Dwarf and elf compatibility!...right? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Dwarf and elf compatibility!...right? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lyseria
04-25-08, 04:28 AM Okay. I'm VERY distraught, I thought of a funny combination of a half elf race ((I'm sure a lot of us have thought of it, it's not something uncommon but it was fun to think of.))

So I brought it up to a few friends.

One of my friends, says it is genetically impossible for Dwarves and elves to mate.

I mean, jesus christ, we have HALF DRAGONS, HALF ORCS, etc. etc. And she is telling me half elf/dwarf is impossible!?

Of course, after I established sucking up my pride ((Feh, women.)) and returning to my normal state of mind I am now torn at the fact that I don't think it is impossible, but I have not a third opinion to state so..

Any facts/info/intellectual things I might point out to my friend on said topic would be much obliged....
QuiZZer
04-25-08, 04:43 AM Well...

Calling it genetically impossible would be stretching it... It's a magical world after all and as such anything is possible. The most normal way of interpreting though is this:

Humans are more compatible with every other race than anyone else (this is why we have half-elves/orc etc.)
Half-Dragon/Celestial/Demon etc. are all highly magical creature and as such can mix with anyone they please.

Now for your campaign you could just say that the races are all offshots of the same prime race and say they can interbreed, if you so wish.

I even seem to remember having seen a Half-Elf/Dwarf race somewhere....
ciaran
04-25-08, 09:35 AM Dwelf.

Or is it Ewrf?
Eerongal
04-25-08, 09:43 AM it depends on your campaign world. In the midnight campaign setting, i believe there s half dwarf/half elf.
Orenmir
04-25-08, 10:41 AM There are many threads on this subject (the search feature is your friend). I think the general consensus is that Dwarves can't crossbreed with any race -- that's just a part of their genetic makeup. But then, there are the Mols -- half Dwarf, half human. Yet, they are sterile.

In the end, D&D is fantasy......... which is regulated by hundreds of rulebooks. So, you are allowed to make stuff up (like Dwelves), but be sure to stay within the guidelines of the game.

I think a valid question to ask is: Why can't Dwarves crossbreed? Is the answer based on fluff or game balance? I don't really know the answer. Maybe someone else does. If the answer is based on fluff, I'd say go ahead and create a Dwelf race. But if the answer is based on game balance, I wouldn't.
Zymeth
04-25-08, 11:07 AM If you choose to make it happpen I would make it so Dwelf's are naturally paranoid (or more suceptible to mental problems) and sterile due to their conflicting nature.

After all elves and dwarves hate each other.
narack
04-25-08, 12:12 PM it's actually possible, if you look in BoEF(Book of Erotic Fantasy) there is actually the gestation time between an elf and a dwarf. although it's 3.0 we can extrapolate that it's also possible in 3.5 can't we.
HernetheHunter
04-25-08, 12:14 PM After all elves and dwarves hate each other.

Says who? True, Cultural differences can breed hatred, but that isn't the natural state of all things. ;)

A third party book, Player's Companion by Technomancer Press, has a Dwarf/Elf crossbreed, but I think you'd be better off with the creations of the boards.

Besides, I've played Elf/Ogre Mage crossbreeds that rocked and people said they couldn't mingle.

Edit:
OOOOOhhh I forgot about the BoEF! I must be tired.
Green
04-25-08, 01:22 PM One of my friends, says it is genetically impossible for Dwarves and elves to mate.

My mother told me that's where humans come from.
ChaosWolf1982
04-25-08, 08:13 PM It's not so much if dwarves and elves are genetically compatible or not that explains why they lack halfbreeds...

But, well, what dwarf in his or her right mind (as in sane, not sober - and not even a dwarf could get drunk enough to consider it) would willingly screw an elf?

Buncha tree-humping pansies.
Firaeki
04-25-08, 08:34 PM In my game, Elf + Orc = Human, and the three races compatable genetically from being from a common, extinct ancestor. Dwarf + Gnome = Halfling, by the same standard.

However, members of the respective racial groupings (Human/Elf/Orc and Dwarf/Gnome/Halfling) can interbreed through some sort of magic assistance, such as shapechange. These sterile beings are usually never heard of, let alone seen, and share a few traits with each parent.

