Half-Elf
Half-Elves are a Race native to The Old World, and are the result of cross-breeding between Humans and Elves. They are a playable Race best-suited to Classes which take advantage of their innate versatility and force of personality, such as Bard, Druid, Paladin, Rogue, and Sorcerer. There are no known Sub-Races of Half-Elf, but the species is divided into three distinct ethnicities: High Elf Descent, Wood Elf Descent, and Drow Descent (see https://www.dndwiki.io/races/half-elf-high-elf-descent, https://www.dndwiki.io/races/half-elf-wood-elf-descent, or https://www.dndwiki.io/races/half-elf-drow-descent) depending on the Elven parent's Sub-Race).
Basic Information
Anatomy
Half-Elves are of Medium size and average build relative to other Races. They possess two arms, two legs, and no natural armor or weapons.
Biological Traits
Half-Elves possess modest sexual dimorphism, with males being somewhat larger and stronger than females and possessing sharper facial features. Both genders have visible genitalia and females additionally have visible breasts.
Genetics and Reproduction
Half-Elves are capable of sexual reproduction with Humans, Elves, and one another. They have both male and female genders, and give live birth following a gestation period of approximately 10 months.
Growth Rate & Stages
Half-Elves generally reach sexual maturity by 13 to 15 years of age and are considered adults by 18 to 20 years of age. Males are able to father children throughout their lives, while females are generally unable to bear children after the age of 100. Average Half-Elf life expectancy is between 150 and 180 years, but some individuals may live for 200 years or longer.
Ecology and Habitats
Half-Elves are best suited for temperate climates, but are able to adapt and survive in a wide variety of environments, ranging from forests to deserts.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Half-Elves are omnivores and are able to thrive on a wide range of diets. Most Half-Elves primarily consume plant products, such as grains, vegetables, and fruit, which they occasionally supplement with cooked meat and animal products. Half-Elves have moderate metabolisms and must eat multiple meals daily to remain healthy, but can survive on only water for up to 2 months if necessary.
Biological Cycle
Half-Elves follow a diurnal life cycle. They are generally active during the day and sleep for 4 to 6 hours each night. They do not hibernate and their life cycle has no significant seasonal changes.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Half-Elves generally live among Human or Elf populations rather than in communities of their own kind, the Nation of Khitai being a notable exception. Most adopt the culture of the society in which they live, although Half-Elves living in Human communities have been known to embrace Elvish customs (and vice-versa) in order to distinguish themselves.
Facial characteristics
Most Half-Elves have brown, blue, hazel, or green eyes and pointed ears, which are smaller than those of full Elves. Both genders grow hair on their scalps and males frequently have facial hair as well.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Half-Elves are widely distributed throughout the Old World, being present to some degree in almost every Human and Elf population. They are particularly common, however, on the continents of Ashur and Latia Major.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Half-Elves have keen sight and hearing, though slightly less so than full Elves, and possess Darkvision. They have above-average proficiency with magic, but no innate psionic powers.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Half-Elves are the dominant Race in the Nation of Khitai and exist among most Human and Elf populations. They are particularly prevalent in Alderac, Hellada, Ifri, and Vodacce, where Humans and Elves come into contact relatively frequently.
Gender Ideals
Half-Elves generally conform to the traditional gender roles of the Human and Elven cultures in which they reside. In Khitai, males and females are held to be equal and individuals of either gender may fill any role in society, though priests of Corellon Larethian are more likely to be male and priests of Sehanine Moonbow or Siamorphe are more likely to be female.
Courtship Ideals
Half-Elves generally adopt the mating customs of the Human and Elven cultures in which they reside. Since most Half-Elf romances are with a Human or Elf, however, long-term relationships may be complicated by the two partners' vastly different lifespans. When two Half-Elves mate with one another, it is frequently for life.
Average Technological Level
Half-Elves are generally proficient with the technologies of the Human and Elven societies in which they reside. They tend to be clever and inventive, even when they lack access to formal education.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Half-Elves tend to speak the same Languages as the Humans and Elves around them and are often multi-lingual.
History
Half-Elves have been present in the Old World for as long as Human and Elf civilizations have co-existed, at least since the Age of Building, when the first written histories were recorded. Many great heroes throughout history have been Half-Elves, as they are more likely than either Humans or Elves to take up Adventuring. Of particular note are the elite Half-Elven slave soldiers known as "Khitarr," bred in the ancient Nation of Syrneth to serve its Undying Empress. Following Syrneth's collapse, the Khitarr founded the Nation of Khitai, where their descendants persist to the present day.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The relationship between Half-Elves and their full-blooded brethren is a complex one. In some communities, they are accepted, but they are just as likely to be ostracized and persecuted. Some Half-Elves feel a sense of kinship with other outcasts, such as Half-Orcs and Tieflings, while others share their parents' prejudices. They are capable of interbreeding with Humans and Elves but, unlike Humans, cannot interbreed with Aasimar, Dwarves, Orcs, or Tieflings. Half-Elf-Human and Half-Elf-Elf hybrids tend to favor their Human or Elf parent to such an extent that they are effectively members of that Race themselves.
Scientific Name
Homo Sapiens x Senex Decorus
Lifespan
150-180 years
Average Height
4'10" - 6'2"
Average Weight
100-150 lbs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Ranges from pale white to dark brown.
Related Organizations
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