Halfling (pʰʌŋ ˈhansaː toːkwup (Daewohl))

Halflings may have wandered all of Kealaphus at one time, but after the Cataclysm , their race was confined to the continent locked behind the Tempest. Small in stature, the halflings are nevertheless hardy folks, blessed with clever minds and agile bodies. Their myths and legends explain why they became the dominant species on the continent, away from the eyes of man, they were a race charged with a sacred duty to protect the land. With lifespans that double that of humans, most are content with their place in society and their lives.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halflings are diminutive, bipedal humanoids that have survived on the newly uncovered continent of Ehlum. They share the traits common to all wetu'arion races: bipedal, language capable(due to advanced vocal chords), possessing culture, a forward set pair of eyes, and faces capable of displaying a wide range of emotion.

Their teeth and jaws are suited for an omnivorous lifestyle, with cutting teeth in front and grinding teeth in the back. Opposable thumbs allow for greater manual dexterity and expanded tool use, relative to other creatures.

Halflings tend to exhibit sexual dimorphism and male halflings tend to be slightly larger than female halflings, though no evidence exists that either gender is more or less capable than the other at any physical or mental task and both genders can achieve in any position.

Biological Traits

Halflings are quite varied in appearance. Many of the outer tribes have darker golden skin, but fairer features are not uncommon. Eyes and hair share the same range as humans. Standing, on average, 3 feet tall and weighing only 30 pounds, they can sometimes be mistaken for human children.

Genetics and Reproduction

The majority of halflings can be biologically divided into two genders, male and female. Halfings reproduce sexually and are vivaporous, meaning they give birth to live young. Female halflings carry the fetus for an average gestational period of 9 months. Offspring traits are determined through the reception of genetic material from their parents, generally presenting the dominant gene for any particular trait.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Halflings are native to the Shrouded Continent, which they simply call Ehlum, or 'the land'. They are rarely found in places beyond the Shrouded Continent, which they refer to, collectively, as T'sūlum or 'other/foreign lands'.

Average Intelligence

Halflings are classified as sapient.

Scientific Name

Phu'hou to'kwuph

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

Male 3'1" (2'8" +2d4 inches)
Female 2'11" (2'6" +2d4 inches)

Average Weight

Male 35 lbs (30 + x1 lbs)
Female 30 lbs (25 + x1 lbs)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Halflings are found with a wide range of melanin levels. Millennia of traveling and village exchange has led to a total integration of skin tones throughout the cities and villages of the Nefu'he. The Hupe'be are far paler after years of isolation from the civilized societies of halflings.

Geographic Distribution