Halfling
Halflings are a Race native to The Old World, most notable for their strong sense of community and ability to thrive as largely unwelcome guests in the territory of other Races. They are a playable Race best-suited to Classes which focus on agility, stealth, and ranged combat, such as Bard, Fighter, Ranger, and Rogue (see https://www.dndwiki.io/races/halfling, but note the variant rule detailed below). There are two known Sub-Races of Halfling: Lightfoot Halflings and Stout Halflings.
Halflings are subject to the following variant rule:
When a Halfling rerolls a die using their Lucky ability, they may not do so again until they have either completed a Short or Long Rest or rolled a natural 20 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
Halflings are subject to the following variant rule:
When a Halfling rerolls a die using their Lucky ability, they may not do so again until they have either completed a Short or Long Rest or rolled a natural 20 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Halflings are of Small size and average build relative to other Races. They possess two arms, two legs, and no natural armor or weapons.
Biological Traits
Halflings possess modest sexual dimorphism, with males being somewhat larger and stronger than females and possessing blunter facial features. Both genders have visible genitalia and females additionally have visible breasts.
Genetics and Reproduction
Halflings reproduce sexually, have both male and female genders, and give live birth following a gestation period of approximately 9 months.
Growth Rate & Stages
Halflings generally reach sexual maturity by 13 to 15 years of age and are considered adults by 18 to 20 years of age. Males are able to father children throughout their lives, while females are generally unable to bear children after the age of 80. Average Halfling life expectancy is between 120 and 150 years, but some individuals may live for 180 years or longer.
Ecology and Habitats
Halflings are best suited for temperate climates, but are able to adapt and survive in a wide variety of environments, ranging from forests to deserts.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Halflings are omnivores and are able to thrive on a wide range of diets. Most Halflings primarily consume fruit, cooked meat, and animal products, which they may supplement with grain and vegetables when available. Halflings have moderate metabolisms and must eat multiple meals daily to remain healthy, but can survive on only water for up to a month if necessary.
Biological Cycle
Halflings follow a diurnal life cycle. They are generally active during the day and sleep for 6 to 8 hours each night. They do not hibernate and their life cycle has no significant seasonal changes.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Halflings are highly social and almost always live in groups, though they are nomadic by nature and rarely form permanent settlements. Most Halflings belong to a large extended family known as a "clan," the members of which reside together in large mobile camps or semi-permanent shanty towns. Typically, each family unit within a clan shares a tent, hut, or wagon, with young individuals moving out when they marry.
Facial characteristics
Halflings usually have black, brown, or hazel eyes and may have rounded or pointed ears. Both genders grow hair on their scalps and males occasionally have facial hair as well.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Halflings are primarily concentrated on the continents of Latia Major and Latia Minor, but they are born wanderers and, thus, may be found almost anywhere in the Old World.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Halflings have relatively poor sight and hearing and do not possess Low-Light Vision or Darkvision. They have average proficiency with magic and no innate psionic powers.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Halflings do not form a majority of the population anywhere in the Old World, but are present in significant numbers across Latia Major and Latia Minor. They are particularly prevalent in the Nations of Dunlagh, Eisen, Montaigne, Sarmion, Vaticia, and Tymanther.
Gender Ideals
Halfling clans are generally patriarchal in nature, with most clan leaders and warriors being male. Nonetheless, elder females wield much influence in intra-clan politics and most priests of the Halfling goddess, Yondalla, are female.
Courtship Ideals
Halflings generally mate for life and are encouraged to marry outside their own clan. When two clans meet, an extended festival is held, during which the young members of each clan pair off and are married en masse when the clans part ways. Wives join their husband's clan, but traditionally have the option to dissolve the marriage and return to their clan of birth at any time within a year of the wedding.
Average Technological Level
Halflings rarely prioritize scientific pursuits and, thus, generally possess a low level of technology. Nonetheless, they tend to be highly skilled at animal husbandry, wilderness survival, and overland navigation.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most Halflings speak Halfling, an ancient Language thought to predate the Latian Empire. Since Halflings typically reside in lands claimed by other Races, they often learn the local Language in addition to their native tongue.
History
It is believed that Halflings descend from a now-extinct humanoid Race known as the Ostor, as do Humans, Dwarves, and Orcs. They have existed in the Old World since the Age of Building, when the first written histories were recorded, and have practiced their nomadic lifestyle at least since the days of the Latian Empire. Their relatively peaceful nature and aversion to settling in one place for any length of time have prevented them from playing a significant role in history, yet their culture has proven quite durable and some scholars believe that Halfling oral tradition may preserve knowledge long-lost from the annals of more "civilized" Races.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Other Races typically pay little mind to Halflings, tolerating or simply ignoring their presence, though prejudice against them can be fierce in Human cities, where they have a poor reputation as beggars and thieves. Nonetheless, they have no ancestral enemies and tend to co-exist peacefully with the "tall folk" whose lands they share. Halflings are capable of interbreeding with Dwarves, but such unions are rare and children resulting from them are almost always infertile.
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Homo Pumilus
Origin/Ancestry
Lightfoot Halfling, Stout Halfling
Lifespan
120-150 years
Average Height
2'10" - 3'6"
Average Weight
30-50 lbs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Ranges from pinkish-white to dark brown.
Related Organizations
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