Half-Elf

Moonborn, Kin of Two Worlds, Borderfolk
Walking in two worlds but truly belonging to neither, half-elves combine what some say are the best qualities of their elf and human parents: human curiosity, inventiveness, and ambition tempered by the refined senses, love of nature, and artistic tastes of the elves.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Half-elves possess the slender, graceful frame of their elven heritage with more robust, human musculature. Their faces blend fine, angular elven features with more rounded human traits, giving them a striking yet approachable appearance. Their ears are shorter and less pointed than an elf’s, and their eyes often carry an otherworldly shimmer.

Genetics and Reproduction

Half-elves are the result of unions between humans and elves. While they are fertile with both parent species, their children are most often human or elf, with half-elves themselves being a rarer result. They inherit a balance of their parents’ genetic traits, including their long lifespans.

Ecology and Habitats

Half-elves adapt to a wide range of environments, from urban centers to untamed forests. They thrive in multicultural communities where their unique perspective bridges cultural gaps. When in isolated habitats, they tend to seek harmony between nature and development, echoing the elves' love for the wild and the humans' innovation.

Behaviour

Half-elves are independent, curious, and deeply introspective, often caught between conflicting cultural expectations. They are creative and adventurous, often seeking personal freedom and fulfillment. While some struggle with a sense of belonging, they excel at forging unique paths and building diverse relationships.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

High, with a blend of elven wisdom and human curiosity.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Inherited elven darkvision allows them to see in complete darkness up to 60 feet in shades of gray. They have keen auditory and visual acuity, along with an innate resistance to charm magic and immunity to magical sleep effects.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names often reflect both cultures, blending human pragmatism with elven lyricism.

• Male: Kael, Dorian, Thalion.
• Female: Elaris, Miriel, Sylvara.
• Neutral: Arin, Liora, Faen.

Beauty Ideals

Half-elves are admired for their ethereal grace and balanced features. Elven traits like smooth skin and angular cheekbones are highly valued, while human robustness and warmth in expression are equally cherished.

Gender Ideals

While largely egalitarian, half-elves often lean into the ideals of their upbringing, with some cultures emphasizing artistic or martial prowess regardless of gender. Fluidity is common, reflecting their identity as a bridge between worlds.

Courtship Ideals

Romantic gestures vary but often involve displays of creativity or skill, such as composing music, crafting gifts, or performing acts of bravery. Courtship is a deeply personal and often prolonged process, reflecting elven patience and human spontaneity.

Relationship Ideals

Half-elves seek understanding, loyalty, and shared ambitions in relationships. They value partners who appreciate their multifaceted heritage and can navigate the complexities of their identity.

Common Etiquette Rules

• Polite yet reserved, half-elves often adopt customs from both parent cultures.
• Gratitude is expressed through tokens or gestures rather than words alone.
• Silence is a sign of respect, especially during emotional exchanges or rituals.

Common Dress Code

Half-elves favor elegant, functional clothing that blends human practicality with elven artistry. Flowing robes, tailored tunics, and natural motifs like leaves or stars are common embellishments.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Half-elves are cultural synthesizers, preserving elements of both human and elven traditions while creating their own unique customs. Music, poetry, and dance are key aspects of their cultural expression, often infused with themes of duality and longing.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Starlight Vigil: A reflective ceremony held under the night sky, honoring their elven ancestry. Festival of Bonds: A celebration of friendships and alliances, rooted in their role as bridges between races. Journeyman's Rite: A coming-of-age tradition where half-elves embark on a journey to discover their place in the world.

Common Taboos

• Denying one’s heritage or shunning family ties is seen as a betrayal of identity.
• Destroying natural beauty without cause is considered sacrilegious.
• Betraying a bond of trust, especially with those who accepted them, is unforgivable.

History

Half-elves emerged as rare offspring of alliances between humans and elves during the Age of Concord. Initially viewed with skepticism by both parent races, they have since grown into a unique cultural group, valued for their diplomatic skills and adaptability. They often serve as emissaries, artists, or adventurers in Astrium.

Common Myths and Legends

• The Luminary Twins: A pair of half-elves who brought peace between warring human and elven nations, their spirits said to guide lost travelers through the stars.
• The Forest Heart: A half-elf druid who tamed an ancient, rampaging treant and became one with the land, ensuring its eternal fertility.
• The Singer of Two Songs: A bard who sang melodies so moving that even gods paused to listen, uniting divine and mortal realms through their music.

Scientific Name

Home Sapiens Sylvanae

Lifespan

180-200 years

Average Height

5'6" to 6'2"

Average Weight

120-180 pounds

Average Physique

Lithe and flexible, with moderate muscle definition that suggests agility over brute strength.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin tones range from human-like varieties to slightly luminous hues with faint golden or silver undertones. Hair color includes shades common to both humans and elves, such as black, brown, blonde, or even exotic hues like silver or emerald green. Their eyes often display striking, jewel-like colors.