Halfling

Halflings are a race of humanoid native to Teranuz; they are found predominantly on the continent of Crestfall. While native to the Western nation of Wiegland, halflings can be found across the continent, their natural wanderlust and sense of adventure often emboldening them to explore new areas.

Appearance

As their name implies, halflings are typically half the size of the average human, with adult halflings averaging at around 3 feet in height and weighing between 40-50 pounds at most. Like humans, halflings are highly variable in terms of appearance, with skin tones ranging from peach to chestnut, as well as blue, green or brown eyes, and yellow, red, brown or black hair of various styles and textures.
While many non-halflings believe halflings to have particularly hairy feet, this is in fact an exaggerated trait and is regarded by many halflings as an offensive and ignorant stereotype.

History

Halflings are believed to have originated in the Crestfallen region of Wiegland, first developing as an agricultural society sometime after the end of the Age of Giants. It is speculated that halflings may have shared a common ancestor with humanity, with an extended period of separation between the two races causing a genetic barrier to form between them, rendering them unable to interbreed.
During the Pre-Vancian Era and subsequent Millennium War, the halflings were among the races to suffer under the encroaching rule of the elves; the aftermath of this period in history is still exemplified in the modern day in the form of the Mourning, a Wieglish festival in which the halflings honor their ancestors who suffered and died during the elvish rule of Crestfall.
In the Modern Era, the halflings have long since rebounded from this period of injustice, and many of them now live a much more comfortable lifestyles across Crestfall and the lands beyond.

Traits and Abilities

Halflings are known to be a particularly nimble and dextrous people, aided in part due to their small statures. The exact physical capabilities of halflings tend to vary depending on the individual's body type, with some halflings (nicknamed "lightfoots" among their people) being especially agile and adept at hiding while others (dubbed "stouthearts") are more gifted in fortitude, with strong metabolisms capable of staving off the effects of poisons and other contaminants.

Society

Cultural Exports

Halflings, particularly those that reside in Wiegland, are famously known for the agrarian lifestyles, having spent countless generations cultivating the Wieglish countryside's grassy hills and sparse forests as the sites of their towns and villages. In addition to basic crops such as corn and wheat, grapes are highly prized among the Wieglish halflings for their use in the production of wine, one of Wiegland's most valuable exports to the other nations of Crestfall.

Religion

Compared to most races of Teranuz, Halflings are somewhat unique in that their society is predominantly atheist, holding no belief in higher deities or the existence of an afterlife. While one might assume this would lead halflings to hold a pessimistic outlook on life, the result is actually the contrary: because they recognize life as fleeting, halfling society deems that it is virtuous to pursue the passions and pleasures of the world and live life to the absolute fullest. As such, halflings are often as brave as they are foolhardy, their wanderlust and thrillseeking nature making many of them natural-born adventurers.

Lifespan

Approx. 150 years

Average Height

3-4 feet

Average Weight

40-50 lbs.

Geographic Distribution

• Crestfall