D&D: Half-Elf Species Guide
D&D: Half-Elf Species Guide
Quick Links
- The History Of The Half-Elves
- Half-Elf Features
- The Best Classes For Half-Elf Characters
- Mark of Detection Half-Elf
- Mark of Storm Half-Elf
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, half-elves have always been the overachievers. They excel at almost everything, making them better than your average adventurers. Now, don’t worry, they may not be the most interesting mechanically, but their versatility is unmatched. So, let’s delve into the world of half-elves and discover all the exciting options they offer!
The History Of The Half-Elves
When elves invaded the Material Plane from the Feywild, they decided to settle down and get cozy. Now, just like any invasive species, they started mixing with the locals. The result? Half-elves! These offspring inherited the best traits from both their elven and human parents. They may look almost human at first glance, but their distinct elven features and fey ancestry set them apart. Plus, they live longer and have a natural resistance to being magically charmed. Talk about good genes!
Half-elves are a medium-sized humanoid species with a walking speed of 30 feet. When creating a half-elf character, you’ll get a cool +2 bonus to your Charisma score and +1 bonus to two other ability scores of your choice. Who says you can’t have it all?
Half-Elf Features
Let’s talk about why being a half-elf is extra awesome. Yeah, yeah, they’re good at everything, but they also have some neat features that make them stand out from the crowd.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Darkvision | Thanks to their elf blood, half-elves can see in the dark like nobody’s business. No need for torches or cantrips when exploring dungeons. |
| Fey Ancestry | Being resistant to magical charms and having advantage against being charmed or put to sleep? That’s quite the handy magical perk! |
| Skill Versatility | Half-elves are the ultimate jacks of all trades, gaining proficiency in two skills of their choice. |
So, yeah, having darkvision is always a plus. Imagine being the hero who doesn’t have to stumble in the dark while the rest of the party fumbles around. And that magical resistance?! It’s like having your own personal charm repellant. Plus, who doesn’t love being versatile? Two skill proficiencies in whatever you want? Sign me up!
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Half-Elf Variants
Now, let’s get to the fun part of being a half-elf – the variants! With so many types of elves out there, it’s no surprise that there are just as many half-elf variants. These variants give you exciting new choices for building your half-elf character.
Drow Magic: If you have drow heritage, you can forego Skill Versatility and embrace your inner spellcaster. You’ll gain the dancing lights cantrip, and as you level up, you’ll unlock the abilities to cast faerie fire and darkness. Who needs torches when you have dark magic on your side?
High Elf Descent: Are you of moon or sun elf descent? Then say goodbye to Skill Versatility and hello to extra weapon training or a free cantrip. Imagine dancing around the battlefield with your newly acquired elven skills. It’s like having your own martial arts master!
Aquatic Heritage: If your aquatic genes are showing, forget Skill Versatility and embrace the water. You’ll gain a swimming speed of 30 feet, giving Ariel a run for her money. Just imagine the envy of your land-dwelling friends when they see you effortlessly glide through the depths.
Wood Elf Descent: Now, if you’re more of a forest dweller, Wood Elf Descent is for you. Trade Skill Versatility for either weapon training, fleet feet, or the coveted Mask of the Wild. With that mask, you’ll blend in so well with nature that your enemies won’t even know you’re there. Stealthy and stylish!
The Best Classes For Half-Elf Characters
Half-elves are truly good at everything, so feel free to play any class as a half-elf and know that you’re doing just fine! But some classes just fit a little better with the half-elf goodies. Here are a few suggestions:
| Class | Why? |
|---|---|
| Paladin | Paladins need Charisma, but they also need Constitution and either Strength or Dexterity. The extra ability score increases of a half-elf make them an ideal choice for paladin power. |
| Warlock | Warlocks might not need three ability score increases, but who’s complaining? The drow half-elf variant offers some tasty extra spells, and who can say no to more eldritch power? |
| Sorcerer | Skill Versatility gives sorcerers the extra conversational skills to truly shine as the face of the party. Plus, it’s always good to have more options when it comes to casting spells. |
| Bard | Bards don’t need the extra skills from Skill Versatility, but they can certainly make great use of the High Elf Descent’s wizard cantrip. Can you say “fire in the hole” with a flourish? |
| Monk | Monks are all about attribute points, and half-elves dish them out like candy. Forget the skills; it’s the ability points you’re after. Punch, kick, and look good doing it—ultimate combo! |
| Ranger | Rangers, just like monks and paladins, crave attribute points. With Tasha’s custom origin rules, you can customize your wisdom, constitution, and either dexterity or strength. Nature’s warriors! |
| Rogue | With Skill Versatility, you’ll have eight skill proficiencies to start with as a rogue. But here’s a secret: Wood Elf Descent’s Mask of the Wild is perfect for sneaky rogues who want to disappear. |
Mark of Detection Half-Elf 
Introduced in “Eberron – Rising from the Last War,” the Mark of Detection half-elves are the natural detectives of the D&D world. With their powers of observation and magical enhancements, they bring a new level of investigation skills to the table.
As a Mark of Detection half-elf, you’ll increase your Wisdom score by two and another ability score of your choice by one.
Mark of Detection Half-Elf Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Deductive Intuition | Boost your Intelligence (Investigation) and Wisdom (Insight) checks by rolling a d4 and adding the result. |
| Magical Detection | Cast detect magic, detect poison and disease, see invisibility with your special mark’s magical prowess. |
| Spells of the Mark | Add specific spells to your spellcasting class’s spell list, offering you more options for investigation. |
Being a Mark of Detection half-elf means specializing in investigation and insight. With your innate powers of deduction and magical detection, you’ll solve mysteries like a seasoned detective. So, grab your magnifying glass and put on your detective hat – it’s time to solve some crimes!
Mark of Storm Half-Elf 
Another gem from “Eberron – Rising from the Last War,” the Mark of Storm half-elves are natural sailors who have a deep connection to the sea and air.
As a Mark of Storm half-elf, your Charisma score increases by two, and your Dexterity increases by one. Time to embrace your inner sea breeze!
Mark of Storm Half-Elf Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Windwright’s Intuition | Boost your Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks and other checks involving navigator’s tools with a d4 roll. |
| Storm’s Boon | Gain resistance to lightning damage and the ability to control wind with the gust cantrip and gust of wind spell. |
| Spells of the Mark | Expand your spellcasting class’s spell list with spells like feather fall, fog cloud, and sleet storm. |
Mark of Storm half-elves are the masters of wind and water. With the ability to control the elements and sail through stormy seas effortlessly, you’ll be the captain of your own destiny. So, set your sails, feel the brisk sea breeze, and let the storms of adventure carry you to greatness!
That’s it, adventurers! Whether you choose to be a versatile half-elf or embrace the specialization of the Marked variants, half-elves offer endless possibilities. So grab your dice, gather your party, and embark on an epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure like no other!
