Half-Elves: Underpowered

[virtus]

You know, I always thought of Half-Elves as one of my favorite races. And not just because of Tanis.

Humans get a one time extra feat and only one more skill point per level. That's it. Half-elves get the skill bonuses (Diplomacy, Gather Information, Listen, Spot, and Search), an extra language, Low-light vision, Immunity to sleep, and +2 vs. enchantment effects. I think that equals the extra feat and skill points.

In the end, it has to do with how the player sees his or her character. A human sometimes just doesn't fit the character concept. Plus, I love multi-classing with a variety of classes, and half-elves just seem a little more interesting than humans.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

But look at dwarves! They've got so many benefits, I've always thought it odd that they're so discriminated against.

They were made uber-powerful to appease all the rabid dwarf fanboys

 

[Anti-Sean]

So you can be a member of the House of Medani and carry the Mark of Detection, or of House Lyrandar and carry the Mark of Storm?

What? I though everyone played in Eberron!

If only we were all so lucky...

The more I read about the setting, the more I like it. Keith Baker's Dragonshard about the half-elves was a breath of fresh air! Finally, options for a half-elf character that don't involve being a brooding result of a tragic (at best) union. Plenty of ideas there to mine for people who play in other settings/homebrews as well. Of course, any ideas I have for a Storm-marked Khoravar need to stay on the shelf next to the Warforged Druid, the Changeling, the Kalashtar... *sigh*

 

[RigaMortus]

Bard is weak. Half-Elf is weak.

But a Half-Elf Bard is uber.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

Half-Elves are underpowered, but they're not hard to fix.

Give them any one skill-related feat as a bonus at 1st level. They can choose from Skill Focus, any +2/+2 feat, Cosmopolitan, Educated, Jack of All Trades...

It doesn't infringe on Human territory much, and it gives them an area of core competence to complement their versatility. If you pick a feat that complements their racial skill bonuses, they're even smoother.

 

[Shin Okada]

For those who think Low-Light vision is not a big advantage.

Do you realize that for spell casters Low-Light vision is often better than Darkvison? Now we have dim (or shadowy) lit areas. So, with sunrod, a spellcaster with low-light can target opponents within 120 ft (24 squares). And with bullseye lantern, he can target opponents within 240 ft (48 squares).

Of course, if the entire party has Darkvision, they can move without light source and thus can have advantage over a party with light source. But typical party needs some kind of light source anyway. So having low-light vision is very advantageous for a spellcaster. Archers suffer concealment penalty when shooting against something in dim lit area. But that is still better than normal or 60-foot darkvision.

And half-elfs are the only core race who have low-light, 30ft. speed & no constitution penalty. Constitution is of course very important for spellcaster class (smaller hd, concentration skill). And speed is also important. It may change whether if he can go to the space from which he can see a certain target. Or, it may change whether if he can touch someone (say, dying friend).

Half-Elves are not underpowered. Low-Light vision it self is worth a feat (or more).

And Half-Orcs are not underpowered, too. They don't fit for various classes (wizard and such). But they make excellent barbarians and fighters. Also good for druids or monks. Yes, their low Int limit their way of fighting. It is unlikely for them to have Combat Expertise and related feats. But there are tons of other options (I mean combat-related feats) in 3.5e.

And I say again. Halfling ARE underpowered mechanic wise. They are no good for any classes.

 

[Khristos]

If you are planning to multi class the half Elf is superior to the Elf (unless one of your classes is wizard) and largely the human with immunities and skill bonuses

Problems
1) Most DMs are lax on being in situations where low light vision is useful
2) They require careful planning for feats (no fluff)
3) listen, spot, diplomacy are woefully underused in context to encounter distance and application


with lowlight they are probably the best multiclass "spotters" in the game

So again if you are using a demihuman and want to multiclass in an area that is not in the Demihuman's chosen specialty the Half elf is usually the best choice (Ranger- Rogue, Fighter- Scout etc) remember a Half Elf can usually prestige into an elf only PrC and have more lattitude in how they get there (If favored class isnt being used then they lose some of the luster)

 

[Jdvn1]

And I say again. Halfling ARE underpowered mechanic wise. They are no good for any classes.

I thought Halflings made the best Wizards.

 

[Shin Okada]

I thought Halflings made the best Wizards.

No.

First, there are better races such as Gnome or Dwarf. Con is far more important than Dex for a wizard. Also, their special abilities synergy well with Wizard class. Gnome is good on the field of alchemy. Dwarf has stonecunnning and though Search is a cross-class skill, high Int wizard have plentiful of skill points and high ability bonus. Thus, Dwarf Wizards can actually use stonecunning at useful level.

Second, halflings has only normal vision and their speed is slower. A wizard can't target something if he can't see it. And slow wizard spend hard time reaching to the position from which he can see the target.

Mechanic wise, Goblins make much better wizards than halflings.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

And I say again. Halfling ARE underpowered mechanic wise. They are no good for any classes.

Nah.

Halflings are superior Rogues for a particular style: super stealth and ranged close support. The Dex and size net +5 to Hide, +2 for ranged weapons, and +2 for AC.

The Achilles heel for this race is speed certainly, but that can be compensated for if he does not stray far from the party until he can acquire an item for Flying.