Any Good Half-Elf Fixes? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Any Good Half-Elf Fixes? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Master_Vega
01-17-08, 01:37 PM I even tried a google advanced search and didn't find anything, so... here's my question:

Half-elves are often considered only a little better than half-orcs, the race with the weakest stats. While I can think of a ways to improve half-orcs' stats, I'm not sure how to go about fixing the half-elves' mechanical situation.

Does anyone have any good half-elf fixes?
Watsyurname529
01-17-08, 01:40 PM Here are the choices I give my players on a game I DM at rpol.net for Half-Elves.

A Half-Elf choses either Human or Elven Ancestry in which you gain the bonuses listed below:
-Elven: You gain proficiency in either the Longsword, Rapier, Longbow, or Shortbow.
-Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level.
Master_Vega
01-17-08, 02:02 PM I like that fix; they do retain all the other bonuses they would normally get, yes?
Cartigan
01-17-08, 02:07 PM Here are the choices I give my players on a game I DM at rpol.net for Half-Elves.

A Half-Elf choses either Human or Elven Ancestry in which you gain the bonuses listed below:
-Elven: You gain proficiency in either the Longsword, Rapier, Longbow, or Shortbow.
-Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level.
Why would anyone not choose Human ancestry there? Unless you really wanted a Longbow/Longsword as a class without martial weapon proficiency.
Sinis
01-17-08, 02:09 PM Why would anyone not choose Human ancestry there? Unless you really wanted a Longbow/Longsword as a class without martial weapon proficiency.

There could always be an RP reason. Or, maybe you wanted to be a rogue (or wizard) who could use a longbow. Seriously, there are a lot of reasons one would would pick elven ancestry.
Cartigan
01-17-08, 02:14 PM There could always be an RP reason. Or, maybe you wanted to be a rogue (or wizard) who could use a longbow. Seriously, there are a lot of reasons one would would pick elven ancestry.
Well for RP reasons people could just pick a Half-Elf now as opposed to a good class.

How about we just keep everything Half-Elves have and give them +2 Cha and -2 Wis.
Watsyurname529
01-17-08, 02:23 PM I like that fix; they do retain all the other bonuses they would normally get, yes?

Yes, they keep all the orginal Half-Elf traits.

Well for RP reasons people could just pick a Half-Elf now as opposed to a good class.

And this is supposed to mean...?

How about we just keep everything Half-Elves have and give them +2 Cha and -2 Wis.

You can do that. Now it's just making the race fitted for a Sorcerer or other spontaneous arcane caster and horrible divine spellcaster. Also now if you're not playing a Sorcerer, Bard, or being the Party Face you've just given them another disadvantage seeing as Wis is worth more than Cha.

Also note that he asked for Half-Elf fixes and I gave him mine. Since you have a different opinion you can just create your own fix.
Spikes01k
01-17-08, 02:26 PM I would go with the UA version which is the same as the human ancestry selection above. Its an official suggestion to fix the half elves.
Cartigan
01-17-08, 02:35 PM I would go with the UA version which is the same as the human ancestry selection above. Its an official suggestion to fix the half elves.
Do you mean Paragon classes?

You can do that. Now it's just making the race fitted for a Sorcerer or other spontaneous arcane caster and horrible divine spellcaster. Also now if you're not playing a Sorcerer, Bard, or being the Party Face you've just given them another disadvantage seeing as Wis is worth more than Cha.
And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for.
Character
01-17-08, 02:51 PM I'm working on half-human, half-orc, and half-elf templates. After I get those down I will work other racial half templates.

The base race is chosen from who your mother was. Then you add your father's template. For an example say your mother was an elf and father a human. You take all the benefits of an elf. Stat changes, bonus to spot/search/listen, weapon proficiancies. Then you add the half-human template. Which would probably be a just few extra skill points.
CryoSilver
01-17-08, 03:00 PM And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for.

Small size ups AC, so it's kind of like getting a free +1 AC AND a free +1 hp/level.
Bergtann
01-17-08, 03:06 PM Make Able Learner Half-Elf only, and give it to them as a free feat at level 1. Like the human free feat, but chosen from a list of one feat.

Give it some in-game reason like combining human flexibility with elven skill or something.
Spikes01k
01-17-08, 03:08 PM Do you mean Paragon classes?

And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for.

