Patlin
Explorer
The multiclassing preview tends to suggest that the half elf racial ability isn't as simple as "gain one multiclassing feat as a bonus feat." While "Arcane Initiate Int 13 Wizard: Arcana skill, wizard power 1/encounter" matches up with the Wizard power 1/encounter bit that the sample character has, the sample half elf lacks the Arcana skill.
If the abilities are completely independent, the half elf might conceivably be the only race in the PHB that offers the ability to be tripple classed. Multiclassing seems fairly limited, but the half elf could benefit from the extra direction.
More interesting, however, is the possibility that the half elf ability might stack with the multiclassing feat somehow. For example, a half-elf who takes the multiclassing feat might get an at-will power from another class at-will, as opposed to once per encounter with either ability alone.
I think this excerpt has left me with more new questions than with questions answered!
If the abilities are completely independent, the half elf might conceivably be the only race in the PHB that offers the ability to be tripple classed. Multiclassing seems fairly limited, but the half elf could benefit from the extra direction.
More interesting, however, is the possibility that the half elf ability might stack with the multiclassing feat somehow. For example, a half-elf who takes the multiclassing feat might get an at-will power from another class at-will, as opposed to once per encounter with either ability alone.
I think this excerpt has left me with more new questions than with questions answered!