Daya

In the stories the Daya were created in the image of the gambler god, made from scraps Dayishi had left from creating the other races, this would then also be proposed as a reason for their short stature and the wide variety of appearances between Daya. In common the Daya are often referred to as Halflings. While most of them would not bother to correct you when calling them this it's considered quite impolite. Within Daya society there is little more important than the family name. It is through this family name that a broad division can be made into two categories, the Steadfast (Stout Halflings) and Protean (Lightfoot Halflings). Though this divide only holds true outside of the larger cities, within larger communities and towns the families intertwined and it becomes more difficult to tell the difference.

"Daya are often overlooked in larger societies. Though those that have made a name for themselves often leave a lasting impression. There's an ongoing stigma on poor Daya that they have sticky fingers.
Their nimbleness doesn't contain itself to just their physical attributes though. Out of all the people I've met the Daya are some of the most eager, most curious, I've had the pleasure of working with. They see the world in such a different perspective, and that's not just because of their vantage point. It's their mindset.
Daya are optimists at heart, of course that's a sweeping generalisation. There's always a reason for such clichés though. I guess we've also been biased by the fact that most Daya you encounter are of the Protean variety. Steadfast Daya are what they say and say what they are. You can rely on them through thick and thin, and you can rely on them being traditionalists. Also they are some of the best cheesemakers I've ever had the honour of meeting."
Felix Grunsson, 498 AtF, 'The Common Folk'

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The easiest way to recognise the different heritage of a Daya is by their name.
Steadfast names centre around the upper portion of the body or the hills of their homelands, usually combined with adjectives pertaining to solidity, feats of strength and stamina. Examples: Strongarm, Rockhead, Hilltopple, Sevenpeaks, Highhill, Everstep
Protean family names invoke imagery of speed, bursts of energy and impulsiveness, usually in combination with the lower half of the body and in some cases valleys and fields of their homelands. Examples: Swiftstride, Harefeet, Bracegirdle, Dale, Leapmeadow, Rushvale

Common Dress Code

The Steadfast families are visually different from their Protean counterparts due to the style of clothing. Their fashion centres around layers and buttons, with family heirlooms going back generations to button cuffs and suspenders with intricate familiar patterns to hold up one’s pants. Both their hair and eye colour are on the lighter shade of the spectrum.
Proteans travel light, when they set out at least. Their clothing light, versatile and comfortable. It's usually easily discernible where they have travelled by the trinkets and collectibles they have gathered on their person. The Protean families physically differ from the Steadfast in skin tone, which is usually darker, the same goes for their shades of hair and eyes.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Steadfast households are usually at the centre of bustling communities. They root in a place and become high profile members of society. In personality, they are more set in their ways and traditionalists, with a great appreciation for ceremony and honouring promises made centuries ago.
It's hard for Protean to stay still, an insatiable desire to travel and explore drives these Daya. Some of them even become accomplished sailors. During their travels they make friends easily, connecting with any stranger. Those Protean Daya that have settled down usually find excuses to travel. There's more than one Protean household in control of messaging services and trading companies.

Lifespan

200 - 250 years

Average Height

90 - 100 cm

Average Weight

18 - 20 Kg