Two questions.

[Bob5th]

1. Does lightning bolt cast underwater work like it did in 2E where
it explodes like a fireball?

2. The half-elf says they are considered elves for purposes of special abilities so does this mean they have longsword or rapier and longbow proficiency.

 

[Jack Haggerty]

1. I haven't seen it specified. Go ask your DM.

2. No. What this means is that Magic Items or Magical Effects or Special Abilities that affect only Elves will also affect Half-elves.

For example... If a magic wand can only be used by elves, then it can also be used by half-elves. Boots of Elvenkind can only be made by elves, so half-elves can make them too. An Arrow of Elf Slaying will also kill an half-elf, as will a Sword of Elf-bane. A Ranger with Favored Enemy: Elf, will also get his bonus against half-elves.

Make sense?

 

[AGGEMAM]

1. I don't think so but I couldn't find an answer anywhere.

2. No. But you can be affected by effects that normally only affects elves, eg Elfbane swords.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

1. According to the underwater combat rules written by Skip Williams in Dragon #291, lightning bolt would work normally. Only "fire" spells have special rules in the article.

 

[Crothian]

1) You might try one of the many sea fareing suppliments like Broadsides or Seafarer's Handbook. THey might have underwater rules in them.

2) Nope.