No, there is a side note on half elves in UA some where that makes the same suggestion.
Baddum12
01-17-08, 04:54 PM I'm definitely a fan of choosing the ancestry. I played an elven sorcerer and loved the mixture of blaster spellcasting and then casting mage armor and rushing into battle with a longsword. But I sure would have appreciated not having the -2 constitution. I value more hp per level more than extra AC, being as even with the higher dex my character was still an easy target. My vote goes to Watsyurname's fix.
Red_Wizards_Rock
01-17-08, 05:37 PM -Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level.

I'd just let them have this, because they already get the +2 vs Ench and Charm that Elves get.
mtbOgre
01-17-08, 06:05 PM Do you mean Paragon classes?

And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for.

Con is the secondary stat for almost any class of character, and since there are no PHB races that offer a bonus to mental stats Gnomes are as good as casters as PHB race. When you start talking about non-PHB races then it's a whole new ballgame.

The base race is chosen from who your mother was. Then you add your father's template. For an example say your mother was an elf and father a human. You take all the benefits of an elf. Stat changes, bonus to spot/search/listen, weapon proficiancies. Then you add the half-human template. Which would probably be a just few extra skill points.

Sounds to me like everyone would want to play half something. You get all the benies of the race plus extra skill points.
Neutronium_Dragon
01-17-08, 06:26 PM I don't like the approach of just tacking on an additional human or elf ability. They need something to set them apart from humans and elves, not something which makes them look more like humans and elves. Otherwise, why not just play a human or elf?

There's another problem. Look at their stat block now. They're immune to Sleep and have Low Light Vision, which are minor cosmetic features at best. Otherwise it's just a bunch of skill bonuses. Tacking on what amounts to another skill bonus isn't really going to help.

Everyone else (except for the poor half-orc, and even he gets Darkvision) have some other significant traits beyond just their listed skill bonuses. The half-elf needs something like that too. For that matter, the half-orc could really use the same help.
mtbOgre
01-17-08, 06:48 PM I don't like the approach of just tacking on an additional human or elf ability. They need something to set them apart from humans and elves, not something which makes them look more like humans and elves. Otherwise, why not just play a human or elf?

Umm... since they are a cross between humans and elves it would follow that any changes would reflect their heritage from one of those two ancestries. To do otherwise wouldn't make much sense.
Neutronium_Dragon
01-17-08, 07:00 PM Or it might lead to the development of something new due to the biological or cultural synergy.

There's even a step towards that in the 3.5E stat block: Their social skill bonuses.

Problem is the same: It's just another skill bonus, and they need something else.
Nat_20
01-18-08, 04:03 PM I had a similar question, and finding no other answers I just kinda mixed the Human and Elf stats together, here my version.

Nat_20 Half-Elf Variant.

Many players believe that the Half elf is a poor base race, so here my attempt to give players more incentive to play as one.

*Medium: No penalties or bonuses due to their size.

*Base land speed of 30'.

*Immunity to Sleep and similar effects, and a +2 racial bonus to saves vs. enchantment or similar effects.

*Low-light vision. Half-Elves can see twice as far as humans in starlight, torchlight, or any other poor illumination.

*+2 racial bonus to Listen, Search, and Spot checks. Half-Elves inherit this from their Elven parent.

*4 extra skill point at 1st level and one extra skill point at each gained level. Half-Elves inherit their human parents adaptability.

*Half-Elves gain racial proficiency with the Longbow and Longsword. Keeping with the Elven tradition of practicing archery and swordplay, Half-Elves are often trained or self taught with these weapons.

*Elven Blood. Spells and effects that only effect Humans or Elves effect the Half-Elf as well.

*Automatic Languages: Common and Elven. Bonus Languages: Any (other then secret, like Druidic.)

*Favored Class: Any. Half-Elves are adaptable to any class.

This is the best way I can think of turning out a half elf. I really don't see the need for the social bonuses. If one would like to keep them, then I say sub out the +4 skill points for something like a +4 to Diplomacy and Gather Information, so its an even match between being a diplomat and a skilled adventurer.

Any comments on this one?
thecasualoblivion
01-18-08, 05:52 PM You want to see people playing half elves, give them this. It even fits with their history in 1E/2E:

Improved Multiclassing
Half Elves gain +1 to effective(includes spells abilities known/per day)Caster Levels/Manifester Levels/Invocation Using/Martial Adept/Ect up to a maximum of their character level.

