Half-Elf

Lore

Half-elves bridge the gap between two worlds but find themselves at home in neither. They inherit a blend of traits from their human and elven parents: human curiosity and ambition combined with the elven appreciation for nature and the arts. This dual heritage often leaves half-elves feeling like outsiders, regardless of where they choose to live. Some integrate into human societies, where their longer lifespans set them apart as they watch their loved ones age. Others find themselves out of place in elven realms, where they mature faster than their purely elven peers.
Often, half-elves who cannot find their place in either world choose a path of wandering or become adventurers. They are perceived differently by humans and elves; to humans, they appear elven, and to elves, they seem human. Their physical appearance reflects a mix of their parentage, resulting in a variety of traits that lie between their human and elven heritage. Despite their lack of a homeland, half-elves are sometimes able to form small communities in areas where human and elven societies intersect.

Physical Characteristics

• Height: Ranges from under 5 feet to about 6 feet tall.
• Build: Intermediate between human and elf—neither as slender as elves nor as broad as humans.
• Weight: Between 100 and 180 pounds.
• Facial Hair: Half-elf men can grow beards, often used to obscure their elven features.
• Eyes: Typically retain the distinctive eye colors of their elven heritage.
• Coloration and Features: A mix of human and elven traits, leading to a wide variety of appearances.

Society and Culture

Half-elves often live on the fringes of both human and elven societies. They can be found in large human cities, where they might form small, tight-knit communities. These communities offer a sense of belonging that half-elves may not find elsewhere. Despite their unique position, half-elves adapt well to different cultures, blending aspects of both human and elven lifestyles. Their ability to navigate between worlds often leads them to roles as mediators, adventurers, or wanderers.

Key Aspects

• Dual Heritage: Combines traits from both human and elven parents, leading to a unique blend of characteristics.
• Cultural Flexibility: Able to integrate into both human and elven societies but often feel like outsiders in either.
• Varied Appearance: Physical traits and coloration are diverse, showing a mix of human and elven features.
• Longevity: Longer lifespan compared to humans but shorter than elves, which influences their social interactions and life choices.

Relations with Other Races

Half-elves are generally accepted in human cities and communities, where their mixed heritage is seen as a positive attribute. In elven societies, however, they may be regarded with suspicion or as outsiders, despite their elven lineage. Their unique position often makes them adept at bridging gaps between different cultures and races, allowing them to build connections and friendships across various groups.

Common Traits

• Adaptable Nature: Able to fit into diverse environments and cultures, though they may struggle with a sense of belonging.
• Mixed Features: Display physical characteristics that are a blend of human and elven traits.
• Extended Lifespan: Experience a slower aging process than humans, affecting their perspective on life and relationships.

Race Traits and Abilities

• Age: Mature in their late teens; live up to 180 years.
• Size: Medium
• Speed: 30 feet
• Darkvision: Can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. Can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Fey Ancestry: Advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put them to sleep.
• Skill Versatility: Proficiency in two skills of your choice.
• Languages: Speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and one additional language of your choice.

Related Organizations

• House Arno