Half-elves
Half-elven Charitor of the Pilgrim Knights
Elves and humans can produce children that take on characteristics of both their parents, with the mother's genes being slightly more important to the final appearance of the child. For example, a half-elf with a human mother will only very rarely have the characteristic elven eyes, but about half of half-elves with an elven mother will. Half-elves are themselves infertile, but inheritance laws provide for adopting an heir.
Some half-elves consider their background to be a blessing, given the best traits of both sides, and freedom to do whatever they want with it. Others rue their inability to have children and always being considered an outsider, wherever they go. Half-elves have a lifespan of around years, slightly longer if your mother was elven.
Many half-elves lean toward artistic endeavors or the adventuring life, as their dual ancestries can make them feel like outsiders wherever they go. It is common for half-elves to adopt names from the 'opposite' side they were raised on, for example a half-elf that grew up in a human town might take an elven last name, but this is not a hard rule.
Mechanically, half-elves are humans with a special origin feat.
Half-elven
Origin feat (Prerequisite: Human)
You are the child of both humanity and elvendom. It is up to you to balance your dual ancestries and find your place in the world.
- Elven Eyes: You gain Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.
- Fey Ancestry: You have advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Charmed condition, and magic cannot put you to sleep. You are considered an elf for any preqrequisite or effect that requires you to be an elf.
- Ancient Magic: You learn a cantrip of your choice. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell (choose when you select this feat).
Half-elven Ideals
In addition to these ideals, many half-elves' beliefs are shaped by the community they grew up in, be that human or elven.
- Fellowship: I desire to be accepted for who I am. (Any)
- Artistry: I live to create beautiful things. (Good)
- Wanderlust: I want to travel to the horizon and beyond. (Neutral)
- Legacy: Without children, who will talk of my deeds? (Lawful)