If a Prestige Class requires a feat or feats to enter, a Half Elf may ignore one of those requirements.

That may be way out of the usual sense of game balance, but you give them either/both of those and you'll definitely see people playing Half Elves.
Angel Black
01-18-08, 09:06 PM Half Elf Subtypes

Aristocrat, Half Elf

A half-elf with an important diplomacy related job.He has the traits of the PHB Half Elf, and this one:

Member of the Community, you are one of the few members of the community that understand humans and elves at an outstanding level, so when you are dealing with any of them ,you can get a morale circumstantial bonus, at DM choice, in your charisma based skill rolls.Also in some circumstances the DM can apply a morale bonus to one of your wisdom checks.

Low Class, Half Elf

This Half Elf had a rough life, he has the following traits in addition to the PHB Half Elf traits, except where noted:

+2 racial bonus on Search, Spot, and Listen checks.It replaces the PHB Half-elf +1 racial bonus to these skills.
Charismatic Bonus: +2 bonus to two Charisma based skill checks.Can pick any skill except diplomacy.Skills must be chosen before taking his first level of class.
Special: instead of the Charismatic Bonus can pick a Bonus feat that gives at least a +2 to a charisma based skill, and +2 to another skill.
+1d6 morale bonus as attack bonus to his sneak attacks.
At first level you can pick either Rogue or Bard as your Favored class before taking your first level of class,it replaces the favored class in the PHB.

Strongwill, Half Elf

This Half Elf has a strong human heritage, he has the following traits in addition to the PHB Half Elf traits, except where noted:

Loose the Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and the +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells
Loose the +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.
+2 racial bonus on Search, Spot, and Listen checks.It replaces the PHB Half-elf +1 racial bonus to these skills.
Can take a extra bonus feat at the beginning that grants a bonus or new uses to one or more skills.

Notes:

The Aristocrat Half-Elf, is a Tolkien like elf. Low class half elf , and Strongwill half elf are like some of the anime half-elves or elves.
Shadowfax7
01-19-08, 09:28 AM I give the half-elves IMC also the following:

A Half-elf who merely passes within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled to a Search check to notice it as if actively looking for it.

(The bonuses to Listen, Search and Spot remain at +1)
RobbyPants
01-19-08, 10:02 AM In the current game I'm running, I let them keep all their usual stats and give them four skill points at level one, and an extra skill point each level thereafter, similar to humans. This seems to be the most common fix I've seen on the boards.
Watsyurname529
01-19-08, 12:03 PM Also on my fix, if you want you could give an additional +1 to Listen, Search, and Spot on the Elven Ancestery one or give it the secret doors but at a penalty to the check (say -5 or -2) to represent that the senses are not as keen as an elf's or even give them two of the four weapon proficiencies.
sigma999
01-21-08, 09:48 PM Here are the choices I give my players on a game I DM at rpol.net for Half-Elves.

A Half-Elf choses either Human or Elven Ancestry in which you gain the bonuses listed below:
-Elven: You gain proficiency in either the Longsword, Rapier, Longbow, or Shortbow.
-Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level.

Do this one, but add DEX+2. And the term "ancestry" is changed to "raised by ___"
Firaeki
01-22-08, 11:01 AM I basically play helf-elves like in LotR.

You come of age, and then decide if you want to be a human or elf. You adopt the mechanics of your selection and wham, you're done.

So really, half-elf is just a roleplaying thing for me.
Finarin Panjoro
01-22-08, 04:55 PM Half-elves in my campaign get a +2 bonus to search, spot, and listen (instead of the standard +1) and may take the +2 to Diplomacy and Gather Information or they may choose any of the +2/+2 skill boost feats in its place.

This has the tendency to make them into very good skill based characters, especially rangers and rogues. Low-light vision and a bonus to enchantment saves doesn't hurt either of these classes either.
HCL
01-22-08, 05:49 PM how about +1 or +2 on initiative?
Character
01-22-08, 10:35 PM Sounds to me like everyone would want to play half something. You get all the benies of the race plus extra skill points.

Which is why I said I was working on it. Not that it was the finished product.
Teh_username
01-22-08, 11:11 PM how about +1 or +2 on initiative?
Why? Do tell.

