Halfling

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halflings are a small race, averaging 3 feet in height, which makes them difficult to notice in a crowd. They have a slender build to match their stature, with nimble fingers and sturdy feet. Their skin tones range from pale ivory to medium brown, with a warm golden undertone. While most Halflings have light brown or hazel eyes, some may have darker brown, green, or blue eyes.
Halflings take great pride in their lustrous hair, which grows thickly on their heads and the tops of their feet. Their hair typically ranges from medium brown to golden blonde, and is styled according to local fashion. Some halflings even dye their hair with plant-based pigments to match the hair color of the humans in the area.
Halflings who pursue a life of adventure often display impressive athleticism, with agile bodies and quick movements. Those who settle in cities may still possess these traits, though they may be hidden under a more comfortable layer of fat.
Halflings have a slightly longer life span than humans, though they still do not live as long as some other races. This may be one reason why Halflings and humans often get along well, as their lifespans are more similar than different. A halfling servant may work for the same human family for one or two human generations, but not more.

Growth Rate & Stages

Halflings reach adulthood just after the age of 20, and their communities like to celebrate this milestone. When a halfling is still a child, his parents and community elders decide on an appropriate coming-of-age task, often influenced by dreams and omens. These tasks are usually simple and can be accomplished in one or two attempts, such as acquiring a special weapon, preparing an elaborate meal, or swimming across a lake.
In oppressed halfling communities, some individuals may still celebrate their coming of age with less demanding tasks, such as baking a loaf of bread, creating an artistic drawing, or carving a wooden walking stick. Halflings in these situations recognize that the coming-of-age task is largely symbolic, but they choose to celebrate the occasion rather than dwell on their circumstances.
Once a halfling has successfully completed his task, his family throws a celebration with plenty of food, drink, music, and dancing. At the climax of the celebration, someone close to the halfling, usually a parent, teacher, mentor, or elder, presents them with a token to commemorate their achievement. The item may symbolize the task completed or represent the deeds the halfling can accomplish in the world on his or her own. Halflings who become wizards often enchant these tokens as their bonded objects.
In some cases, a halfling may fail to complete a task multiple times. If a halfling attempts and fails the coming-of-age task five times, the community considers it a sign that the halfling may be jinxed. Their task will be postponed for one year, during which time the community will watch for further signs that the halfling is unlucky and encourage them to pursue arcane training.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Halflings have a robust digestive system that can handle even the spiciest and most exotic foods, but they have a refined palate. Halflings prefer the best food and drink available, but not necessarily the most elaborate meals. Simple, fresh ingredients prepared to perfection make a Halfling diner happy.
Halflings are such inventive cooks, combining different flavors and textures with instinctive skill, that some of their creations have become iconic in various lands. Tavern and restaurant owners in many regions consider it good luck to have a halfling guest try a local dish, and halfling travelers often find themselves served the same "lucky" dish from table to table, no matter what they wish to eat.
Halflings prefer ale to wine and exotic spirits, but their nuanced palates make them discriminating drinkers. Halflings who settle down and have access to substantial funds, such as retired adventurers, often open taverns and spend years perfecting their home brews.

