelming for me.

NOTE: I do not answer if you never play humans or you never use the variant rule in games. I only care if you have the choice and actually make one. Also, not concerned with the Eberron Dragonmark humans, as that's a whole other thing.

 

[Vaalingrade]

As far as I will ever care there's only the Variant human and the fact that it's called variant is a weird translation error.

It goes double for the fact that not everyone gets a feat at L1 like they honestly should.

 

[Marandahir]

Variant, but I fully expect it to go the way of the dodo in 2024, what with background feats and all…

I expect Humans will desperately need a new shtick now that everyone else gets to assign their ability score bonuses.

 

[overgeeked]

Variant, but I fully expect it to go the way of the dodo in 2024, what with background feats and all…

I expect Humans will desperately need a new shtick now that everyone else gets to assign their ability score bonuses.

Who knows. Might just keep the extra feat and extra skill thing. Surprised that they don't already have darkvision.

 

[Charlaquin]

Who knows. Might just keep the extra feat and extra skill thing. Surprised that they don't already have darkvision.

Calling it now: humans will get two backgrounds.

 

[Charlaquin]

As for me, I prefer the variant, but I’ve taken standard on characters who have several odd-numbered ability scores.

 

[TerraDave]

Calling it now: humans will get two backgrounds.

Noted.

As for human preference, something like the standard that holds its own would be great.

Maybe after the standard +2/+1 they could add another +1, to all. Too much?

 

[Horwath]

My variant Human;


Languages: Common

Abilities: +2/+1 or +1/+1/+1

Versatility: gain proficiency in two skills of your choice

Tools of the trade: gain 4 proficiency in any combination of weapons, tools and languages.

Hidden talent: gain expertise in one skill or tool that you are proficient.

 

[Thunderfoot]

1e and 2e were considered 'humanocentric' because they allowed humans to do whatever and limited demi-humans. However demi-humans got cool abilities.. This was called balance. That left the house a long time ago. Humans are just the second class citizens of D&D now. I expect either super humans for characters or more expanse where humans are just.... boring.

 

[Shiroiken]

I have a lot of hate for the "standard" human and will be overjoyed if/when it goes away. It's the only race whose value depends on ability score generation method, and it bugs me how much it impacts how often it's taken. It's awful with standard array, leaving 4 odd scores, but it's amazing with point buy since you can set almost everything to even. It was the default for any character with 4+ odd scores, but now it's not really worth it with the variant +1/+1/+1 racial ASI option (a few odd stats is worth nice racial features).