Halfling
Basic Information
Growth Rate & Stages
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Growing Up Offspring are a source of great pride and joy to their parents. Halflings enter the world as helpless as human infants, requiring similar care for the early part of their lives.
For the first ten years, a halfling's relative growth pretty well parallels a human's - For example, a ten year old human and halfling will look much the same age, although not in size, and will have about the same level of maturity. Children of both sexes and many different ages commonly play together, following rules created by the older youths that still allow the youngest a measure of freedom and decision making in the game.
It is during these formative years that young halflings practice those traits that will form some of their basic skills when they grow up. Hide and Seek is a favorite game among halflings and is almost always played out of doors. Thus the youngsters become adept at concealing themselves in all sorts of natural cover in patches of brush, behind treetrunks, and even amid beds of flowers. Young halfling quickly develop the calm patience that allows them to remain still for long periods of time, since they learn over and over that it is the one who moves that is seen first. Another favorite game is called Knock the Block, in which a small object such as a block of wood, or perhaps a tin pot or iron kettle, is placed some distance away, and the young halflings take turns throwing things at it, recording points for hits. The game is sometimes played with slings and stones (among older youths). For special tournaments and important matches, clay targets are used, with the winner determined by whoever's shot strikes hard enough to shatter the object. This common game is presumably one reason why so many halflings grow up to be so adept with missile weapons.
From the age of eleven or so on to adulthood, halfling development slows in comparison with the Big Folk. A halfling's adolescence lasts for about a decade and a half (more in the case of the longer lived subraces). However, the period is characterized by a lot less angst than is typically felt by a human perhaps because of the warm, supportive, noncompeting environment provided by family, burrow, and community.
Another reason, perhaps, for the relaxed adolescence of the typical halfling is that male-female friendships are as common as friendships between members of the same sex, often lasting from childhood through adulthood. Many of these lifelong friendships culminate in marriage.
For the first ten years, a halfling's relative growth pretty well parallels a human's - For example, a ten year old human and halfling will look much the same age, although not in size, and will have about the same level of maturity. Children of both sexes and many different ages commonly play together, following rules created by the older youths that still allow the youngest a measure of freedom and decision making in the game.
It is during these formative years that young halflings practice those traits that will form some of their basic skills when they grow up. Hide and Seek is a favorite game among halflings and is almost always played out of doors. Thus the youngsters become adept at concealing themselves in all sorts of natural cover in patches of brush, behind treetrunks, and even amid beds of flowers. Young halfling quickly develop the calm patience that allows them to remain still for long periods of time, since they learn over and over that it is the one who moves that is seen first. Another favorite game is called Knock the Block, in which a small object such as a block of wood, or perhaps a tin pot or iron kettle, is placed some distance away, and the young halflings take turns throwing things at it, recording points for hits. The game is sometimes played with slings and stones (among older youths). For special tournaments and important matches, clay targets are used, with the winner determined by whoever's shot strikes hard enough to shatter the object. This common game is presumably one reason why so many halflings grow up to be so adept with missile weapons.
From the age of eleven or so on to adulthood, halfling development slows in comparison with the Big Folk. A halfling's adolescence lasts for about a decade and a half (more in the case of the longer lived subraces). However, the period is characterized by a lot less angst than is typically felt by a human perhaps because of the warm, supportive, noncompeting environment provided by family, burrow, and community.
Trade of the people
Half1ing artisans and craftsmen do not follow a formal apprenticeship programindeed, adolescents are encouraged to experiment with a wide variety of pursuits. The cheesemaker, for example, will be helped by virtually every village youth over the course of several years. Those who find that they enjoy the work will spend more andmore time with the 'master; unti] by adulthood the youth has learned everything the cheesemaker can teach about the trade.Another reason, perhaps, for the relaxed adolescence of the typical halfling is that male-female friendships are as common as friendships between members of the same sex, often lasting from childhood through adulthood. Many of these lifelong friendships culminate in marriage.
Ecology and Habitats
The Hearth and the Burrow
To the halfling the primary symbol of the importance of home, family, and community is the burrow and its ever present hearth. No hallling dwelling will be without some sort of fireplace, and even halflings who live aboveground tend to refer to their dwelling as a 'burrow,' even if it's only a room in a inn.
While burrows will naturally vary somewhat depending on the climate and terrain a icehouse will, for example, differ significantly from an halfling's tree house all halfling dwellings have some features in common. If at all possible, there will be windows, which will be open during all but the chilliest of days halflings never confuse 'snug' with 'stuffy: Tallfellows carry this fondness for fresh air the farthest, positioning their homes to take advantage of whatever gentle breezes waft through the area, while Stouts represent the opposite extreme and might well have only a few small port windows.
