Newmans are, at their base, an advanced form of Humans. Their origins are unknown. They began to show up the generation after World War II, and have slowly grown in population since. Newmans can come from any ethnic background, and the only noticeable way to distinguish a Newman from a Human is by their vibrant eyes. The color just seems to be brighter, more alive, and the color also comes in far more variety. Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, Obsidian Black, Ruby Red, Amethyst Purple, Topaz Yellow, Garnet Pink, Citrine Orange, and the rarest of all, Silver and Gold, are all possible eye colors. Newmans are stronger, quicker, tougher, smarter, wiser and more charismatic than regular Humans. They are generally the same size as regular humans, though they live longer. Newmans age normally until the age of 16, there after aging at half the rate of a normal human. Thus, a 45 year old Newman looks to be around the age of 30 compared to regular humans.

Some Newmans also have abilities others don't. These Newmans are called Espers, and have access to psionic powers. In game terms, at 1st level, and only a 1st level Newman, may take the Wild Talent, and thus gain access to psionic Advanced Classes.

 

Newman Racial Traits

Newmans have all human racial traits except as follows:

• +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma: Newmans are physically and mentally "heartier" than traditional Humans..
• Low-light vision
• Level Adjustment +2: Newmans are more powerful and gain levels more slowly than humans, see the Powerful Races sidebar in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting on page 21.

 

Newmans may mate with regular humans, but their children will usually be infertile. These children are considered to be Newmans, only they can't reproduce. There is, though, a 5% chance that a Half-Newman will be born. Half-Newmans aren't as powerful as their full blooded counterparts, but are fertile none the less. Half-Newmans have the life-span of a regular human, but have the Newman vibrant eyes.

 

Half-Newman Racial Traits

Half-Newmans have all human racial traits except as follows:

• +2 to one physical stat (Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution)
• +2 to one mental stat (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma)
• Low-light vision.
• Special: Half-Newmans have access to the Wild Talent feat at first level, but they are limited in the psionic Advanced Classes they may choose from. They may only take a psionic Advanced Class if that classes prime stat is one for which the Half-Newman has a bonus in.
• Level Adjustment +1: Half-Newmans are slightly more powerful and gain levels more slowly than humans, see the Powerful Races sidebar in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting on page 21.