Half-Elf
"To some humans, a half-elf is a complete being. But to most elves, a half-human...?"
The most numerous of the five species of mixed parents so common that they are recognized as their own separate species, a half-elf is the offspring of specifically one human and one elf parent. When an elf sees a half-elf, he sees a human, and when a human sees the same person, he sees an elf. Though basic, this description captures the essence of what it means to be a half-elf.
Half-elves are symbolic of the collapse of elf civilization, a diluting of the race's heritage and culture that will lead to its eventual destruction, according to elves with strong views on the subject. Half-elves are perceived as privileged or favored by humans on the opposite end of the spectrum, and are considered as having an unfair advantage over their completely human colleagues, regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
The situation isn't that clear-cut for the majority of Valine residents. Half-elves are typically tolerated wherever they go or live, with the caveat that a civilization that doesn't like elves or humans is likely to feel the same way about someone who carries the blood of both species. Half-elves, on the other hand, are rarely accorded the same rank as humans or elves in societies that value them highly (though such individuals are generally not ostracized).
Half-elves were rare in the distant past due to the uncommon interaction between humans and elves. Only in the last two hundred years or more, as the races have become increasingly mixed, has the number of half-elves climbed to the point that they can now be found across Valine.
Half-elves, unsurprisingly, like the company of other half-elves, and when they congregate, they are likely to be joined by others.
Given the amount of elf and human ethnicities in their ranks, half-elves are a varied bunch. Most of them see their dual nature as a benefit rather than a drawback, because it provides them with a set of powers and a viewpoint on the world that full-blooded humans and elves can't match.
Half-elves, on the other hand, are required by their mixed heritage to make an attempt to blend in with humans or elves wherever feasible. Half-elves born and reared in human settlements, for example, are given human names, whilst half-elves raised in elf towns are given elven names. As a manner of distinguishing half-elves from the rest of their group, some localities name half-elf offspring after the "other" parent, or with a combination of human and elven names.
Half-elves can communicate in both Common Tongue and Elvish.
Half-Elf
Ability Score Increase +2 Cha, +1 Any one other stat
Size Medium
Speed 30 ft.
Half-elf Traits
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. Fey Ancestry
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep. Half-elf Ancestry
Half-elves in Valine take an extra trait from their elven ancestry. Take one trait that fits your elf parentage.
- Drow Magic (Drow). You know the Dancing Lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Faerie Fire spell once per day (after completion of a long rest). When you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Darkness spell once per day. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
- Elf Training (any). You have proficiency with the longsword, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow.
- Fleet of Foot (Fair Folk). Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet.
- Inherent Magic (Sylvan). You know one cantrip of your choice from the wizard spell list. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for it.
- Keen Senses (Any). You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
- Mask of the Wild (Wild). You can attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured by foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, and other natural phenomena.
- Versatile (Shadow). You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice.
- Water Baby (Aquatic). You have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish and one other language of your choice.
by Rob Taylor
Half-Elf Fighter
Lifespan
Half-elves mature at the same rate humans do and reach adulthood around the age of 20. They live much longer than humans, however, often exceeding 130 years.
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by Rob Taylor
Half-elf Sorcerer
by Rob Taylor
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