Half-Elf

## On Half-Elves

*"I tell you what Momon and I tell you true. That there might have been the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."- Ahulan Phsui, human tavern crawler, after witnessing a half-elf bard perform.*

*"Natural diplomats the lot of them, or so I've been told. Apparently a half-elf given enough time can get a gnome and a kobold to become friends. I'd love to see it."- Bruloth, githzerai adventurer, in a conversation with a colleague.*

*"Well, her da was an orc and her mum was a wild elf, both from Umgar. Interesting girl. I initially dated her just to upset my parents and ended up marrying her. Best decision I ever made."- Zailgul, aasimar adventurer, on how he met his wife and fellow adventurer, Undi.*

*"Poor dears. I feel so sorry for them."-Farceran, high elf nobleman, in discussion with his fellow high elves about the status of half-elves.*

Half-Elves are being of two worlds set squarely in a place all their own. Some come from happy unions and others not so happy ones. This mingling of blood leaves beings with the magical power and grace of elves and the driven, daring do, of humans. The natural beauty and charm of half-elves means they typically do well in their lives, notably as artists or diplomats and half-elves of either profession are sought out by wealthy patrons who value these skills. Half-Elves typically feel a sense of joy and pride in their many gifts, carving out a name for themselves, separating them from both parents. Indeed, some of Apia's greatest adventurers have been half-elven, carrying blade and song with equal vigor.

## Physical Description:

From a quick glance, a half-elf will appear as an unusually attractive human or a somewhat sturdier elf, but a closer examination reveals them for the unique combination they are. Half-elves average in height between the two peoples, typically closer to six than five feet, with athletic builds suggesting a subtle muscularity that elves do not have. They have hair that ranges from all human shades and, unlike their elven parent, males can, and often do, grow beards. Half-Elf ears have more subtle points than full-blooded elves, though they are still present. Some half-elves can have ears without points at all or ones nearly as sharp as their elf parent depending on the whims of genetics. They have subtly pointed eyebrows and cheekbones as well as the angular noses and chins of their elf parents. When it comes to dress and style there is no singular answer. Half-Elves are a varied sort and will dress in any manner or style they set fit. Some use tattoos or piercings, others dyes and cosmetic surgeries, and others no modifications at all. It entirely depends on the individual and their particular upbringing. A half-elf raised among humans will likely adopt their style of dress and customs with the reverse also being true.

## History:

Humans have long been fascinated with elves, their long lives, great physical beauty, magical talents and charming personalities. Elves in turned are intrigued by the human drive, spirit, willpower and ability to overcome all odds. Elves like things that can entertain them for a time, they love tragedies, romances and doomed love affairs, which a relationship with humans can provide. In turn, many humans fall deeply in love with them. Elf and human intermingling was far from uncommon, particularly along the northern coastlines near the mainland elven colonies. Often, these dalliances produced half-blooded children, who share traits of both parents. These half-elves in time grew numerous enough that small communities of them took shape across Apia. Since these new half-elves bred true there are more milling about today than ever in nearly any country. While as a collective, half-elves have little history, as individuals they have shaped nations and minds, they've won wars and hearts. No adventure worth his salt will dismiss a half-elf out of hand simply because they lack mighty empires. It is worth noting that while most half-elves descend from human and elf relations, not all do, notably tel-amhothlans.

## Geography:

Half-elves can be found all across Apia though there are places where they are more prominate. While humans are not allowed on Itisal, save one small port town, half-elves are and so many are raised on the island by their elven families. A good number are found in Taskanda, Latrellus and the Coastal Kingdoms, both in their own communities and integrated into various cities and towns. The Southbour Blackwoods, home to a massive wood elf kingdom, also sees its fair share of half-elves. Umgar has large quantities as well, integrated into the various barbarian tribes, courtesy of the wild elves that call Umgar home. Interestingly, there is a sizable number on Zamonia, as some of those warrior women find elven men appealing and seek them out as fathers for their daughters. Even in unmentioned nations, half-elves can be found in small numbers.

## Personality:

Half-elves have a wide variety of personalities, usually dependent on which parent raised them. Using elf or human personality suggestions from those races and sub-races is perfectly acceptable. There are some common characteristics that are shared by many half-elves. Most half-elves are naturally charismatic, combining elven grace and human charm. They move well in social circles, making friends easily and charming those who meet them. They have what seems like an unstoppable drive and a remarkable ability to cause others to get along. While some are magically inclined, all are creative individuals who cross elven perfectionism with human ingenuity, leading to many famous inventors. Some half-elves, particularly those with uncaring or distance parents, feel like they have no place to belong. These are children torn between worlds and identities, feeling not worthy of either parent. These can spiral into deep, elven depressions that few recover from. Most have an opposite personality, particularly those with more stable homes and upbringings. These half-elves are confident, charming, full of vigor and life. They know themselves and they encourage others to do the same.

## Society:

Due to the fact that half-elves breed true they do have small towns throughout various lands. Mostly, these half-elf towns are found in Latrellus, Itisal and Druz, usually on the frontier. However, half-elves are found throughout communities where they are not the majority, and many are happy that way. Half-Elves are consummate adapters and easily change to reflect the societies they are in. A half-elf is a monarchist, a republican or an anarchist, wherever his home may be. Half-Elves do tend to get involved in politics wherever they are. Many become mayors, senators or even royal advisors, a strength of their great physical attractiveness and charming personalities. Half-Elves live for the moment and will never hesitate to try and enjoy some new restaurant or piece of art. A half-elf who sets his sights on learning a new talent will either inevitably succeed, or grow frustrated, moving on to something else. Despite their propensity towards upper classes, half-elves can be found in every class and station.

## Religion:

Most half-elves venerate Corellon Larethian, the god of their elvish parents, but others are drawn to Rila, Teteus, Bromis or the Green Lord. Of course, half-elves are found in the service of nearly every god, depending on where they live and how they were raised.

## Alignment:

Half-elves can be of any alignment. While most favor chaos over order and good over evil there have been plenty over the years that break the mold. Like they do in so many other ways, half-elves adapt.

## Relations:

Half-elves are natural diplomats and have few enemies. They are known to get along well with most people and the feeling is mutual. Drow are a rare exception and treat half-elves no different than full-blooded surface elves. Orcs of the Hill-Lands, similarly, view half-elves with disdain and attack them whenever possible.

## Language:

Half-elves speak common and elven. Most learn several other languages.

## Adventurers:

Half-elves are born adventurers. Their mixed heritage leads towards human drive and elven wisdom; human ingenuity and elven perfection. Many an adventuring bard or sorcerer is a half-elf, off on a journey for glory or self-discovery. Those few half-elves who don't feel acceptance in their communities often adventure simply to find a place in the world. Even the artist, the diplomat and the politician, typically have a year or two of adventuring on their resume, all the better to establish themselves as exceptional individuals.

## Names:

Half-Elves use human or elven names, depending on where they are raised. There is nothing distinct about half-elf names and so, feel free to pick and choose from either list. Some have surnames and some don't. It is not uncommon for a half-elf to take "Half-Elven" as a surname even in cultures where surnames aren't common.

## Traits:

Identical to those found in the players handbook.

## Sub-Races:

Half-Drow

Tel-Amhothlan

Raven-Blooded