Elf (High Elf) 5e
High elves are graceful, intelligent beings with a keen mind and mastery of basic magic. They have a special affinity for the arcane arts and prize knowledge and scholarship. High elves live in elegant cities carved from ancient forests or gleaming towers. They have fair skin with golden, silver, or black hair and eyes of gold, silver, or blue. High elves can live over 700 years.
At a Glance
Ability Scores
+2 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence
Size
Medium
Speed
30 ft.
Languages
Common, Elvish, one extra of your choice
Source
Player's Handbook
Racial Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Darkvision | You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. |
| Keen Senses | You have proficiency in the Perception skill. |
| Fey Ancestry | You have advantage on saving throws against being <a href="/rules/conditions/charmed-condition-5e/">charmed</a>, and magic can't put you to sleep. |
| Trance | Elves don't need to sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply for 4 hours a day, gaining the same benefit as a human does from 8 hours of sleep. |
| Elf Weapon Training | You have proficiency with the longsword, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow. |
| Cantrip | You know one cantrip of your choice from the wizard spell list. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for it. |
| Extra Language | You can speak, read, and write one extra language of your choice. |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Trance only requires 4 hours, allowing elves to take full watch shifts
Common Mistake
Not choosing a useful cantrip that complements your class
Common Mistake
Thinking Fey Ancestry protects against all enchantment spells (only charm and magical sleep)
Common Mistake
Not leveraging the free weapon proficiencies for non-martial classes
DM Tips
DM Tip
High elves make excellent wizards, artificers, and eldritch knights
DM Tip
The free wizard cantrip provides excellent utility for any class
DM Tip
Weapon proficiencies enable effective gish (magic/martial hybrid) builds
DM Tip
Their long lifespans mean they have centuries of experience and perspective
DM Tip
Consider ancient elven ruins, libraries, and magical academies as plot hooks
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Elf (High Elf) — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD race text
- Elf (High Elf) — D&D Beyond — Official race reference
- Elf (High Elf) Handbook — RPGBOT — Race optimization guide