Itash the...: Effects of Kin Modifiers

Just for fun, I calculated the attributes of Itash the Grim as a member of the other 5th edition kin. Each of these has an interesting effect on the effectiveness of Itash as a Wizard.

Itash the Dwarf
Type: Wizard
Kin: Dwarf
Level: 1

ST 28
IQ 14
LK 14
CON 18
DEX 12
CHR 7

ADDS +18

As I've mentioned previously, dwarves are the most ideal kin for solo adventurers in 5th edition and even more so in earlier editions. Their doubled Strength and Constitution given them a major edge in combat. With his two daggers Itash the Dwarf gets 4D+32 making him capable of taking on a MR50 (6D+25) monster in by himself in hand-to-hand combat with pretty even chances on winning. In addition, as a dwarf Itash can cast several spells without worrying about dropping to negative adds or becoming too weak to wield his weapons.


Itash the Elf
Type: Wizard
Kin: Elf
Level: 1

ST 14
IQ 21
LK 14
CON 6
DEX 18
CHR 20

ADDS +10/+16

As an elf, Itash is a little more fragile, but the boost to IQ and DEX means that he wouldn't need to invest too heavily in these attributes when gaining levels; his current IQ and DEX are already high enough to allow the use of 6th level spells. The DEX boost also makes Itash the Elf deadly with missile weapons.


Itash the Hobbit
Type: Wizard
Kin: Hobbit
Level: 1

ST 7
IQ 14
LK 14
CON 18
DEX 18
CHR 10

ADDS +6/+12

Now we start to see the problem with spells being powered by the Strength attribute. Itash the Hobbit wouldn't be able to cast very many spells. A single Take That You Fiend would render him almost too weak to move. The boosts to CON and DEX do make him rather hearty and dextrous, but he would do far better as a bow-wielding Warrior or Rogue.


Itash the Leprechaun
Type: Wizard
Kin: Leprechaun
Level: 1

ST 7
IQ 21
LK 21
CON 9
DEX 18
CHR 10

ADDS +13/+19

The same problem with Strength occurs with Itash the Leprechaun. Of course that does not mean too much starting out since Leprechauns know no spells when they start. But his high IQ, LK, and DEX do make him formidable especially with ranged weapons. Plus he's still doing more damage in combat than Itash the Human (4D+27 vs 4D+18).


Itash the Fairy
Type: Wizard
Kin: Fairy
Level: 1

ST 4
IQ 14
LK 21
CON 3
DEX 18
CHR 20

ADDS +10/+16

Here's an even bigger problem with using Strength to power spells. Itash the Fairy cannot cast four of the ten starting spells including Take That You Fiend, Oh There It Is, Vorpal Blade, and Oh Go Away. These are by far the most important of the first level spells especially to a solo wizard (IMO). That Wizardry attribute looks even better now. The bonus adds from the boosted LK and DEX still makes Itash and effective fighter using two banks (requiring only 1 ST/DEX each) giving him 4D+16; he's also deadly at a distance. Given these attributes I would not make Itash the Fairy a Wizard; a Rogue would be a better choice here.


There you have it; five alternate views of Itash the Grim. Interestingly, in all cases Itash became a better fighter (i.e. had more personal adds) when played as a kin other than human. This again points out that Wizards can be capable combatants; it's all in the attributes.