----------

Personally, I worked up some stuff on rebalancing half-elves for a Forgotten Realms game set in Dambrath* I was running a while back. I'll see if I can track it down/recreate it, and post it a bit later.

*for those unfamiliar with the setting, Dambrath is a country in the Realms ruled by the Crinti (Half-Drow) on behalf of their dark elven parents (who enjoy staying away from the inhospitable surface yet keeping a steady flow of slaves and trade just enough to indulge their offspring some "surfacer eccentricities"). Given the obvious schisms inherent in both their nature and nurture, I felt a single set of half-elf traits just wouldn't do.
Master_Vega
01-23-08, 12:25 AM Perhaps to illustrate the half-elf's need as an outcast to be quick to take opportunities? *shrug*

Note: I have been reading all of these; I just haven't had anything useful to reply with. :P
Zardnaar
01-23-08, 01:18 PM I've added extr skill points like a human. Half Orcs get +4 strength.
Fenrir_Greyback
02-03-08, 09:01 AM All very interesting ideas... I've always thought that it might be best to go something like this. (probably overpowered, but what the h***)

May choose either the human skill points, or the feat.

Gains +2 DEX with -2 in either con or str.

May choose to forego the +2 to diplomacy and gather info. In turn may select a feat the gives +2 to any other Cha or Int based skills.

Otherwise stays the same.

Too overpowered?
Thane26425
02-03-08, 10:44 AM I treat half-elves like they were in previous editions. In 3.5, the half-elf is treated as being accepted readily in both human and elven communities. In previous editions, it was the opposite: they were outcasts. So, I take away that aspect. The other depends on if they were rasied by humans of elves. Humans, they get the bonus feat and skill points of humans. With elves, they get the weapon proficiencies and the full elf bonus on spot checks and such.
Spikes01k
02-03-08, 11:54 AM Halfors.

My quick fix is make them +2 str, -2 wis, but grant a +1 bonus to spot and listen checks. Keep darkvision, and maybe give Proficiency with all orc race exotic weapons.

I have already said what I would do about half elves, but if you missed it. On a side bar in UA they say give them bonus skill points like humans.
RobbyPants
02-03-08, 05:26 PM Halfors.

My quick fix is make them +2 str, -2 wis, but grant a +1 bonus to spot and listen checks. Keep darkvision, and maybe give Proficiency with all orc race exotic weapons.
I'd recommend familiarity (treating them as martial) instead, similar to dwarves and gnomes.
Spikes01k
02-03-08, 11:54 PM I'd recommend familiarity (treating them as martial) instead, similar to dwarves and gnomes.

Agreed, their a barbarian race, and a low wis accommodates that. You have to be a bit unwise to to stomping into a fight's front line with medium or light armor.
nowiwantmydmg
02-11-08, 12:32 PM As the PHB version with the following revisions:

*+2 to initiative (Half-elves need to be quick to take opportunities, they may not get others)
*+5 base speed, stacks with other increases(half-elves are outcasts and moving quickly comes in handy more oft then not)
*1 free skill feat at 1st level

I feel that meets the need to make them differentiated a bit from their seperate lineages, make them more desireable to play and doesn't make them overpowered.
Rederik
02-11-08, 01:40 PM With the Added Skills and Feat, why would anyone play a human??? Or am I missing something. Just seems like Half-Elf+Human Traits>Human...
Giarc
02-11-08, 03:49 PM Our campaign uses the human skill bonus tagged onto the PHB half-elf traits and this has worked out great to make the race more appealing.

Our changes to the half-orc was a lot more drastic, giving bonuses to Intimidate and Survival checks, saves vs. fear and disease, plus weapon familiarity with the orc double axe.
riptorian
02-12-08, 10:49 AM half-elves really don't need to be fixed they can be just as broken as any other class if you know how to use their strengths. Read though "Races of the Wild" and "Races of Destiny" sometime, you'll see what I mean.
sigma999
02-12-08, 12:39 PM half-elves really don't need to be fixed they can be just as broken as any other class if you know how to use their strengths. Read though "Races of the Wild" and "Races of Destiny" sometime, you'll see what I mean.

And while it is also possible to kill people with just the hilt of a sword, a full weapon is a better choice.