Although well-ventilated, the burrow will be shielded against drafts by shutters of wood or leather that can be tight1y closed and sealed against gusts and storms. Unlike dwarves, halflings keep their homes brightly lit, with lamps in every room, yet shutters and doors wilJ be so well set in their frames that not a glimmer of illumination will show on the outside when the burrow is locked up tight.
The fireplace will be built with as much stone as possible, given materials at hand, and capped with a large wooden mantle. It will have a wide mouth and a welldesigned chimney to draw smoke up and out of the room. In colder climates, elaborate fireplaces are sometimes constructed with their own airinlet ducts connecting to the outside of the burrow, allowing the house can be snugly sealed without suffocating the fire, while other ducts channel the heated air away. Conversely, in very warm locales halflings enjoy gathering around communal outdoor fires for an evening's conversation and fellowship yet even so, each individual burrow will always have its own homefire as well.
It is not uncommon in a halfling burrow for a single fire to last for years, even decades or generations, without a second kindling. Even in very warm climes where it is allowed to die down to coals during the daylight hours, the embers are coaxed back to life at nightfall. Well seasoned hardwoods are a favorite fuel, but wherever they live, halflings will quickly learn the best fuels for producing a warm, steady heat. Halflings are adept at using different local firewoods (hickory, mesquite, applewood, &c) to "sweeten the air" or seasonthe food they cook.
A halfling fireplace usually has several racks beside it, so that a variety of cauldrons and kettles can be swung over the coals. In this way dinners are cooked, milk curdled into cheese, and clay pottery fired by the steady heat. Often a large oven nestles in one comer of the coal bed, for use in baking the bread that forms the centerpiece of the halfling diet.
While burrows will naturally vary somewhat depending on the climate and terrain a icehouse will, for example, differ significantly from an halfling's tree house all halfling dwellings have some features in common. If at all possible, there will be windows, which will be open during all but the chilliest of days halflings never confuse 'snug' with 'stuffy: Tallfellows carry this fondness for fresh air the farthest, positioning their homes to take advantage of whatever gentle breezes waft through the area, while Stouts represent the opposite extreme and might well have only a few small port windows.
Although well-ventilated, the burrow will be shielded against drafts by shutters of wood or leather that can be tight1y closed and sealed against gusts and storms. Unlike dwarves, halflings keep their homes brightly lit, with lamps in every room, yet shutters and doors wilJ be so well set in their frames that not a glimmer of illumination will show on the outside when the burrow is locked up tight.
The fireplace will be built with as much stone as possible, given materials at hand, and capped with a large wooden mantle. It will have a wide mouth and a welldesigned chimney to draw smoke up and out of the room. In colder climates, elaborate fireplaces are sometimes constructed with their own airinlet ducts connecting to the outside of the burrow, allowing the house can be snugly sealed without suffocating the fire, while other ducts channel the heated air away. Conversely, in very warm locales halflings enjoy gathering around communal outdoor fires for an evening's conversation and fellowship yet even so, each individual burrow will always have its own homefire as well.
It is not uncommon in a halfling burrow for a single fire to last for years, even decades or generations, without a second kindling. Even in very warm climes where it is allowed to die down to coals during the daylight hours, the embers are coaxed back to life at nightfall. Well seasoned hardwoods are a favorite fuel, but wherever they live, halflings will quickly learn the best fuels for producing a warm, steady heat. Halflings are adept at using different local firewoods (hickory, mesquite, applewood, &c) to "sweeten the air" or seasonthe food they cook.
A halfling fireplace usually has several racks beside it, so that a variety of cauldrons and kettles can be swung over the coals. In this way dinners are cooked, milk curdled into cheese, and clay pottery fired by the steady heat. Often a large oven nestles in one comer of the coal bed, for use in baking the bread that forms the centerpiece of the halfling diet.
The Village
The key to the village is the hallling's desire for the maximum of comfort with the minimum of effort. These pragmatic folk long ago learned that, though one hailing might learn to grow and cook and sew and build and so forth, specialization in these tasks creates a much higher level of quality alJ around. Thus, we see the cooperative roots of the halfling's picture of community.
Indeed, this cooperation extends to all aspects of life. The breadmaker will give his or her loaves to the other villagers, as will the cheesemaker with his or her cheese and the brewer with his or her beverage. Perhaps the baker's family gets the best loaf from a particular batch, but everyone gets a fair share.
Burrow excavation and house building operates under the same pattern the most experienced builder in the town will supervise a legion of workers, so that the initial portions of the task can be accomplished in a few days. As to the furnishing of the burrow, the occupants see to that themselves.
