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| ====== Half-Elves ====== | ====== Half-Elves ====== |
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| ^ Half-Elves ^ | ^ Half-Elves ^ |
| | Height: 175 to 195 | | | Height: 175 to 195 | |
| | Attribute Modifiers: +2 to One Ability Score | | | Attribute Modifiers: +2 to One Ability Score | |
| | Language: Common (Taldan), Elven | | | Languages: Common (Taldan), Elven | |
| | Common Cultures: [[Aquatic Half-Elves (Shoreborn)]], [[Drow-Descended]], [[Ekujae Half-Elves (Wildborn)]], [[Elf-Raised]], [[Half-Drow (Darkborn)]], [[Human-Raised]], [[Mordant Spire Half-Elves (Spireborn)]], [[nowcaster Half-Elves (Snowborn)]] | | | Common Cultures: [[Aquatic Half-Elves (Shoreborn)]], [[Drow-Descended]], [[Ekujae Half-Elves (Wildborn)]], [[Elf-Raised]], [[Half-Drow (Darkborn)]], [[Human-Raised]], [[Mordant Spire Half-Elves (Spireborn)]], [[Nowcaster Half-Elves (Snowborn)]] | |
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| === Overview === | === Overview === |
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| **Male Names:** Calathes, Encinal, Iradli, Kyras, Narciso, Quinray, Seltyiel, Zirul. | **Male Names:** Calathes, Encinal, Iradli, Kyras, Narciso, Quinray, Seltyiel, Zirul |
| | **Female Names:** Cathran, Elsbeth, Iandoli, Kieyanna, Lialda, Maddela, Reda, Tamarie |
| **Female Names:** Cathran, Elsbeth, Iandoli, Kieyanna, Lialda, Maddela, Reda, Tamarie. | |
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| Elves have long drawn the covetous gazes of other races. Their generous lifespans, magical affinity, and inherent grace each contribute to the admiration or bitter envy of their neighbors. Of all their traits, however, none so entrance their human associates as their beauty. Since the two races first came into contact with each other, humans have held up elves as models of physical perfection, seeing in these fair folk idealized versions of themselves. For their part, many elves find humans attractive despite their comparatively barbaric ways, and are drawn to the passion and impetuosity with which members of the younger race play out their brief lives. | |
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| Sometimes this mutual infatuation leads to romantic relationships. Though usually short-lived, even by human standards, such trysts may lead to the birth of half-elves, a race descended from two cultures yet inheritor of neither. Half-elves can breed with one another, but even these "pureblood" half-elves tend to be viewed as bastards by humans and elves alike. Caught between destiny and derision, half-elves often view themselves as the middle children of the world. | |
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| == Physical Description: == | Half-elves are the offspring of humans and elves, inheriting traits from both parents while fully belonging to neither. They often face mixed perceptions: admired for their beauty and grace, yet sometimes viewed as outsiders by both societies. Half-elves are naturally versatile, capable of adapting to many environments and social contexts, a skill often developed from necessity. They are known for their charm, curiosity, and the ability to navigate between cultures that may not fully accept them. |
| Half-elves stand taller than humans but shorter than elves. They inherit the lean build and comely features of their elven lineage, but their skin color is normally dictated by their human side. While half-elves retain the pointed ears of elves, theirs are more rounded and less pronounced. Their eyes tend to be humanlike in shape, but feature an exotic range of colors from amber or violet to emerald green and deep blue. This pattern changes for half-elves of drow descent, however. Such elves are almost unfailingly marked with the white or silver hair of the drow parent, and more often than not have dusky gray skin that takes on a purplish or bluish tinge in the right light, while their eye color usually favors that of the human parent. | |
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| == Society: == | == Physical Description == |
| Their lack of a unified homeland and culture forces half-elves to remain versatile, able to conform to nearly any environment. While often considered attractive to both races for the same reasons as their parents, half-elves rarely fit in with either humans or elves, as both races see too much evidence of the other in them. This lack of acceptance weighs heavily on many half-elves, yet others are bolstered by their unique status, seeing in their lack of a formalized culture the ultimate freedom. As a result, half-elves are incredibly adaptable, capable of adjusting their mind-sets and talents to whatever societies they find themselves in. | |
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| Even half-elves welcomed by one side of their heritage often find themselves caught between cultures, as they are encouraged, cajoled, or even forced into taking on diplomatic responsibilities between human and elven kind. Many half-elves rise to the occasion of such service, seeing it as a chance to prove their worth to both races. Others, however, come to resent the pressures and presumptions foisted upon them by both races and turn any opportunity to broker power, make peace, or advance trade between humans and elves into an exercise in personal profit. | Half-elves are generally taller than humans but shorter than elves, with a build that combines human sturdiness and elven grace. Their ears are pointed but less pronounced than those of full elves. Skin tone is typically influenced by their human parent, while eye color can range widely, often including shades uncommon in humans or elves such as violet, amber, or deep blue. Half-elves of drow descent frequently inherit pale or silver hair and darker skin tones, creating a striking appearance that marks their heritage clearly. |
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| == Relations: == | |
| Half-elves understand loneliness, and know that character is often less a product of race than of life experience. As such, they are often open to friendships and alliances with other races, and less likely than most to rely on first impressions when forming opinions of new acquaintances. | |
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| While many races join together to produce mixed offspring of notable power, such as half-orcs, half-dragons, and half-fiends, half-elves seem to have a unique position in the eyes of their progenitors and the rest of the world. Those humans who admire elvenkind see half-elves as a living link or bridge between the two races. But this attitude often foists unfair expectations and elevated standards upon half-elves, and quickly turns to derision when they do not live up to the grand destinies that others set for them. Additionally, those half-elves raised by or in the company of elves often have the human half of their parentage dubbed a mere obstacle, something to be overcome with proper immersion and schooling in the elven ways, and even the most well-meaning elven mentors often push their half-elven charges to reject a full half of themselves in order to "better" themselves. The exception is those few half-elves born of humans and drow. Not unlike most half-orcs, such unions are commonly born out of violence and savagery that leaves the child unwanted by its mother if not killed outright. Moreover, as the physical features of half-drow clearly mark their parentage, crafting a reputation founded on deeds and character instead of heritage is more challenging for them. Even the most empathetic of other half-elves balk at the sight of a half-drow. | == Society == |