Behaviour

The halfling race has many admirable qualities that are often overlooked. They are brave, intelligent, kindhearted, loyal, and clever. Despite this, Halflings tend to fade into the background and are forgotten by those around them. This is by design, as Halflings are aware of their physical limitations and use their forgetfulness as a defense mechanism against the dangers of the world. Seen as inconspicuous figures rather than heroes, halflings are less likely to be targeted.
Halflings are known for their good luck, which is often attributed to superstition, but is also a result of their sharp-eyed confidence and willingness to seize opportunities. Some Halflings are even said to have the ability to manipulate the luck of others. The history of halflings is difficult to trace, as they tend to blend into their surroundings and their heroic deeds often go unrecorded. Halflings have been enslaved in many cultures due to their usefulness, but this has caused outrage and subtle actions among halflings.
Halflings are often sought after as slaves because of their strong work ethic and positive attitude. They take pride in performing even the most difficult and unpleasant tasks without complaint, and consider responsibility a badge of honor. They consider it an insult to be given simple tasks, as it implies a lack of ability. Halflings are dedicated to completing tasks to the end, even if it means sacrificing breaks or sleep.
While Halflings prefer to complete tasks themselves, they may delegate lesser tasks to assistants if they believe it will improve their overall performance. For example, a halfling cook may delegate minor tasks to assistants while he or she goes out of his or her way to obtain a rare ingredient that will enhance a dish. Similarly, a halfling servant may pause his cleaning duties to obtain a certain aromatic oil that will perfect the presentation of a clean home.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Halflings are vigilant even when they sleep, as their pointed and slightly oversized ears listen for signs of danger. Though their eyes cannot see in the dark, they pick up details easily and constantly scan their surroundings for potential trouble. With a highly developed sense of smell, it is rumored that some Halflings can tell the difference between breweries by sniffing mugs of ale. Their taste buds are equally refined, allowing them to identify the individual spices in a single bite of pot pie.
Believing that blending in is the best way to avoid trouble, Halflings have become accustomed to observing their surroundings. Halfling adventurers are often adept at noticing details that others might miss.
Halflings' keen senses of smell and taste contribute to their reputation as excellent cooks. Many halfling servants work in kitchens, and even when adventuring, halflings often insist on cooking for their companions.
Halflings have a reputation for bravery, which some attribute to their extraordinary senses. Highly attuned to their surroundings, halflings can anticipate threats and devise ways to overcome them, allowing them to react quickly and sensibly to sudden danger. While many consider halflings' fearlessness a sign of strong character, their alertness likely plays a role in their perceived bravery.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

Halflings prefer practical and modest clothing, reflecting their desire to blend in with their surroundings. However, they can dress more extravagantly if the occasion calls for it. Halfling entertainers, who rely on attention-grabbing performances to make a living, tend to wear flashy and colorful costumes.
Halflings do not have a traditional style of dress, instead adopting the fashion of the region in which they live, with slight modifications. They tend to prefer muted colors rather than the bold hues of the region, using neutral tones with accents of sky blue or pale yellow. Halflings tailor their clothing to fit their small frames, but also strive for simplicity and an understated appearance, avoiding busy patterns and ornate details.
Enslaved halflings may be dressed more elaborately by their owners, but these outfits are often of lesser quality than those worn by free halflings, who prefer well-tailored garments made of richer materials. As they grow older and wealthier, halflings may incorporate more luxurious fabrics and accessories into their wardrobes. However, in regions where halflings are predominantly enslaved, even older halflings tend to dress modestly to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Halflings have a distinct cultural identity that is shaped by the larger community in which they live. Each halfling settlement is unique as it absorbs and adapts to the cultural influences around it. Despite this malleability, halfling communities share structural similarities that allow them to blend into their parent city.
Halflings have a long history of coexisting with humans, integrating seamlessly into human society as hardworking and cheerful workers. As a result, human history often reflects the contributions of halflings. Halflings have their own language, naming conventions, and rituals, and have perfected a number of professions. Halfling society is subtle and influenced by the surrounding culture, but it exists in a unique form specific to the halflings of a particular region. As regions change, Halfling society evolves in small ways while maintaining its core principles.
In areas where halflings enjoy freedom, their traditions have begun to align more closely with those of their independent parent nations. Halfling culture is not stagnant and will continue to evolve in response to changing circumstances. Over time, existing Halfling rituals and traditions may be replaced by new ones.
Halflings are known for their ability to adapt to different cultures while maintaining a strong sense of their own identity. Each Halfling community is shaped by the cultural influences around it, resulting in unique settlements that blend seamlessly into their parent cities. As a result, halfling history is intertwined with human history, with halflings often serving as the unseen force behind the development of cities and the strength of human empires.
Despite this malleability, halflings have developed their own traditions, language, and professions that mark and celebrate important milestones. While halfling society may be subtle and influenced by the surrounding culture, it exists in a unique form specific to each area of halfling settlement. As human culture evolves, so too does halfling culture, with their traditions shifting to align more closely with those of their parent nations in areas where they enjoy freedom.
Overall, halflings possess a rich cultural heritage that is constantly evolving, reflecting the changing world around them while still maintaining a strong sense of their own identity.

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

75 cm to 100 cm

Average Weight

10 kg to 15 kg