Though halflings mingle well with human society, this does not mean they have departed from the concept of the village rather, it is an indication of their broad vision, for nowhere is it written that the villagers must be fellow halflings. A halfling who dwells in a city will treat his or her neighbors as fellow villagers this is what makes halflings such good neighbors. They are quick to recognize when their generosity is not reciprocated, however, and thus will soon narrow their circle of 'villagers' to those who feel a similar sense of cooperation and friendship.
Indeed, this cooperation extends to all aspects of life. The breadmaker will give his or her loaves to the other villagers, as will the cheesemaker with his or her cheese and the brewer with his or her beverage. Perhaps the baker's family gets the best loaf from a particular batch, but everyone gets a fair share.
Burrow excavation and house building operates under the same pattern the most experienced builder in the town will supervise a legion of workers, so that the initial portions of the task can be accomplished in a few days. As to the furnishing of the burrow, the occupants see to that themselves.
Though halflings mingle well with human society, this does not mean they have departed from the concept of the village rather, it is an indication of their broad vision, for nowhere is it written that the villagers must be fellow halflings. A halfling who dwells in a city will treat his or her neighbors as fellow villagers this is what makes halflings such good neighbors. They are quick to recognize when their generosity is not reciprocated, however, and thus will soon narrow their circle of 'villagers' to those who feel a similar sense of cooperation and friendship.
Dietary Needs and Habits
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HaJflings enjoy eating and drinking in plentiful quantities indeed, despite the difference in size, the typical halfling will eat as much if not more than a human twice his or her size; this is because halflings have a very high metabolism. Most halflings eat three large meals a day, interspersed with three sizable snacks: breakfast, brunch, lunch, teatime, supper, and bedtime snack. Although they enjoy an occasional meal of meat, especially poultry or wildfowl (roast pheasant is considered a great delicacy), the short folk rely extensively on bread, fruit, and cheese.
Halfling bakers are famed for their abilities with dough, making a11 types of sweet or salty, light or heavy breads. Cheesemaking is another skill in which many halflings are proficient,and here, too, variety is a prime hallmark each individual cheesemaker will typically specialize in one kind of cheese, no two of which will be alike, allowing a halfling community to off er a variety of sharp and mild, hard and soft cheeses. Halflings are born gardeners, far exceeding any other race in their knack for growing foodstuffs. Any halfling with access to a plot of ground will usually maintain a garden, wherein he or she wHl carefully nurture fruits and vegetables of all types appropriate to the climate. Even in a small garden, a halfling will generally plant at many different times during the spring, assuring a continuing harvest from early summer through late autumn. Halflings do not favor a lot of spice in their foods, however, so few raise peppers or other stronglyflavored crops unless a nearby ready market for them exists. Onions are a notable exception: many halllings love them and have even been known to munch them raw, much as a human might eat an apple. Halfling brewers are well known and their products popular with humans as well as other halflings. As with cheesemaking, a brewer will specialize in a single beverage. These can vary from heavy stout (halflings often jokingly hand a first time human drinker a knife and fork with the glass) to light and creamy ales. Fruit wines are also popular, with halfling vintners specializing in using whatever fruit is near to hand.
It should be noted that, though halflings favor many sorts of wines and ales, they rarely get drunk, due no doubt to their high metabolism. Rather, the alcohol tends to make them pleasantly drowsy, and a group of halflings that share a bottle of potent stuff will typically become quite relaxed, quiet, and contented as the evening wears on.
Halfling bakers are famed for their abilities with dough, making a11 types of sweet or salty, light or heavy breads. Cheesemaking is another skill in which many halflings are proficient,and here, too, variety is a prime hallmark each individual cheesemaker will typically specialize in one kind of cheese, no two of which will be alike, allowing a halfling community to off er a variety of sharp and mild, hard and soft cheeses. Halflings are born gardeners, far exceeding any other race in their knack for growing foodstuffs. Any halfling with access to a plot of ground will usually maintain a garden, wherein he or she wHl carefully nurture fruits and vegetables of all types appropriate to the climate. Even in a small garden, a halfling will generally plant at many different times during the spring, assuring a continuing harvest from early summer through late autumn. Halflings do not favor a lot of spice in their foods, however, so few raise peppers or other stronglyflavored crops unless a nearby ready market for them exists. Onions are a notable exception: many halllings love them and have even been known to munch them raw, much as a human might eat an apple. Halfling brewers are well known and their products popular with humans as well as other halflings. As with cheesemaking, a brewer will specialize in a single beverage. These can vary from heavy stout (halflings often jokingly hand a first time human drinker a knife and fork with the glass) to light and creamy ales. Fruit wines are also popular, with halfling vintners specializing in using whatever fruit is near to hand.
