New Character Archetype: Elf-blooded

[Otaku-sempai]

Character Archetype: Elf-blooded (Mannish heroes only)
In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors...

There are some who have a strong strain of elven blood in their ancestry, though they are not of the lineage of Elrond of Rivendell. In such rare instances, a union of Man and Elf (most often Silvan) has resulted in one or more children who are Half-elven. Such offspring do not receive the Choice of the Peredhil; they are mortal-born, though they might live for as much as twice the normal lifespan of their Mannish parent (this long-livedness fades within a few generations). Elf-blooded heroes often feel out of place in the Culture in which they are raised, prompting them to strike out on their own. Alternately, they might be inspired by their heritage to fight against the Shadow so that the kindreds of both of their parents can know peace.

Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth in Gondor is one example of an Elf-blooded hero. Legolas sensed his elven ancestry the first time he was in the Prince's presence. A starting player-hero might be the heir of a retired hero (or pair of heroes) who wed outside of his or her race. The Elf-blooded hero might seek revenge for a murdered parent. He might want to carry on a legacy of service to a higher cause. Or he might prefer a life on the road to the sidelong stares and whispers of his own neighbors.

Elf-blooded Distinctive Features: Cautious, Elusive, Fair, Fair-spoken, Keen-eyed, Lordly, Nimble, Quick of Hearing, Robust, Secretive, Swift, Tall, Wary

Note: In Hero Creation, the hero normally receives the Cultural Blessing of the Mannish parent. A Loremaster who allows a player-hero to have the Elf-blooded archetype has the option of allowing the hero to choose the Cultural Blessing belonging to either one of his parents (though not both, the hero still receives only one Cultural Blessing).

[Rich H]

Just a thought but I'm not sure this fits the design-goals behind character archetypes. Archetypes are more to do with personality/ethical drives (eg, aspring hero, loner, double act, mentor, reluctant hero, honour bound) whereas this is something very different. This bit especially:

A Loremaster who allows a player-hero to have the Elf-blooded archetype has the option of granting the hero the choice of the Cultural Blessing of either parent.

That really isn't what archetypes are about if you use those laid out in the AC as a barometer.

[Otaku-sempai]

A Loremaster who allows a player-hero to have the Elf-blooded archetype has the option of granting the hero the choice of the Cultural Blessing of either parent.

That really isn't what archetypes are about if you use those laid out in the AC as a barometer.

Yes, I know, though this is a bit of a special case. I'm not sure how else to present this other than as a Character Option as it is meant to be usable by more than a single Heroic Culture.

[Geomtje]

Being able to choose whatever Cultural Blessing from both parents feels a bit over powering. I would rather have the player choose either the Cultural Blessings from one parent or the area that the character has grown up in or let the Loremaster dictate on forehand which Cultural Blessings are applicable and which are not; preferable the same amount of other Cultures.

[Otaku-sempai]

Being able to choose whatever Cultural Blessing from both parents feels a bit over powering. I would rather have the player choose either the Cultural Blessings from one parent or the area that the character has grown up in or let the Loremaster dictate on forehand which Cultural Blessings are applicable and which are not; preferable the same amount of other Cultures.

Maybe I need to clarify that. The character is only supposed to be able to choose ONE of his parents' Cultural Blessings.

[Rich H]

A Loremaster who allows a player-hero to have the Elf-blooded archetype has the option of granting the hero the choice of the Cultural Blessing of either parent.

That really isn't what archetypes are about if you use those laid out in the AC as a barometer.

Yes, I know, though this is a bit of a special case. I'm not sure how else to present this other than as a Character Option as it is meant to be usable by more than a single Heroic Culture.

That's just not what archetypes are for, really. They provide some role-playing flavour, opportunities for player and LM to develop further ideas from and some wiggle room and extra options with regard to distinctive features, nothing more, so allowing a PC to pick their Cultural Blessing is really beyond their scope. Remove the choice of the Cultural Blessing and its fine and in line with the other archetypes in the AC.

[Falenthal]

Could the idea of "Changeling Characters", from DoM (p.98) be of some help here?
They mix Bardings and Elves of Mirkwood into a new Culture of its own.

[Otaku-sempai]

Could the idea of "Changeling Characters", from DoM (p.98) be of some help here?
They mix Bardings and Elves of Mirkwood into a new Culture of its own.

True, though the mixing is not through marriage and having children. I may have to give that a second look.

[Vuriche]

Well I find it an interesting idea and one that might allow for a very special character, without breaking lore and rules too much. I'll be following any developments with great interest. Well done Otaku-sempai (as usual)!