D&D (2024) Half Race Appreciation Society: Half Elf most popular race choice in BG3

[Yaarel]

yes and no

An immigrant shouldn't be forced to adopt a new culture, so in a sense, you're right about choice. But realistically, first generation immigrants retain much of their learned original culture since it shapes their world view as children. While there can be some adaptation and assimilation, it's not as much as you may think.

Even 2nd generation children of immigrants show signs of their parents culture, since again, they were taught by their parents. I knew a 7th generation Chinese American (his ancestors came over to help build the railroads) who still displays a lot of Chinese cultural ways of thinking (for example, he's Taoist) and can still speak Mandarin.

I think what's better than assimilation is tolerance (on both sides...the immigrants and the hosts). Both sides need to understand the cultural differences, and be respectful. For the immigrants, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" in terms of law, but also the hosts should realize that the immigrants culture should be respected too. By the way, this advice applies to mixed culture/race relationships too. Be patient, tolerant and respectful that there will be differences.

I found Manhattan fascinating because of the amazing number of ethnic groups just walking around. I heard so many languages, and saw so many restaurants of different countries. I've always thought the term "melting pot" was wrong for America. It should have been the "stew pot". To melt implies that everything becomes homogenous. I think we still retain some of the distinct pieces, and that's what makes things interesting.

Sure. But this "influx" of other cultures is a normal − and healthy − part of every culture.

It is like marrying into a new family. One becomes the member of that family.

 

[Scribe]

The Elf is the species.

The "lineages" arent.

The lineages are "the mystical ability to take on characteristics of the environment": "the lineage of the Underdark", "the lineage of fey crossings", "the lineage of primeval forests".

There are over a hundred lineages.

There is only one Elf species.


Many cultures. One species.

Like humans. Many cultures. One homo sapiens.

Negative. A Wood Elf Raised by Dwarves, remains a Wood Elf.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Negative. A Wood Elf Raised by Dwarves, remains a Wood Elf.

That's why Level Up is so great. You can mechanically represent a wood elf raised by dwarves. It's right in the book.

 

[Yaarel]

Negative. A Wood Elf Raised by Dwarves, remains a Wood Elf.

If the Elf bonds with the environment of that particular Dwarven community, by implication, the Elf can develop new spells.

For practical purposes, designwise, let each player choose the spells for their own Elf character. That an Elven culture can emerge that values particular spells, is a given.

 

[Scribe]

If the Elf bonds with the environment of that particular Dwarven community, by implication, the Elf can develop new spells.

For practical purposes, designwise, let each player choose the spells for their own Elf character. That an Elven culture can emerge that values particular spells, is a given.

Sounds like some nice house rules certainly.

 

[Micah Sweet]

If the Elf bonds with the environment of that particular Dwarven community, by implication, the Elf can develop new spells.

For practical purposes, designwise, let each player choose the spells for their own Elf character. That an Elven culture can emerge that values particular spells, is a given.

So you want to change the rules then? That's great! Do it; I do all the time, or I use a version of the rules I prefer (usually both). But as it stands, WotC 5e does not work that way.

 

[Yaarel]

Sounds like some nice house rules certainly.

The D&D Elf tradition is begging for simplification.

For 2024 official to allow the player to choose the spells can − amazingly − represent well enough every single Elf that has ever existed in D&D.

 

[Scribe]

The D&D Elf tradition is begging for simplification.

For 2024 official to allow the player to choose the spells can − amazingly − represent well enough every single Elf that has ever existed in D&D.

Its close, but not really. Besides, the 2 Best 'Elves' for me are Astral and Eladrin neither of which can be replicated with the UA (especially Eladrin).

That's why Level Up is so great. You can mechanically represent a wood elf raised by dwarves. It's right in the book.

Yeah, some fine ideas in Level Up, some of it I just bounced off too hard.

 

[Yaarel]

So you want to change the rules then? That's great! Do it; I do all the time, or I use a version of the rules I prefer (usually both). But as it stands, WotC 5e does not work that way.

We are playtesting and giving feedback on playtest UAs.

The UA Origins packet does pretty good by consolidate the Drow, High, and Wood into a single mechanical format.

It can do even better by allowing the player to simply choose which spells they want.


As with any choice, whether feat or skill or spell, the format is helpful: "you know this spell or an other spell of your choice".

So, an Elf of one of the High cultures might "typically" know Misty Step. But the player can choose a different slot-2 spell for their character if they prefer.

 

[Yaarel]

Its close, but not really. Besides, the 2 Best 'Elves' for me are Astral and Eladrin neither of which can be replicated with the UA (especially Eladrin).

I like the Astral Elf too. (It is Norsesque with skyey flavor, luminosity, tool craft, and immateriality.)

To represent an Astral Elf, I would choose the following spells for my Elf character.

Level 0 (the background before gaining a level in a class): Dancing Lights, Sacred Flame.
Level 3: new spell "Proficient Insight" (gain pro in a skill, tool, or weapon until end of next long rest)
Level 5: Misty Step

Languages: Elf, Common, Celestial
Abilities: +2 Any, +1 Any