Dwelf (Dwarf/Elf combo)
Dwelves, a rare breed form an already rare event, are the child of elf and dwarf. While this is nearly unheard of in the real world, there have been the occasional stories about outcast dwelves seeking acceptance in human lands.
Dwelves are the same height as dwarves, but are somewhat thinner while keeping a sturdy, muscular shape. Their facial and body hair grows in much the same way a human's hair does, though men treasure their beards as much as any dwarf in most cases. Dwelves are infertile, often abandoned as children, or simply find themselves to be outcasts among the communities of their parent races.
> Medium Sized, Base Speed 20 Feet. Dwelves are the same height as dwarves, and run at the same speed due to this.
> +2 Dex, -2 Cha: Dwelves share the elves' grace and dwarves' gruff persona.
> +1 Listen, Search, Spot: Dwelves have keen senses, but not so refined as their elven kin.
> Darkvision 60 Feet: Dwelves inherit their dwarf parent's ability to see in the dark.
> +2 Bonus to Saves Against Poison, Enchantment Effects. Dwelves must sleep like dwarves do.
> Stability: As the ability dwarves have, but only grants a +2 Bonus instead of +4.
zeratulcraft
04-25-08, 09:28 PM Isn't the Derro in the SRD a dwarf/human that is completely insane?
Shiftkitty
04-25-08, 10:08 PM Okay, to get a dwarf/elf half-breed you start with one elf and one dwarf. Toss in generous amounts of good, stout ale and a bongfull of the finest Cormanthyr pipeweed around (they say Elminster's got some good stuff in his stash). The rest should take care of itself.
Orenmir
04-25-08, 11:29 PM It's not so much if dwarves and elves are genetically compatible or not that explains why they lack halfbreeds...

But, well, what dwarf in his or her right mind (as in sane, not sober - and not even a dwarf could get drunk enough to consider it) would willingly screw an elf?

Buncha tree-humping pansies.

Interesting. I never thought that discrimination of a fantasy race was... well... possible. Does that make you a racist? An imaginary racist? Interesting.
Nathreet
04-26-08, 12:01 AM I think all half-races create too much confusion. I think we should do 1 of two things:

1. All races cannot interbreed. Noooo, what about human-elf romance?. Okay, just those two.

2. To interbreed 2 races, write down all the racial abilities on strips of paper and put them into 2 bags, one for each race. Draw half (round down) the strips out of each bag. For ability scores bonuses, randomly take half from each race while making sure to balance bonuses and penalties. If this can't be done, cut out some/all of the abilties/penalties. Ya, players might get good combos, but you'd have to be pretty lucky to get the optimum. If players try to interbreed the best halfbreeds they can find to try to get a "super race" with a good mix, the DM should impose an LA as necessary. Now you can create any half race you want on the fly, without making rules for every combination there is. Yes, this means that one half-dwarf-elf is different from another, but who cares?
JulesCARV
04-26-08, 12:05 AM It's a DM call. Personally, I'd say no. The fact that dragons and outsiders can breed with, say, dwarves, is an aspect of the specific magical nature of dragons and outsiders, not a reflection of dwarves and outsiders being similar. I take a "nonviable until proven viable" approach to crossbreeds: if a half-breed is specified, such as the half-elf and half-orc, then it exists, but if not, then the two races probably aren't interfertile.

I also say that elves and orcs can breed, since they're both interfertile with humans, but only just barely, and offspring (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15332798&postcount=10) of such a union are generally rather sickly, and most are miscarried/spontaneously aborted before birth.

However, if you want to have half-elf/half-dwarves in your game, go for it. No reason it can't work.
Wharin
04-26-08, 12:43 AM I created at dwelf race a few years back.. should still be in my sig, but i believe the thread got relegated to the bowels of archival threadedness...

Still.. *I* thought it was a decent attempt, though of course I would. I also even attempted at explaining how such a cross breeding pair could happen, both "geneticially" and socially.

