Halflings

Ümbria's short, quick, and relaxed race of woodsmiths, gardeners, winemakers, chefs, as well as merchants and bards.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halfling are a humanoid race. Halflings resemble shorter / smaller Humans in many ways while still looking different enough to be distinguishable from that of a midget Human. Halfling males grow hair on almost ever inch of their bodies except for the palms of their hands, the soles of their feet, and around their mouths (they do still grow sideburns). Females body hair grow slower than males as well as being thinner. Female do not grow sideburns or hair on their chests or stomachs. Halflings have round ears.

Genetics and Reproduction

A female Halfling will carry her unborn child (or children) for close to a year and a half before giving birth. Halflings, a majority of the time, will have multiple children at once with twins and triplets being quite common; however, the chance of identical siblings are about the same as in Humans.

Growth Rate & Stages

Live for around 100 - 200+ years. 5 stages of life: 0-5 baby, 6-15 child, 16-49 young adult, 50-139 adult, 140+ elder. (all in years)

Ecology and Habitats

Halflings like to build "in-hill" homes called "Nooks." Halflings build these nooks by digging out a portion of land before constructing their home in the created hole. Then they would place the previously dug out dirt and sod back over their home making the Halfling home look like it is apart of the land. If a hill / mound is already present where a Halfling wants to place his home they may attempt to hollow out the hill / mound instead of digging out all of the dirt. The nook style is the prefered style for many Halflings; however, Halfling do build exposed wooden structures to be use as both homes as well as shops, taverns, and buildings for storage.
Halflings generally live together in "Hollows" which range in size bwteen that of a Human town and a small Human city. These Halfling hollows are usually located far away from certain other races. The ideal spot for a hollow would be in a valley or in a mostly flat grassland area near a river. This type of location would give the Halflings places to build "in-hill" homes as well as areas for farming and fishing.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Like many of the other Ümbrian races, Halflings eat a mixture of meats, vegetables, and fruits.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Halflings generally live together in "Hollows" which range in size bewteen that of a Human town and a small Human city. These Halfling hollows are usually located far enough away from certain groups / races to not provoke trouble but also close enough to certain groups / races to be able to trade, buy, and sell for products not normally available to the hollow. Humans and Katriin are a Halflings choice trade partner as they are the most willing to buy Halfling goods as well as being the least xenophobic. Halflings are expert woodsmiths giving any artist of any other race a run for their money. Halflings attempt to stay on good terms with most groups of people / every race the best they can to not lose customers / friends unnecessarily.
These hollows have very little in the way of an actually goverment or organizing body. If a decision needs to be made the hollow will come together and put the matter to a vote, before going back to their drinks. The hollow will consider what Halfling elders have to say about the topic, if they have anything to say at all, before making any quick decisions. Halfling hollows stay out of the politics of and between other races and attempt to not draw unwanted attantion towards themselves as much as Halfling-ly possible.
Many Halflings enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of their hollow, while others opt for adventure and travel. Those how decide to leave their hollow tend to become travelling merchants and/or bards. Bards will bring stories of old and new as well as news of late from far off lands to those without much connection / conntact to the rest of Ümbria.
Many other Halflings live along side Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Katriin. These Halflings will become welcome additions to whatever town / city they deside to settle down in as Halfings make excellent merchants, bards, chefs, winemakers, and craftsmen.
Many Halflings worship Lliira, Isis, and Sune.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Halflings see through their eyes, hear through their ears, smell through their noses, feel through their skin, and communicate through their mouth / throat. Halflings have exceptionally good tasting capabilities causing them to enjoy food and drink more than other races.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common, Halfling

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Halflings write down very little of their history believing it would take too long to write down, too long to read, and would lose much of the passion, excitement, and emotion that a Halfling desires in a good story. Halflings instead opt for telling their history through tale and song over a good mug of brew.

Origin/Ancestry

One of the many races created by the gods to populate Ümbria.

Lifespan

100 - 200 years

Average Height

2'8" - 3'4"

Average Weight

30-45lbs. male. 30-35lbs. female.