It should be noted that, though halflings favor many sorts of wines and ales, they rarely get drunk, due no doubt to their high metabolism. Rather, the alcohol tends to make them pleasantly drowsy, and a group of halflings that share a bottle of potent stuff will typically become quite relaxed, quiet, and contented as the evening wears on.
Behaviour
Trade
Barter is a way of life to the halflingthough in more cases than not it is the unspoken, unrecorded barter of village life. However, halflings also trade among themselves on a more formal basis and are skilled at interacting with human suppliers and customers. They have a keen eye for detail and are generally quick to spot counterfeit or lowquality goods, all the while proclaiming the good points of whatever they are offering in return.
Most trade between halfling villages, and between halflings and other folk, is carried on by professional halfling merchants called Traders. These halfling merchants transport surplus goods from one village to trade for the products of another. While halfling merchants will certainly take gold and other coinage as payment, they are also willing (more so than human or dwarven traders, certainly) to accept goods in return for goods. Pragmatic here as elsewhere, however, Traders generally don ·t take goods unless they feel that they will be able to sell or barter those same goods at one of their next few stops.
Since they enjoy the give-and-take of a good bartering session, a typical halfling merchant will offer far less for the goods he or she desires than they are actually worth, while at the same time asking an exorbitant price for his or her own. The small folk view bartering as something of a game and sometimes forget how much better they are at it than most of the Big Folk. However, a halfling who belatedly discovers that he or she has unwittingly talked a human into buying goods at considerably more than their value will often salve his or her conscience by throwing in a 'bonus' once the deal is dosed to compensate the poor bargainer.
Most trade between halfling villages, and between halflings and other folk, is carried on by professional halfling merchants called Traders. These halfling merchants transport surplus goods from one village to trade for the products of another. While halfling merchants will certainly take gold and other coinage as payment, they are also willing (more so than human or dwarven traders, certainly) to accept goods in return for goods. Pragmatic here as elsewhere, however, Traders generally don ·t take goods unless they feel that they will be able to sell or barter those same goods at one of their next few stops.
Since they enjoy the give-and-take of a good bartering session, a typical halfling merchant will offer far less for the goods he or she desires than they are actually worth, while at the same time asking an exorbitant price for his or her own. The small folk view bartering as something of a game and sometimes forget how much better they are at it than most of the Big Folk. However, a halfling who belatedly discovers that he or she has unwittingly talked a human into buying goods at considerably more than their value will often salve his or her conscience by throwing in a 'bonus' once the deal is dosed to compensate the poor bargainer.
Civilization and Culture
Relationship Ideals
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A single burrow will be occupied by members of one family. Depending on the size of both burrow and family, the dwelling could have as many as twenty-five residents or as few as one A populous burrow will have a patriarch or matriarch (occasionally both) who presides over the brood with genial authority. Four generations of a family living in a burrow is not at all uncommon, although sometimes a just-married couple will decide they want a burrow of their own. Occasionally an older halfling will decide that he or she would like a private burrow, but such individuals are viewed as eccentrics by their families and neighbors-it is hard for most of these gregarious folk to imagine anyone wanting to be alone.
Halflings respect experience and wisdom and defer to their elders out of affection and trust. Aside from the venerable head of a family, adult halllings of different generations (even parents and children) view each other as equals. Only the youngest halflings, not yet adults, are subject to rules and restraints imposed by authority; all grown halflings living in the burrow will be there because they want to be.
Parenting duties are shared by all the adult members of the family; fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and older siblings all share in the upbringing of youngsters. It is a rare halfling who grows up as the only child in a household; it is more common to be one of a number of brothers and sisters and cousins who play and explore together.
Though family bonds are felt warmly, they are not a cause of exclusivity. Feuds between clans are rare, since most disputes are blamed on the disputers themselves, not their families. For example, a halfling who gets into a fight (a rare, but not unheard of, occurrence) is likely to be criticized soundly by his or her own family for his or her lack of se1£contro1- there's no "Let's go and whup them guys what beat on my brudder!" mentality.
Although disagreements are naturally inevitable in these crowded living conditions, halflings rarely engage in outright bickering or argument. For one thing, the presence of two people arguing in a burrow severaJ dozen people call home is considered a major intrusion into the privacy of the others and hence a severe breach of etiquette by those en.gaged in the fracas. Many of the traditional causes of such fights among humans are removed by the halfling's communal outlook on life. Supper is prepared by everyone who has a free hand, and those who didn't cook will pitch in the cleaning up or help entertain the youngsters after the meal. Only when all the chores are done is an individual member free to go about his or her own business. Because of their ready-to-help nature, tasks like cooking and deaning up don't take very long, so this still leaves family members with plenty of time to get their feet up and their eyelids down.
