8 replies to this topic

[Culain Mainframe]

I have some questions of half-elves.

Does it depends on the person if the elven or the human side is dominant?

When they die, do they go to the human or the elven afterlife?

[Stone Wolf]

I think both are entirely up to the individual and their own beliefs. Half elves could be just about entirely elven or human in behavior, or anywhere in between. They could also choose whatever deity they want--probably influenced by which side of their nature is more dominant.

[NiGHTMARE]

Which culture they were brought up in would play an extremely important role. Most are brought up in human communities, as true elves often don't aceept half-elves in their communities.

Edited by NiGHTMARE, 05 September 2005 - 01:32 PM.

[Feanor]

I have some questions of half-elves.

Does it depends on the person if the elven or the human side is dominant?

When they die, do they go to the human or the elven afterlife?

Depends on who they worship.

[Mikayel]

Which culture they were brought up in would play an extremely important role.  Most are brought up in human communities, as true elves often don't aceept half-elves in their communities.

 

I'd agree with this, I'd also say their god/religion, and general upbringing would matter as well.

[Kulyok]

I'd also like to note that half-elves have no connection to the Spirit, which results in the loss of innate magical abilities, such as reverie and communion. This is probably one of the main reasons why they are not fully accepted by true elves.

So, I'd say half-elves are basically humans with pointier ears, longer lifespan and in some cases, a pronounced love for the forests. In other words, there is a cleft between humans and half-elves, but an abyss between half-elves and full elves.

As for the afterlife, if they venerate the Seldarine and do not have any dark deeds to their name, it is possible for them to wind up in the High Forest of Arvandor, among elves. But in truth, it is possible for humans, or even members of other races, as well.

[Chevalier]

I'd also like to note that half-elves have no connection to the Spirit

Are you sure about this? What about Arilyn Moonblade? She carries a moonblade! A moonblade does not work just because a lump of flesh with the right genitic code carries it. He/she needs the right Spirt. Elaine Cunningham (the author) has become an athority on elves in the Realms.

I think the reasons are much deeper. I think it is that they think that it muddies the Spirit with 'humanism'. This is worst than just being a human or dwarf. Also the number of half-elves seems to grow and the number of elves seems to decline.

[Kulyok]

Are you sure about this? What about Arilyn Moonblade? She carries a moonblade! A moonblade does not work just because a lump of flesh with the right genitic code carries it. He/she needs the right Spirt. Elaine Cunningham (the author) has become an athority on elves in the Realms.

You will probably be interested in this discussion(Arilyn Moonblade):
http://www.candlekee...88&whichpage=35

Peruse the pages, and I believe Elaine Cunningham answers the question adequately. Basically, Arilyn's weapon is faulty and unbalanced. I'd also say she is a Mary Sue through and through, which explains lots of things, but it's only my opinion, and goes to the literary quality of a book, not the lore value.

Also, here's some lore material about elves:
http://myth-drannor......home page.htm

[Kulyok]

Another discussion on the nature of half-elves, and the reasons why the half-elves are overused:

http://www.candlekee..._ID=4872