Elfling

DM Note: I very much dislike the treatment of biracial humanoids by D&D. It reminds me of the 1 drop rule and the treatment of "other" races. I very much dislike how unilaterally they are not accepted by their parents, cultures, and society as a whole. I can change this for my table, so I did. Henceforth, in my game Half-Elf will be renamed to Elfling.

You're Complicated...

You'll need to choose the subrace of Elf and Human combination you belong to, and consider their relationship with each other. What was their relationship like? Did they raise you together or did one side indoctrinate you into their culture?

Crib Notes to Elf-Human Relations

Humans of the Savages: Chondathan: Have had very little exposure to elves. They probably view them as some kind of mythical creature. Very likely to sleep with one if only out of curiosity but would not want to wed an elf.
Humans of the Savages: Illuskan: 1/2 of them would probably like to sleep with an elf if they can out of curiosity. The rest are superstitious and think they might steal and/or eat children. They are probably most familiar with Fall Elves, and have a little more in common.
Humans of the Empire of Janus: Would have killed the elf parent on sight. Any elfling would likely be from a forbidden tryst to be hidden or maybe a non-consensual one. How do you feel about 1/2 your ancestry wanting to obliterate the other half of you?
Humans of the Empire of Kanza: View Sun Elves as quirky magical kinsmen of sorts, have never seen a Spring Elf, think the Fall elves are uncouth beasts, will murder Winter elves on sight, and are starting to think of the Drow as boogey men.
Humans of the Tsaesci Consortium: Have had very little exposure to elves. They probably view them as some kind of mythical creature, and don't differentiate between the different courts.
Wood Elves (Fall Elves): Don't wed and are probably curious about humans, particularly the Kanza as they are literally alien to them. They might stare at a human contemplating if they should fight, rut with, or eat them and in what order...
Wood Elves (Spring Elf): Most likely to stalk someone of interest from behind trees and bushes unbeknownst to the "target". They tend to be asexual and will reproduce via clan and family pairings. A Spring Elfling is not impossible though.
Sun Elf: Are assimilating into the Kanza culture. They are starting to wed when it's important to the human. There are a lot of similarities culturally but some Sun Elves might feel an innate superiority. They would, however, never show it. They view Kanza Humans as allies, in some ways saviors, and a way to preserve themselves through military power and reproduction. Elflings are on the rise as humans are more fertile and there are too few Sun Elves for their liking. Elflings will have to carry the torch and maybe in the future their numbers will even out... They probably look down on other kinds of humans and are likely to let them know exactly how they feel.
Winter Elf / Eladrian: Would have killed the human parent on sight. Any elfling would likely be from a forbidden tryst to be hidden or maybe a non-consensual one.How do you feel about 1/2 your ancestry wanting to obliterate the other half of you?
Drow: Were taught they are superior to everyone else (human and elf), who should be their slaves. Therefore if they choose to use you at their convenience that is their right.

Walking In Two Worlds?

You "belong" in either. Your parents probably had access to medical or magical means to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. In fact, for Sun Elves you would be a blessing. They cared about you and if you had extended family, most of them likely warmed to you though they might have not liked the idea at first. You had to deal with bullies growing up like everyone else. It was easier or harder depending on the culture.
You combine what some say are the best qualities of elf and human parents: human curiosity, inventiveness, and ambition tempered by the refined senses, love of nature, and artistic tastes of the elves. Some Elflings live among humans, set apart by their longer lives and watching friends mature and die while they still look under 30 years of age. Others live with the elves, growing restless as they reach adulthood in the timeless elven society, while their peers continue to live as children. Some choose lives of wandering or join with other misfits and outcasts in the adventuring life seeking new and interesting experiences.

Your looks

You're likely shorter/slenderer then the average human and taller/thicker then the average elf. You range from under 5 feet to about 6 feet tall, and from 100 to 180 pounds, with males only slightly taller and heavier than females. Elfling men do have facial hair, and sometimes grow beards to mask their elven ancestry. Elfling coloration and features lie somewhere between their human and elf parents, and thus show a variety even more pronounced than that found among either race. They tend to have the eyes of their elven parents.

Empathy

In large cities in regions where elves and humans interact often, Elflings are sometimes numerous enough to form small communities of their own. They enjoy the company of other Elflings, who can truly understand what it is to come from two worlds. In most parts of the world, though, Elflings are uncommon enough that one might live for years without meeting another. Some Elflings prefer to avoid company altogether, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. You're more likely to reach out to other people of mixed heritage like orclings, tieflings, or other people that may stand out or get bullied due to their differences.

Roleplaying a Elfling

You were born with more than average charisma, so use your skills. Talk up the shopkeeper before you buy something. Stop by the taverns in town and become a local.
Negotiation is always an option, even if you know you must fight. Talk to your enemies to buy yourself or your allies time to prepare or escape.
Sun Elflings may have a Dragonmark; if you have one, it makes you beholden on some level to a noble house. Any drawbacks or enemies? How do you use that association to your advantage?
Adulthood: 20 years is equivalent to 15 Human years
Middle Age: 100 years
Old: 150 years
Venerable: 200 years
Average Maximum Age: 250 years

Sun Eflling Male

Sun Elfling Female

Elfling Traits

Your Elfling character has some qualities in common with elves and some that are unique to half-elves.

1 Feat
Ability Score Increase: Your Charisma score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1.
Age: Elflings mature at the same rate humans do and reach adulthood around the age of 20. They live much longer than humans, however, often exceeding 200 years.
Alignment: In general Elflings share the chaotic bent of their elven heritage, depending on the court. Sun Elves tend towards lawfulness.
Size: Elflings are about the same size as humans, ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision (Not Sun Elflings): Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Skill Versatility: You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and one extra language of your choice.
Fey Ancestry: You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep. Misty Step as an innate ability. Other things can be awakened in you. Look for opportunities!