In cases of deeper disputes, such as a couple's disagreement on whether to move out and find a place of their own, the discussion will generally be waged quietly, over a period of months or even years. One member might make a friendly remark, after a crowded dinner around a small table, how pleasant it would be to have enough room to stretch out his elbows at the table. A week later his spouse might reply, in an equally pleasant tone, how nice it is that there was such an interesting conversation-"so many points of view" -around that same table on a different evening. Naturally, it takes a long time to resolve an issue like this- but when it's resolved, the decision is far more likely to have been mutually arrived at than it would have been among a human couple.
Halflings respect experience and wisdom and defer to their elders out of affection and trust. Aside from the venerable head of a family, adult halllings of different generations (even parents and children) view each other as equals. Only the youngest halflings, not yet adults, are subject to rules and restraints imposed by authority; all grown halflings living in the burrow will be there because they want to be.
Parenting duties are shared by all the adult members of the family; fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and older siblings all share in the upbringing of youngsters. It is a rare halfling who grows up as the only child in a household; it is more common to be one of a number of brothers and sisters and cousins who play and explore together.
Though family bonds are felt warmly, they are not a cause of exclusivity. Feuds between clans are rare, since most disputes are blamed on the disputers themselves, not their families. For example, a halfling who gets into a fight (a rare, but not unheard of, occurrence) is likely to be criticized soundly by his or her own family for his or her lack of se1£contro1- there's no "Let's go and whup them guys what beat on my brudder!" mentality.
Although disagreements are naturally inevitable in these crowded living conditions, halflings rarely engage in outright bickering or argument. For one thing, the presence of two people arguing in a burrow severaJ dozen people call home is considered a major intrusion into the privacy of the others and hence a severe breach of etiquette by those en.gaged in the fracas. Many of the traditional causes of such fights among humans are removed by the halfling's communal outlook on life. Supper is prepared by everyone who has a free hand, and those who didn't cook will pitch in the cleaning up or help entertain the youngsters after the meal. Only when all the chores are done is an individual member free to go about his or her own business. Because of their ready-to-help nature, tasks like cooking and deaning up don't take very long, so this still leaves family members with plenty of time to get their feet up and their eyelids down.
In cases of deeper disputes, such as a couple's disagreement on whether to move out and find a place of their own, the discussion will generally be waged quietly, over a period of months or even years. One member might make a friendly remark, after a crowded dinner around a small table, how pleasant it would be to have enough room to stretch out his elbows at the table. A week later his spouse might reply, in an equally pleasant tone, how nice it is that there was such an interesting conversation-"so many points of view" -around that same table on a different evening. Naturally, it takes a long time to resolve an issue like this- but when it's resolved, the decision is far more likely to have been mutually arrived at than it would have been among a human couple.
Average Technological Level
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Halflings are adept at utilizing local resources in their labors. Although only the Stouts are very effective at mining, all subraces will be intimately familiar with the surface features of their surroundings. If they live in an area with a lot of trees, carvers will know everything about each variety of wood available. If the environment is rocky, experienced stonemasons will predominate. most dramatic evidence, perhaps, of this adaptability is the fact that the Purchin have developed a high level of skill at working the raw materials in their nearly wood.less and stoneless environment: they make everything from their homes to their tools, weapons and clothing out ofleather, bone, and ice.
The quality of halfling work is very consistent. While rarely the equal of the greatest artisans in the world dwarves make better axeblades, elves better wine on the average it is better than the average available elsewhere.
Areas where halfling craftsmen truly excel include many tasks involving dexterity and great detail. The small folk make splendid jewelers engravers, locksmiths, woodcarver: indeed, artists of all types. They love colors, and once again the propensity for detail allows a hallling painter to bring a scene to bright and vivid life. If clocks are known to a world (e.g., if its technology is sufficiently advanced), then it is likely that the finest clockmakers will be halflings.
In addition, because of their proclivity for entertaining gossip and news of all kinds, halflings make great storytellers. Some of them have a gift for music, and balling musicians and storylellers are in great demand at any village feasl or festival .
Halflings are ill suited for jobs requiring size and strength, such as blacksmithing, ocean sailing, or cargo hauling. Though a halfling village will usually have a smith who makes nails and horseshoes, his or her work will not be up to the level of most human smiths and will probably be for local consumption only; the same is true of hallling teamsters.
Areas where halfling craftsmen truly excel include many tasks involving dexterity and great detail. The small folk make splendid jewelers engravers, locksmiths, woodcarver: indeed, artists of all types. They love colors, and once again the propensity for detail allows a hallling painter to bring a scene to bright and vivid life. If clocks are known to a world (e.g., if its technology is sufficiently advanced), then it is likely that the finest clockmakers will be halflings.