Your statement is of a person that has either never played as elf, human, and half-elf, or someone that needs to read the PHB once more.
Go do either. You'll see the difference.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Master_Vega 01-17-08, 01:37 PM	I even tried a google advanced search and didn't find anything, so... here's my question: Half-elves are often considered only a little better than half-orcs, the race with the weakest stats. While I can think of a ways to improve half-orcs' stats, I'm not sure how to go about fixing the half-elves' mechanical situation. Does anyone have any good half-elf fixes?
Watsyurname529 01-17-08, 01:40 PM	Here are the choices I give my players on a game I DM at rpol.net for Half-Elves. A Half-Elf choses either Human or Elven Ancestry in which you gain the bonuses listed below: -Elven: You gain proficiency in either the Longsword, Rapier, Longbow, or Shortbow. -Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level.
Master_Vega 01-17-08, 02:02 PM	I like that fix; they do retain all the other bonuses they would normally get, yes?
Cartigan 01-17-08, 02:07 PM	Here are the choices I give my players on a game I DM at rpol.net for Half-Elves. A Half-Elf choses either Human or Elven Ancestry in which you gain the bonuses listed below: -Elven: You gain proficiency in either the Longsword, Rapier, Longbow, or Shortbow. -Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level. Why would anyone not choose Human ancestry there? Unless you really wanted a Longbow/Longsword as a class without martial weapon proficiency.
Sinis 01-17-08, 02:09 PM	Why would anyone not choose Human ancestry there? Unless you really wanted a Longbow/Longsword as a class without martial weapon proficiency. There could always be an RP reason. Or, maybe you wanted to be a rogue (or wizard) who could use a longbow. Seriously, there are a lot of reasons one would would pick elven ancestry.
Cartigan 01-17-08, 02:14 PM	There could always be an RP reason. Or, maybe you wanted to be a rogue (or wizard) who could use a longbow. Seriously, there are a lot of reasons one would would pick elven ancestry. Well for RP reasons people could just pick a Half-Elf now as opposed to a good class. How about we just keep everything Half-Elves have and give them +2 Cha and -2 Wis.
Watsyurname529 01-17-08, 02:23 PM	I like that fix; they do retain all the other bonuses they would normally get, yes? Yes, they keep all the orginal Half-Elf traits. Well for RP reasons people could just pick a Half-Elf now as opposed to a good class. And this is supposed to mean...? How about we just keep everything Half-Elves have and give them +2 Cha and -2 Wis. You can do that. Now it's just making the race fitted for a Sorcerer or other spontaneous arcane caster and horrible divine spellcaster. Also now if you're not playing a Sorcerer, Bard, or being the Party Face you've just given them another disadvantage seeing as Wis is worth more than Cha. Also note that he asked for Half-Elf fixes and I gave him mine. Since you have a different opinion you can just create your own fix.
Spikes01k 01-17-08, 02:26 PM	I would go with the UA version which is the same as the human ancestry selection above. Its an official suggestion to fix the half elves.
Cartigan 01-17-08, 02:35 PM	I would go with the UA version which is the same as the human ancestry selection above. Its an official suggestion to fix the half elves. Do you mean Paragon classes? You can do that. Now it's just making the race fitted for a Sorcerer or other spontaneous arcane caster and horrible divine spellcaster. Also now if you're not playing a Sorcerer, Bard, or being the Party Face you've just given them another disadvantage seeing as Wis is worth more than Cha. And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for.
Character 01-17-08, 02:51 PM	I'm working on half-human, half-orc, and half-elf templates. After I get those down I will work other racial half templates. The base race is chosen from who your mother was. Then you add your father's template. For an example say your mother was an elf and father a human. You take all the benefits of an elf. Stat changes, bonus to spot/search/listen, weapon proficiancies. Then you add the half-human template. Which would probably be a just few extra skill points.
CryoSilver 01-17-08, 03:00 PM	And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for. Small size ups AC, so it's kind of like getting a free +1 AC AND a free +1 hp/level.
Bergtann 01-17-08, 03:06 PM	Make Able Learner Half-Elf only, and give it to them as a free feat at level 1. Like the human free feat, but chosen from a list of one feat. Give it some in-game reason like combining human flexibility with elven skill or something.
