Halfling

Halflings are believed to be the descendents of Dwarves and Elves, for they have qualities of both. They are short statured beings, typically averaging out at just over 3 feet tall; with 4 feet being considered exceptionally tall for a Halfling. They typically exist within already existing communities, as opposed to having communities of their own - though some Halfling towns and villages do exist in the world, they are more likely to be found in specific quarters of areas belonging to other races; Human, Dwarf and Elf alike. For Halflings are a content people who scarcely get involved in the inter-racial hostilities and wars of the other races of Lycen, as it is believed they descend from inter-racial breeding anyway. They will not hesitate to defend their home, but more often than not avoid seeking out conflict because of their inherent size disadvantage. But, above all, Halflings are able to adapt and assimilate well due to their natural intelligence and social aptitude. Thus, Halflings will likely culturally and religiously identify with the location they are in. An Ustarian Halfling may be faithful to the Lord and Lady of the Fidellian Faith, while an Eswean Halfling may revere the Alhsari.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Fair faced, pointed ears. Specifics depend on genetics.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Numerous locations across Lycen

Average Intelligence

Intellectual, quick witted.

Civilization and Culture

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Halflings are a fairly relaxed people whose customs involve merry drinking, conversation, and cooking - the latter of which they tend to take very seriously. It is custom for Halflings to cook a grand meal for any guest who enters their establishment, regardless of their opinion on them; as it is simply the polite thing to do.
Halflings as warriors are not uncommon, and have occured - though typically fighting for the nation they are a part of, rather than their own cultural indentity, as their culture is vastly influenced by whose culture they are currently a part of. Yet, there are fringe groups that exist who strive for independence; and an old traditional method of warfare has been passed down from generation to generation. Battle Geese. To the Halflings, the common Goose is more than a simple animal. It is a very useful tool, whether that be as a makeshift burglar alarm, a companion, or a weapon of war. The latter has been observed numerous times, where Halflings use their ingenuity to craft small leather armour for their webbed feet allies, and keep them in a crate. Then, when the time is right, they unleash the horde of feathered fanatics upon their foe; hoping that the honking and inherent aggression of the Geese will distract and wound the enemy, while they take advantage of the confusion to achieve their objectives. Naturally this is counted as an urban legend amongst many of Lycen, for how ridiculous it sounds. And, on the occassions it has been utilised, it has worked on only a few. Regardless, Halfling Guerrila fighters will still cling to their tactic of employing Battle Geese.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Typically Halflings do not really care much about the relationships between species. To a typical Halfling, you are judged more on your character than what race you are inherently. If a person is bad, the typical Halfling will attribute that to the individual and not the overall race. Though this varies from person to person and the culture they are bought up in; which can change their perceptions on others in time. They do tend to view the species of whose culture they have assimilated into more favourably than others, purely because they have more experience with them.

Lifespan

100 years

Average Height

3 feet

Average Weight

40lbs

Average Physique

Stout or Lithe

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Genetically influenced. Halflings can range from pale, to tanned, to dark skinned depending on geographic location and genetics.