Halflings

'The gentle light of lanterns within homes, the waft of wood smoke and fresh-baked bread, the laughter and singing of a dozen contented families - a halfling village is an earthly slice of the Heavens.' - Shinnoh Pannu, adventurer

By far the shortest of the common races, legend says that the halflings simply sprouted up from the ground like plants one day - based on their natural affinity with the world, this doesn't seem unreasonable. For the most part, halflings are hospitable and friendly to the other races, hating to see any others struggling or in pain. Typically, halflings are not particularly ambitious or bold, being content with a simple home life in a pleasant community, their natural talents allowing them to make plants sprout from even the least fertile soil and make a fine meal from even the worst ingredients. Of note, however, is the seemingly supernatural luck surrounding the halflings - many have tried to find the reason, but have turned up nothing. It seems, quite simply, that the universe favours the halflings. Between this, their natural charisma, and the ease with which they learn stealth and dexterity, halfling adventurers can be highly skilled.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Halflings are best-suited to the pleasant places of the world - temperate forests, gentle hills, and rolling meadows. They are capable of surviving in other environments, but most would prefer to set down roots in a pleasant clime.

Dietary Needs and Habits

An old saying among human communities is that a child 'eats like a halfling' - halflings are widely renowned for their appetite. They will eat almost anything, producing fine meals from even the poorest ingredients (halflings are renowned as some of the greatest brewers, bakers, chefs etc. in the world) and normally preferring six square meals per day.

Biological Cycle

Halflings mature at a similar rate to humans, entering adulthood at around 18. Many halflings prefer to have a large family, so will have many children.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Halfling faces are overall quite similar to humans, although they often have fairly soft, 'cherubic' features. Halfling males struggle to grow facial hair.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Halflings name themselves similarly to humans, parents choosing a name at birth based on meaning, history, or any number of factors. Notably, surnames may be family names, related to professions (e.g. Goldbrewer, Redloaf), or nicknames that have stuck (e.g. Stoutfoot, Hardhead).

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Most halflings speak Halfling and Common, as well as any other languages from the community they live in.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Halfling culture emphasizes the comforts of hearth and home above all else. A good life, for a halfling, involves having a comfortable house, a warm fire, and a big family. It is rare for halflings to stray far from home, and wanderlust is a trait not seen often.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Halflings are on good terms with almost all species - considered reliable friends in almost all of the civilized world.

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

3ft

Average Weight

Slightly higher than other races of similar size, as they're often fairly stocky

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Halflings come in a range of skin tones comparable to humans'.