Halflings

The comforts of home are the goals of most halflings’ lives: a place to settle in peace and quiet, far from marauding monsters and clashing armies; a blazing fire and a generous meal; fine drink and fine conversation. Though most halflings live out their days in The Undertown System, others form nomadic bands that travel constantly, lured by the open road and the wide horizon to discover the wonders of new lands and peoples. But even these wanderers love peace, food, hearth, and home, though home might be a wagon jostling along a dirt road or a raft floating downriver.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halflings resemble humans but smaller, with nimble fingers and large, fur-covered feet.

Growth Rate & Stages

Halflings have lifespans comparable with, but slightly longer than, humans. A halfling is typically considered an adult in their early twenties and some live into their 150s

Ecology and Habitats

Halflings live in dry, comfortable, well-build burrows beneath the ground. In The Undertown System, they also dig tunnels between their individual burrows to form an interconnected network of undertown highways.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Anywhere humans can be found, there can be found Halflings.

Average Intelligence

Halflings tend to be clever and curious rather than considerate and wise.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Halflings prefer traditional, agrarian names, and participate in the Becoming just as Humans do. However, they also keep ahold of their halfling clan name even when adopted into a human clan. Example: Jorg Lightfoot Thunderless.

Beauty Ideals

Halflings value a cheery smile and swift dancing feet.

Courtship Ideals

Halflings tend to be monogamous, getting married for life. When one halfling wishes to court another, a traditional gift is given: the suitor will give their intended a smooth, flat rock that fits comfortably in the palm of their hand. The intended will take the rock with the suitor to a river or lake, and play skiprock. While the effectiveness of the rock doesn't have much bearing on the decision of whether the courtship is accepted, suitors tend to be embarrassed if their beloved can't get at least six skips from their stone.

Relationship Ideals

Halflings seek comfort in relationships. While wild passion and much running around may impress the poets, what halflings really want is to be able to sit next to their beloved and read in comfortable silence.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Halflings speak common as well their own language. Halflings are also responsible for the development of Thieves' Cant.

Common Etiquette Rules

Halflings strictly observe the rules of hospitality, and expect their hosts to do the same.

Common Dress Code

They like to wear simple, comfortable, and practical clothes, favoring bright colors. They prefer jewelry that has some sort of use: pocket watches are more valuable than diamond bracelets.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Halfling communities are stable, calm, clean, and orderly. This extends to their general attitude as a whole.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Halflings observe most Humans' traditions. They also strictly observe the Rules of Hospitality.

History

Halflings are believed to have been created by the Grimlocks as miners and possibly farmers. They have shared most of the history and trials of the Humans

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Halflings view humans as a sort of racial 'big brother.' They're protective, strong, and potentially bullies. They tend to be in awe of elves and dwarves, and hate and fear greenskins.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Grimlocks

Origin/Ancestry

Lightfoot Halfling, Stout Halfling, Ghostwise Halfling, @Mole

Lifespan

A halfling reaches adulthood at the age of 20 and generally lives into the middle of his or her second century.

Conservation Status

Halflings exist under the protection of the Undertown System

Average Height

Halflings average about 3 feet tall

Average Weight

Roughly 40 lbs

Related Organizations

• Devotion Undying

Halfling

Ability Score Increase +2 Dex

Size Small

Speed 25

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Alignment. Most halflings are Lawful Good or Lawful Neutral, a consequence of living in a society restrained by the Undertown Warrens. Such close quarters and required cooperation breeds a spirit of unity and benevolence.
Size. Halflings average about 3 feet tall and weigh about 40 lbs.
Lucky. When you roll a 1 on the d20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll.
Brave. You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Halfling Nimbleness. You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.
Subrace. There are four main subraces of halfling: lightfoot, stout, ghostwise, and molefriend.

Languages. Common, Thieves' Cant

Lightfoot Halfling

Ability Score Increase +1 Cha

Size Small

Speed 25

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Naturally Stealthy

You can attempt to hide even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.

Stout Halfling

Ability Score Increase +1 Constitution Score

Size Small

Speed 25

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Stout Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage.

Ghostwise Halfling

Ability Score Increase +1 Wis

Size Small

Speed

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Whisper

You can communicate telepathically with any creature within 30 ft, so long as it can understand language. They can respond, though they cannot discern your direction or your identity from the communication alone.

Molefriend Halfling

Ability Score Increase +1 Str

Size Small

Speed 25 ft

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Tremorsense

You can detect any movement within 30 ft. of you so long as both you and the source of the movement are in direct contact with the soil.