Here it is:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/Wharin/glorismall.jpg

For a larger picture, click my link in my sig

GLORISTILI, or HALF-ELF/HALF-DWARF
Its not often that such races would even dream of being intimate with the other, much less actually strive to conceive, but alas, in recent years, such offspring have been showing up. Gnomish biologists attribute such unions occurring to times of great heroics. To put it plainly, the combination of the pseudo-isolation that epic adventurers experience during their hay-day, and the high concentration of radiation from the magical items on their person on a daily basis not only make these odd couplings not only possible, but also viable for offspring.
These half-elf half-dwarves, or Gloristili (dwarven: ‘glimmering cousins’) are often raised by their retired parents, or in more unfortunate settings, their next of kin. As such they live in a half-privileged/half-shunned lifestyle where they can live off the fat of their parents adventures, while at the same time are forever only half of their own kind. Being their parents' children, almost all Gloristili grow up to be adventurers themselves, living in their parents footsteps/gravestones, and do so at relatively early age.
Before departing, however, nearly all Gloristili develop a knack of a trade at an astonishingly early age. If there is one thing that both races can admire, it is this knack. While not particularly better then dwarves at working with metal, most master craftsmen of other trades will jump at the chance to take a Gloristili on as an apprentice… if only to take advantage of their abilities. Gloristili will often take their trade, whether they received the rank of “master” or not, with them to make sure that they can pay their way on the roads.

Personality: Gloristili can run the gamut as to their social skills in the same way humans do. Being a longer-lived race, however, most Gloristili are not as flexible in their mindsets. They simply are, as a race, not beholden to any particular one.

Physical Description: Standing between 4 ½ ’ and 5’ in height, Half-Elf/Half-Dwarves could have easily passed for simply short humans, were it not for their ears, and as such, are often confused with half elves of largely human heritage. They, by and large, possess a rugged handsomeness that blends the elven beauty and dwarven...er... "dwarvenness". Any feature that would be considered too stark on a dwarf is made subtler with their elven heritage. And any feature on an elf that would be considered too bland would be given highlights with their dwarven heritage. The end result truly is balanced out and looks human-like. Due to the magical nature of their birth, their hair and eye colour tend to take on rather exotic and/or out of place hue that would confuse outsiders as to their parents. Males can often be seen sporting shorter beards, though are by no means held to them.
Being adventurers, they are often in peak physical condition. This does not mean that they are stronger than dwarves or sturdier than humans, but rarely will one find an out-of-shape gloristili. Often they will have overly broad shoulders, mostly due to their skeletal structure, reminiscent of their dwarven heritage, giving them the appearance of being stronger than they really are.

Relations: Its odd that two largely benevolent races would be capable of racial discrimination; and for diplomatic purposes, Dwarves and Elves are courteous to each other. But when it comes to their own kind mingling intimately with the other, the knee-jerk reaction is to be repulsed. That said, only epic heroes ever substantiate these relations, and as such they have no choice but to be at least publicly considerate to the Gloristili, and the dwarves have gone so far as to give them an attractive moniker.
Gloristili are on friendly terms with most races, except for Half-Orcs, and even then, are willing to consider each on a case to case basis. They have a particularly good understanding with Half-Elves and will often bond with them as outcasts-in-arms. Gnomes, upon discovering them for what they are, have a hard time not following these “fascinating” creatures. And depending on the circumstances, Gloristili can serve as the best go-betweens for any Elf-Dwarf disputes.
Gloristili are often leery of each other. Not because they are natural enemies of each other, but rather, they see themselves as competition. Upon meeting each other, Gloristili will often automatically get into a shouting match, comparing deeds: those of their own and their parents. Though never resulting in actual bloodshed, there is often a substantial bill at the local tavern for any raucous they cause.
Those that ever feel slighted for whatever reason, sometimes refer to them as “glory stealers”, a bastardized version of “Gloristili”. Most Gloristili smirk at this, and let it run off their backs.

Alignment: Being the offspring of two traditionally good races, Gloristili have every reason to be benevolent. However, if overly mistreated that could easily change. Their ethical alignment can vary depending on their upbringing, siding more towards lawfulness in a dwarven community, and chaotic in an elven community. Any gloristili raised in human settlements run the gamut.

Lands: The only land Gloristili can truly call their own is the slice of property they purchase from others for themselves. As Gloristili are almost entirely adventurers, it can be said that there is no land for them to go to: just one tavern to the next.

Religion: Gloristili often worship the deity/pantheon that the community he lives in worships. Those who are mistreated or particularly rebellious, however, may purposely worship his other bloodlines deity/pantheon and make it known.

