Ancestries
Three non-human ancestries are available in MACE. Each is its own character type with distinct abilities, restrictions, and level limits. Humans use the standard class rules without modification.
Non-human characters earn XP at the same rate as their equivalent class unless noted otherwise.
Elf
Elves are long-lived, perceptive, and capable of both martial combat and arcane magic.
Special Abilities
Immune to Ghoul Paralysis: Elves are not paralyzed by the touch of ghouls.
Starlight Vision: Elves see in starlight, functioning as if it were day.
Detect Secret Doors: An Elf passing a secret door notices it on a 1-in-6 without searching. When actively searching, they find it on a 2-in-6. Elves in a group who are specifically searching find secret doors on a 1-in-6 (this roll is made for the whole group, not each member).
Languages: In addition to Common, Elves speak Elvish.
Dwarf
Dwarves are stocky, hardy, and extraordinarily perceptive underground.
Special Abilities
Saving Throw Bonus: Dwarves add +4 to all saving throw rolls. This reflects their exceptional constitution and innate resistance to magic.
Underground Senses: When underground, a Dwarf can detect the following on a rolls.
| Sense | Chance |
|---|---|
| Sloping passages or grade | 2-in-6 |
| New or recent construction | 2-in-6 |
| Sliding or shifting walls | 2-in-6 |
| Pits, traps, or deadfalls | 2-in-6 |
| Approximate depth underground | 3-in-6 |
These checks require the Dwarf to stop and concentrate for one round. They cannot be made while running or in combat.
Low Light Vision: Dwarves see in dim light to a range of 60 ft.
Languages: In addition to Common, Dwarves speak Dwarvish.
Halfling
Halflings are small, light-footed folk with exceptional aim and a talent for going unnoticed.
Special Abilities
Saving Throw Bonus: Halflings add +4 to all saving throw rolls, for the same reasons as Dwarves.
Missile Accuracy: Halflings receive +1 to hit with all missile weapons.
Outdoor Stealth: In natural terrain, woods, fields, scrubland, a Halfling can hide so effectively that they are effectively invisible (5-in-6 to be undetected). This requires standing still or moving very slowly. They may not use this ability in dungeons or built environments unless wearing appropriate camouflage.
Surprise: When outdoors and sneaking in natural terrain, a Halfling surprises opponents on a 1–4 on 1d6 (rather than the normal 1–2).
Starlight Vision: Halflings see in starlight as if it were daytime.
Languages: In addition to Common, Halflings speak Halfling.
Human
Humans are the default ancestry of the game.
Special Abilities
Adaptable: Humans gain a 10% XP bonus by default.