In addition, because of their proclivity for entertaining gossip and news of all kinds, halflings make great storytellers. Some of them have a gift for music, and balling musicians and storylellers are in great demand at any village feasl or festival .
Halflings are ill suited for jobs requiring size and strength, such as blacksmithing, ocean sailing, or cargo hauling. Though a halfling village will usually have a smith who makes nails and horseshoes, his or her work will not be up to the level of most human smiths and will probably be for local consumption only; the same is true of hallling teamsters.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
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They speak the Halfling Language.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Society Norms and Taboos
Though they have no lack of courage, halflings shun violent or aggressive behavior in social settings. They are slow to anger and always ready to seek a negotiated solution to any dispute.
A halfling feels no sense of shame if he or she chooses to leave the presence of some obnoxious bully rather than getting involved in a fight-even a fight the hal£ling thinks he or she can win. Fortunately, because of their communal village upbringing, few halflings are this rude, and such situations mainly arise when the halfling mixes company with humans, dwarves, or goblinoids.
Personal insults delivered to a fellow villager are considered low class, reflecting more poorly on the one who makes the insult than the target. Politeness is much admired, and one who shows tolerance to a neighbor who has wronged him is considered to be the epitome of a class act.
Parties among halflings are common and will be given for a variety of reasons. Birthdays are always cause for celebration, and with so many family members Jiving together it's rare for a month to go by without several birthdays in it. Each community will also have many annual holidays. These vary by culture there are no such holidays observed by halflings everywhere. Of ten the Small Folk will celebrate whatever festivals are popular among their human and demihuman neighbors, soon giving these observances a character all their own. The hosts of a party are expected to provide food and drink but much of this will be contributed by neighbors prior to the event. Thus, none of the guests show up with anything to contribute, but they've all provided a bottle, a wedge of cheese, loaf of bread, or the like beforehand. Indeed, this is one way halflings get invited to parties if you find out that your neighbor is celebrating his birthday, for example, take over a small jug of ale in the morning and he can hardly tum you away when the festivities commence in the afternoon! There is little sense of social status among the halflings in a village, aside from the amused tolerance shown by adults to children and the general respect for the elderly. Wealthy halllings are expected to throw bigger parties and to generally show generosity to those less fortunate yet they are not accorded any 'upper class' standing because of this. The village.rs may well elect a sheriff, mayor, or constable and give this individual nominal authority to arrest troublemakers. Rambunctious behavior is rare among halflings themselves1 however, so the sheriff's main concern will be to control the behavior of humans, dwarves, and other possible troublemakers who come through the community.
A halfling feels no sense of shame if he or she chooses to leave the presence of some obnoxious bully rather than getting involved in a fight-even a fight the hal£ling thinks he or she can win. Fortunately, because of their communal village upbringing, few halflings are this rude, and such situations mainly arise when the halfling mixes company with humans, dwarves, or goblinoids.
Personal insults delivered to a fellow villager are considered low class, reflecting more poorly on the one who makes the insult than the target. Politeness is much admired, and one who shows tolerance to a neighbor who has wronged him is considered to be the epitome of a class act.
Parties among halflings are common and will be given for a variety of reasons. Birthdays are always cause for celebration, and with so many family members Jiving together it's rare for a month to go by without several birthdays in it. Each community will also have many annual holidays. These vary by culture there are no such holidays observed by halflings everywhere. Of ten the Small Folk will celebrate whatever festivals are popular among their human and demihuman neighbors, soon giving these observances a character all their own. The hosts of a party are expected to provide food and drink but much of this will be contributed by neighbors prior to the event. Thus, none of the guests show up with anything to contribute, but they've all provided a bottle, a wedge of cheese, loaf of bread, or the like beforehand. Indeed, this is one way halflings get invited to parties if you find out that your neighbor is celebrating his birthday, for example, take over a small jug of ale in the morning and he can hardly tum you away when the festivities commence in the afternoon! There is little sense of social status among the halflings in a village, aside from the amused tolerance shown by adults to children and the general respect for the elderly. Wealthy halllings are expected to throw bigger parties and to generally show generosity to those less fortunate yet they are not accorded any 'upper class' standing because of this. The village.rs may well elect a sheriff, mayor, or constable and give this individual nominal authority to arrest troublemakers. Rambunctious behavior is rare among halflings themselves1 however, so the sheriff's main concern will be to control the behavior of humans, dwarves, and other possible troublemakers who come through the community.
Joy and Humor
Halflings are a folk who can derive pleasure from many simple things and are not afraid to show it a halfling who is happy laughs; one who feels affection or love will express himself or herself with words or deeds.
The small folk love to tell and hear stories and will generally be attentive and silent when anyone spins a tale. Not surprisingly, they especially love stories in which the smalJ and clever triumph over those who are physically larger and stronger but clumsier and less quickwitted.
Halllings also have a frank appreciation for bawdy humor and practical jokes. They have the ability to laugh at themselves, though one prank often leads to another in retaliation, and so on. Such good atured exchanges have been known to continue, reciprocated back and forth, for decade after decade.
The small folk love to tell and hear stories and will generally be attentive and silent when anyone spins a tale. Not surprisingly, they especially love stories in which the smalJ and clever triumph over those who are physically larger and stronger but clumsier and less quickwitted.
Halllings also have a frank appreciation for bawdy humor and practical jokes. They have the ability to laugh at themselves, though one prank often leads to another in retaliation, and so on. Such good atured exchanges have been known to continue, reciprocated back and forth, for decade after decade.
Sorrow and Anger
The small folk know the same griefs as humankind earth and illness, partings, natural disasters, and other tragedies. Thoughthey, as a people, are deeply affected by such misfortune, halllings tend not to display their grief as openly as do humans. Halfling villagers who have just lost several neighborsand friends to marauding bandits will shuffle around as if they are in shock there will be few tears, little wailing or crying.
Even more surprising, there will be few expressionsof outright anger or hostility. Revenge is not a great drive to most halflings, though occasionally a wrong will be judged so heinous, so unforgivable, that retribution is required (deliberate murder is a prime example). loss of possessions, however whether due to accident or the malicious acts of others tends to be greeted with a more relaxed attitude of 'easy come, easy go.' In their day-to-day lives, halflings are remarkably impervious to frustration and depression.
Members of the small folk show a remarkable ability to adapt to the circumstances of their surroundings. If the crops fail and food is short, they derive that much more pleasure from the meager fare that they eat. If the roof caves in and the family has no place to sleep, they will remark how fortunate they were that no one was seriously hurt and they'll mean it!
Even more surprising, there will be few expressionsof outright anger or hostility. Revenge is not a great drive to most halflings, though occasionally a wrong will be judged so heinous, so unforgivable, that retribution is required (deliberate murder is a prime example). loss of possessions, however whether due to accident or the malicious acts of others tends to be greeted with a more relaxed attitude of 'easy come, easy go.' In their day-to-day lives, halflings are remarkably impervious to frustration and depression.
Members of the small folk show a remarkable ability to adapt to the circumstances of their surroundings. If the crops fail and food is short, they derive that much more pleasure from the meager fare that they eat. If the roof caves in and the family has no place to sleep, they will remark how fortunate they were that no one was seriously hurt and they'll mean it!
Riddles
A favorite form of contest among halflings of all subraces is the exchange of riddles. These can vary from simple questions and answers to complex puzzles involving clues vague and obtuse. It's not uncommon for a halfling to spend an hour or more pondering such a problem in silence punctuated only by his or her frequent admonitions: "don't tell me the answer!''
Even more baffling to nonhalflings is the Question Game, a contest in which each participant must answer a question with another question. Each response must be a complete sentence, relevant to the one that preceded it, and delivered within ten seconds, or the player loses a point. Experienced players can continue the game for hours; one legendary brother-and-sister team are rumored to have carried a game on every time they met for the last twenty years of their lives. Some halfling enthusiasts of the game will treat every question addressed to them as an invitation to play, with sometimes regrettable results.
Even more baffling to nonhalflings is the Question Game, a contest in which each participant must answer a question with another question. Each response must be a complete sentence, relevant to the one that preceded it, and delivered within ten seconds, or the player loses a point. Experienced players can continue the game for hours; one legendary brother-and-sister team are rumored to have carried a game on every time they met for the last twenty years of their lives. Some halfling enthusiasts of the game will treat every question addressed to them as an invitation to play, with sometimes regrettable results.
Magic
Sorcery is one area of power where halfling skills are lacking. Their inherent resistance to magic protects them against many of the power crazed spellcasters in the world, but it also prevents them from mastering thoseforces for themselves: no halfling has learned much about the wielding of arcane power (although comic tales about bumbling but wellintentioned halfling apprentices are popular inmany places). Unlike many humans and dwarves, they do not regard magic as particularlythreatening; trust in their innate resistance enables halflings to extend Lo spellcasters the typically friendly greeting they give to all strangers a fact which no doubt explains the fondness some wizards have for the race.
