Are Half-Elves Considered Fey? Unraveling the Mystery of Their Lineage
The question of whether half-elves are considered fey is a common point of confusion among D&D players and enthusiasts. The short answer is: no, half-elves are not considered fey creatures. Despite possessing the Fey Ancestry trait, they are classified as humanoids with both human and elf subtypes. This distinction is crucial for understanding how they interact with the game’s mechanics, particularly concerning spells and abilities that target specific creature types. While they inherit some of the magical and charm-resistant characteristics of their elven ancestors, these traits do not fundamentally change their creature type from humanoid to fey. This article will explore the intricacies of half-elf heritage, clarify the differences between humanoids and fey, and answer some frequently asked questions about this fascinating race.
Understanding Fey Ancestry
What is Fey Ancestry?
The Fey Ancestry trait is a defining feature of both elves and half-elves. This racial trait grants specific benefits:
- Advantage on saving throws against being charmed: This makes them more resistant to the effects of magical or supernatural attempts to control their minds.
- Magic can’t put them to sleep: They are immune to magical spells or effects that would induce sleep.
These advantages stem from the connection of their elven parentage to the Feywild, a magical plane that is the source of fey creatures. However, having this ancestry does not transform an elf or half-elf into a fey creature. Fey Ancestry simply means they have an ancient connection to the fey, inheriting certain protections from it, but they are not biologically or magically classified as fey themselves.
The Distinction Between Ancestry and Creature Type
It’s important to draw a line between having fey ancestry and being a fey creature type. An elf or half-elf’s link to the Feywild is a heritage, not a transformation. They are still fundamentally humanoid, just as a person of, for example, German descent is still human, not a historical figure from the Middle Ages. The creature type classification determines how they are affected by various spells and abilities in the game, such as Magic Circle, which affects creatures of the fey type. Therefore, while a half-elf benefits from Fey Ancestry, they would not be affected by a Magic Circle cast to restrain or protect against fey creatures.
Half-Elves as Humanoids
Creature Type: Humanoid
The official D&D rules clearly state that half-elves are humanoid creatures with both the human and elf subtypes. This classification is crucial for several reasons:
- Spell Effects: Many spells target specific creature types. For example, Hold Person only affects humanoids, while Hold Monster can affect any creature, including fey but would not be affected by Magic Circle.
- Abilities and Features: Certain abilities or racial traits can interact with the creature’s type. These could be abilities that affect “humanoids” or “fey”.
- Game Balance: This distinction helps maintain game balance by clarifying which effects apply to various races.
Physical Characteristics and Abilities
Half-elves are described as having a blend of human and elven physical traits, including:
- Medium size: They are of medium size, without any bonuses or penalties.
- Base Speed: They have a base speed of 30 feet.
- Skill Versatility: They gain proficiency in two skills of their choice.
- Language: They can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and one extra language of their choice.
These traits, while advantageous, do not indicate a fey creature type. Instead, they highlight their adaptable and versatile nature, combining elements of both human and elven races.
What About Elves?
Elves: Humanoids with Fey Connections
Elves, like half-elves, possess the Fey Ancestry trait and are also classified as humanoids, with a few exceptions like the Eladrin, who can be fey. Most elves have a strong connection to the Feywild, which is evident in their long lives, magical abilities, and aesthetic preferences for nature. However, like half-elves, they are not typically considered fey themselves. There are certain subraces of elves, such as the Eladrin, which have a more direct connection to the Feywild and some may be considered fey. It is the general consensus that most Elves are not considered fey. The creature type classification is still their humanoid type, and most elves are not considered fey.
Exceptions and Edge Cases
It’s worth noting that while the vast majority of elves are humanoids with fey ancestry, there are some exceptions in certain D&D settings and lore. Some Eladrin, for instance, are considered fey creatures due to their close link to the Feywild, however most elves are simply humanoids with fey heritage. These exceptions are typically specified in the game’s lore and rules. However, when in doubt, unless specifically stated otherwise, a Half-Elf is a humanoid creature with Human and Elven subtypes, and an elf is a humanoid with the Elven subtype.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. If Half-Elves have Fey Ancestry, Why Aren’t They Fey?
Fey Ancestry is a racial trait indicating a connection to the Feywild, granting certain magical resistances. However, this doesn’t make them fey creatures. They’re still humanoids by their very nature.
2. Can Half-Elves Be Affected by Spells Targeting Humanoids?
Yes, as humanoids, they are affected by spells and abilities that target humanoids. So, Hold Person would affect them.
3. What Kind of Creatures are Actually Fey?
Fey are creatures that originate from the Feywild. Examples include sprites, dryads, satyrs, and redcaps. They have distinct traits and magical abilities related to the Feywild.
4. How Does Fey Ancestry Differ from Being a Fey Creature?
Fey Ancestry provides charm resistance and sleep immunity, while being a fey creature means that other spells and abilities, such as Magic Circle, may affect you. The creature type impacts how spells and abilities affect them.
5. Are There Any Half-Elves Who Might Be Considered Fey?
No, not as written in official D&D materials. All half-elves are considered humanoids with both human and elf subtypes, therefore there are no variations of half-elves which may be classified as fey.
6. Do Half-Elves Worship Fey Gods?
While some might have an affinity for nature, and they share similar beliefs with the elves, most half-elves will worship gods of both elven and human parentage, or gods they find resonate with them personally.
7. Can Two Half-Elves Have a Half-Elf Child?
Yes, a mating of two half-elves will result in a half-elf child, who is also a humanoid with human and elven subtypes.
8. Is There a Magical Difference Between Elves and Half-Elves?
Half-elves are sometimes considered more magically gifted than humans or elves. However, they don’t learn spells faster, and any innate magical ability is more of a racial background than a difference between the other types.
9. What is the lifespan of a Half-Elf?
Half-elves typically live around 180 years, longer than humans but shorter than elves.
10. Do Half-Elves Fit in Elven Society?
Half-elves are often considered outcasts in elven society, and more integrated with humans.
11. What are some other names for Half-Elves?
In Tolkien’s Middle-earth, they are called the Peredhel (Sindarin) or Peredhil (plural), and Perelda (Quenya singular).
12. What is the Opposite of the Feywild?
The Shadowfell is often considered the opposite of the Feywild.
13. Are Dark Elves considered Fae?
Dark elves are typically considered a subrace of elves and are humanoids. As with other elves, they have a connection to the fey and might have magical capabilities, but they are not classified as fey.
14. What about Centaurs, are they considered Fey?
While some centaurs are fey, it is not always the case. In 5th Edition, centaurs are usually classified as monstrosities, but some centaurs, particularly those from the Feywild, are considered fey creatures.
15. Are Changelings considered Fey?
In folklore, changelings were considered fey babies left in the place of human children. In D&D, they are a separate race with their own specific lore and classification.
Conclusion
In summary, while half-elves have the Fey Ancestry trait, which provides certain protections and resistances, they are classified as humanoids with human and elf subtypes. They are not fey creatures and are affected by spells and abilities that target humanoids. Understanding the distinction between ancestry and creature type is crucial for playing half-elves and for engaging with the game’s mechanics. They are versatile and adaptable beings, but it is their heritage, not their species. The next time you play a half-elf, remember that while they have a touch of the fey, their place in the game is firmly rooted in the realm of humanoids.