Halflings
Out to see the world? Well, for sure it's a sight to see! But when you go and see the infinite wonders which aren't anywhere within the boundaries of the farms? You should know there's a terrible place which doesn't care about who you are or what your hopes and dreams are. It's the same place, it's the outside world. We'll be here when you get back, home is always waiting for you when you're tired.
Overview
Halflings are a curious race, which is to say they seem to have a boundless curiosity for the world around them as much as the other races wish they knew more about halflings. The name of their race has been lost to time, as the term 'halfling' became normal among humans and elves. With the easygoing nature of halflings, they decided to simply adopt what was working at the time. After all, to them it was less important what a thing was called as opposed to what a thing is. The uncomplicated mindset, and affinity for simple pleasures in life, lead to halflings existing in many locations without much trouble.Physically, halflings are unassuming and non-threatening; they are shorter and more slender than dwarves, tending to more lithe and agile builds. What most people know about halflings is not really what they know about halflings; despite how much is shared around the world concerning the quiet and simple folk, there are several things which just aren't widely known. For whatever reason, halflings are content to let those questions either become deflected or go unanswered.
The Mystery
It's hard to say how deep the mystery around halflings goes, as people in the Empire have mostly given up on trying to get the information out of them. What most know of are a few communities of farmers or herders throughout Rhyliss, and some urban-dwellers with only minor troubles with the law. With no hints of anything malicious or ominous from them, the mystery is considered to have no merit by many who have the resources to investigate. Halflings tend to cultivate and use this mysterious past for their own ends, even as generations may have gone by without actually living in the ancestral lands of their race. Where other races obsess over these sorts of things, halflings just go with the flow and treat the enjoyment of life and pursuit of simple pleasures to be more worthwhile. Adventurers are only slightly different, as they often represent a portion of halflings who think outside of their own small villages or circles of friends and look for a greater purpose.Homeland
As noted, halflings don't lay claim to a particular homeland in the current generations; instead they tend to gather in small agricultural villages with tightly-knit communities. Every member is expected to help the whole community survive, and defend the others when necessary. This means they tend to identify where they're from in casual means, such as "the farms near Greenwallow Run two days up the river and around the bend". While travelers are welcome in these communities, it is known among halflings not all races share their outlook on life; outsiders should expect to be given every courtesy, but asked to either pay money or perform labor in trade for what they are given. Those who travel alone, however, should be treated as cautiously as any other lone wanderer - there is undoubtedly a reason they travel alone.Favored Deities
Much like humanity, halflings don't tie themselves to any particular deities, and yet unlike the other races they do not build grand temples or shrines. Rather, they tend to the understated expressions of respect and admiration of art which can be left for others to appreciate. One common choice for works of art is the Will of Seasons, being represented in various aspects; often these representations are more abstract than direct, as halflings are less prone to thinking of the gods as people and more akin to forces which shape the world.
Lifespan
78 years
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