Language: Gloristili have no language of their own. Instead, they are dependant upon where they were raised for their starting languages. Those raised in a Dwarven clanhold learn Dwarven and Common. Those raised in Elven communities learn Elven and Common. Those that are raised in a Human settlement can run either way. Given that they mature at a rate closer resembling the elves, Gloristili that are raised by Elves speak it better than traditional Half-Elves as they had more time to learn it.

Names: Provided both parents raise the child, they are often given a name befitting the community they will live in. Often times, though, it will be a blend of both Dwarven and Elven words, or words in Dwarven that closely resemble Elven words, or Elven words that closely resemble Elven words.
Should one of the parents die (not an unlikely event), the surviving parent will often pick a name more traditional among the deceased's race in memory of their fallen loved one. It’s not uncommon for a Gloristili, upon coming of age, to make a new name (either dwarven, elven, or even human or something esoteric) when he strikes out on the land on his own adventure.
Biologists attribute the lack of a growing population of Gloristili to a number of possibilities. Though it’s hard to conduct a field study, they theorize that they are possibly sterile, knowing what they know about cross breeding various pack animals. Also, while adventurers do occasionally conceive children they do not often conceive nearly as often as they would, were they simple commoners. And finally, they being half-outcasts, its not likely that they would be able to truly settle down until retirement. No matter what the reason, Gloristili are few and far between, but rest assured they are.

• Medium: As Medium creatures, sylvan half-dwarves have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Half-dwarf base land speed is 30 feet.
• Darkvision: A half-dwarf can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and dwarves can function just fine with no light at all.
• +3 racial bonus on saving throws against spells and spell-like effects. Though not immune to sleep spells, the strong tradition of the Elves to magic, combined with the resistance of the Dwarves to said magic has produced offspring with a rather potent resilience to magic they don’t want to touch them.
• +2 racial bonus on Search and Spot checks. Should they come within 5 ft of a secret door they may automatically make a Search check to see it.
• Gloristili get +2 racial bonus to a single craft or profession skill check of their choice. Dwarven innate dedication to work combined with elven ingenuity has given this breed a knack to always be in demand for a job should they choose to be tied to one.
• +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against orcs (including half-orcs). Be it trained or innate, gloristili show a particular zeal when combating these traditional foes of dwarves and elves.
• Mixed Blood: For all effects related to race, a gloristili is considered both a dwarf and an elf. Gloristili, for example, are just as vulnerable to special effects that affect dwarves and elves as their ancestors are, and they can use magic items that are only usable by dwarves and elves.
• Automatic Languages: Common and Dwarven or Elven. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Undercommon.
• Favored Class: Ranger. When determining whether a multiclass Gloristili takes an experience point penalty, his ranger class does not count. Their unofficial shunning often set them out into the wild, be it above ground or below ground, at an early age. Though it is by no means a hard fast rule, most Gloristili rangers raised by elves take the archery path, and those raised by the dwarves take the melee path.

Age Categories: Starting age: 75+ years/ Middle Aged:150 years/ Old:225 years/Venerable: 300 years/Max: +3d%

Height: 4’0 + 2d6(males) +1d10 (females)
Weight: 100lbs. x2d6 (males and females)
Mystrich
04-26-08, 03:12 PM Says who? True, Cultural differences can breed hatred, but that isn't the natural state of all things. ;)

"Elves are liars" who "Drink the blood of Dwarven children and spit it on each other in villainous orgies of Elvan hate-mongering." "Elves have lepracy as well."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HNrLMob39qI
ChaosWolf1982
04-26-08, 06:18 PM "Elves are liars" who "Drink the blood of Dwarven children and spit it on each other in villainous orgies of Elvan hate-mongering." "Elves have leprosy as well."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HNrLMob39qI

"And very tiny *****es, especially the women."
Eerongal
04-27-08, 12:02 PM Isn't the Derro in the SRD a dwarf/human that is completely insane?

