Homebrew Athasian Half-Elf Species Details

Born of two worlds yet unwelcome in both, half-elves are notorious loners, wandering the deserts or scattered among the population of the city states. Some half-elves try to earn the respect of their parent races, while others resign from the pointless pursuit.

Distinctly In Between

Half-elven physiology combines the prominent features of their parents’ races. Their elven lineage lends them the pointed ears and glimmering eyes elves are famous for, while their human ancestry makes their bodies broader and heavier than any elf. Like their elven parents, half-elves do not grow body hair, with the exception of facial hair.

Resourceful Outcasts

A half-elf’s insecurity is an unfortunate effect of their isolation. Desiring acceptance from their parent races but never receiving it, half-elves detach from people and society, often finding companionship in animals or other minority races, although half-elves generally aren't interested in each other. Some half-elves cope with society’s rejection by rejecting society, branding themselves as outcasts and engaging in shady dealings. The less criminally-minded engage in solitary activities such as studying the wilderness, magic, or psionics.

To others, half-elves combine the worst traits of both races. Elves have no tolerance of mixed-blood children, while humans distrust their elvish half. From birth, they are given reason they do not belong. Half-elves are aloof, a product of their self-reliance and a point of pride for half-elves. They are awkward, having had little opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations.

EXCELLENT BEAST TAMERS

Half-elves have a special connection with animals that stems from society's rejection of them. From childhood, a half-elf's closest relationships are with animals, in turn developing them into masterful animal handlers and beast tamers. Ironically, these skills derived from exclusion often allow half-elves to integrate back into human society where their skill is highly valued.

Fame, Freedom, and Friendship

For a half-elf, there are many reasons for them to become an adventurer. They might still seek the approval of their parent races by becoming great heroes or accruing massive wealth. They may wish to escape their mediocre lives or seek the companionship of those who will appreciate them for their skills. This may be especially true for half-elves who study magic or psionics and wish to make real use of their abilities.

Athasian Half-Elf Traits

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

Fey Ancestry

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

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence 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.

Alignment

Lawful and neutral half-elves attempt to gain the approval of their parent races, while chaotic half-elves have given up and reject society. Although there are some good half-elves, the nature of their treatment tends them towards the neutral and evil alignments. Neutral or evil half-elves believe they must always look out for themselves first. Evil half-elves often become criminals that prey on the society that shuns them, or turn their discontent into a profession as an unscrupulous Templar for the Sorcerer-Kings.

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.

Self-Reliant

You have learned you have only yourself to rely on. Once per long rest, you can give yourself the benefits of the Help action as if an ally were helping you on a saving throw, attack roll, ability check, or skill check.

The number of times you can use this feature per long rest increases to 2 at 8th level and again to 3 at 15th level.

Self-Taught

You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice.

Languages

You speak Common and Elvish.