Half Elf
Although not properly elves, half-elves are included in this section because they do possess elven ancestry. Half-elves have at least half elf in their blood; those half-elves that breed back with elves are always considered half-elven, regardless of how long ago the non-elf blood was introduced. Those half-elves who do not breed with elves (thus diluting the elven strain even further) are considered by elves to be totally non-elven. These crosses have none of the abilities normally associated with either elves or half-elves.
Half Elf Varieties
Since they are human and elven both in demeanor, half-elves are generally easily recognizable as such. They are taller and heavier than the average elf, though their hair and eyes often reflect those of their human parent. However, they also take on some of the features of the elven parent. Most half-elves are of high elf descent. The reasons for this are simple: Aquatic elves cannot live with humans; grey elves will not knowingly approach humans in such friendly circumstances; wood elves would simply flee or hide; and drow would slaughter the fool who trusted them. There are always exceptions to these generalizations, of course. Some elves will always break the mold of their kind by doing something unpredictable. A few grey elves consent to speak freely with humans, and it is possible one could consort with a human out of love. Not all wood elves are recluses. Aquatic elves are not as unreachable as they might seem, for humans have long used magic to visit the underwater realms.Half-Aquatic Elves
The skin of those descended from sea elves is a blend of human and elven flesh, often appearing as a pale green or a very light blue. Their hair echoes that of their human parent, though it can contain a hint of green or blue.Half-Gray Elves
Grey half-elves, while extremely rare, exist only in human society, since they never find homes with grey elves. They are less easy to spot than many other half-elves, for the hair and eyes of grey elves are often close to human standards. The hair and eyes of these half-elves are of a lighter tinge than many humans, but aside from the pointed ears, these half-elves can be confused as smaller humans.Half-High Elves
As with grey elves, the descendants of high elves can easily be mistaken for humans for a short while. Since the high elf coloration is nearly identical to that of humans (although the skin is somewhat paler), their half-elf children pass among the shorter-lived races with few problems. As long as they keep their ears covered and perhaps do something to disguise their angular features, they can usually remain unnoticed.Half-Sylvan Elves
The half-elves of sylvan blood have the easiest time passing through human lands. Since sylvan elves are the largest of their breed and their skin tans, the sylvan half-elves can pass themselves off as humans fairly well. These half-elves take to the forest easily and often become rangers; since they are on the fringes of society anyway, it is only natural that they would take a life that reflects this.Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Some half-elves are not readily accepted in either elf or human communities, and they often become introverted, sullen, and embittered. Lucky half-elves gain access to both races, for often elves and humans find half-elves fascinating. Largely, it is a matter of the half-elf in question and the societies with which he or she deals. Half-elves are never accepted in grey elf society, for half-elves serve as a palpable reminder of all that the grey elves wish to eradicate.
In general, however, half-elves do not have an easy time integrating themselves. They are often outsiders, playing out their roles on the borders of society. There is a pervasive racism inherent in many of the societies in which half-elves take part, although not many will admit to it. Such racism exists in both human and elf lands, and it is often hard for half-elves to form attachments to either race.
Many half-elves create their own communities, where all are free to live as they will. Unfortunately, many half-elves have allowed their experiences with humans and with elves to sour them toward both races; in half-elf communities, the members of their parents' races are not always welcome.
Common Etiquette rules
Humans, despite their fascination with half-elves, hold half-elves in some suspicion. Since many half-elves turn to a life of carefree adventuring or even outright thievery, they cannot be trusted with great responsibility. In addition, they are a mingling of the blood of two disparate races, and no one can ever be sure of what the result of such a union will be. Many half-elves are also the unhappy byproduct of war crimes, and they are feared to echo the circumstances of their conception. Their motives are, for humans at least, suspect.
Elves, on the other hand, typically see these children as inferior mongrels. They may try to tolerate presence of half-elves, but they view them as simply longer-lived humans. Thus, while half-elves are not often driven from elf lands, neither are they made to feel overly welcome, even as children, nor are there tears at their departure.
Half elves often have less pronounced versions of the features of humans & elves.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations