Origin of half-elves?

[Riley]

The only reason half-elves entered the game in the first place was to provide some unique multiclassing options.

I think it had to do with Elrond.

Not that D&D ever stole anything from LOTR.

 

[kerbarian]

Since it does appear like they are to be included in core (from reference to their inspirational ability) it would be nice if they got a little cultural flesh on their bones instead of just being "the outsiders that somehow get along with everybody".

They'll be in the game, but I'm not aware of any confirmation that they'll make the cut for the PH1. My guess, actually, would be that they'll come out in the same book as bards -- probably the PH2. They've talked about how racial abilities will fit best with particular classes, and "inspiring presence" sounds like it would be perfect for a bard. I suppose it could fit for warlord, too, but half-elven bards are a staple -- half-elven warlords just don't sound like a natural combination to me.

 

[Clavis]

It looks like the 4th edition is going to feature a lot of interaction between the planes (considering tieflings are a core race), so half eladrins aren't out of the question.

In my campaigns, I always assumed there were so many half elves because elven woman had a "mythology" about human men and and their large...... um...... muscles.