The Half-elf Con bonus: A possible explanation.

[RSKennan]

I don't know for sure since I haven't seen the books, but I was just thinking- there's a reason half-elves might get a con bonus.

As they grow up, either among humans or elves, they're outsiders until they grow into their own skin.

Among humans they have something to prove to their peers- that they can be tough and take as much or more punishment as a human. They push themselves to beat the stereotype of a frail little elf.

Among elves, they might rebel against the elven ways, and seek to do things the human way, with force over grace. This toughens them up.

So the half-elf Con bonus represents nurture over nature.

...or you could just house rule a floating bonus.

 

[Mort_Q]

hybrid vigour

 

[LordArchaon]

I was really shocked to know about this Con bonus, but yes, I can picture hybrids being more resilient. A little, in this specific case of half-elves, for cultural reasons, a lot for genetic reasons: you avoid all the possible problems of a too restricted genetic pool, thus becoming, generally speaking, more healthy.
Me I'm a hybrid and I'm absolutely in search of a hybrid or genetically very different wife: let's have half-elves babies!

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

Exactly.

The combination of the two races yields a result that is "better" than either of it's parent races.

I personally think it's kinda cool. It makes the half elves stand apart a bit.

 

[Daniel D. Fox]

I don't know for sure since I haven't seen the books, but I was just thinking- there's a reason half-elves might get a con bonus.

As they grow up, either among humans or elves, they're outsiders until they grow into their own skin.

Among humans they have something to prove to their peers- that they can be tough and take as much or more punishment as a human. They push themselves to beat the stereotype of a frail little elf.

Among elves, they might rebel against the elven ways, and seek to do things the human way, with force over grace. This toughens them up.

So the half-elf Con bonus represents nurture over nature.

This.

 

[Aservan]

It is basically the mule result. Horse + donkey = mule. The mule is hardier then either of its parent species, just infertile.

 

[am181d]

I think most of you are interpreting "bonus to constitution" wrong. It's not that they're tough like a Dwarf. It's that they're plucky.

Remember, just like hit points are no longer just about taking damage, constitution is not just about physical resilience.

Half-elves are more inspirational (high CHA), and they have more chutzpah/higher morale (high CON). Makes perfect sense to me.

(Of course, I haven't actually seen the flavor text, but I have to assume that's what they were going for.)

 

[LowSpine]

I still don't see why it wouldn't be cha.

All the hybrid humans I have ever seen have always been very good looking. Perhaps a con and cha would be good in this logic.

 

[lutecius]

As they grow up, either among humans or elves, they're outsiders until they grow into their own skin.

Among humans they have something to prove to their peers- that they can be tough and take as much or more punishment as a human. They push themselves to beat the stereotype of a frail little elf.

Among elves, they might rebel against the elven ways, and seek to do things the human way, with force over grace. This toughens them up.

No, apparently everyone likes them and they don't have to prove anything to anyone.

hybrid vigour

That looks like the best explanation even though they don't give any in the book (iirc).

All the hybrid humans I have ever seen have always been very good looking. Perhaps a con and cha would be good in this logic.

They get both.

 

[RSKennan]

I'm aware of outbreeding enhancement, but I thought a less scientific explanation would fit D&D. I figure it's magic that lets elves and humans mate in the first place.

For those who want another explanation, it might help.