Yup. The flavor text from the monster manual (not in the SRD) states that they are a produce of human/dwarf stock, produced underground by a dark deity.
tuby2008theMTGwizard
04-27-08, 12:18 PM there is a guidebook to breeding. Its called Bast.... and bloodlines: guidebook to half-breeds. i dont think its actually wizards, but its a good book none the les

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lyseria 04-25-08, 04:28 AM	Okay. I'm VERY distraught, I thought of a funny combination of a half elf race ((I'm sure a lot of us have thought of it, it's not something uncommon but it was fun to think of.)) So I brought it up to a few friends. One of my friends, says it is genetically impossible for Dwarves and elves to mate. I mean, jesus christ, we have HALF DRAGONS, HALF ORCS, etc. etc. And she is telling me half elf/dwarf is impossible!? Of course, after I established sucking up my pride ((Feh, women.)) and returning to my normal state of mind I am now torn at the fact that I don't think it is impossible, but I have not a third opinion to state so.. Any facts/info/intellectual things I might point out to my friend on said topic would be much obliged....
QuiZZer 04-25-08, 04:43 AM	Well... Calling it genetically impossible would be stretching it... It's a magical world after all and as such anything is possible. The most normal way of interpreting though is this: Humans are more compatible with every other race than anyone else (this is why we have half-elves/orc etc.) Half-Dragon/Celestial/Demon etc. are all highly magical creature and as such can mix with anyone they please. Now for your campaign you could just say that the races are all offshots of the same prime race and say they can interbreed, if you so wish. I even seem to remember having seen a Half-Elf/Dwarf race somewhere....
ciaran 04-25-08, 09:35 AM	Dwelf. Or is it Ewrf?
Eerongal 04-25-08, 09:43 AM	it depends on your campaign world. In the midnight campaign setting, i believe there s half dwarf/half elf.
Orenmir 04-25-08, 10:41 AM	There are many threads on this subject (the search feature is your friend). I think the general consensus is that Dwarves can't crossbreed with any race -- that's just a part of their genetic makeup. But then, there are the Mols -- half Dwarf, half human. Yet, they are sterile. In the end, D&D is fantasy......... which is regulated by hundreds of rulebooks. So, you are allowed to make stuff up (like Dwelves), but be sure to stay within the guidelines of the game. I think a valid question to ask is: Why can't Dwarves crossbreed? Is the answer based on fluff or game balance? I don't really know the answer. Maybe someone else does. If the answer is based on fluff, I'd say go ahead and create a Dwelf race. But if the answer is based on game balance, I wouldn't.
Zymeth 04-25-08, 11:07 AM	If you choose to make it happpen I would make it so Dwelf's are naturally paranoid (or more suceptible to mental problems) and sterile due to their conflicting nature. After all elves and dwarves hate each other.
narack 04-25-08, 12:12 PM	it's actually possible, if you look in BoEF(Book of Erotic Fantasy) there is actually the gestation time between an elf and a dwarf. although it's 3.0 we can extrapolate that it's also possible in 3.5 can't we.
HernetheHunter 04-25-08, 12:14 PM	After all elves and dwarves hate each other. Says who? True, Cultural differences can breed hatred, but that isn't the natural state of all things. ;) A third party book, Player's Companion by Technomancer Press, has a Dwarf/Elf crossbreed, but I think you'd be better off with the creations of the boards. Besides, I've played Elf/Ogre Mage crossbreeds that rocked and people said they couldn't mingle. Edit: OOOOOhhh I forgot about the BoEF! I must be tired.
Green 04-25-08, 01:22 PM	One of my friends, says it is genetically impossible for Dwarves and elves to mate. My mother told me that's where humans come from.
ChaosWolf1982 04-25-08, 08:13 PM	It's not so much if dwarves and elves are genetically compatible or not that explains why they lack halfbreeds... But, well, what dwarf in his or her right mind (as in sane, not sober - and not even a dwarf could get drunk enough to consider it) would willingly screw an elf? Buncha tree-humping pansies.
