Aelfborn

Aelfborn are the descendants of Human and Elven lines—two peoples whose lives, cultures, and perceptions of time often differ so profoundly that their union often creates children who feel suspended between realities. In them, mortal determination and fey-blooded intuition coexist, but not always comfortably. From childhood, many Aelfborn learn that they are too much or not enough for either side: too ephemeral for Elven expectations, too distant and ageless for Human familiarity.   Though they share the pointed features and subtle presence of their Elven kin, Aelfborn lack the full measure of Elven longevity and serenity. Among Humans, they often stand out as graceful or unsettlingly composed, carrying an air that others struggle to place. In Elven communities, they may be cherished for the novelty of their viewpoint or pitied for their fleeting years—but they rarely feel truly of those places.   This sense of duality shapes many Aelfborn lives. Some drift between Human settlements and Elven enclaves, searching for a place where their heritage is seen as a bridge rather than a gulf. Others find purpose in roles that span divides—diplomats, scouts, boundary-walkers, and wanderers drawn to the edges of civilizations. A few embrace their own ambiguity and forge identities that belong wholly to themselves rather than to either lineage.   Physically, Aelfborn resemble tall, fine-featured Humans with a subtle Elven cast—eyes that gleam like starlight or sunlit leaves, ears with a gentle taper, and movements marked by quiet precision. They reach adulthood around age 18, but their lifespans are notably inconsistent: some age closer to their Human kin, while others retain Elven vitality for centuries. Most Aelfborn live between 285 and 335 years, and the oldest can reach early into their fourth century.   For many Aelfborn, this dual heritage is both challenge and strength: they may never fully belong to either world, but they carry something of both—and in doing so, often become something neither lineage could have shaped alone.

Aelfborn Traits

Creature Type: Humanoid
Size: Medium (about 5–6 feet tall) or Small (about 3–4 feet tall), chosen when you select this species
Speed: 30 feet
  As an Aelfborn, you have these special traits.

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Dominant Heritage

Choose the lineage that most strongly influences your nature: Human or Elven.   Elven Heritage. When you reach character levels 3 and 5, you learn a higher-level spell, as shown on the Elven Lineage table. You always have that spell prepared. You can cast it once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest. You can also cast the spell using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level.   Human Heritage. You gain an Origin feat of your choice.

Dual Heritage

You are considered both an Elf and a Human for any prerequisite or effect that depends on species.

Elven Lineage

You are part of a lineage that grants you supernatural abilities. Choose a lineage from the Elven Lineages table. You gain the level 1 benefit of that lineage.   Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for the spells you cast with this trait (choose the ability when you select the lineage).

Lineage	Level 1	Level 3	Level 5
Drow	You know the Dancing Lights cantrip.	Faerie Fire	Darkness
High Elf	You know the Prestidigitation cantrip.	Detect Magic	Misty Step
Wood Elf	You know the Druidcraft cantrip.	Longstrider	Pass without Trace

Fey Ancestry

You have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Charmed condition.

Skillful

You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice.