Halfling

Halflings are short humanoids that are one of the most numerous races on Oryth short of humans. They love merriment and art and enjoy rowdy get-togethers with families and friends and are usually prepared for impromptu gatherings at the drop of a hat.

Complacent Lives

It is rare to see a halfling take up the mantle of an adventurer, but given their vast population on the Material Plane of Oryth, it does happen occasionally. Most, however, prefer the quiet simple life of rewarding, hard labor, a cozy house, a warm fire, and a family to love. Those that do go on the path of the hero, though, find that they are quick to find a knack for it. Their dextrous movements and quick wits make them adept dungeoneers and cavern crawlers.

Uncanny Luck

People are unsure if it's just coincidence or if the god, Celestian, blessed the race with fate on their side, but all Halflings seem to have incredible luck. Where some would emerge shirtless and broke, halflings emerge with mass fortunes. Where some would perish, halflings have been able to emerge unscathed. For this reason, many gambling establishments either charge Halflings a fee to enter where other races are not, or reject their entry altogether.

Created With: Hero Forge

A Big Man's World

Halflings are accustomed to living in a world that is tailored for tall-folk and often have to accommodate themselves to this. They often have step-stools, ladders, and booster seats to help them with every day living inside of larger cities. It is not uncommon for establishments to have these at the ready should the presence of halflings be particularly numerous and can often find comfort wherever they go. However, should a place not have these accommodations, they make due and often use their dextrous and athletic builds to assist them in these situations.

Grassy Hills

There are several cities throughout Oryth that are specifically tailored to halfling needs, but in their own communities, they prefer to take up residence in hilly meadows or forests, digging their homes into the grounds and hollowing out a sturdy home for themselves. Unlike many other races, they tend to work with the environment rather than against it, building roads that spiral around and over the hills rather than through them. This harmonious relationship with nature that halflings have tended to help the disposition they have with local wildlife and creatures such as fey. In fact, it is not uncommon for halflings to converse and create deals with fey creatures concerning boundaries and protection, even learning the Sylvan tongue.

Stout, Lightfoot, & Ghostwise

There are several different types of Halflings, but the most numerous are the Stout and Lightfoot halflings. Stout halflings tend to be more rotund and stockier and have a natural affinity for cooking and brewing. It typically takes a stout halfling more than the average amount to see them affected by alcohol. It is likely that Stout halflings share a common ancestor with the dwarves. Lightfoot halflings are the most common of halflings and are nimble and can practically blink out of sight with ease. It is easy to lose track of the Lightfoot even when looking straight at them.

Recently discovered in remote parts of Oryth are the Ghostwise halflings and untrusting and slightly xenophobic people that excel in combat and subterfuge. The Ghostwise halfling all have minor telepathic abilities, able to communicate without moving so much as their lips. Ghostwise clans select a natural landmark that they center their territory around and all its members will take a small piece that they carry with them at all times as a reminder of their home and origins. The warrior of the Ghostwise known as Nightgliders bond with large flying creatures such as Giant owls, soaring through the night skies protecting their lands from danger.

Halfling Mannerisms

Characteristics (d8)

1. "I obsess over pairing the right wine, beer, or mead with every meal."
2. "I am the voice of reason and compromise, even between the fiercest foes."
3. "Flattery is both my favorite tool and my secret weakness."
4. "I trust in the gods and my native luck to see me through terrible risks."
5. "What I lack in height, I make up for in hidden depth (…and maybe breadth)."
6. "As long as I can indulge one minor gluttonous vice, I can endure any hardship."
7. "I pepper my speech with malapropisms, either from ignorance or to see if you’re listening."
8. "Revenge is a dish best served cold and from below."

Created With: Hero Forge

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Secundus

Scientific Name

Brevis Sapien

Lifespan

~150 Years

Average Height

2'8" - 3'5"

Average Weight

35_lbs - 45_lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Halflings come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and share the various skin shades of humans, though tend favor earthy tones. Their hair is usually are autumn colors with reds, yellows, and fading brown tints. They have bushy eyebrows and a tendency for wild facial hair. All halflings tend to have larger than normal feet with leathery soles and hair tops that allow them to forgo the need for shoes even in the harshest of environments.

Halfling Names

A halfling has a given name, a family name, and possibly a nickname. Family names are often nicknames that stuck so tenaciously they have been passed down through the generations.

Masculine Names. Alton, Ander, Cade, Corrin, Eldon, Errich, Finnan, Garret, Lindal, Lyle, Merric, Milo, Osborn, Perrin, Reed, Roscoe, Wellby
Feminine Names. Andry, Bree, Callie, Cora, Euphemia, Jillian, Kithri, Lavinia, Lidda, Merla, Nedda, Paela, Portia, Seraphina, Shaena, Trym, Vani, Verna
Family Names. Brushgather, Goodbarrel, Greenbottle, High-hill, Hilltopple, Leagallow, Tealeaf, Thorngage, Tosscobble, Underbough

Created With: Hero Forge