Half-Elves

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Half-Elves
Racial Characteristics
Average Height: Varies
Average Weight: Varies
Hair Color: Varies
Eye Color: Varies
Other Information
Country of Origin: Varies
Significant Populations: N/A
Language: Common, Various Human Languages, Various Elven Languages
Major Religion: Varies


The bastards of both Elves and Humans, Half-Elves are often noted with disdain by both cultures and as such are quite often outcasts. The degree in which this shame and exile occurs varies wildly depending on the races and geographic location of the parents, as each Elven and Human race has its own customs and racial judgments. These different combinations will each be separately noted below, but by no means are any of these hard rules. Each Half-Elf faces their own share of challenges, and meets them in their own ways. A few things remain consistent between all Half-Elves, however. An elongated life-span, slightly pointed ears, and advanced mental aptitude are all mainstays in the Half-Elf physiology.

Treatment

As there are over a hundred variations of Half-Elf, and most Elves are far more Xenophobic than their Human counter-parts, it's an easier rule of thumb to base the treatment of one such bastard by their Elven parent's racial background.

Human Settlement

Elvendeep, Spiri: So far as Half-Elves go, those born to a Spiri parent should be thankful. Humans are most familiar with this sort of Elf, and though easily recognized are also easily accepted. People embrace what they understand. Most humans see the Spiri as an intelligent, long-lived race, and as such Half-Elves of the Spiri variety are seen in much the same light. Their occupations are often mentally taxing, such as being a court mage or an accountant.

Elvendeep, Sorani: Though similar to the Spiri in appearance, the Sorani could not be any more different in terms of temperament. A Sorani Half-Elf will most likely enjoy the more feral elements of the human settlement, such as dim back alleys and large forests. Many of these type of Half-Elf will be seen as druids, apothecaries, and hermits if for no other reason than their affinity and enjoyment of the outdoors. In more urban settings, they turn to crime to get the raw adrenaline they enjoy and desire.

Mazewood Elves: The Mazewood variety of Half-Elf are the Sorani to the extreme. Their slightly feral appearance, along with their anti-social and off-putting personalities, lead to most leaving in a self-imposed exile long before any trouble begins. Once a Mazewood elf is off, they often work as adventurers and mercenaries.

The Shushan: Most likely, the Shushan breed of Half-Elf are found in desert climes along with their desert-dwelling parents. In this case, the only difference in treatment from any other desert-dwelling human is that the Half-Elf will likely be noted for having a special "way with the animals" and as such are often employed as herd masters and caravan heads. In more urban or colder climes, a Half-Elf will often gravitate to warmer areas and thoroughly enjoy working whatever sort of mercantile business they can. Whether a shopkeep, a waitress, or a salesman, they often excel at their jobs and don't let their appearance set them back.

Far East Elves: The Elves of Nipangu will doubtlessly avoid human interaction, being seen as divine compared to the "lesser" race, though extremely rarely a Half-Elf with an Elven parent will be born. Most of this tiny sub-set seek refuge in monasteries and other places of worship, where they themselves lead lives of introspection. Their albino-esque appearance often leads to curious glances and caution, but the Elves of Nipangu have no sort of cultural stigma to combat. This is largely a blank slate for Humans.

The Gulanaduri: Any Half-Elf with a Gulanaduri parent will be hard-pressed to stay stimulated in a human settlement. The laws of the land will no doubt lead to boredom and a feeling of stagnation, and most likely will themselves turn to a life of crime. Being of an enterprising and Darwinist race, the Half-Elf will doubtlessly flourish in whatever endeavor they seek on the shadier side of the law. This goes in hand with the fact that the Half-Elf will often be persecuted on account of their appearance, much as a Vuulari-bred Half-Elf will. The darkened skin, along with the stark whiteness of most Gulanaduri, leads to Humans assuming the worst and asking questions never.

The Vuulari: Infamous on the surface, any Vuulari Half-Elf will be hunted down by an angry mob. If the Half-Elf somehow escapes such a dire fate, they will have to live in hiding for the entirety of their lives. Humans generally treat the dark elves as Kill on Sight, and a half-breed is seen in the exact same light. Whether or not the Half-Elf holds good intentions, most often they will not be given the chance to prove it.

Elven Settlement

Elvendeep, Spiri: Seen as a disgrace in the purest form, a Half-Elf of this variety is going to be treated as second-class for the entirety of their lives in an Elven settlement. This isn't to say they can't be successful; many endure the humiliation in order to capitalize on the various opportunities unique to an Elven Settlement.

Elvendeep, Sorani: Much the same as a Spiri, though also respected for their increased endurance. Though perhaps not as agile as their brethren, a Half-Elf that lives with their Sorani parent will be seen as favorable for more challenging hunts that require brute strength or mass amounts of fortitude.

Mazewood Elves: A Half-Elf with this parentage in an Elven settlement is quite fortunate, as the Mazewood Elves often respect skill more so than they respect racial background. Being a capable hunter, builder, and defender will earn you respect in droves among these Elves, and a Half-Elf can use the added durability of their Human parent to their advantage in these pursuits.

The Shushan: Again more durable than most other Elves of their ancestry, this will serve as a boon for the Half-Elf as well as a hindrance. Though lacking the masterful charm with animals that the Shushan rely upon, a Half-Elf will have the added advantage of being a gateway for trade. Humans are much more trusting of Half-Elves, compared to a pure-blood, and that is invaluable in a society built around caravan trading.

Far East Elves: Half-Elves are killed on sight. Only pure-blood Elves are meant to be in Nipangu, and the high-ranking Elves prefer to keep it that way.

The Gulanaduri: If a Half-Elf is fortunate enough to excel in a Gulanaduri settlement, they will be at the top rungs of society. The Gulanaduri are known for being Darwinist, and in line with that philosophy is their reluctance to assume capacity based on ancestry. If a Half-Elf has achievements worthy of merit, they will receive it as any other.

The Vuulari: If the Half-Elf is born to a Noble House, they will no doubt be sacrificed. To a Merchant House, it will depend on the parent, as a lax Vuulari will allow the Half-Elf to enter the upper echelons of the social structure should they wish. On the other side of the coin, they could be killed to save embarrassment, or worse. If Houseless, a Vuulari Half-Elf will live a hard life, but has the capacity to thrive. The unique differences in physiology compared to a full-blood Vuulari give the Half-Elf a slight advantage in terms of fortitude and endurance, but can also often be left without such key advantages as dark-vision.