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| Among other races, half-elves form unique and often unexpected bonds. Dwarves, despite their traditional mistrust of elves, see a half-elf's human parentage as something hopeful, and treat them as half-humans rather than half-elves. Additionally, while dwarves are long-lived, the lifespan of the stout folk is closer to a half-elf's own than that of either of her parents. As a result, half-elves and dwarves often form lasting bonds, be they ones of friendship, business, or even competitive rivalry. | Half-elves lack a unified homeland, which has made adaptability a central trait. They can integrate into human or elven societies but rarely feel entirely at home in either. This in-between status fosters independence, versatility, and a strong sense of self-reliance. Some half-elves take on diplomatic roles or act as liaisons between human and elven communities, while others embrace a wandering life to seek freedom from societal expectations. |
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| Gnomes and halflings often see half-elves as a curiosity. Those half-elves who have seen themselves pushed to the edges of society, truly without a home, typically find gnomes and halflings frivolous and worthy of disdain, but secretly envy their seemingly carefree ways. Clever and enterprising gnomes and halflings sometimes partner with a half-elf for adventures or even business ventures, using the half-elf's participation to lend their own endeavors an air of legitimacy that they cannot acquire on their own. | Half-elves raised among elves may struggle with the human side of their heritage, while those raised among humans often face pressure to emulate elven ideals. Many choose to forge their own paths, blending the strengths of both ancestries and embracing the freedom that comes from having no singular cultural obligation. |
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| Perhaps the most peculiar and dichotomous relations exist between half-elves and half-orcs. Those half-orcs and half-elves who were raised among their non-human kin normally see one another as hated and ancient foes. However, half-elves who have been marginalized by society feel a deep, almost instant kinship with half-orcs, knowing their burdens are often that much harder because of their appearance and somewhat brutish nature. Not all half-orcs are inclined or able to understand such empathy, but those who do often find themselves with a dedicated diplomat, liaison, and apologist. For their own part, half-orcs usually return the favor by acting as bodyguards or intimidators, and take on other roles uniquely suited to their brawny forms. | == Relations == |
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| == Alignment and Religion: == | Half-elves often relate well to other races, understanding marginalization and valuing character over lineage. They can form strong bonds with dwarves, who respect their partial human heritage, and with gnomes or halflings, who may be curious about them or see them as useful partners in ventures. Half-orcs and half-elves share a complicated relationship: those who have faced social rejection may find kinship, while others may clash due to cultural or personal differences. |
| Half-elves' isolation strongly influences their characters and philosophies. Cruelty does not come naturally to them, nor does blending in or bending to societal convention—as a result, most half-elves are chaotic good. Half-elves' lack of a unified culture makes them less likely to turn to religion, but those who do generally follow the common faiths of their homeland. Others come to religion and worship later in their lives, especially if they have been made to feel part of a community through faith or the work of clerical figures. | |
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| Some half-elves feel the pull of the divine but live beyond the formal religious instruction of society. Such individuals often worship ideas and concepts like freedom, harmony, or balance, or the primal forces of the world. Still others gravitate toward long-forgotten gods, finding comfort and kinship in the idea that even deities can be overlooked. | Half-elves of drow descent face unique challenges, as their appearance and lineage often provoke suspicion or fear, even among other half-elves. Despite these difficulties, half-elves generally strive to prove themselves by deeds and character rather than rely solely on heritage. |
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| == Adventurers: == | == Alignment and Religion == |
| Half-elves tend to be itinerants, wandering the lands in search of a place they might finally call home. The desire to prove themselves to the community and establish a personal identity—or even a legacy—drives many half-elf adventurers to lives of bravery. Some half-elves claim that despite their longevity, they perceive the passage of time more like humans than elves, and are driven to amass wealth, power, or fame early on in life so they may spend the rest of their years enjoying it. | |
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| | Most half-elves lean toward chaotic good, valuing freedom, individuality, and compassion. They are less likely to follow a single religion strictly, often adopting the faiths of their human or elven parentage or seeking their own spiritual paths. Many gravitate toward deities or philosophies that emphasize balance, freedom, or harmony with the world. |
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| ---- | == Adventurers == |
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| //Sources: [[http://paizo.com/products/btpy9g9v?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Inner-Sea-Races| Inner Sea Races pg. 237]], [[http://paizo.com/products/btpy8rv2?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Advanced-Race-Guide|Advanced Race Guide pg. 40]], [[http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy88yj|PRPG Core Rulebook pg. 24 ]]// | Half-elves are often wanderers and explorers, motivated by a desire to establish identity, achieve personal goals, or discover a place where they truly belong. They make capable adventurers due to their versatility, social adaptability, and a balanced blend of human ambition and elven skill. Half-elves excel in many roles, from diplomacy and exploration to combat and magic, often using their unique perspective to bridge gaps between different groups or cultures. |
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| //Many thanks to the many contributors of the [[https://www.aonprd.com/ | Archives of Nethys]] for rendering this material readily accessible.// | |