what makes a d&d sub race stick?

[stormofmind]

While the basic principle here seems correct to me, note that the media which first drew people to D&D have shifted. I run games at a shop and see a decent number of new players. Far more people show up who were inspired by video games and actual play series (Baldur's Gate III is often cited) than by fantasy literature, so plenty of people come in wanting to play D&D-specific races. The Lord of the Rings still has enough broad recognition that people understand what an Elf or a Dwarf is, but modern fantasy literature has taken a sharp turn away from fantastical races as a setting trope.

notice anything that seems to be desired beyond humans or old Tolkien options? it would suggest where the wind is presently blowing