Halfling

Halflings are a race whose homeland was destroyed and are now spread throughout many human societies. Often stigmatized as thieves and criminals, Halflings stick together and protect their extended families.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Many halflings have very hairy feet. It is traditional for halflings to walk barefoot, but many wear shoes and boots out of necessity.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Halfling is a name applied to the race by humans. Halflings often refer to themselves as "fair folk".

Major Organizations

The Fairkettle Inn is a well-known entirely legitimate business enterprise in Vatalli. Broxley Fairkettle, the current owner of Fairkettle Inn, is known for his work to support fellow business owners, prevent fires, and support halflings throughout the Trading Coalition.
The Goodbarrel Shipping Company is based out of Tezzano, with offices in Nuovo Tezzano. Cormac Goodbarrel is the owner of the Company and the family patriarch, although his son Rowan Goodbarrel manages business in Nuovo Tezzano.
The Honestleaf family has strong roots in Cosia, in the Atathian Empire, where they own a bank.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Nearly all Halflings speak Common (Lurian) as a result of their colonial experience. 
In ancient times, halflings spoke Teanga. Some halflings continue to learn Teanga to connect with their cultural background, but many do not. Halfling texts written prior to Lurian contact are written in Teanga.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Halflings value family above all else. Halflings tend to have large, extended families, with dozens of siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Halflings remember these relationships clearly and often reference their extended family members, although other races sometimes find it difficult to keep track of a halfling's family tree.
Halflings believe strongly in hospitality. Halflings will open their doors and offer shelter to those in need. In particular, halflings always give aid to other halflings in need. It is not expected that this hospitality is repaid, but many halflings do, especially towards other halflings in their community. This often leads to situations where successful and wealthy halflings become community leaders, called Athairs. Athairs aid halflings in need and are owed many favors as a result. 
The relatively short stature of halflings and their limited numbers mean that they are often vulnerable to exploitation by humans. As a result, halflings tend to stick together. It is uncommon for halflings to train with heavy armor and weapons of war, but most know their way with a dagger to protect themselves in the big cities. 
Despite their tragedies and hardships, or perhaps because of it, halflings tend to be friendly and jovial. They celebrate life with their friends, family, and some good food. 
Halflings recognize a number of gods. Kotala, the Eternal Spring is considered the patron deity of the halflings, as she is the goddess of families and harvests. A number of Halflings worship Sakina, The Relentless Storm to grant them a safe voyage in their ships. Absyun, the Justice of the Heavens is also commonly recognized in Halfling communities.

Common Taboos

It is considered extremely offensive to call a halfling "short", "tiny", or similar descriptions.
Halflings are often highly skeptical of military service and conscription as a result of their historical experiences.

History

Until a thousand years ago, halflings lived an idyllic pastoral lifestyle on their home islands, called Oileanra in the old halfling language. This all changed when the islands were discovered by a Lurian admiral, Admiral Kreon, who named the islands after himself (the Kreon Islands). Kreon found the halflings to be friendly, helpful, and curious about sea travel. Many halflings quickly became skilled sailors.
The Lurian Empire was in need of soldiers and sailors for their wars against the Marru Empire. They were conscripted en masse to fight on Lurian ships. Many halflings served with distinction, but their home islands were destroyed by the Marru in the wars.
After the Marru Wars, the halflings built homes in many Lurian settlements. These homes formed the basis of new "halfling towns" or "halftownes" that still exist in many major human cities, especially in the Atathian Empire and Trading Coalition. Halflings have largely integrated into human societies, but they often face stigma as thieves and criminals. Many halflings are still sailors or fishermen and are a common sight in port cities. Some halflings have decided to embrace the pastoral life lost with their homeland, and live in small rural villages in human nations.

Lifespan

70 years

Related Organizations

• Atathian Empire
• Trading Coalition