Spikes01k 01-17-08, 03:08 PM	Do you mean Paragon classes? And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for. No, there is a side note on half elves in UA some where that makes the same suggestion.
Baddum12 01-17-08, 04:54 PM	I'm definitely a fan of choosing the ancestry. I played an elven sorcerer and loved the mixture of blaster spellcasting and then casting mage armor and rushing into battle with a longsword. But I sure would have appreciated not having the -2 constitution. I value more hp per level more than extra AC, being as even with the higher dex my character was still an easy target. My vote goes to Watsyurname's fix.
Red_Wizards_Rock 01-17-08, 05:37 PM	-Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level. I'd just let them have this, because they already get the +2 vs Ench and Charm that Elves get.
mtbOgre 01-17-08, 06:05 PM	Do you mean Paragon classes? And what is the Gnome good for? He has good Con, but poor Str. I guess that helps with being a caster, but Con isn't a primary casting stat - it is equally useful for melee which Gnomes are not built for. Con is the secondary stat for almost any class of character, and since there are no PHB races that offer a bonus to mental stats Gnomes are as good as casters as PHB race. When you start talking about non-PHB races then it's a whole new ballgame. The base race is chosen from who your mother was. Then you add your father's template. For an example say your mother was an elf and father a human. You take all the benefits of an elf. Stat changes, bonus to spot/search/listen, weapon proficiancies. Then you add the half-human template. Which would probably be a just few extra skill points. Sounds to me like everyone would want to play half something. You get all the benies of the race plus extra skill points.
Neutronium_Dragon 01-17-08, 06:26 PM	I don't like the approach of just tacking on an additional human or elf ability. They need something to set them apart from humans and elves, not something which makes them look more like humans and elves. Otherwise, why not just play a human or elf? There's another problem. Look at their stat block now. They're immune to Sleep and have Low Light Vision, which are minor cosmetic features at best. Otherwise it's just a bunch of skill bonuses. Tacking on what amounts to another skill bonus isn't really going to help. Everyone else (except for the poor half-orc, and even he gets Darkvision) have some other significant traits beyond just their listed skill bonuses. The half-elf needs something like that too. For that matter, the half-orc could really use the same help.
mtbOgre 01-17-08, 06:48 PM	I don't like the approach of just tacking on an additional human or elf ability. They need something to set them apart from humans and elves, not something which makes them look more like humans and elves. Otherwise, why not just play a human or elf? Umm... since they are a cross between humans and elves it would follow that any changes would reflect their heritage from one of those two ancestries. To do otherwise wouldn't make much sense.
Neutronium_Dragon 01-17-08, 07:00 PM	Or it might lead to the development of something new due to the biological or cultural synergy. There's even a step towards that in the 3.5E stat block: Their social skill bonuses. Problem is the same: It's just another skill bonus, and they need something else.
Nat_20 01-18-08, 04:03 PM	I had a similar question, and finding no other answers I just kinda mixed the Human and Elf stats together, here my version. Nat_20 Half-Elf Variant. Many players believe that the Half elf is a poor base race, so here my attempt to give players more incentive to play as one. Medium: No penalties or bonuses due to their size. Base land speed of 30'. Immunity to Sleep and similar effects, and a +2 racial bonus to saves vs. enchantment or similar effects. Low-light vision. Half-Elves can see twice as far as humans in starlight, torchlight, or any other poor illumination. +2 racial bonus to Listen, Search, and Spot checks. Half-Elves inherit this from their Elven parent. 4 extra skill point at 1st level and one extra skill point at each gained level. Half-Elves inherit their human parents adaptability. Half-Elves gain racial proficiency with the Longbow and Longsword. Keeping with the Elven tradition of practicing archery and swordplay, Half-Elves are often trained or self taught with these weapons. Elven Blood. Spells and effects that only effect Humans or Elves effect the Half-Elf as well. Automatic Languages: Common and Elven. Bonus Languages: Any (other then secret, like Druidic.) Favored Class: Any. Half-Elves are adaptable to any class. This is the best way I can think of turning out a half elf. I really don't see the need for the social bonuses. If one would like to keep them, then I say sub out the +4 skill points for something like a +4 to Diplomacy and Gather Information, so its an even match between being a diplomat and a skilled adventurer. Any comments on this one?
