Elfling

[ChimericDream]

Here's a second half-race I'm working on for my homebrew. I've decided that the nature of the world would result in a lot of different half-races. More to come on that.

• +2 Dexterity, -2 Strength
• Small: As a Small creature, an elfling gains a +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on hide checks, but she uses smaller weapons than humans use, and her lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character.
• Low-Light Vision: An elfling can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
• Weapon Proficiency: Elflings receive the Martial/Simple Weapon Proficiency feats for the shortbow (including composite shortbow), sling, and thrown weapons as bonus feats.
• Elfling base land speed is 30 feet.
• An elfling receives a +2 racial bonus on listen, move silently, and spot checks, but does not gain the elf ability to notice secret doors within 5 ft.
• +1 racial bonus on all saving throws.
• Mixed Blood: For all effects related to race, an elfling is considered both an elf and a halfling. However, in cases where these distinctions would conflict with one another, an elfling is considered to be the more beneficial race.
• Automatic Languages: Common, Elven, and Halfling; Bonus Languages: Draconic, Dwarven, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, and Sylvan.
• Favored Class: Rogue. A multiclass elfling’s rogue class does not count when determining whether she takes an experience point penalty for multiclassing.

 

[Arkhandus]

I suppose I'd add in the halfling's morale bonus on saves against fear, and the bonus on thrown weapon attacks, at least. Right now it just looks like an Elf whose size category was downgraded to Small, along with the lower movement speed, and had some abilities taken away. -_-

 

[Felnar]

agreed with arkhandus
this is a halfling whose traded in a half dozen nice bonuses for +2 spot and search
at least give them powerful build or something so they arent so small

 

[Pyrex]

A small race with powerful build is an interesting idea. Doesn't seem right for a small elf though. Mabye a small dwarf.

But yeah, I agree with the others; a bit weak. Instead of leaning toward halfling bonuses I'd lean toward adding in more elf bonuses.

 

[ChimericDream]

Thanks for the input. I'll definitely be revamping the race taking into account the advice here.

 

[Nyeshet]

Hmm, what if he left the Speed as 30 ft? Would that help it without overpowering it?

To me, it would still be a little on the weak side, but not so obviously. I'd put an Elfling with 30 ft movement rate about halfway between an Elf and a Half-Elf in terms of strength, myself.

On the one hand, the Elfling gives up:

- Immunity to magic sleep effects, and a +2 racial saving throw bonus against enchantment spells or effects. ((The +2 vs Enchantments is more important than Sleep immunity, I think.))

- An elf who merely passes within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled to a Search check to notice it as if she were actively looking for it.

- Weapon Proficiency: Elves receive the Martial Weapon Proficiency feats for the longsword, rapier, longbow (including composite longbow), and shortbow (including composite shortbow) as bonus feats.

Oh, he also gives up:

- Those hit by a ghoul’s bite or claw attack must succeed on a DC 12 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4+1 rounds. Elves have immunity to this paralysis.

All this is in exchange for:

- Small: As a Small creature, a gnome gains a +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks,

which also brings with it new restrictions:

- but he uses smaller weapons than humans use, and his lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character.

All in all, an Elfling with 30 ft movement still seems a bit weak. Perhaps if you give it the Elf's Weapon Proficiencies as well - or similar weapon proficiencies (scimitar replacing rapier [mechanically identical], for example; or maybe removing the two one handed martial weapons for three light martial weapons [mechanically weaker, so one more]: light pick, light hammer, handaxe)? Either way, if the Elfling has a few martial proficiencies and 30 ft speed, I think it would work out, given what it loses and what it gains (good and bad) from decreased size).

Oh, and don't forget:

- Elven Blood: For all effects related to race, a elfling is considered an elf.

As best I can tell, this does not affect the ghoul thing above. Half-elves are not immune to Ghoul paralysis, despite having Elven blood, so neither should Elflings. This is only for magic items, Ranger favored foes, and similar such things.

 

[Darklone]

Reminds me of Montes Faen of the gelflings... halfling elf crossbreeds.

I'd rather look to make them a little bit more unique than just a mixtures of halfling and elf racial abilities.

 

[Klaus]

Dog Soul Publishing has a PDF out titled "Races of Consequence", which has half-races for all the core races, so you can have halfling/half-orcs, gnome/humans and even half-orc/half-elves. There are a couple of Prestige Classes, too.

Caveat: I illustrated the thing.

 

[starwed]

Hmm, what if he left the Speed as 30 ft?

That was going to me my suggestion; it makes sense that a halfling/elf would be very quick and light on their feet. Perhaps give them a racial bonus to Tumble checks and Escape Artist as well.

 

[Notmousse]

Dog Soul Publishing has a PDF out titled "Races of Consequence", which has half-races for all the core races, so you can have halfling/half-orcs, gnome/humans and even half-orc/half-elves. There are a couple of Prestige Classes, too.

Caveat: I illustrated the thing.

What's a Horcling look like?