Dimpled Dolls

Oh, look at them, they're so precious. Aren't you just the dearest things?

— doting owner

The Dimpled Dolls are an exclusively halfling ethnic group rumoured to have originated from fey trickery many centuries in the past. They are halflings that look eerily similar to porcelain dolls, with pale white skin, rosy cheeks, plump lips, and shimmering hair. Their skin is slightly sturdier than that of other halflings, though not enough to grant them defensive benefits, and they are bereft of all body hair. Their eyes, too, hold a glassy, deadened sheen.
Due to their bizarre appearance and striking similarity to the toys of children, dimpled dolls catch the eye of the taller species. They are almost uniquely found in the Medimian Empire where many are enslaved, though in a manner that differs greatly to Medimia's usual forms of slavery. To the aristocratic nobles of the devil-run nation, the dolls are companions and teachers to noble children, and pets or delights to be put on display.
Those that escape slavery in Medimia's grasp are often instead trained as lithe assassins and thieves, oft sent to deal with rebellious uprisings or unwanted political opponents. Their innate ability to appear still enough to be mistaken for a real doll is an intrinsic part of this tactic's success, especially in foreign nations less familiar with the dolls' existence.

Culture and History

We were our own, once upon a time.

— despondent doll

Portrait of a dimpled doll by Hanhula (via Midjourney)

Most of the culture that was once possessed by the dimpled dolls has been eroded and erased by years of oppression, slavery, and servitude. The names they once had, the terms they once used - all have been eradicated from their cultural knowledge. Those few that have access to libraries have been doing what research they can to uncover the grains of their past existence, but the dominance of Medimia prevents them from learning much.
What little has been recovered speaks of a vibrant group of halflings that, not unlike gnomes, dwelled within the fey's homeland. As halflings are not native fey, it must be assumed that they immigrated or were otherwise forced there. The books speak of a species that was confident behind their childlike guises, using them to play pranks or spread fear as they wanted, that eventually made their exodus from their fey homes to seek their kin on the Material Plane.
The stories go no further into their future or their past.

It's like we don't exist to most. Even our kin don't remember us. How are we to escape these bonds if nobody will even remember our real names?

— frustrated doll

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

I don't want to forget who I am, but this-- it's safer, dressed like farmers and freefolk. I gave myself my own name, and nobody took it from me.

— Gwen Applebrook, free doll

On the occasions where the dimpled dolls are free of slavery or otherwise able to choose their own dress, many attempt to hide their nature as best they can with clothes that cover and makeup that alters their appearance to something more natural. Some halflings have maintained these disguises for years of their life, carefully altering the makeup to appear older as they age.
Those embracing their nature, whether it be in freedom or slavery, lean into it with clothing heavily resembling the garb real dolls wear. They don long gowns in often Gothadruni styles, with high collars and plenty of ribbons. They rarely wear armour.

Relationship Ideals

Courtship and relationships are oft arranged for the dolls by their owners, should they be unfortunate enough to have owners or masters. Those who are free of such bonds have strong, independent feelings on their relationships, with fearsome jealousy protecting their lovers and keeping their names secret. One cultural tradition that lingers across generations of dolls is the habit of retaining a locket with some symbol of their lover, typically a portrait or lock of hair; even those in slavery are usually given leave to practice this, as their owners consider it 'cute'.
As dimpled dolls are halflings, many find happiness with non-doll halflings or with other species entirely - gnomes are a common pairing, given their height similarities. Humans recoil at the concept, as do many of the taller races, due to the childlike appearance of all dimpled dolls - those who do enter into cross-species relationships are mindful of this, and take measures to mitigate their youthful appearances with more mature clothing and makeup.

Dimpled doll reading by Hanhula (via Midjourney)

Their inherent doll-like traits are dominant in genetics. Children of a dimpled doll almost always retain their parent's nature. Some believe this is how the rare creatures have even managed to exist for so long, oppressed as they are.

Emilia, dimpled doll of Coruscia by Hanhula (via Midjourney)

Related Locations

• Coruscia

Parent Species

Halfling

Location

Mostly the Medimian Empire

Player Information

Player characters wanting to play as a Dimpled Doll should discuss the roleplay implications of this choice with their GM.
Dimpled dolls receive the following traits:
Creepy Doll

Glassy eyes and porcelain skin make some halflings look more like dolls than living creatures. If they cease moving and pretend to be a doll while they aren’t being observed, they can use the Stealth skill without cover or concealment. A successful Stealth check still allows other creatures to notice the halfling; they just believe the halfling is a doll, similar to the freeze universal monster ability (without being able to take 20).
In addition, they take no size penalty on Intimidate checks against larger humanoids. The racial trait replaces keen senses and sure-footed.
Source PZO1135

Dimdweller

Whenever characters with this trait benefit from concealment or full concealment due to darkness or dim light, they gain a +2 racial bonus on Intimidate, Perception, and Stealth checks. Halflings can take this trait in place of weapon familiarity.
Source PZO9466

Dimpled doll's duties by Hanhula (via Midjourney)

Music of the Dimpled Dolls