Half-Elf

As Human-Elf hybrids, Half Elves share the prominent physical features of both races. 
Their intellect is a notch above most other races, though they suffer a lack of strength as compared to the other Norrathian races. 
- EverQuest manual

In Game Description

The mixing of Elf and Human is a common tale. Many stories of romance between these two races can be heard around Norrath. As a result, Half Elves are taller than their Elven ancestors and carry some of the strength of their human bloodlines. They have slightly harsher features than Elves, but the mix still makes them pleasant to lay eyes on.

Unfortunately, the children of these forbidden romances are often shunned, becoming victims of prejudice by Humans and Elves alike. Most Half Elves are unaffected by the discrimination and retain a pleasant manner. Usually Half Elves will develop a very close and trusted group of friends that act as a surrogate family.

The difficult lives of the Half Elves and their lack of ties to any one place makes them adept travelers of the world and exceptional friends and storytellers. Sadly, some Half Elves become embittered by the constant difficulty of finding a place in the world and choose a path of thievery. The Half Elves are on amicable terms with most races in Norrath, but have no affection for the evil races.

While Half Elves can be seen in many areas of the world, they are primarily found in the Wood Elf city of Kelethin and within the Surefall Glade.

Additional Info

With the world of Norrath being such a hostile place, it’s always comforting that your home city, your community, accepts you for who you are. It is there that you can find some solace for the troubles that the world tosses upon you every day. Unless you’re a Half Elf. Half Elves are not exactly shunned by their community, but they are never completely welcome either. Born of a Human and a Wood Elf, a Half Elf will be raised in Freeport, Qeynos, Kelethin, or sometimes in the High Elven city of Felwithe. None of these towns are led by Half Elves. None of them contain a significant community of Half Elves. Even the most friendly Half Elf will be an outsider to the Humans or Elves that they live among, despite forming strong bonds with individual Humans or Elves.

Growing up as an outsider can be difficult for anyone. For many Half Elves it is this very feeling of otherness that makes them adventurers. Many become weary of life in the city. These are the Half Elves that join the ranks of the Rangers or Druids, putting their Elven blood to great use. A Half Elf will often feel the pull of nature, of Tunare, in the same way that their Wood Elven kin do. With their Elven blood comes the power to use the magic of nature. Others will become rebels among their own society, turning to thievery or war as a way of striking back. As often as not they become defenders of that very society by the time they’ve mastered their craft. A few see the need to guard what precious little love and goodness they have seen in their lives. They know that kindliness is something far too rare and take up arms and faith to defend it and join the ranks of the Paladins. Others realize that they are no more of an outsider to the Humans and the Elves than they are to the Dwarves and Gnomes. They latch onto this feeling of belonging equally to all cultures. They feel comfortable in Halas, for the odd looks that they see there are no different than the odd looks they garnered at home. These Half Elves are aggressively recruited by the Society of Antonican Bards, for they tend to be travelers and peacemakers by nature.

But the life of a Half Elf isn’t made up entirely of dealing with the negatives of their uneven blood. Half Elves are blessed with the good characteristics of both of their parents. They tend to be bulkier and stronger than Wood Elves, while retaining much of their quickness and affinity for nature. They also tend to have Elven accents to their features – slightly pointy ears and more narrow features. Half- Elves are often the most strikingly beautiful folk in all of Norrath. Perhaps this is another reason why they are so actively recruited by the Antonican Bards ...

Despite their beauty, or perhaps because of it, Half Elves are not welcome in the traditional strongholds of evil, such as Neriak, Grobb or Oggok. To the denizens of these dark places they are just another version of Elf, food for the pot or victims for the rack. A Half Elf shouldn’t expect any special treatment from a Dark Elf just because the people of Kelethin think he looks funny. And the Iksar, well, they don’t like anyone anyway.

It is the nature of a Half Elf to be a separate being, apart from their cousins. But it is that very nature that also makes them strong, wise and adventurous. They can become fast friends with those that accept them for who they are instead of seeing them only as half- breeds. By the time they pass through their childhood and their guild training they have also become resilient, resourceful and quick- witted. Don’t let a gleaming smile fool you, a Half Elf is far more than just a pretty face.

- Alan “Absor” VanCouvering

Basic Information

Faction Alignment: Neutral
Racial(s): Infravision
Starting Cities: Freeport, Kelethin, Surefall Glade, Qeynos, Felwithe
Playable Classes: Bard, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Warrior
Experience Modifier: None
Armor: Medium, Cannot Wear Robes

Infravision

Slightly improved night vision, not as good as the Dark Elf's Ultravision.

Base Stats

STR	STA	AGI	DEX	WIS	INT	CHA
70	70	90	85	60	75	75

Class Choices

Class	STR	DEX	AGI	STA	INT	WIS	CHA	Bonus
Bard	75	95	90	70	75	60	85	25
Druid	70	85	90	80	75	70	75	30
Paladin	80	85	90	75	75	65	85	20
Ranger	75	85	100	80	75	65	75	20
Rogue	70	95	100	70	75	60	75	30
Warrior	80	85	95	80	75	60	75	25

Role Playing Information

Demeanor

Being called half a man is an insult, guaranteed to start fights in bars and taverns anywhere that humans tread. Being half an Elf, however is a magical thing, which separates a person from the ordinary teeming human masses. Half Elves are looked upon with a small measure of distrust by fellow humans, but are still considered slightly magical, with just a hint of the unknown about them. Other Elves, especially the High Elves of royal heritage, look down upon the "Half Breeds," questioning why a noble and beautiful Elf would sully themselves with a common human. Half Elves face a difficult time in fitting in with Norrath's diverse societies.

Class

Appearance

Half-Elves, being a blend between humans and Woodland Elves, share some of the strengths and weaknesses of both races. They most closely resemble humans, except for their slightly pointed ears and sharper facial features.

Racial Modifiers

As part of their elven heritage, these characters can see in the dark. Not quite as strong as an average human, but a bit smarter, Half Elves' mixed bloodlines produce some unusual results in their abilities.

Class Limitations

Their Wood Elf heritage pre-determines the classes that a Half Elf may choose; they do not have nearly the flexibility of a human. However, human instincts allow Half Elves to join the ranks of dedicated Paladins.

Starting Areas

Because of their mixed heritage, Half Elves are able to start in any city occupied by Humans and Wood Elves, including Qeynos, Freeport, Kelethin,and Felwithe.