Half-Elf Mixed Heritage & Upbringing A half-elf has either their human heritage’s Skill Versatility or Bonus Feat, or one trait from their elven heritage (e.g. Keen Senses) in addition to their elven parent’s darkvision and advantage on saving throws against being charmed. A half-elf not brought up among elves would be unlikely to have the Elf Weapon Training trait, while a half-elf not brought up among humans is unlikely to have Skill Versatility. Regardless of where they were raised, a half-elf can speak, read, and write Common, plus two bonus languages, though one of those languages is typically Elvish. If the half-elf was raised by a dark elf parent, for example, it is likely that their two bonus languages are Drowish and Drow Sign Language. The term “half-elf” refers to an individual with one parent who is human and the other elven, or two half-elven parents, or one parent who is quarter-elven and the other three-quarters elven. Typically, someone who is only one-quarter elven or less with the larger portion being human will be referred to only as human, while only another elf is likely to perceive that a person who is three-quarters elf has recent human heritage. To humans,

Gnome Gnomish Upbringing A gnome not raised by or among their people may have different traits than those described below. If you wish to have a different upbringing for your character—a gnome raised by humans, for example—consult with the DM. A surface gnome raised among their own kin can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses Dethek script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world. See the subtype traits for additional characteristics for gnomes raised within that heritage subtype. A gnome’s energy and enthusiasm for living shines through every inch of his or her tiny body. Gnomes average slightly over 3 feet tall and weigh 40 to 45 pounds. Their tan or brown faces are usually adorned with broad smiles (beneath their prodigious noses), and their bright eyes shine with excitement. Their fair hair has a tendency to stick out in every direction, as if expressing the gnome’s insatiable interest in everything around. A gnome’s personality is writ large in his or her appearance. A male gnome’s beard, in contrast to his wild hair, is kept carefully trimmed but often styled into curious forks or neat points.

With their unearthly grace and fine features, elves appear hauntingly beautiful to most other humanoids. Elves have no facial and little body hair. Surface elves favor elegant clothing in bright colors, and they enjoy simple yet lovely jewelry.

Bold and hardy, dwarves are known as skilled warriors, miners, and workers of stone and metal. Though they stand well under 5 feet tall, dwarves are so broad and compact that they can weigh as much as a human standing nearly two feet taller. Their courage and endurance are also easily a match for any of the larger folk.

Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack wings or a tail. They are tall and strongly built, often standing close to 6½ feet tall and weighing 300 pounds or more. Their hands and feet are strong, talonlike claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand.