DnD Half-Elf

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Embrace the Best of Two Worlds

In this quick build guide, we'll show you how to create a Half-Elf character and provide valuable insights into playing this stout and steadfast race.

TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Traits
2. Varients
3. Names
4. Story
5. Expectations
6. Quickbuild
7. Example
8. Resources

Half-Elf Traits

Your half-elf character has some qualities in common with elves and some that are unique to half-elves.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase by 1.

Age

Half-elves mature at the same rate humans do and reach adulthood around the age of 20. They live much longer than humans, however, often exceeding 180 years.

Size

Half-elves are about the same size as humans, ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Fey Ancestry

You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Skill Versatility

You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and one extra language of your choice.

Half-Elf Variants

Some half-elves in Faerûn have a racial trait in place of the Skill Versatility trait. If your DM allows it, your half-elf character can forgo Skill Versatility and instead take the elf trait Keen Senses or a trait based on your elf parentage.

Half-Elf Names

Half-elves use either human or elven naming conventions. As if to emphasize that they don’t really fit in to either society, half-elves raised among humans are often given elven names, and those raised among elves often take human names.

EXCELLENT AMBASSADORS

Many half-elves learn at an early age to get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and human energy without human boorishness. They often make excellent ambassadors and go-betweens (except between elves and humans, since each side suspects the half-elf of favoring the other).

Back story and about

Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man’s walk was marked by an easy grace—an elvish grace, Flint would have said; yet the man’s body had the thickness and tight muscles of a human, while the facial hair was definitely humankind’s. All the dwarf could see of the man’s face beneath a green hood was tan skin and a brownish-red beard. A longbow was slung over one shoulder and a sword hung at his left side. He was dressed in soft leather, carefully tooled in the intricate designs the elves loved. But no elf in the world of Krynn could grow a beard
. . . no elf, but . . .

“Tanis?” said Flint hesitantly as the man neared.

“The same.” The newcomer’s bearded face split in a wide grin. He held open his arms and, before the dwarf could stop him, engulfed Flint in a hug that lifted him off the ground. The dwarf clasped his old friend close for a brief instant, then, remembering his dignity, squirmed and freed himself from the half-elf’s embrace.

— Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Walking in two worlds but truly belonging to neither, half-elves combine what some say are the best qualities of their elf and human parents: human curiosity, inventiveness, and ambition tempered by the refined senses, love of nature, and artistic tastes of the elves. Some half-elves live among humans, set apart by their emotional and physical differences, watching friends and loved ones age while time barely touches them. Others live with the elves, growing restless as they reach adulthood in the timeless elven realms, while their peers continue to live as children. Many half-elves, unable to fit into either society, choose lives of solitary wandering or join with other misfits and outcasts in the adventuring life.

Of Two Worlds

To humans, half-elves look like elves, and to elves, they look human. In height, they’re on par with both parents, though they’re neither as slender as elves nor as broad as humans. They range from under 5 feet to about 6 feet tall, and from 100 to 180 pounds, with men only slightly taller and heavier than women. Half-elf men do have facial hair, and sometimes grow beards to mask their elven ancestry. Half-elven coloration and features lie somewhere between their human and elf parents, and thus show a variety even more pronounced than that found among either race. They tend to have the eyes of their elven parents.

Diplomats or Wanderers

Half-elves have no lands of their own, though they are welcome in human cities and somewhat less welcome in elven forests. In large cities in regions where elves and humans interact often, half-elves are sometimes numerous enough to form small communities of their own. They enjoy the company of other half-elves, the only people who truly understand what it is to live between these two worlds.

In most parts of the world, though, half-elves are uncommon enough that one might live for years without meeting another. Some half-elves prefer to avoid company altogether, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers.

What to Expect as a Half-Elf

Half-Elves are the offspring of both humans and elves, combining the versatility of humans with the elegance of elves. They possess natural charm, adaptability, and an innate curiosity about both their human and elven heritage. As a Half-Elf, you can expect:

Versatile Racial Traits
Half-Elves enjoy a flexible set of racial traits, including an ability score increase to Charisma, two additional skills of your choice, and the ability to resist being charmed.

Elven Heritage
Half-Elves are often caught between two worlds, seeking to find their place and purpose in a diverse and ever-changing society.

Charismatic Leaders
Their natural charisma and adaptability make Half-Elves well-suited for a wide range of character classes, from charming bards to diplomatic diplomats.

Quick Build Steps for a Half-Elf

Creating a Half-Elf character involves selecting a character class, distributing your ability scores to match your desired role, and choosing equipment. Follow these steps:

Choose a Character Class: Decide on a character class that aligns with your preferred playstyle, whether it's a cunning rogue like Rogue, an inspiring bard like Bard, or a versatile fighter like Fighter.

Distribute Ability Scores: Half-Elves receive a bonus to Charisma, making them naturally charismatic and adaptable. Prioritize other ability scores based on your class, such as Dexterity for Rogues or Strength for Fighters.

Select Skills and Background: Consider skills that complement your character's personality, backstory, and class. Half-Elves' natural charisma often makes them skilled in Persuasion or Deception.

Choose Equipment: Select starting equipment based on your character class. Consider the weapons and armor that best suit your character's role and concept.

Plan Your Backstory: Develop a backstory that explores your Half-Elf's experiences growing up among two different worlds and how it has shaped their personality and goals.

Organize D&D Campaigns via a Calendar

To ensure your Half-Elf character can attend sessions and coordinate with your party, use a shared calendar. This can help schedule game nights and ensure everyone's availability. Here's a guide on creating events in Discord.

Example

Meet Elara, the Half-Elf Bard

Character Class: Bard - Elara is a talented musician and storyteller, known for her enchanting performances and charming presence.

Ability Scores: Elara's high Charisma makes her a captivating performer and skilled diplomat, while her Dexterity allows her to move gracefully through crowds.

Skills and Background: Elara excels in Persuasion, Performance, and Insight, reflecting her natural charisma and entertaining abilities. Her background as an Entertainer grants her proficiency in Acrobatics.

Equipment: Elara carries a beautifully crafted lute, a set of fine clothes, and a trusty dagger for self-defense.

Backstory: Elara's mother was a renowned elven bard, while her father was a skilled human diplomat. She grew up traveling between human cities and elven enclaves, learning the arts of diplomacy and music from both worlds. Now, she uses her talents to bridge gaps and tell stories that bring people together.

External Resources

For more in-depth information on playing a Half-Elf in D&D, check out these external resources:

D&D Beyond - Half-Elf Race Guide: A comprehensive guide to the Half-Elf race, including subrace options and role-playing tips. Read the Guide

Roleplaying Tips - How to Play Half-Elves: An article offering insights into the mindset and role-playing possibilities of Half-Elf characters. Read the Article

Bard Class Guide: If you've chosen the Bard class, this guide provides insights into Bard abilities and gameplay. Read the Guide

Now, embrace the best of two worlds and the versatility it brings as you embark on your epic adventures in Dungeons & Dragons!