Halfling
The diminutive halflings survive in a world full of larger creatures by avoiding notice or, barring that, avoiding offense. Standing about 3 feet tall, they appear relatively harmless and so have managed to survive for centuries in the shadow of empires and on the edges of wars and political strife. They are inclined to be stout, weighing between 40 and 45 pounds.
Halflings’ skin ranges from tan to pale with a ruddy cast, and their hair is usually brown or sandy brown and wavy. They have brown or hazel eyes. Halfling men often sport long sideburns, but beards are rare among them and mustaches even more so. They like to wear simple, comfortable, and practical clothes, favoring bright colors.
Halfling practicality extends beyond their clothing. They’re concerned with basic needs and simple pleasures and have little use for ostentation. Even the wealthiest of halflings keep their treasures locked in a cellar rather than on display for all to see. They have a knack for finding the most straightforward solution to a problem, and have little patience for dithering.
Halflings are an affable and cheerful people. They cherish the bonds of family and friendship as well as the comforts of hearth and home, harboring few dreams of gold or glory. Even adventurers among them usually venture into the world for reasons of community, friendship, wanderlust, or curiosity. They love discovering new things, even simple things, such as an exotic food or an unfamiliar style of clothing.
Halflings are easily moved to pity and hate to see any living thing suffer. They are generous, happily sharing what they have even in lean times.
Halflings are adept at fitting into a community of humans, dwarves, or elves, making themselves valuable and welcome. The combination of their inherent stealth and their unassuming nature helps halflings to avoid unwanted attention.
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.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Lightfoot Halflings - Star Valley; Barren Expanse;
Stout Halflings - Reparian Wetlands; Mirroed Grasslands
Lotusden Halflings - Seelie Swamp; Bluesnow
Ghostwise Halflings - Cliffrend Trenches; Inky Bay and Glassy Gulf
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Starfall Festival
Overview: The Starfall Festival is the most cherished holiday of the halfling inhabitants of Star Valley, a serene desert oasis where shimmering sands meet lush greenery. Celebrated annually under the brilliant display of a meteor shower, the festival honors the harmony between nature and the celestial wonders that bless their homeland.
When:
Date: The festival takes place on the Night of the Falling Stars, a specific night when a meteor shower known as the Celestial Cascade is at its peak.
Timing: Begins at sunset and continues until dawn, lasting approximately 12 hours.
Significance:
The Starfall Festival commemorates the legend of Aelara Starweaver, a revered halfling sage who, according to folklore, wove the stars into the night sky to guide her people through a devastating drought. The meteor shower is believed to be the remnants of her celestial loom, scattering stardust to replenish the oasis and ensure prosperity.
Traditions and Customs:
Star Lantern Lighting:
Description: As dusk settles, halflings craft intricate lanterns adorned with star motifs and biodegradable materials. Each lantern symbolizes a wish or hope for the coming year.
Activity: Families and friends gather by the central pool to release their lanterns into the night sky, creating a mesmerizing display of floating lights that mimic the stars above.
Celestial Feast:
Cuisine: A grand banquet featuring desert specialties such as spiced dates, roasted cactus, starfruit desserts, and sweet nectar drinks.
Special Dish: Meteor Meatballs – savory meatballs shaped like shooting stars, seasoned with native herbs.
Storytelling Under the Stars:
Activity: Elders recount the tale of Aelara Starweaver and other celestial myths. Young halflings share their own stories and dreams inspired by the night sky.
Feature: Dramatic performances with shadow puppets and lantern displays to illustrate the legends.
Stargazing and Star Mapping:
Activity: Using handcrafted telescopes and star maps, halflings observe the meteor shower and identify constellations.
Tradition: Each family adds a new star to their personal star map, marking significant events or aspirations.
Dance of the Celestial Winds:
Performance: A communal dance representing the movement of stars and celestial bodies, performed to traditional music featuring stringed instruments and rhythmic percussion.
Participation: Everyone, from children to elders, joins in the dance, symbolizing unity and the flow of life.
Sand Sculpting Competitions:
Activity: Artists create elaborate sand sculptures inspired by celestial themes, such as planets, stars, and mythical creatures.
Judging: Sculptures are judged on creativity, craftsmanship, and adherence to the celestial theme, with winners receiving honors and small prizes.
Decorations:
Star Motifs: Homes and public spaces are adorned with star-shaped banners, twinkling lights, and celestial symbols.
Oasis Beautification: Palm trees and flowering plants around the oasis are decorated with colorful fabrics and lanterns, enhancing the natural beauty of Star Valley.
Pathways: Illuminated paths made from luminescent stones guide festival-goers through the oasis, creating a magical ambiance.
Attire:
Traditional Garments: Halflings wear vibrant, flowing robes in shades of midnight blue, silver, and gold, embellished with star patterns and reflective threads.
Accessories: Star-shaped jewelry, glowing bracelets, and headpieces made from desert flowers and celestial elements are popular.
Special Highlights:
Meteor Wish Ceremony: At the peak of the meteor shower, halflings collectively make silent wishes, believing that the falling stars carry their hopes to the heavens.
Stardust Crafts Market: Artisans sell handmade goods inspired by the stars, including jewelry, textiles, pottery, and artwork, fostering community support and creativity.
Nighttime Oasis Tours: Guided walks through the oasis under the starlit sky, showcasing its natural beauty and the celestial phenomena that make Star Valley unique.
Community Impact:
The Starfall Festival strengthens communal bonds, fosters a deep appreciation for nature and the cosmos, and perpetuates the rich cultural heritage of Star Valley’s halfling population. It serves as a time for reflection, celebration, and the reinforcement of traditions that have sustained the community through generations.
In Summary: The Starfall Festival is a vibrant and enchanting celebration that embodies the spirit of Star Valley’s halfling inhabitants. Through its blend of celestial homage, communal activities, and rich traditions, the festival not only honors the past but also inspires hope and unity for the future.
History
Always nomadic in nature, the haflings were known for their passion for exploring the unknown. A whimsical bunch that would explore the unexplored places of Astrium that would be generally left for beasts and monsters. During their travels they find a number of rare flora that can be used in a variety of ways, from soups to potions.
When humans first arrived to Astrium, the halflings were the first to offer assistance in getting used to the world. During the pandora war, the halflings were shown to utilise guerilla tactics, using the environment around them to their advantage; in particular using their knowledge of flora to seal away Zuggtmoy the Sin of Sloth.
After the Divide - The halflings moved about the continent to seek the riches of the Sins. After the natural resources of the Sins dwindled, they returned to their nomadic lifestyle.
The Lightfoots moved to the desert landscapes taking advantage of their ability to walk along the sand without sinking, finding natural ways to skim along the sand in sandboard. They were able to work with a travelling band of ogres for the heavy lifting.
The Stouts headed to more savage lands, opting to keep their natural resilience to poison to live in more toxic environments that monsters would avoid.
The Lotusden moved to the more chaotic areas of Astrium, that were left to grow wild, keeping the Yuan-ti in check in Bluesnow and ensuring the fey didnt run rampart in the Seelie Swamp.
Finally the Ghostwise took to the coast line, living among the dangerous areas of coastline; Glassy Gulf, Inky Bay and Cliffrend Trenches.
Today, the halfings are adaptable and take any change in their stride, and have taken on technology in interesting ways.
Lifespan
200
Average Height
3ft
Geographic Distribution
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