Halfling Species in Ravnica: The Overlord | World Anvil
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Halfling

"One of the most jovial people I've known in Ravnica. Always able to find a light in the dark."
 

Table of Contents

 

Overview

The Halflings of Ravnica are a curious and mischievous race, known for their small stature, quick wit, and love of good food and drink. They are often seen as the city's jokers, using their wit and cleverness to escape danger and find joy in even the darkest moments.   They are shorter than dwarves, but have a lighter frame. They have pointed ears and large rugged feet that seem oversized for their small bodies. They can mistaken for children at a glance, and their small posture tends to give them a rather unnoticing and unthretening aura which is perfect for Halflings who carry a more unethical mindset.
 

Erinis, Gloom Stalker by Ioannis Fiore

A Halfling Thief

 

Etymology and definition

Halfing could be considered a rather derogetory term as it quite literally means half of a being. This doesn't appear to be the case as halflings take the name with pride and wear it proudly. The term can be linked to many different languages as nearly all of them give Halflings a name that has a similar meaning to small or short.

Prosperous Innkeeper by Eric Deschamps

Stats

STR
2d6
CON
2d6+7
DEX
3d6+3
POW
3d6
CHA
2d6+8
SIZ
1d3+6
INT
2d6+6
  Hit Locations
1d20 Location
1-3 Right Leg
4-6 Left Leg
7-9 Abdomen
10-12 Chest
13-15 Right Arm
16-18 Left Arm
19-20 Head

 

Abilities

Ground Movement 4 Meters (15 Feet)
 

Abilities

Magic Resistant
Poison Resistant
Stealthy
Exposure Tolerance (Feet)

Biology

Anatomy and Physiology

Halfings can be described as a very small human. They are shorter than a dwarf, have pointed ears like an elf, and unusually large feet. They are more hairy than the other races which comes in the normal ranges of styles and colors. They typically do not have any footwear as it tends to be uncomfortable to them, but their thick feet have more than enough protection to comfortably walk around barefoot. Halfings have a very large and strong liver and can consume far more alcohol than most other races, giving even Dwarves a run for their money. Their liver also acts as a way to filter strong poisons and venom that may enter their body.  

Life Cycle and Sexuality

Halfings have fully functioning sexual organs up until old age which is usually around 60 years. A female who is impregnated will carry a child for typically nine months until she will give birth. The human baby is very vulnerable and must be carefully looked after until about the age of six. Halfings cannot interbreed with any other race despite their close natural relation to some.   A Halfling reaches puberty at around age 12 and is considered a full adult at the age of 18. The average halfling lifespan on Ravnica is around 85, with some humans living to upwards of about 100 and beyond.  

Diet

Halfings are omnivores and have generally larger appetites than other races. They have a very high metabolism and regularly need to eat large quantities of food every day to sustain themselves. Halfings regularly drink alcohol in their everyday meals, often drinking mead and beer as a replacement for water. Even children starting at age 8 can begin drinking alcohol with no health issues.  

History

The Halflings of Ravnica are a curious and mischievous race, known for their small stature, quick wit, and love of good food and drink. They are often seen as the city's jokers, using their wit and cleverness to escape danger and find joy in even the darkest moments.

Halflings have lived in Ravnica for as long as anyone can remember, and they have learned to adapt to the many different cultures and races of the city. They are known for their adaptability and ability to blend in with their surroundings, making them expert thieves, spies, and scouts. They have typically lived in the vast rolling plains of Ravnica on farmlands and continue to congregate on or near Selesnya farms to live and work the land.   Halflings were mostly a solitary people, keeping to themselves through the rise and fall of empires. Only when Ravnica began its rapid expansion were Halflings finally forced into direct lines with history and the other races. A large amount of history and culture had been lost, and not many Halflings really know where they came from. Fortunately, the lax nature of a Halfling has let them seamlessly integrate into Ravnican society where they continue to thrive and participate in this new history and culture.  
"Halflings are not defined by their height, but by the warmth of their hearts and the strength of their spirits."
Kalen, a Busy Bees Inn regular
 

Society and Culture

Halflings used to be a isolated people. In modern Ravnica they can be seen in every aspect of life and integrated in every part of the world. They are known for the love of the finer things in life and are quite often seen in the taverns and inns of Ravnica, regaling adventurers with tales and stories. However, they are also known to be shrewd negotiators, and are not above using their wit and cleverness to get what they want.   Despite their playful demeanor, the Halflings of Ravnica are a proud and resilient people, who have survived and thrived in a world filled with danger and magic. They are respected and valued by the other guilds, who understand the important role that they play in maintaining the delicate balance of Ravnica's many cultures and races. You can find a Halfing in any guild, though some of the more physically demanding jobs might be more sparse of these small creatures.  

Selesnyan Farmers

Due to the Halfing's desire to live closest to a source of food, many find themselves being employed to work the farms of the Selesnya.  

Golgari Mushroom Harvesters

Like the Selesnya, Golgari farmers often hire halflings to tend and care for the vast mushroom farms of the Undercity. While not the most sought after environment, mushrooms offer a vast array of potential food ingredient as well as potent beverages.  

Dimir Thieves

The Dimir have taken a special interest in Halflings, as their small frame and unnoticed behavior make them excellent thieves and spies.  

Aetaltis Daelander by Russell Marks

Selesnyan Halfling Farmers
 

Language

The original Halfling language has been lost to time, and instead these people have picked up Dwarvish as their native tongue alongside common.  

Religions

Karametra, God of Harvests, is often the god that Halflings worship. Aside from Karametra, Halflings tend to gravitate towards White aligned gods, such as Heliod.  

Inter-species relations

Halflings get along with just about everyone. Offer them food and drink and they can be a friend of yours for life. They are a happy lot, and don't find themselves in the ire of very many. However, their unassuming demeanor can often leave people in a position where they are too trusting, and the more nefarious Halflings find it far too easy to take what doesn't belong to them.  
"Halflings may be small in stature, but they possess a boldness and bravery that belies their size."

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