Is a constitution penalty consistent with the long lifespan of elves?

[Brennin Magalus]

I have trouble reconciling a constitution penalty with the elven lifespan. Consequently, I have two (surface) elven subraces, neither of which has a constitution penalty. I would be interested in hearing other posters views on this, though.

 

[Squire James]

I can certainly see a inconsistency between the elves' reduced resistance to disease and longer lifespan. The other factors that make up the Constitution score do not matter nearly so much. This is easily solved... simply grant elves a +2 to Fortitude saves vs disease.

If you wish for a stronger, Tolkien-esque elf, then make them immune to natural diseases. This is a much stronger ability that can easily explain a near-infinite lifespan, but it is still more balanced than removing the -2 Con penalty outright, or even changing the penalty to another ability score. This would make an elven character as desireable as a 3.5e dwarf; a bit strong but not in danger of getting a level adjustment.

 

[Brennin Magalus]

If you wish for a stronger, Tolkien-esque elf, then make them immune to natural diseases. This is a much stronger ability that can easily explain a near-infinite lifespan, but it is still more balanced than removing the -2 Con penalty outright, or even changing the penalty to another ability score. This would make an elven character as desireable as a 3.5e dwarf; a bit strong but not in danger of getting a level adjustment.

There was a time when I considered making my elves more Tolkienesque, but I ultimately decided that I'd like to keep them on par with my other core races (humans, dwarves, and half-elves). As for balancing ability scores, one subrace has -2 Strength, +2 Intelligence, +2 Charisma (since the half-orc gets the exact reverse and it is considered balanced, I think it should go the other way as well) and the other has -2 Int, +2 Dex.

 

[Eolin]

I was just thinking about this the other day. Weird.

Anyway, my descision, which didn't take long to come to, was that elves are magicky.

That was my solution. maybe there's just not as much disease anyway. but i explained it away to myself with magic.

 

[David Argall]

not important

You got a major PC race, it has got to have balancing penalties. So why worry about such details? Recall too that our picture of an elf -skinny- does give us a picture of a weak constitution.

You give the elf normal con, you have got to go to the trouble of giving him a different penalty, and getting your players to accept that, and making sure you don't mess up, which you may well, and...
You have better things to do with your time.

 

[Olive]

In my world, they CAN live to a very old age, but like humans, very rarely make it to that age. Because of disease war etc.

It's not inconsistant. Remember that it's a maximum age, not an age all elves live to unless chopped into little pieces.

 

[Chris_Nightwing]

Your proposed race is easily +1 ECL.

Penalties/Bonuses do not quite work like that, you cannot simply reverse them. On the other hand you might consider +2 Int, -2 Str, which is a reasonable adjustment and almost like grey elves.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

Lifespan has more to do with metabolic and genetic factors than overall hardiness. Cockroaches are immune to damned near everything, but they live for a very small fraction of a human lifetime.

Also, remember that the Con penalty, affecting Fortitude saves, only relates to "dramatic" diseases-- things you get from playing with dirty, dirty monsters, or supernatural rotting diseases caused by horrible undead. Normal diseases, short of massive plagues, don't need to be more fatal for elves without affecting game balance.

Remember, also, that their cities are cleaner and they are far less prone to poverty and poor nutrition on a cultural level, so it is easier for them to live longer with their weaker constitutions.

 

[Aaron L]

They are also more closely tied to magic, and have more magic wielders, which could tend towards a healthier society.

 

[Derulbaskul]

I just assume that the elves are more brittle than other races. That's why they're lighter for their height (I use FR where the elves are the same height as humans) and also why they suffer the Con penalty.

OK, it's not the perfect explanation but I spent a couple of years trying to justify the design decision to myself....

Cheers
D