thecasualoblivion 01-18-08, 05:52 PM	You want to see people playing half elves, give them this. It even fits with their history in 1E/2E: Improved Multiclassing Half Elves gain +1 to effective(includes spells abilities known/per day)Caster Levels/Manifester Levels/Invocation Using/Martial Adept/Ect up to a maximum of their character level. If a Prestige Class requires a feat or feats to enter, a Half Elf may ignore one of those requirements. That may be way out of the usual sense of game balance, but you give them either/both of those and you'll definitely see people playing Half Elves.
Angel Black 01-18-08, 09:06 PM	Half Elf Subtypes Aristocrat, Half Elf A half-elf with an important diplomacy related job.He has the traits of the PHB Half Elf, and this one: Member of the Community, you are one of the few members of the community that understand humans and elves at an outstanding level, so when you are dealing with any of them ,you can get a morale circumstantial bonus, at DM choice, in your charisma based skill rolls.Also in some circumstances the DM can apply a morale bonus to one of your wisdom checks. Low Class, Half Elf This Half Elf had a rough life, he has the following traits in addition to the PHB Half Elf traits, except where noted: +2 racial bonus on Search, Spot, and Listen checks.It replaces the PHB Half-elf +1 racial bonus to these skills. Charismatic Bonus: +2 bonus to two Charisma based skill checks.Can pick any skill except diplomacy.Skills must be chosen before taking his first level of class. Special: instead of the Charismatic Bonus can pick a Bonus feat that gives at least a +2 to a charisma based skill, and +2 to another skill. +1d6 morale bonus as attack bonus to his sneak attacks. At first level you can pick either Rogue or Bard as your Favored class before taking your first level of class,it replaces the favored class in the PHB. Strongwill, Half Elf This Half Elf has a strong human heritage, he has the following traits in addition to the PHB Half Elf traits, except where noted: Loose the Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects, and the +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells Loose the +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks. +2 racial bonus on Search, Spot, and Listen checks.It replaces the PHB Half-elf +1 racial bonus to these skills. Can take a extra bonus feat at the beginning that grants a bonus or new uses to one or more skills. Notes: The Aristocrat Half-Elf, is a Tolkien like elf. Low class half elf , and Strongwill half elf are like some of the anime half-elves or elves.
Shadowfax7 01-19-08, 09:28 AM	I give the half-elves IMC also the following: A Half-elf who merely passes within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled to a Search check to notice it as if actively looking for it. (The bonuses to Listen, Search and Spot remain at +1)
RobbyPants 01-19-08, 10:02 AM	In the current game I'm running, I let them keep all their usual stats and give them four skill points at level one, and an extra skill point each level thereafter, similar to humans. This seems to be the most common fix I've seen on the boards.
Watsyurname529 01-19-08, 12:03 PM	Also on my fix, if you want you could give an additional +1 to Listen, Search, and Spot on the Elven Ancestery one or give it the secret doors but at a penalty to the check (say -5 or -2) to represent that the senses are not as keen as an elf's or even give them two of the four weapon proficiencies.
sigma999 01-21-08, 09:48 PM	Here are the choices I give my players on a game I DM at rpol.net for Half-Elves. A Half-Elf choses either Human or Elven Ancestry in which you gain the bonuses listed below: -Elven: You gain proficiency in either the Longsword, Rapier, Longbow, or Shortbow. -Human: You gain 4 extra skill points at first level and +1 each level. Do this one, but add DEX+2. And the term "ancestry" is changed to "raised by ___"
Firaeki 01-22-08, 11:01 AM	I basically play helf-elves like in LotR. You come of age, and then decide if you want to be a human or elf. You adopt the mechanics of your selection and wham, you're done. So really, half-elf is just a roleplaying thing for me.
Finarin Panjoro 01-22-08, 04:55 PM	Half-elves in my campaign get a +2 bonus to search, spot, and listen (instead of the standard +1) and may take the +2 to Diplomacy and Gather Information or they may choose any of the +2/+2 skill boost feats in its place. This has the tendency to make them into very good skill based characters, especially rangers and rogues. Low-light vision and a bonus to enchantment saves doesn't hurt either of these classes either.
HCL 01-22-08, 05:49 PM	how about +1 or +2 on initiative?
