Homebrew Dwelf Species Details

(I don't own any of these ideas, most were borrowed from others on this site)

As the offspring of an elf and a dwarf, the dwelf is a misbegotten creature. Like a half-orc, they are met with disdain from both their bloodlines, and is usually doomed to a life of maladjustment. Although any mixed race is found less frequently throughout the world, Dwelves have a notably smaller presence. The animosity between elves and dwarves has been longstanding so children descending from both races is rare indeed. Though taboo romances have been known to occur, it's just as likely that a dwelf might be conceived through warriors enjoying the spoils of war, so to speak. 

Neither dwarves nor elves offer kindness to dwelves, aside from their own parents. However, humans seem to get along with dwelves better than most due to their similar appearance. Some remark that these human-looking creatures are a sign of the world progressing, changing for the better. Others see dwelves as an abomination, a symbol for the collapse of the two greatest empires to ever grace the earth.

A Medley of Oddities 

To most, including elves and dwarves, dwelves look human. Due to the mixture of rugged and large dwarven features with that of the narrow and elegant elves, a common dwelf usually ends up looking rounder and softer, almost childlike in nature. They range from 4 and a half feet to 5 and a half feet tall and weigh about as much as any human, although it is not unheard of for a dwelf to reach just under 6 foot.

They tend to appear with mostly normal human body types while leaning towards the curvy side. Males and females are typically the same average weight and height and have an equal chance of growing extra body hair, with a slight chance of growing facial hair. 

Dwelves' coloration of course includes the normal human range and also includes skin in shades of copper, bronze, other earth tones and occasionally an almost bluish-white or reddish pale, and eyes like pools of liquid gold or silver. Hair can come in black, gray, brown, red, gold, greenish or blueish hair, though usually never as sleek as a parent elf's. They could favor bright colored fanciful clothes, or more practical comfortable dwarven attire, and anything in between depending on the dwelf.

Belonging Nowhere

The life of a dwelf is a forbidden one. While elven and dwarven nations are cordial and respectful to each other and individuals can develop deep friendships lasting centuries, romantic attraction to the other is frowned upon. A dwelf's parents are typically disowned by their kin and live either as hermits or in human cities. However, humans can sometimes find the presence of dwelves unsettling as they appear human, yet are distinctly not. Dwelves typically wander, never feeling accepted anywhere. They keep a low profile, portraying themselves as human. 

Taking the military influence of their Dwarven heritage and creative influence of their Elven heritage, Dwelves tend to shy away from politics, keeping themselves to themselves and seeking a peaceful living. They believe in combining beautiful craftsmanship with efficient and proven design. Dwelves are often some of the finest designers of machinery and architecture. 

Dwelf Names

Dwelves either have Dwarven or Elven first and last names, sometimes one of each. Often times, Dwelves choose a second name for themselves that would help them to fit into a Human society. Recognizing the circumstances they are in, dwelfs are usually given or adopt a human name.

Dwelf Traits

Dwelves have the grace of the Elves and the resolve of the Dwarves.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity, Strength, and Constitution score increase by 1.

Age

Dwelves reach physical maturity somewhat faster than dwarves, but those raised more so by elves don't consider themselves to be an adult until a century has passed, from then which they may choose a new "adult name" in the elvish fashion. Due to a resident lack of known information on dwelves, it is unknown if a dwelf can live up to barely adulthood, over 400 like a dwarf, or just as long as elves at around 750. 

Alignment

Dwelves are pulled between their chaotic elven heritage and their more sturdy dwarven side. Dwelves are used to scorn from their parents races, but most tend towards neutrality nonetheless due to both parents ties to good. Some dwelves more towards chaos or lawfulness depending on both how their parents raised them and how their unique instincts end up shaping their personality.

Size

Dwelves range from 4 feet to a maximum of 6 feet tall and have a variety of builds, although usually lean towards being curvy. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your dwarf and 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.

Dual Heritage

You Dwarven heritage allows you suppress that which would sicken you, your fey ancestry gives you a better chance to shrug off charms

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

Dwarven Resilience You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage.

Trance

Much like there elven ancestors, dwelves don't need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply, remaining semiconscious, for 4 hours a day. (The Common word for such meditation is “trance.”) While meditating, you can dream after a fashion; such dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, you gain the same benefit that a human does from 6 hours of sleep. But, if instead you sleep you become even more rejuvenated.

Awkward Composition

Your very being is considered an abomination to some in the dwarven and elven communities. You have disadvantage in Charisma checks with dwarves and elves.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Dwelven Combat Training

You have proficiency with the battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, and warhammer and also the shortsword, longsword, shortbow and longbow.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish, and Elvish.

Dwarvish is full of hard consonants and guttural sounds, and those characteristics spill over into whatever other language a dwarf might speak. Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other races. Many bards learn their language so they can add Elvish ballads to their repertoires.