HALFLING Species in Aetheus | World Anvil

HALFLING (HAFF-Ling)

Halflings – also known as Hin amongst themselves or the "good folk" amongst other races, or the "Quick Folk" and "Sly Folk" – were humanoid creatures similar in shape to humans – whom halflings called the "Big Folk," "Manyhanded", or "Hurbryn" – but around half their size. Halflings got along well with most of the other races and were known for their curiosity and tendency to collect things.   The term "halfling" was derived from the fact that a halfling was around half of the size of a human, but otherwise very similar in appearance. Halflings were small in comparison with the members of most other races, standing somewhere from 2′8″‒3′4″ (81‒100 cm) tall and weighing on average between 30‒35 lb (14‒16 kg). In many ways, halflings resembled small humans and usually had the same proportions as the typical human adult. Most halflings had dark hair and eyes, regardless of their skin complexion which, although commonly ruddy in hue had a similar range to humans.   Nearly all male halflings were incapable of growing true beards, though many had long sideburns. Halfling hairstyles were often complex, with strands woven together or braided. Although halflings had an affinity for collecting valuables, they did not prefer to wear these on their person, instead preferring more comfortable clothing.   Halflings had lifespans comparable with, but slightly longer than, humans. A halfling was typically considered an adult in their early twenties and some lived into their 150s.   The comforts of home are the goals of most halflings' lives: a place to settle in peace and quiet, far from marauding monsters and clashing armies. Others form nomadic bands that travel constantly, lured by the open road and the wide horizon to discover the wonders of new lands and peoples. Halflings work readily with others, and they are loyal to their friends, whether halfling or otherwise. They can display remarkable ferocity when their friends, families, or communities are threatened.  

RACIAL SKILLS, ABILITIES & FEATURES

  • Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by +2.
  • Age. A halfling reaches adulthood at the age of 20 and generally lives into the middle of his or her second century.
  • Alignment. Most halflings are lawful good. As a rule, they are good-hearted and kind, hate to see others in pain, and have no tolerance for oppression. They are also very orderly and traditional, leaning heavily on the support of their community and the comfort of the old ways.
  • Size. Halflings average about 3 feet tall and weigh about 40 pounds. Your size is Small.
  • Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
  • Lucky. When you roll a 1 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die. You must use the new result, even if it is a 1.
  • Brave. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
  • Nimble. You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.
  • Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Halfling.

SUBRACES

Strongheart, Lightfoot, Ghostwise, Lotusden.  

Lightfoot Halfling


Lightfoot halflings were the most common type of halflings seen in the world, in large part due to their famous wanderlust, which set them apart from the relatively sedentary ghostwise and strongheart halflings.   Lightfoots were most comfortable living alongside other cultures, even adopting their cultural practices, right down to their deities.  
  • Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by +1.
  • Naturally Stealthy. You can attempt to hide even when you are only obscured by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLE
 
GENDER BASE HEIGHT HEIGHT MODIFIER HEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE HEIGHT
MALE 2'7'' +(2d4) 2'9''-3'3'' 3'0''
FEMALE 2'6'' +(2d4) 2'8''-3'2'' 2'10''
 
GENDER BASE WEIGHT WEIGHT MODIFIER WEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE WEIGHT
MALE 35 lbs x(1) 37-43lbs 40 lbs
FEMALE 30 lbs x(1) 32-40 lbs 35 lbs
 

Strongheart Halfling


As a stout halfling, you’re hardier than average and have some resistance to poison. Some say that Stouts have dwarven blood.  
  • Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by +1.
  • Stout Resilience. You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance to poison damage.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLE
 
GENDER BASE HEIGHT HEIGHT MODIFIER HEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE HEIGHT
MALE 2'9'' +(2d4) 3'1''-3'9'' 3'5''
FEMALE 2'8'' +(2d4) 3'0''-3'8'' 3'4''
 
GENDER BASE WEIGHT WEIGHT MODIFIER WEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE WEIGHT
MALE 40 lbs x(1) 42-47lbs 45 lbs
FEMALE 35 lbs x(1) 37-43 lbs 40 lbs

Ghostwise Halfling


Ghostwise halflings were the most uncommon of the three halfling subraces. Ghostwise halflings were very elusive and were generally isolated from the outside world. They often lived a nomadic life in clans. Those who left the clan often carried a token of some important natural feature in their clan's territory, such as a stone or a vial of water from a stream. Losing one's token was considered a sin and required an act of atonement assigned by the clan leader.  
  • Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by +1.
  • Silent Speech. You can speak telepathically to any creature within 30 feet of you. The creature understands you only if the two of you share a language. You can speak telepathically in this way to one creature at a time.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLE
 
GENDER BASE HEIGHT HEIGHT MODIFIER HEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE HEIGHT
MALE
FEMALE
 
GENDER BASE WEIGHT WEIGHT MODIFIER WEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE WEIGHT
MALE
FEMALE

Lotusden Halfling


  • Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by +1.
  • Children of the Woods. You know the Druidcraft Cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast the Entangle spell once per long rest. At 5th level, you can cast Spike Growth spell once per long rest. These spells don't require the material components normally required. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
  • Timberwalk. Ability checks made to track you are at disadvantage and you can move through difficult terrain made of non-magical plants and overgrowth without expending extra movement.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLE
GENDER BASE HEIGHT HEIGHT MODIFIER HEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE HEIGHT
MALE
FEMALE
GENDER BASE WEIGHT WEIGHT MODIFIER WEIGHT RANGE AVERAGE WEIGHT
MALE
FEMALE

HALFLING GENERAL INFORMATION

PATRON DEITY MAEVERICKI
HOMELAND(s) Prime Material Plane, Feywild
LANGUAGES Common, Halfling
AVERAGE LIFESPAN 150 YEARS
DIET Omnivore
SUBRACES Ghostwise - Lightfoot - Lotusden - Strongheart
 

HALFLING APPEARANCE

 
AVERAGE HEIGHT 2'8''-3'4'' (81-100cm)
AVERAGE WEIGHT 30-35 lb (14-16 kg)
SKIN COLOUR(s) Pale to dark brown
HAIR COLOUR(s) Auburn, black, brown; grays to white with age
EYE COLOUR(s) Black, brown or hazel
DISTINCTIONS Small, seldom wear facial hair, dextrous
Related Materials