"You're a half elf? Really?" From the P.A. Podcasts

[Hussar]

/rant mode on


Just listened to the third episode of the latest Penny Arcade 4e podcast. Funny stuff.

But, a ways into the 'cast, there's a bit of an aside where one player is shocked to learn that another character is a half elf. ((Sorry, don't know who said what, but, that's the gist of it)) That sort of thing just flies straight up my left nostril. As a player and a GM it just makes me grind my teeth.

I mean, hell, does anyone in this picture look like a half elf? ((We already know Wheaton's playing the Eladrin)

And, the worst thing is, it's generally always bloody elf players that do it.

I don't understand why people play non-humans and then don't bother to play it up. And, again, it's almost always the elf players. Someone plays a dwarf? No problem, grumpy drunk on demand. Half-orc? Not a worry, gotcha covered, crude big dumb dude coming up. Halfling? Sure, no worries - usually gets played up - trying to reach the top of the table, short arse jokes, head butts to the groin.

Why is it that elves get played as humans that can see in the dark?

I'll give 4e props for at least making eladrin stand out. That blink elf thing is just freaking cool. Listening to Wil Weaton using his fey step, I can picture in my mind this sort of magical faerie being sliding in and out of reality to kick your ass. Very unique. At least it stands out.

But, third adventure in, and the other player doesn't even know that Omin Dran (thanks for the catch Tuxgeo) is a half elf. Sigh.

Elf players, get in the game willya?

 

[tuxgeo]

/rant mode on

Just listened to the third episode of the latest Penny Arcade 4e podcast. Funny stuff.

But, a ways into the 'cast, there's a bit of an aside where one player is shocked to learn that another character is a half elf. . . .

< snip most of rant >

. . . But, third adventure in, and the other player doesn't even know that Jim Darkmagic is a half elf. Sigh.

Elf players, get in the game willya?

IIRC, Jim is a Human Wizard. The first three players (Mike, Scott, Jerry*) are using pre-generated PCs from Keep on the Shadowfell; Jerry Holkins selected the half-elf cleric pre-gen, and chose to worship Avandra, who is all about freedom and traveling. I agree that it is difficult to see a half-elf in how Omin Dran is drawn; as I see it, only his light-colored hair and lack of mustache or beard reflect that racial background.
Jim, on the other hand, is drawn with a goatee, which fairly clearly shows that he is human.
(* players listed in the order in which they named their PCs)

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

Why is it that elves get played as humans that can see in the dark?

Because most of the players who really enjoy roleplaying extrahuman, aloof, arrogant, mysterious, immortal (and ostentatious) beings are off playing Masquerade.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

Jim Darkmagic is a half elf? I would have never have guessed and obviously the person that entered his character in the CB does not know either as he is there as a human.

Not yet caught up with the podcasts thoough.

 

[Hussar]

Sorry, my total bad. Yes, NOT Jim Darkmagic.

I'll edit my original post. Thanks for that.

 

[Lhorgrim]

My experience has been that when someone plays a "stereotypical" dwarf, halfling, or half-orc; people pretty much accept it and support that play.

When someone plays an elf in the "stereotypical" fashion, there is a level of annoyance in other players that you don't often see with the other races.

I don't have search anymore, but I recall several threads on these boards over the years that decried the aloof, alien, or snotty characterization of elf PCs.

I'm sure there have been a few about "every" dwarf having a Scottish accent, or "all" halflings played as Kender, but the elf threads seemed more common to me.

I'm thinking of running an elf fighter with a battle axe who is consumed with greed for gold and gems, drinks ale like a fish, and speaks with a Scottish accent to see if it makes a difference in how the characterization is accepted by my group.

 

[King Nate]

Also during the podcast one player (I can’t remember who) says they are taking an Attack of Opportunity instead of an Opportunity Attack which means not only do they not know each other’s character but they don’t know which rules they are playing either.

 

[Pseudonym]

because most of the players who really enjoy roleplaying extrahuman, aloof, arrogant, mysterious, immortal (and pretentious) beings are off playing masquerade.

That made my morning.

 

[malraux]

If you are a half-elf, should you be all that different from full human, especially if you grew up around humans?

 

[Cadfan]

Also during the podcast one player (I can’t remember who) says they are taking an Attack of Opportunity instead of an Opportunity Attack which means not only do they not know each other’s character but they don’t know which rules they are playing either.

I've got a level 14 character that got there the hard way. And I still get that wrong.