Firaeki 04-25-08, 08:34 PM	In my game, Elf + Orc = Human, and the three races compatable genetically from being from a common, extinct ancestor. Dwarf + Gnome = Halfling, by the same standard. However, members of the respective racial groupings (Human/Elf/Orc and Dwarf/Gnome/Halfling) can interbreed through some sort of magic assistance, such as shapechange. These sterile beings are usually never heard of, let alone seen, and share a few traits with each parent. Dwelf (Dwarf/Elf combo) Dwelves, a rare breed form an already rare event, are the child of elf and dwarf. While this is nearly unheard of in the real world, there have been the occasional stories about outcast dwelves seeking acceptance in human lands. Dwelves are the same height as dwarves, but are somewhat thinner while keeping a sturdy, muscular shape. Their facial and body hair grows in much the same way a human's hair does, though men treasure their beards as much as any dwarf in most cases. Dwelves are infertile, often abandoned as children, or simply find themselves to be outcasts among the communities of their parent races. > Medium Sized, Base Speed 20 Feet. Dwelves are the same height as dwarves, and run at the same speed due to this. > +2 Dex, -2 Cha: Dwelves share the elves' grace and dwarves' gruff persona. > +1 Listen, Search, Spot: Dwelves have keen senses, but not so refined as their elven kin. > Darkvision 60 Feet: Dwelves inherit their dwarf parent's ability to see in the dark. > +2 Bonus to Saves Against Poison, Enchantment Effects. Dwelves must sleep like dwarves do. > Stability: As the ability dwarves have, but only grants a +2 Bonus instead of +4.
zeratulcraft 04-25-08, 09:28 PM	Isn't the Derro in the SRD a dwarf/human that is completely insane?
Shiftkitty 04-25-08, 10:08 PM	Okay, to get a dwarf/elf half-breed you start with one elf and one dwarf. Toss in generous amounts of good, stout ale and a bongfull of the finest Cormanthyr pipeweed around (they say Elminster's got some good stuff in his stash). The rest should take care of itself.
Orenmir 04-25-08, 11:29 PM	It's not so much if dwarves and elves are genetically compatible or not that explains why they lack halfbreeds... But, well, what dwarf in his or her right mind (as in sane, not sober - and not even a dwarf could get drunk enough to consider it) would willingly screw an elf? Buncha tree-humping pansies. Interesting. I never thought that discrimination of a fantasy race was... well... possible. Does that make you a racist? An imaginary racist? Interesting.
Nathreet 04-26-08, 12:01 AM	I think all half-races create too much confusion. I think we should do 1 of two things: 1. All races cannot interbreed. Noooo, what about human-elf romance?. Okay, just those two. 2. To interbreed 2 races, write down all the racial abilities on strips of paper and put them into 2 bags, one for each race. Draw half (round down) the strips out of each bag. For ability scores bonuses, randomly take half from each race while making sure to balance bonuses and penalties. If this can't be done, cut out some/all of the abilties/penalties. Ya, players might get good combos, but you'd have to be pretty lucky to get the optimum. If players try to interbreed the best halfbreeds they can find to try to get a "super race" with a good mix, the DM should impose an LA as necessary. Now you can create any half race you want on the fly, without making rules for every combination there is. Yes, this means that one half-dwarf-elf is different from another, but who cares?
JulesCARV 04-26-08, 12:05 AM	It's a DM call. Personally, I'd say no. The fact that dragons and outsiders can breed with, say, dwarves, is an aspect of the specific magical nature of dragons and outsiders, not a reflection of dwarves and outsiders being similar. I take a "nonviable until proven viable" approach to crossbreeds: if a half-breed is specified, such as the half-elf and half-orc, then it exists, but if not, then the two races probably aren't interfertile. I also say that elves and orcs can breed, since they're both interfertile with humans, but only just barely, and offspring (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15332798&postcount=10) of such a union are generally rather sickly, and most are miscarried/spontaneously aborted before birth. However, if you want to have half-elf/half-dwarves in your game, go for it. No reason it can't work.
Wharin 04-26-08, 12:43 AM	I created at dwelf race a few years back.. should still be in my sig, but i believe the thread got relegated to the bowels of archival threadedness... Still.. I thought it was a decent attempt, though of course I would. I also even attempted at explaining how such a cross breeding pair could happen, both "geneticially" and socially. Here it is: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/Wharin/glorismall.jpg For a larger picture, click my link in my sig GLORISTILI, or HALF-ELF/HALF-DWARF Its not often that such races would even dream of being intimate with the other, much less actually strive to conceive, but alas, in recent years, such offspring have been showing up. Gnomish biologists attribute such unions occurring to times of great heroics. To put it plainly, the combination of the pseudo-isolation that epic adventurers experience during their hay-day, and the high concentration of radiation from the magical items on their person on a daily basis not only make these odd couplings not only possible, but also viable for offspring. These half-elf half-dwarves, or Gloristili (dwarven: ‘glimmering cousins’) are often raised by their retired parents, or in more unfortunate settings, their next of kin. As such they live in a half-privileged/half-shunned