Halflings of the Flanaess

Halflings may be small in stature, but their big hearts, quick wits, and unyielding resilience have made them a cherished and integral part of the Flanaess.

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Known as hobniz by the Flan, halflings are a small but resourceful race that has spread across the Flanaess. They come in three distinct subraces:

• Lightfoot Halflings – The most common variety, lightfeet stand just over 3 feet tall, with ruddy faces, brown hair, and eyes of various shades. They are curious, adventurous, and quick-witted.
• Stout Halflings – Shorter and broader than lightfoots, stouts have coarse hair and sometimes grow facial hair on their cheeks. They are hardy and resilient, often living over 200 years.
• Tallfellow Halflings – The least common, tallfellows are taller and slimmer than other halflings, with fairer complexions and lighter hair. They prefer wooded areas and are known for their keen perception.

Origins & Settlement

Halflings originated in the river valleys of west-central Flanaess, including the Sheldomar, Fals, and Velverdyva Rivers. They spread slowly across the region, and by the time of the Great Migrations, their settlements extended as far north as the Gamboge Forest and east to the Harp River. Today, they are found throughout the Flanaess, particularly in the Sheldomar Valley, the Urnst States, and the Ulek States. Halflings prefer stable lands with long histories of peace and tend to form close-knit communities within human, dwarven, and gnomish societies.

Lifestyle & Culture

Halflings are known for their love of comfort, fine food, and good company. They enjoy colorful attire, with men favoring knee-britches, tunics, and vests, while women wear bodice-covered shifts and long skirts. For hunting and war, they adopt gnome-style camouflage clothing in mottled greens and browns.

• Diet: Though they hunt when necessary, halflings prefer a diet of breads, vegetables, and fruits, occasionally indulging in pheasant or other small game.
• Craftsmanship & Magic: Halflings are skilled craftsmen and famous for their enchanted foods and herbal magic. Their spells tend to be protective and defensive.
• Social Structure: Halfling communities are often led by elected officials such as mayors or sheriffs. Family ties are strong, and they value hospitality and friendship.
• Alignment: Traditionally, halflings have been lawful and good-aligned, though modern depictions often describe them as neutral.

Halflings in the Flanaess

Halflings reside throughout the Flanaess, with significant populations in:

• Elmshire (Domain of Greyhawk) – A major halfling settlement on the southern coast of the Nyr Dyv, with a population of 3,800.
• Vesve Forest, Silverwood, and Flinty Hills – Smaller halfling communities exist here, as well as in the Good Hills and Hollow Highlands.
• Cairn Hills Region – Many halflings here live near the Nyr Dyv, settling in lands overlooked by larger races.

Religion

The chief deity of halflings is Yondalla, who leads a pantheon including Arvoreen, Brandobaris, Cyrrollalee, Sheela Peryroyl, and Urogalan. Many halflings also revere Ehlonna and Ulaa, while Obad-hai occasionally manifests in halfling form.

Language

Halflings have their own language, written using the Common alphabet. Their tongue is practical, borrowing from many other languages, and features an extensive oral tradition. Most halflings speak Common, with many also knowing Gnomish, Goblin, and Orcish.

Historical Events

Halflings have generally avoided large-scale conflicts, preferring to live in stable and peaceful lands.