Character 01-22-08, 10:35 PM	Sounds to me like everyone would want to play half something. You get all the benies of the race plus extra skill points. Which is why I said I was working on it. Not that it was the finished product.
Teh_username 01-22-08, 11:11 PM	how about +1 or +2 on initiative? Why? Do tell. ---------- Personally, I worked up some stuff on rebalancing half-elves for a Forgotten Realms game set in Dambrath* I was running a while back. I'll see if I can track it down/recreate it, and post it a bit later. *for those unfamiliar with the setting, Dambrath is a country in the Realms ruled by the Crinti (Half-Drow) on behalf of their dark elven parents (who enjoy staying away from the inhospitable surface yet keeping a steady flow of slaves and trade just enough to indulge their offspring some "surfacer eccentricities"). Given the obvious schisms inherent in both their nature and nurture, I felt a single set of half-elf traits just wouldn't do.
Master_Vega 01-23-08, 12:25 AM	Perhaps to illustrate the half-elf's need as an outcast to be quick to take opportunities? shrug Note: I have been reading all of these; I just haven't had anything useful to reply with. :P
Zardnaar 01-23-08, 01:18 PM	I've added extr skill points like a human. Half Orcs get +4 strength.
Fenrir_Greyback 02-03-08, 09:01 AM	All very interesting ideas... I've always thought that it might be best to go something like this. (probably overpowered, but what the h***) May choose either the human skill points, or the feat. Gains +2 DEX with -2 in either con or str. May choose to forego the +2 to diplomacy and gather info. In turn may select a feat the gives +2 to any other Cha or Int based skills. Otherwise stays the same. Too overpowered?
Thane26425 02-03-08, 10:44 AM	I treat half-elves like they were in previous editions. In 3.5, the half-elf is treated as being accepted readily in both human and elven communities. In previous editions, it was the opposite: they were outcasts. So, I take away that aspect. The other depends on if they were rasied by humans of elves. Humans, they get the bonus feat and skill points of humans. With elves, they get the weapon proficiencies and the full elf bonus on spot checks and such.
Spikes01k 02-03-08, 11:54 AM	Halfors. My quick fix is make them +2 str, -2 wis, but grant a +1 bonus to spot and listen checks. Keep darkvision, and maybe give Proficiency with all orc race exotic weapons. I have already said what I would do about half elves, but if you missed it. On a side bar in UA they say give them bonus skill points like humans.
RobbyPants 02-03-08, 05:26 PM	Halfors. My quick fix is make them +2 str, -2 wis, but grant a +1 bonus to spot and listen checks. Keep darkvision, and maybe give Proficiency with all orc race exotic weapons. I'd recommend familiarity (treating them as martial) instead, similar to dwarves and gnomes.
Spikes01k 02-03-08, 11:54 PM	I'd recommend familiarity (treating them as martial) instead, similar to dwarves and gnomes. Agreed, their a barbarian race, and a low wis accommodates that. You have to be a bit unwise to to stomping into a fight's front line with medium or light armor.
nowiwantmydmg 02-11-08, 12:32 PM	As the PHB version with the following revisions: +2 to initiative (Half-elves need to be quick to take opportunities, they may not get others) +5 base speed, stacks with other increases(half-elves are outcasts and moving quickly comes in handy more oft then not) *1 free skill feat at 1st level I feel that meets the need to make them differentiated a bit from their seperate lineages, make them more desireable to play and doesn't make them overpowered.
Rederik 02-11-08, 01:40 PM	With the Added Skills and Feat, why would anyone play a human??? Or am I missing something. Just seems like Half-Elf+Human Traits>Human...
Giarc 02-11-08, 03:49 PM	Our campaign uses the human skill bonus tagged onto the PHB half-elf traits and this has worked out great to make the race more appealing. Our changes to the half-orc was a lot more drastic, giving bonuses to Intimidate and Survival checks, saves vs. fear and disease, plus weapon familiarity with the orc double axe.
riptorian 02-12-08, 10:49 AM	half-elves really don't need to be fixed they can be just as broken as any other class if you know how to use their strengths. Read though "Races of the Wild" and "Races of Destiny" sometime, you'll see what I mean.
sigma999 02-12-08, 12:39 PM	half-elves really don't need to be fixed they can be just as broken as any other class if you know how to use their strengths. Read though "Races of the Wild" and "Races of Destiny" sometime, you'll see what I mean. And while it is also possible to kill people with just the hilt of a sword, a full weapon is a better choice. Your statement is of a person that has either never played as elf, human, and half-elf, or someone that needs to read the PHB once more. Go do either. You'll see the difference.