Halfling

A humanoid species, and, like their name, are roughly half the size of a human being. Halflings, typically, are peaceful, but rather cowardly. They somewhat resemble leporidae, both in appearance, and in behavior. Halflings prefer to live in large groups, mostly consisting of relatives, but they also enjoy the company of other species, specifically the safety the bigger ‘uns provide. They often live together in farming communities, mostly to facilitate the enormous amounts of food they go through. Rumor has it they once hibernated.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halflings resemble humans, but have several key differences. As mentioned previously, they are roughly half the size of the average human, but are slightly disproportionate, in that they have larger feet and somewhat larger heads. Halflings, though having human facial structures, are also in possession of rabbit-like ears, only barely peeking over the top of their head in length. Finally, halflings have very hairy lower legs, covering their shins and tops of their feet in a thick, often soft fur. This, plus very calloused soles, gives them no need for shoes, even in the winters.

Biological Traits

Halflings, asides from minor differences, have practically identical bodily functions to humans, though there are minor differences. Halflings have higher body temperature by a few degrees, and have a higher metabolism.

Genetics and Reproduction

Halflings reproduce like humans do, though are somewhat more fertile and have a higher chance for twins.

Growth Rate & Stages

Halflings mature similarly to humans, but seeing as how they have longer lifespans, generally lag a decade or so in development past age 12.

Ecology and Habitats

Halflings can live in practically any environment, but prefer fertile plains, both because they enjoy having both access to a lot of food, and the ability to keep an eye on the landscape.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Halflings are omnivorous, but prefer food high in sugar content, such as pastries, fruits and certain vegetables. A pudgy halfling is a healthy halfling! Halflings prefer building up a fat reserve, mostly so that when in times of shortage, they can depend on what’s already stored in their bodies. A good, sturdy halfling can easily last a week on an empty stomach if needed. Not that they like to.

Biological Cycle

Halflings are not very much affected by the seasons, other than a slight thickening in furcoat on their legs during the winters.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Halflings generally follow along with whatever society they occupy. Halfling communities tend to set up spread settlements, with sentries as most respected members of society. There is little hierarchy typically present in halfling societies, though sentries tend to be well-trusted and often followed members of society. Sentries are not elected or hereditarily chosen, they are volunteers. In contemporary societies, though, the actual job of Sentries is often no longer needed. Instead, they serve as benefactors to the community, most of the time.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Halflings can be found all around the globe, though originate from around northern Africa. Today, they are most commonly found in Britain, Scandinavia, Northern Africa and Southern Asia.

Average Intelligence

Sapient.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Halflings perceive the world as humans do, albeit with a heightened sense for hearing. Their hearing is so good, it used to be rumored halflings have a sixth sense for danger, while really, they just noticed when something was awry far before anyone else. Halflings are not inherently magical creatures, and will have to be taught like most other species.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Halflings, as mentioned, typically do not have major organizations, nor a capital. They used to be nomadic, and have some remainders of that time in their societies. For example, Halflings across settlements will use a common grave site, return annually to sanctuaries for celebrations, or organize events in the same place as their ancestors did. Monuments for these locations are often very subtle, in fear of being destroyed.

Beauty Ideals

Halflings appreciate those who are well-groomed, and have a good amount of fat on their bellies. To look proper and well-fed is a sign of prosperity, and halflings strive for that to be ubiquitous in their communities.

Gender Ideals

Halflings aren’t particularly strict about their gender ideals, though mothers are often expected to be more fiercely protective over their families once they have children, causing for some real cranky moms in halfling communities. Mothers serve as pseudo-sentries, keeping individual homes safe. Most jobs are unisex, but generally mothers stay closer to the house to keep an eye on the children.

Courtship Ideals

If you can cook, you’ll do great.

Relationship Ideals

Halflings are primarily monogamous.

Average Technological Level

Halflings have never really been tinkerers, but attained technological advancements decently quick. During nomadic days, halflings produced easy to carry, versatile and multi-purpose tools, mostly made of plant material and stone for easy and cheap production. After becoming more sedentary, halflings came to prefer larger, more durable tools, as well as broader selections of them. Nowadays, halflings have retained traditional technology, mostly for farming. Most still don’t understand smartphones to this day. Halflings aren’t particularly known for their inventions, but the swiss army knife was inspired by their multi-purpose tools.

Common Etiquette Rules

Halflings are, generally, extraordinarily polite. The downside of this, is that they take any declines of their offers extremely personally. The gesture is of great value with halflings, the recipient needn’t make use of the gift as intended. A declination, in halfling’s eyes, is seen as a refusal of admiration, appreciation, and other niceties. Halflings are prone to gossip in and outside their community, and as such tend to avoid direct confrontation. Any disdain tends to be reflected in back-handed, subtle gestures, such as the aforementioned declination of a gift. Even if you don’t intend to, a declination, therefore, is seen as a direct message of ‘I do not like you’. Just take the gift but toss it in the bin once they’re out of sight if you really don’t want it.

Common Dress Code

Halflings are known to dress modestly no matter the weather, but hardly ever wear legwear that reaches much lower than the knee. Halflings do not wear shoes, either. They enjoy wearing several belts to store their belongings and tools in pouches, or clothing customized to have obscene amounts of pockets, preferably aprons.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Most of halfling culture is based around inter-community ties, where villages and families, despite distances, travel to communal spaces for celebration. Popular places include sanctuaries, but with halfling’s love for culinary arts, may also be restaurants. Halfling-run restaurants, for that exact reason, tend to be incredibly large buildings, and include sleeping accommodations either within the building or nearby. Halflings are very talented chefs, specializing in high calorie meals. Halfling tastebuds are a bit more sensitive than those of other species, and include palettes that most would consider an ‘acquired taste’.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Among halflings, children are often taught household and labor practices from young ages, having children as young as four tagging along to farmlands, for example, where they will watch their parents work to acquire skills early on. Halfling children, when not sleeping excessively, are very active, and will run about aimlessly if not given anything to do. Halflings enjoy crafting various toys for their children to combat this, when not having anything else to keep them occupied with, or just to let them have a little fun. Halflings love culinary experimentation, and every family will have its own dish, of which the recipe is top secret. They’re a bit competitive in that regard.

Historical Figures

Though their names have been lost to time, the first sedentary halflings, also known as the First of Villagers, have been hailed as important figures in changing halfling societies. It was they who began to trade in temporary burrows for aboveground structures of more permanent residences, and though their actual acts and identities are very vague, they are still highly appreciated. Also popular was Malah Namtar, a Sentry supposedly so adept at her job, she could alert her village for incoming danger up to a week before the actual event. She was said to be active around the 11th~12th century AD.

Common Myths and Legends

The First of Villagers have been deified in a way, seeing as tellings of their life stories and existences vary from community to community. Across all of them though, halflings pray to the First to ensure bountiful harvest, and offerings are made to them post-harvest. This is often tied with festivities.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Halflings get along well with most of everybody, though carnivore based species, such as gnolls and kobolds, fill them with irrational anxiety.

Lifespan

Averagely 150, but can last up to 200 years.

Average Height

0.9-1.2 metres

Average Weight

Varies. Preferably around 50~70 kg.

Average Physique

Halflings are most often chubby. They tend to have strong leg muscles, and great stamina for traveling long distances on foot.