lifestyle where they can live off the fat of their parents adventures, while at the same time are forever only half of their own kind. Being their parents' children, almost all Gloristili grow up to be adventurers themselves, living in their parents footsteps/gravestones, and do so at relatively early age. Before departing, however, nearly all Gloristili develop a knack of a trade at an astonishingly early age. If there is one thing that both races can admire, it is this knack. While not particularly better then dwarves at working with metal, most master craftsmen of other trades will jump at the chance to take a Gloristili on as an apprentice… if only to take advantage of their abilities. Gloristili will often take their trade, whether they received the rank of “master” or not, with them to make sure that they can pay their way on the roads. Personality: Gloristili can run the gamut as to their social skills in the same way humans do. Being a longer-lived race, however, most Gloristili are not as flexible in their mindsets. They simply are, as a race, not beholden to any particular one. Physical Description: Standing between 4 ½ ’ and 5’ in height, Half-Elf/Half-Dwarves could have easily passed for simply short humans, were it not for their ears, and as such, are often confused with half elves of largely human heritage. They, by and large, possess a rugged handsomeness that blends the elven beauty and dwarven...er... "dwarvenness". Any feature that would be considered too stark on a dwarf is made subtler with their elven heritage. And any feature on an elf that would be considered too bland would be given highlights with their dwarven heritage. The end result truly is balanced out and looks human-like. Due to the magical nature of their birth, their hair and eye colour tend to take on rather exotic and/or out of place hue that would confuse outsiders as to their parents. Males can often be seen sporting shorter beards, though are by no means held to them. Being adventurers, they are often in peak physical condition. This does not mean that they are stronger than dwarves or sturdier than humans, but rarely will one find an out-of-shape gloristili. Often they will have overly broad shoulders, mostly due to their skeletal structure, reminiscent of their dwarven heritage, giving them the appearance of being stronger than they really are. Relations: Its odd that two largely benevolent races would be capable of racial discrimination; and for diplomatic purposes, Dwarves and Elves are courteous to each other. But when it comes to their own kind mingling intimately with the other, the knee-jerk reaction is to be repulsed. That said, only epic heroes ever substantiate these relations, and as such they have no choice but to be at least publicly considerate to the Gloristili, and the dwarves have gone so far as to give them an attractive moniker. Gloristili are on friendly terms with most races, except for Half-Orcs, and even then, are willing to consider each on a case to case basis. They have a particularly good understanding with Half-Elves and will often bond with them as outcasts-in-arms. Gnomes, upon discovering them for what they are, have a hard time not following these “fascinating” creatures. And depending on the circumstances, Gloristili can serve as the best go-betweens for any Elf-Dwarf disputes. Gloristili are often leery of each other. Not because they are natural enemies of each other, but rather, they see themselves as competition. Upon meeting each other, Gloristili will often automatically get into a shouting match, comparing deeds: those of their own and their parents. Though never resulting in actual bloodshed, there is often a substantial bill at the local tavern for any raucous they cause. Those that ever feel slighted for whatever reason, sometimes refer to them as “glory stealers”, a bastardized version of “Gloristili”. Most Gloristili smirk at this, and let it run off their backs. Alignment: Being the offspring of two traditionally good races, Gloristili have every reason to be benevolent. However, if overly mistreated that could easily change. Their ethical alignment can vary depending on their upbringing, siding more towards lawfulness in a dwarven community, and chaotic in an elven community. Any gloristili raised in human settlements run the gamut. Lands: The only land Gloristili can truly call their own is the slice of property they purchase from others for themselves. As Gloristili are almost entirely adventurers, it can be said that there is no land for them to go to: just one tavern to the next. Religion: Gloristili often worship the deity/pantheon that the community he lives in worships. Those who are mistreated or particularly rebellious, however, may purposely worship his other bloodlines deity/pantheon and make it known. Language: Gloristili have no language of their own. Instead, they are dependant upon where they were raised for their starting languages. Those