Halfling
Halflings are a sentient species native to the Galisean continent of Getninia. They are widespread, but not very populous, living in small, isolated communities across the northern continent. Despite their reputation for lacking in the sort of drive that spurs Elven, Dwarven, and Human societial development, Halflings are as complex and diverse as any other sentient species in the Known World, with their own rich cultural traditions, political affiliations, and individual personalities.
Halflings in Getninia are known for their preference for simple professions that are close to home and steeped in their cultural traditions, such as farming, culinary arts, and weaving. However, some among their number are drawn to adventure and exploration. These halflings might be seen as daring and unconventional by their peers, or celebrated as heroes and trailblazers by others. Some might take up adventuring as a way to defend their homeland from outside threats, while others might simply be motivated by a desire to see new lands and experience new things. Despite their diminutive stature, halflings possess an endearing charm and an undeniable resilience that has endeared them to many individuals of the other races.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Halflings share the same basic upright, bipedal makeup as most other Getninian peoples, with an upright body with two legs and two arms, and a head. They have round, rosy cheeks, curly hair, and wide, expressive eyes. Halflings are diminutive humanoids, typically standing between 2 and 4 feet tall. They possess proportional bodies, with compact frames and slender limbs. Their features are similar to those of humans, albeit on a smaller scale, with round faces, two expressive eyes, and button-like noses.
Biological Traits
Their lifespans are slightly shorter than a Dwarves', typically reaching adulthood in their early 20s, and living to be around 250 years old. Of course, those with access to magical aids can live far longer.
Thanks to their diminutive stature, Halflings have a graceful agility, often attributed to their nimble proportions. Their hands and feet are small and dexterous, well-suited for delicate tasks and precise movements. Their skin tones vary, spanning a range from light peach to warm earth tones. Their hair, which can be straight, kinky, or curly, grows in a multitude of colors, from rich browns and blondes to vibrant reds.
Halflings generally possess rounded ears that are slightly larger in proportion to their bodies, adding to their distinctive appearance.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Halflings, as a general rule, value tradition, stability, and interpersonal relationships, demonstrating wisdom in navigating social dynamics. Halflings often value close-knit communities and communal living arrangements. They thrive in environments where they can interact closely with their extended families and kin. Depending on group, clans, tribes, or small villages may form the basis of their social structure, fostering a strong sense of belonging and cooperation. Hierarchies in halfling societies are minimal and decentralised, with elders and other figures of wisdom often guiding important decisions.
Some communities have stricter expectations of community members, such as the Halfling tribes of Tiefen where there exists a number of different Families. Those who do not have membership in one of the Families can face discrimination, such as housing instability, and difficulty arranging marriages or employment.
Halfling Families in Tiefen are bonded by blood and profession. Those who are already affiliated with a Family can more easily gain membership with a new Family, should their professional goals change. Families have influence on who can get apprenticeships in different fields, who can marry, and where you can live.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Most halflings live along Southwestern Galisea, concentrated in Nimeara, Elleryca, and parts of Gallaca; or within Tiefen to the north. A number also live within Central Galisea, tribes now within Terruk-Mal territory. There is also a scattering of halflings and their communities across the resrt of Galisea, as well as Felora.
Average Intelligence
Halflings are a sentient species known for their close-knit societies and remarkable adaptability. They possess a diverse range of capabilities and are equally capable as humans and elves in various endeavors. While their technological achievements may not be as prominent, halflings exhibit a practical and resourceful intelligence that allows them to excel in fields such as agriculture, culinary arts, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
Halfling craftsmanship is known for its attention to detail and well thought out designs. While they may not create the most complicated or impressive technologies, halfling made tools are expected to be more useful for longer. Handles tend to be ergonomic, and minimize repetitive strain injuries.
Their ability to thrive in diverse environments and their pragmatic approach contribute to their overall success in the world of Getninia, where they stand shoulder to shoulder with other races in their capabilities and achievements.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Halflings possess five basic senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. They rely on their hearing and sight roughly equally to perceive the world with the other senses used noticeably less, though smell can also be used to percieve at a distance. Halfings, after a couple of generations of living in a region, develop unique physical traits that reflect their particular environment and way of life. For example, halflings who live in mountainous regions might be more stout and muscular than those who live in the plains or forests, while those who live near the coast might develop a generational affinity for swimming and fishing.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Getninian Halflings have formed complex relationships with the larger kingdoms and empires on Galisea. The halfling tribes of Central Galisea, for example, were slowly conquered or allied with the expanding Terruk-Mal Khagans, while the Nimearan people evolved out of the religious movement in the Ancient Kingdom of Nimeara, which swept across both halfling and human communities alike.
Average Technological Level
Halfling technological development can vary wildly, depending on the community's location and cultural attitude to new ideas and inventions. The halflings of Tiefen, for instance, are on par with their Dwarven and Human neighbors, while the Nimearans import Cyrene inventions and technologies, and yet still the halflings of central Galisea remain hunter-gatherers.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Due to their relative isolation from each other and the multitude of small communities, Halfling languages potentially number in the hundreds. The most widely spoken Halfling language is Nimearan, of which a number of humans also speak natively. Tiefen halflings share an alphabet with Jorgan humans, but speak their own tongues. Few halflings who don't travel or take up the sword learn a non-halfling tongue.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Most halfling cultures also share a deep respect for nature and the natural world, and with groups like the Nimearans being skilled at gardening, farming, and animal husbandry.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Halfings, particularly in cold climates, have a strong sleepover culture. Larger halfling homes tend to have a conversation pit spaces built into the center, and major life milestones are celebrated by having friends and family all sleep together in these cushioned piles, alongside any houspets.
Average Height
.6–1.2 m
Average Weight
20–40 kg
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
