Half-Elf

The pairing of human and elf is an extraordinary and rare occasion, arising from unique circumstances or events. Elves are very guarded in their approach to humans, for they deem them strange in thought and deed. For love to be born of the two races, an elf must find a human of great renown and surpassing beauty. Thus the half-elf is the rarest of all races. Indeed, each half-elf differs so markedly in origin, background and physiology from others that generalizations are near impossible to make.

### **Description**

Half-Elves vary greatly in appearance, acquiring characteristics from both parents. One commonality among half-elves however, is that each significantly favors either human parent or the elf parent, inheriting many more characteristics from one than the other. In some cases, the dominance of one lineage is so strong that these half-elves can pass as a full member of that lineage unless closely observed.

           Half-Elves also vary greatly in height, ranging from that of the shortest elves to that of the tallest humans. Likewise, any variety of body style, hair color or eye tint found in humans or elves can occur in a half-elf, in any combination. The single consistent physical feature shared by half-elves is a natural balance and ease of movement inherited form the elven parent.

### **Personality**

Half-Elves are intelligent, perceptive and possess quick minds. They are able to master many crafts and skills, be these as mundane as cabinet making, or as extraordinary as the wielding of magic. They exhibit an almost supernatural empathy for the world around them giving them an uncanny understanding of people. Their shared lineage also grants them the ability to think on many levels simultaneously, an ability that makes them difficult to deceive.

           Long lived by human standards but short lived for elves, half-elves exist in a nebulous world between both races. They often find themselves uncomfortable in either culture and are far too rare and unique to develop societies of their own. Elves tend to look upon them as strange creatures, treating them with indifferent curiosity or even with outright hostility. Human reactions are as varied as their cultures, sometimes accepting half-elves without note, sometimes venerating them, and as often rejecting them with violence.

           Much of the reaction is determined by the half-elf’s lineage. Half-elves that favor a human lineage can vary widely in personality, while those with a dominant elf lineage tend to exhibit elven values, ethos and interests. Because of their longer life spans, half-elves are generally well educated and knowledgeable about history and geography although this is not always the case.

           Their life spans, however present problems. Human friends often die of old age when half-elves are but middle aged. The long lived elves, on the other hand, possess a psychology like that of near immortals which half-elves have a difficult time understanding. This creates a loneliness and melancholy in half-elves, and sometimes, the fatalism so strongly pronounced in elves manifests itself in half-elves as well. In some instances, a half-elf spurns both humans and elves instead seeking the company of other races and cultures entirely.

### **Relationships**

Half-elves tend to enjoy the company of those of their favored lineage, but often have problems adapting and existing in either human or elf societies. Half-elves tend to be solitary, preferring not to congregate with other half-elves. A group of half-elves always attracts an enormous amount of attention and tends to highlight their status as misfits. Perhaps because of their exposure to discrimination, half-elves harbor few prejudices. They freely associate with dwarves, halflings, gnomes, and others. Their unique position occasionally allows them to act as intermediaries between groups and races.

### **Environment**

Half-elves can be found anywhere, from human cities to woodlands. They live in all types of rural areas as well. Social ostracism tends to make them natural wanderers; many half-elves make no home, moving about the world looking for a place to fit in at least for a time.

#### **Racial Traits and Abilities**

The mixed lineage of half-elves affects the specific traits that a half-elf inherits. Players choose a human or elf lineage that dominates their character. Racial abilities modifiers are based on which lineage the player chooses.

**All Half-Elves possess the following abilities:**

**Empathy:** +2 bonus on all charisma checks. This ability can be combined with attribute check modification.

**Move Silently (Dexterity):** This ability allows silent movement in wilderness areas. Half-Elves can move up to one-half the normal speed at no penalty. At more than one-half and up to the character’s full speed, the character suffers a -5 penalty to the check. Any fast movement is practically impossible (-20 penalty).

**Spot Hidden Doors (Wisdom):** +1 bonus to Wisdom checks when actively looking for doorways and is entitled to a wisdom check when within 5 feet of such a doorway.

**Half-Elves with a human lineage possess these abilities:**

**Attribute Check Modification:** Half-Elven characters are allowed to choose one secondary attribute for which they gain a +2 bonus to all attribute checks.

**Spell Resistance (Wisdom):** +2 bonus when making saving throws against spells and spell like abilities that charm or unnaturally cause sleep.

**Half-Elves with an elven lineage possess these abilities:**

**Attribute Modification:** +1 to Dexterity, and -1 to Constitution.

**Enhanced Senses:** +2 bonus to all checks involving listening.

**Spell Resistance (Wisdom):** +4 bonus when making saving throws against spell and spell like abilities that charm or unnaturally cause sleep.

**Languages:** Common, Elf and three of the following: Dwarven, Gnome, Goblinoid, Halfling, Orcish.

**Size:** Medium

**Movement:** 30 feet.

**Ranger Modifier:** +2 Move Silent, +2 Find Traps

**Rogue and Assassin Modifiers:** +2 Listen (elf lineage), +2 Find Traps, +2 Move Silent.

##### **Half-Elf Starting Ages**

1. Group 1: Assassin, Barbarian, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Rogue
2. Group 2: Paladin, Ranger, Knight
3. Group 3: Bard, Illusionist, Monk, Wizard

### **Compatibility**

1. Castles and Crusades Generic Half-Elf.
2. d20/OSR System.