Which race your character is when you create it is up to you, could be High Elf since it's the subrace you were born as, or Wood Elf since you been raised and trained by them.
I would say maybe depends on when they went into exile. If they were old enough to have taken on the high elf traits then use those. If they were really young then the wood elf traits. In the end it doesn’t matter, just pick what you like the best.
It's really up to you :) .. I don't think getting into the argument of nature vs nurture would be a fruitful D&D topic :).
With the Tasha's rules allowing the +2/+1 to be assigned to whichever stats you prefer, the only differences are really a free cantrip+extra language vs +5' movement+Mask of the Wild. Since those could all be interpreted as learned and since it is possible to forget a cantrip and language if you don't use them then I'd say you can easily justify either pick.
If you want to base it on the backstory then consider how young they were when they joined wood elf society and how diligently did they devote themselves to fitting in and being the same as everyone else.
I would say maybe depends on when they went into exile. If they were old enough to have taken on the high elf traits then use those. If they were really young then the wood elf traits. In the end it doesn’t matter, just pick what you like the best.
This is good advice. How old do you think that would be?
(High Elf) Intelligence +1, Wizard Cantrip, Extra Language (Wood Elf) Wisdom +1, Fleet of Foot, Mask of the Wild.
These traits are pretty darn minor. An Elf isn't considered an adult until they reach 100, but pragmatically speaking, these kinds of traits are likely to be picked up well before then, and aren't necessarily fixed.
If we say that your character went into exile in their 30's~40's, that would be like a 8~9 year old human running away. That's plenty of time to inherit the High Elf Traits. However, you could also easily adapt to the Wood Elf way of life, so I'd base it on your characters current age. If they are now 80+, they will have lived longer among the wood elf and have likely adapted accordingly.
But perhaps more importantly, what class/background are you considering? The character is likely to retain the traits that synergize with their other interests.
I would say maybe depends on when they went into exile. If they were old enough to have taken on the high elf traits then use those. If they were really young then the wood elf traits. In the end it doesn’t matter, just pick what you like the best.
This is good advice. How old do you think that would be?
As others have said, you can do whatever you like. It doesn’t really matter. Whatever fits the character you want to play. As far as narratively I might say preteen/early teen vs mid to late teens. But this is all subjective so do what feels like would be the most fun.
High Elf and Wood Elf both have +2 to Dex which is the primary stat. Then Wisdom (arguably) though I also like to have a high con.
If you have the source material available check out some of the other Elf Species most of them have a +2 to dex. And some of them have some very fun species traits
Thematically it could be either one. Both can be justified with the concept you have presented.
Now, each one works better or worse depending on your build. What class have you thought about playing?
Class will be Ranger. (Subclasses to be determined)
Well, then if you don't use Tasha's the best thing is a wood elf for the increase in wisdom.
If you use Tasha's, well, thematically I think a wood elf would be better. And as for features, although the free cantrip always works well, and also the ranger has no cantrips, I think the extra 5 feet of movement and mask of the Wild could be interesting for a ranger. It doesn't make a big difference though.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Concept -
Character was born a High Elf, but - relatively young in life for an Elf - went into self-imposed exile. (A dreadful trope, I know.)
A few short years later, the character is "adopted" into a tribe of Wood Elves.
Should the character have the racial traits of a High Elf or a Wood Elf?
Thanks!
Which race your character is when you create it is up to you, could be High Elf since it's the subrace you were born as, or Wood Elf since you been raised and trained by them.
I would say maybe depends on when they went into exile. If they were old enough to have taken on the high elf traits then use those. If they were really young then the wood elf traits. In the end it doesn’t matter, just pick what you like the best.
EZD6 by DM Scotty
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/397599/EZD6-Core-Rulebook?
It's really up to you :) .. I don't think getting into the argument of nature vs nurture would be a fruitful D&D topic :).
With the Tasha's rules allowing the +2/+1 to be assigned to whichever stats you prefer, the only differences are really a free cantrip+extra language vs +5' movement+Mask of the Wild. Since those could all be interpreted as learned and since it is possible to forget a cantrip and language if you don't use them then I'd say you can easily justify either pick.
If you want to base it on the backstory then consider how young they were when they joined wood elf society and how diligently did they devote themselves to fitting in and being the same as everyone else.
This is good advice. How old do you think that would be?
The relevant traits are:
(High Elf) Intelligence +1, Wizard Cantrip, Extra Language
(Wood Elf) Wisdom +1, Fleet of Foot, Mask of the Wild.
These traits are pretty darn minor. An Elf isn't considered an adult until they reach 100, but pragmatically speaking, these kinds of traits are likely to be picked up well before then, and aren't necessarily fixed.
If we say that your character went into exile in their 30's~40's, that would be like a 8~9 year old human running away. That's plenty of time to inherit the High Elf Traits. However, you could also easily adapt to the Wood Elf way of life, so I'd base it on your characters current age. If they are now 80+, they will have lived longer among the wood elf and have likely adapted accordingly.
But perhaps more importantly, what class/background are you considering? The character is likely to retain the traits that synergize with their other interests.
As others have said, you can do whatever you like. It doesn’t really matter. Whatever fits the character you want to play. As far as narratively I might say preteen/early teen vs mid to late teens. But this is all subjective so do what feels like would be the most fun.
EZD6 by DM Scotty
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/397599/EZD6-Core-Rulebook?
The only thing that could be more touchy is if you wanted to mix and matches traits from both subraces. This would require DM approval.
go for it do it and run with it.
I would not allow it however. Only if the elf gives up the high elf bonus
Oh, yes. I just wanted the concept and sheet to make sense.
Thematically it could be either one. Both can be justified with the concept you have presented.
Now, each one works better or worse depending on your build. What class have you thought about playing?
Class will be Ranger. (Subclasses to be determined)
Wood elf makes better ranger than high elf
High Elf and Wood Elf both have +2 to Dex which is the primary stat. Then Wisdom (arguably) though I also like to have a high con.
If you have the source material available check out some of the other Elf Species most of them have a +2 to dex. And some of them have some very fun species traits
Races
Races
My next Ranger I may go with a Mark of the Shadow Elf. Combine that with a Gloom Stalker your going to drive the DM bananas
Well, then if you don't use Tasha's the best thing is a wood elf for the increase in wisdom.
If you use Tasha's, well, thematically I think a wood elf would be better. And as for features, although the free cantrip always works well, and also the ranger has no cantrips, I think the extra 5 feet of movement and mask of the Wild could be interesting for a ranger. It doesn't make a big difference though.