Half-elf Race & Physiology

Half-elves are born from the union of a human and an elf, with either race serving as the mother or father. However, a half-elf is most likely to be raised within the culture of their mother, as determined by their place of birth. Elves are only able to interbreed with humans and no other humanoid species. Contrary to popular belief, there are no sustained half-elven societies, as their lineage does not persist beyond the first generation. The mother's race dominates in subsequent generations, meaning that the offspring of a half-elf will be either fully human or fully elven, with only subtle traces of their half-elven heritage.

When two half-elves reproduce, their child's race is determined by the grandmother's lineage through the maternal line. For example, if a half-elf named Gareth (human father, elven mother) has a child with Miri (elven father, human mother), the child will be human, as their maternal grandmother was human.

Both humans and elves generally recognise half-elves as part of their own natural race, accepting them without significant discrimination. Racist attitudes toward half-elves are rare, as both races understand that over time, half-elven bloodlines will eventually restore a "true-blood" offspring. This principle holds even when a half-elf breeds with another race (which is possible); the mother's race, or the race of the half-elf's mother (if the half-elf is female), will always determine the dominant racial identity of the child.

Appearance

Physically, half-elves display characteristics of both races. They possess a lean build but are slightly broader around the shoulders and waist than full-blooded elves. Males range in height from 5 ft. 3 in. to 5 ft. 9 in., while females are typically about four inches shorter. Male half-elves generally weigh between 120 and 140 lbs., while females weigh 90 to 110 lbs. Their ears are subtly pointed, and their facial features are sharper than a human's but softer than an elf's.

Most of their other traits lean toward elven characteristics. Their hair is fine-textured and varies in colour from ginger to black, platinum blonde to wheaten blonde, and silver-grey. Their beards tend to resemble those of humans. Eye colour is predominantly various shades of blue, though particularly charismatic half-elves may possess ultramarine or even violet eyes. Their skin is typically a pale Nordic complexion, reflecting their elven ancestry.

Advantages

Player characters choosing the half-elf race gain a +1 bonus to dexterity and a -1 penalty to constitution.

Half-elves have access to a broad selection of classes, including assassins, bards, clerics, druids, fighters, mages, rangers and thieves. Their innate presence of mind grants them a +1 saving throw bonus against charm spells for every 4 points of intelligence. For example, a half-elf with an intelligence of 15 would receive a +3 saving throw bonus against charm effects.

A half-elf character should specify whether they are more naturally skilled with either a bow or a sword. Whichever weapon is chosen, the character will receive a +1 bonus to hit when using that weapon — but not both.

Half-elves also possess infravision, allowing them to see in the dark with relative clarity, granting them a distinct advantage in dimly lit environments or underground settings.

See Also,
Aging
Bestiary
Character Race Options
Player Characters