Halflings

Halflings, or Hin, are a species of small sentient humanoids. Next to humans, halflings make up the youngest of peoples to inhabit Methera. They trace their lineage and origin back to Yogwen, and while her iconography and canon bears many resemblance, this belief is not proven. In their short history, the cheerful and benevolent halflings have kept neutral to cordial relations to other species, mingling with them in small, autonomous communes. These integrate well into other cultures with their rich economic contributions in the domestication and breeding of various animals such as bees, ducks or rabbits, which also allows most Halfling communes to lead self-sustaining lifestyles. Communes typically do not have a designated leader, but look up to a familial council of elder sages. The singular communes do not mingle or correspond much, but consider themselves family in the context of holidays and festivities.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halflings rarely grow over 90 centimeters in size. They are relatively lightweight compared to their other small humanoid counterparts such as the stout Dwarves or the average weighing Gnomes . In many ways, halflings resemble small humans and usually have the same proportions as the typical human adult. Most halflings have dark hair and eyes, regardless of their skin complexion which, although commonly ruddy in hue has a similar range to humans.

Genetics and Reproduction

Identical to human reproduction, albeit the gestation period is slightly longer at around one year.

Growth Rate & Stages

A halfling will reach adulthood at the age of 20, much like a human would, and can live well into 150 years of age.

Ecology and Habitats

Halflings are able to make any places their home, their only prerequisite is for some kinds of plants and animals to thrive there, which will serve as the foundation of their existence.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Halflings are omnivores and tend to produce a variety of hearty foods for consumption. Their particular liking for cheese and ale is renowned across the continent, their produce being in high demand across the nations.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Halfling communities are tightly knit groups found around the world, usually near the settlements of other species. Most halflings don't recognize the claims of kings or nobles as sovereign rulers but instead look primarily to their family elders to guide them. This focus on bloodlines enables halfling traditions to continue for millennia relatively intact. Halflings also value a sense of community; halflings naming each other "halfling" was a salute of brotherhood. Halfling culture has a fondness for stories and legends and is rich in the oral tradition. So much care is put into the retelling of traditional stories and their preservation that halflings often unwittingly have access to lore about old and long-gone cultures or empires that others had since forgotten about. Many halflings are able to recall some detail of the ancient past, though it is wrapped in the shrouds of their legends.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Globally present.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Identical to human capabilities.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

A halfling has a given name, a family name, and possibly a nickname. Family names are often nicknames that stuck so tenaciously they have been passed down through the generations. Male Names: Alton, Ander, Cade, Corrin, Eldon, Errich, Finnan, Garret, Lindal, Lyle, Merric, Milo, Osborn, Perrin, Reed, Roscoe, Wellby
Female Names: Andry, Bree, Callie, Cora, Euphemia, Jillian, Kithri, Lavinia, Lidda, Merla, Nedda, Paela, Portia, Seraphina, Shaena, Trym, Vani, Verna
Family Names: Brushgather, Goodbarrel, Greenbottle, High-hill, Hilltopple, Leagallow, Tealeaf, Thorngage, Tosscobble, Underbough

Scientific Name

Bipedes perparvus

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

80-90cm

Average Weight

15-25 kg