(White Dwarf #29)

Some players enjoy small races, and games like Tunnels & Trolls and the classic Wizardry series offer fairies to scratch that itch. Brownies provide a similar appeal without introducing flying PCs at level 1.

What does a brownie get?

• Class Options. Fighters (to 5th), Magic-User (to 13th) and Thief (U) and multiclass options (f/m, m/t and f/t). Thief multi-class  are restricted to thief armour and weapons.
• Magic Resistant. Constitution-based, like dwarves.
• Surprise Advantage. 3-in-6 surprise chance with no conditions opens brownies up to being the party scout though the lack of infravision kind of spoils it. 1-in-8 chance of not getting surprised is amazing. Who needs a ranger?
• Directional Sense. 50% chance to determine direction underground.
• Dodgy. -4 penalty to big creatures’ attack rolls, similar to dwarves.
• Attribute Modifiers. -2 to STR but +1 DEX and CON.
• Thief Bonuses. Racial bonuses align with key 'sneaky' thief skills, similar to halflings, but with a standout +20% to hide in shadows. With a potential 19 DEX, starting thief skills are exceptional.

The Downside

• Too Small. At 1.5 feet tall, Brownies struggle with equipment. Magic armor won’t fit, and daggers are likely their largest viable weapons. The MM mentions brownies using short swords so I guess that's OK?
• Weak fighters. A level cap of 5, -2 STR (max 16), and limited weapon options make Brownie fighters awful.

Why add the race? 

For players who love small verging on tiny characters, Brownies are a good option. They excel as Thieves, Magic-Users, or a multiclass of the two, offering high magic resistance and exceptional thief abilities. Their racial advantages make them the best single class Magic-User race available. Power creep and a race catering to a minority of players does not get you onto the 'best of' list. Also their pic in the Monster Manual is not great.