raised in a Dwarven clanhold learn Dwarven and Common. Those raised in Elven communities learn Elven and Common. Those that are raised in a Human settlement can run either way. Given that they mature at a rate closer resembling the elves, Gloristili that are raised by Elves speak it better than traditional Half-Elves as they had more time to learn it. Names: Provided both parents raise the child, they are often given a name befitting the community they will live in. Often times, though, it will be a blend of both Dwarven and Elven words, or words in Dwarven that closely resemble Elven words, or Elven words that closely resemble Elven words. Should one of the parents die (not an unlikely event), the surviving parent will often pick a name more traditional among the deceased's race in memory of their fallen loved one. It’s not uncommon for a Gloristili, upon coming of age, to make a new name (either dwarven, elven, or even human or something esoteric) when he strikes out on the land on his own adventure. Biologists attribute the lack of a growing population of Gloristili to a number of possibilities. Though it’s hard to conduct a field study, they theorize that they are possibly sterile, knowing what they know about cross breeding various pack animals. Also, while adventurers do occasionally conceive children they do not often conceive nearly as often as they would, were they simple commoners. And finally, they being half-outcasts, its not likely that they would be able to truly settle down until retirement. No matter what the reason, Gloristili are few and far between, but rest assured they are. • Medium: As Medium creatures, sylvan half-dwarves have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size. • Half-dwarf base land speed is 30 feet. • Darkvision: A half-dwarf can see in the dark up to 60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but it is otherwise like normal sight, and dwarves can function just fine with no light at all. • +3 racial bonus on saving throws against spells and spell-like effects. Though not immune to sleep spells, the strong tradition of the Elves to magic, combined with the resistance of the Dwarves to said magic has produced offspring with a rather potent resilience to magic they don’t want to touch them. • +2 racial bonus on Search and Spot checks. Should they come within 5 ft of a secret door they may automatically make a Search check to see it. • Gloristili get +2 racial bonus to a single craft or profession skill check of their choice. Dwarven innate dedication to work combined with elven ingenuity has given this breed a knack to always be in demand for a job should they choose to be tied to one. • +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against orcs (including half-orcs). Be it trained or innate, gloristili show a particular zeal when combating these traditional foes of dwarves and elves. • Mixed Blood: For all effects related to race, a gloristili is considered both a dwarf and an elf. Gloristili, for example, are just as vulnerable to special effects that affect dwarves and elves as their ancestors are, and they can use magic items that are only usable by dwarves and elves. • Automatic Languages: Common and Dwarven or Elven. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Undercommon. • Favored Class: Ranger. When determining whether a multiclass Gloristili takes an experience point penalty, his ranger class does not count. Their unofficial shunning often set them out into the wild, be it above ground or below ground, at an early age. Though it is by no means a hard fast rule, most Gloristili rangers raised by elves take the archery path, and those raised by the dwarves take the melee path. Age Categories: Starting age: 75+ years/ Middle Aged:150 years/ Old:225 years/Venerable: 300 years/Max: +3d% Height: 4’0 + 2d6(males) +1d10 (females) Weight: 100lbs. x2d6 (males and females)
Mystrich 04-26-08, 03:12 PM	Says who? True, Cultural differences can breed hatred, but that isn't the natural state of all things. ;) "Elves are liars" who "Drink the blood of Dwarven children and spit it on each other in villainous orgies of Elvan hate-mongering." "Elves have lepracy as well." http://youtube.com/watch?v=HNrLMob39qI
ChaosWolf1982 04-26-08, 06:18 PM	"Elves are liars" who "Drink the blood of Dwarven children and spit it on each other in villainous orgies of Elvan hate-mongering." "Elves have leprosy as well." http://youtube.com/watch?v=HNrLMob39qI "And very tiny *****es, especially the women."
Eerongal 04-27-08, 12:02 PM	Isn't the Derro in the SRD a dwarf/human that is completely insane? Yup. The flavor text from the monster manual (not in the SRD) states that they are a produce of human/dwarf stock, produced underground by a dark deity.
tuby2008theMTGwizard 04-27-08, 12:18 PM	there is a guidebook to breeding. Its called Bast.... and bloodlines: guidebook to half-breeds. i dont think its actually wizards, but its a good book none the les