Halfling

The Luckbound

Halflings in Erenel are a small but enduring people, blessed by the primal deity Kav'wa, the Bard Prince with an uncanny sense of luck and an irresistible urge known as the Call of the Wanderbound. Though many live quiet lives in hidden glades and hill stead villages, each Halfling carries the spark of a greater tale, one that can awaken at any moment and send them on a journey beyond comfort and into legend. Guided by instinct, and charm, Halflings walk the world as living verses in Kav’wa’s great poem, drawn toward adventure by forces older than memory.

Long ago, when the Great Sacrifice shattered the world, the frightened Halflings made a bargain, or perhaps, a bargain made them. With a grin, a song, and a pact older than memory, Kav'wa, the Bard Prince gifted them with "The Luck". The Luck is more than good fortune. It is divine favor wrapped in chaos, a ripple in destiny that shields Halflings from certain doom, but with a cost. In exchange, Kav’wa planted within their hearts the Call of the Wanderbound, an irresistible pull to leave safety behind and walk the road that sings their name.
To be a Halfling is to walk in the wake of story. Their lives are simple in appearance, filled with communal feasts and laughter by the firelight. But behind every smile is a soul marked by the primal deity. Those who feel the Call cannot resist it for long. It begins as a dream, a forgotten lyric, a breeze pulling at their cloak. When the Call arrives, the Halfling must go, leaving behind home and hearth to chase something not even they can name, for no two Calls are the same.
Now, in the Era of Inner Flame, Halflings live in sequestered shires across Erenel. They are adventurers, diplomats, storytellers, and sometimes, troublemakers. But whether they are stumbling into fate or skipping toward it with a tune on their lips, one thing is always true: where a Halfling walks, fortune follows, and the next great story may begin with someone barely tall enough to reach the tavern counter.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halflings are a small and nimble folk, typically standing just under 3 feet tall, with compact, sturdy builds that conceal surprising endurance. Their faces are expressive and open, with large eyes that shimmer with curiosity in earthy tones like chestnut, hazel, and golden amber. Their hair ranges from tousled curls to sleek waves in shades of brown, red, or sun kissed blonde, which is often worn loose or tucked beneath scarves. Their skin tends to tan easily, reflecting their love for sun, field, and open road.
Though Halflings favor layered vests, long-buttoned shirts, and earth-toned trousers, those who have received the Call of the Wanderbound often wear small charms, thread-braided bracelets, or patchwork cloaks stitched with scenes from home. Subtle birthmarks or freckles are sometimes called “story spots,” and are believed by some to mark where Kav’wa brushed them during a dream. Despite their unassuming appearance, Halflings carry a natural charisma with something in their step or smile that suggests they know more than they let on. Some say it’s the Luck at work. Others say it’s the warmth of a soul already half-sung into legend.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Wanderbound Rite

The Wanderbound Rite is one of the most sacred and joyful ceremonies in Halfling culture, performed when a Halfling receives their Call of the Wanderbound. It is believed the Call is Kav’wa’s whispered verse, a fragment of divine poetry spun into the soul of a Halfling at birth, and when the melody finally rises, it must be followed or the song will sour.
Though the Call is personal and often strikes without warning, the community comes together to celebrate, mourn, and bless the one chosen. The Wanderbound Rite is not a funeral nor a farewell, but a send-off into a living story, a journey that may one day be sung in taverns or whispered in the next verse of Kav’wa’s great poem.

Ceremony Details

When a Halfling feels the Call of the Wanderbound, they confide in a village elder, or a local speaker of Kav’wa’s legend. The night before their departure, a feast is held where the Wanderbound recounts their life so far. Others offer riddles, gifts, and songs in return. In rare occasions, a relative may leave with them, feeling a Call themselves.
As the Halfling departs, the community sings the Chorus of the Footlight, a traditional farewell composed of improvised lines unique to the Wanderbound’s tale. It is believed Kav’wa listens to these verses and awaits a new story to be told.

Chorus of the Footlight

Traditionally sung in call and response with hand drums, clapping, or spoon and pan rhythm.

Verse 1 – The Call

Speaker (Village Elder):

“Who hears the breeze behind the door, That hums of places walked before?”

Chorus (Community):

“They do! They do! With pack in hand, Their feet will learn what tales are planned.”

Verse 2 – The Adventure

Speaker (Village Elder):

“One foot on trail, one hand on heart, The stars’ll watch which way they start.”

Chorus (Community):

“Let boots stay dry and blade stay clean, Let luck ride close and eyes stay keen.”

Verse 3 – The Blessing

Speaker (Village Elder):

“The road is dirt, the sky is wide, Your boots’ll wear but not our pride.”

Chorus (Community):

“So pack your bread, and tie it tight, You’ll chase the dawn and dream the night!”

Closing – The Departure

All Together (softly):

“Though gone beyond our fire’s gleam, You carry home in every dream.”

Lifespan

About 150 years

Average Height

Small (about 2-3 feet tall)

Radu

Character played by Mudkip

---

Superstitions & Beliefs

Halflings live life by little signs and secret truths. Their culture is shaped by old stories, passed whispers, and the deep understanding that what seems small may still sway the stars. Below are common superstitions, rituals, and beliefs found among Halfling communities across Erenel.
Some are shared traditions, others may vary from shire to shire, but all stem from a reverence for the unseen rhythm of Kav’wa’s great poem and the sacred chaos of the Luck.

Bootstring Rule

Never tie both boots before stepping once. One lace should be left loose until your first full step. Tying both is said to “trap the Luck,” keeping it from walking freely beside you.

Cracked Teacups

Considered sacred and lucky, especially if the crack formed while laughing or storytelling. Many Halflings will keep one displayed near the hearth.

Empty Cup Blessing

Leave a single drop in your tea or ale. This honors those on the road and encourages the Luck to help wayfarers in need.

Shoelace Offerings

When someone receives the Call of the Wanderbound, a family member will often weave a spare shoelace into their belt as a silent promise: “You’ll find the road back home.”

Trickster Coin

Never pick up a coin flipped by moonlight until dawn. To do so is to steal Kav’wa’s joke before the punchline lands. Instead, mark it with a pebble, and check again at sunrise.

Unfinished Song Warding

Never leave a song half-sung while indoors. To do so invites forgetful spirits, who’ll haunt the silence with misfortune until someone finishes the tune.

Verse Knots

A Halfling will tie ribbons with simple rhymes into their clothing or travel gear to act as a small blessings for health, good dreams, and safe passage.

---

Halfling Traits

As a Halfling, you have these special traits.
Show Halfling Traits

Halfling

Creature Type: Humanoid
Size: Small (about 2–3 feet tall)
Speed: 30 feet
Brave. You have Advantage on saving throws you make to avoid or end the Frightened condition.
Halfling Nimbleness. You can move through the space of any creature that is a size larger than you, but you can’t stop in the same space.
Luck. When you roll a 1 on the d20 of a D20 Test, you can reroll the die, and you must use the new roll.
Naturally Stealthy. You can take the Hide action even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.