Homebrew Half-Elf (2024) Species Details

Half-elves are typically born of the union between elven and human parents; however, they can also be born of unions with half-elves or those who bare their lineage. Half-elves share many features of both elves and humans, markings of the fey and great adaptability. Half-elves often find themselves in space between two worlds of elves and humans, with no community of their own.

in contrast to elves, half-elves are capable of growing facial hair and often do so to distinguish themselves, in part, of their elven ancestors. Their ears are about the size of human ones, but like elves, they are pointed at the end. Half-elves typically stand taller than elves but shorter than humans. They live for around 180 years and can in rare cases live to their second century.

Half-elves, much like their elven ancestors, can be subtly transformed by the environments they inhabit for a millennium or more. This subtle transformation grants them certain abilities. Astral half-elves, drow half-elves, eladrin half-elves, high half-elves, sea half-elves, shadar-kai half-elves, wood half-elves are examples lineages that half-elves can possess. 

Astral Half-Elves

Astral Half-Elves take a unique place among half-elves. Astral Elves are lofted with such dignity in their origin and the divinity of their home plane, that astral half-elves are seen as a genetic disgrace. Many are shunned and frowned upon in places with numerous astral elves.

Drow Half-Elves

Drow half-elves' ancestors typically dwelled with the Underdark, or other areas of the subterranean world, and have been altered by it, however, some drow and most drow half-elves make their homes on the surface of the material planes of existence. Wherever they make their homes now, they bare the mark of their ancestor's former home.

Eladrin Half-Elves

Eladrin are rarely attracted to other kinds of elves-let alone humans-but when they are, it is typically as a result of a shared deep connection with nature, such as that held by druids. These half-elves are most at home among eladrin folk, who find their middling connection to the changing of seasons endearing.

High Half-Elves

High half-elves bear the hallmarks of their ancestors' connection to the Feywild and magic. these half-elves are able to invoke their lineage to create magical effects.

Sea Half-Elves

Sea elves are known for their unadulterated love of the ocean, and their half-elf progeny are no different. Likewise gifted with an affinity for the sea and all its denizens, these half-elves are esteemed for their exceptional social skills, frequently finding a role in sea elf society as ambassadors and diplomats.

Shadar-kai Half-Elves

Shadar-kai-being sworn to the Raven Queen's service-typically only produce offspring to advance her will, so when half-shadar-kai are born, they are equally blessed by the Lady of Fates. These half-elves are generally regarded as cold and distant, though the more well-adjusted may be seen as reserved of level-headed.

Wood Half-Elves

Wood half-elves are suffused by their ancestors' connection to the natural world and it's primaeval woodlands. they are able to draw on this lineage to utilize natural magic.

Half-Elf (2024) Traits

As a Half-Elf, you have these special traits.

Ability Score Increases

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

Your Size is Medium (about 5'5 - 6'5 feet tall).

Speed

Your Speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Fey Ancestry

You have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Charmed condition.

Skillful

You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice.

Half-Elf Lineage

You are part of a lineage that grants you supernatural abilities. Choose a lineage from the Half-Elf Lineages table. You gain benefit of that lineage.

Half-Elf Lineages

Lineage	Feature
Astral Half-Elf	You know the Sacred Flame cantrip and you a limited Starlight Step. As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 20 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. When you do so, you leave a trace elements indicative of astral lineage in the space you left (e.g. stars, nebulas, etc.). Once you use this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
Drow Half-Elf	You know the Dancing Lights cantrip and the range of your Darkvision increases to 120 feet.
Eladrin Half-Elf	You know the Druidcraft cantrip and you have a Limited Fey Step. As a bonus action, you can magically teleport up to 20 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. When you do so, you leave a trace elements indicative of the season with which you identify in the space you left (e.g. snowflake for winter, colorful leaves for fall, etc.). Once you use this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
High Half-Elf	You know the Prestidigitation cantrip and you gain a 2+ bonus on the Arcana Skill.
Sea Half-Elf	You know the Shape Water cantrip and you can breathe air and water, have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed, and you have resistance to Cold damage.
Shadar-kai Half-Elf	You know the Chill Touch cantrip and you have resistance to Necrotic damage.
Wood Half-Elf	You know the Druidcraft cantrip and your Speed increases to 35 feet.

Languages

Your character can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character. The Player’s Handbook offers a list of languages to choose from. The DM is free to modify that list for a campaign.