Why most Halflings are staying at home
Almost all halflings suffer to some degree from feelings which resembles the condition humans call agoraphobia - a fear of unknown or open places. It's not that haillings are literally afraid, merely that they become very uncomfortable whenever they're too far away from their villages and burrows or in unf amiliar places. Whether this is one of Yondalla's 'gifts,' designed to keep them close to home and hearth, or a holdover &om the Bad Old Days when enemies lurked behind every tree and bush, none can say. But it has been observed that the symptoms increase with agehailling children freely range far and wide, while the very old rarely step outside their burrows. Not that the halflings see this as a bad thing: to them, it's simply the way things are and ought to be-youth is the time to gadabout, age the time for rest and reflection.
That's the question asked by most of the rest of a village when a young halfling packs his or her tote bag and waves goodbye to his or her parents. His or her neighbors will often gather to see the would be adventurer off, watching the already small form grow smaller in the distance, knowing there's a good chance that they'll never see their friend again.
There are nearly as many answers to this question as there are halflings who have walked down that road. Some do so reluctantly, out of a sense of duty. Others find the temptations of excitement. adventure, and treasure too great to ignore. One thing almost al1 of them share in common, however, is that they lack the characteristic halfling dread of faraway places. For reasons which once again are unknown as halflings call it 'the legacy of Littleman'"a few rare haillings are born entirely free of thecondition which keeps their fellows tied to their homes. Instead, they are filled with an endless curiosity to see new places, new people, and new things. Usually this wanderlust fades later in life and the homing instinct reasserts itself, but a few halflings remain wanderers for the rest of their days (see the Traveler kit in the next chapter). These restless individuals are considered 'eccentric' by their fellow halflings, but their exploits are often admired just the same.
Why Some Halflings Pursue Adventure
If his or her burrow and its attendant company and comforts are the most important features of a halfling's life, why then would any halfling leave this perfection for a life of short rations, crude lodging, exposure to bad weather, danger, and possible violence?That's the question asked by most of the rest of a village when a young halfling packs his or her tote bag and waves goodbye to his or her parents. His or her neighbors will often gather to see the would be adventurer off, watching the already small form grow smaller in the distance, knowing there's a good chance that they'll never see their friend again.
There are nearly as many answers to this question as there are halflings who have walked down that road. Some do so reluctantly, out of a sense of duty. Others find the temptations of excitement. adventure, and treasure too great to ignore. One thing almost al1 of them share in common, however, is that they lack the characteristic halfling dread of faraway places. For reasons which once again are unknown as halflings call it 'the legacy of Littleman'"a few rare haillings are born entirely free of thecondition which keeps their fellows tied to their homes. Instead, they are filled with an endless curiosity to see new places, new people, and new things. Usually this wanderlust fades later in life and the homing instinct reasserts itself, but a few halflings remain wanderers for the rest of their days (see the Traveler kit in the next chapter). These restless individuals are considered 'eccentric' by their fellow halflings, but their exploits are often admired just the same.
Warfare
Though they abhor war, halflings nevertheless have proven to be tenacious fighters in defense of their homes or in the service of an alliance.
A very good example would be The Battle of Lamou Lake;
Another feature has also contributed to the halllings' fine reputation as allies: the small folk traditionally have demonstrated a willingness to honor the terms of a longstanding alliance. They will provide the troops they promised, when and where they are required: and those troops display almost as much determination in supporting an alliance as they would in defense of their own burrows. However, they must have some strong motivation before resorting to violence to solve a dispute. Almost always this motivation is defensive in nature either the halflings or their friends are attacked by some aggressor. Occasionally the small folk might participate in an offensive campaign, but only when it is a preemptory strike against a foe who has already committed enough bloody acts to warrant retribulion and is currently gathering forces for an attack on the halflings or their allies.
However, when the need is clear, halflings are speedy and resolute to answer the call to arms. Indeed, this trait is one that makes halfling/ human treaties attractive to the rulers of the latter. Also, the deadly accuracy of halfling bowmen and slingers is known to all who have faced them and few of those desire to do so again!
However, when pressed to the point of no return, halfling troops make determined fighters with a number of effective tactics at their command. In most cases, only about half the adults will fight, the remainder remaining behind to protect the elderly and children. In cases of dire need where the very survival of the community is at stake-every able-bodied adult may well be drafted into the cause.
Halflings have a reputation for being easygoing and somewhat lazy, but this does not mean they cannot fight effectively if they need to-the legends of the Bad Old Days remind every halfllng of what life was like before they had villages and lands of their own, and they will fight with surprising tenacity, even ferocity, to keep from slipping back into that fugitive existence Thus each hallling has something that can be used as a weapon in his or her burrow, no matter how peaceful the area. If the village has had to fight in the recent past, then each resident might have a short sword and shield as well as a bow and arrows or a sling and bullets. Even if battle is rare or virtually nonexistant, villagers will be able to ann themselves with a missile weapon apiece (bow, sling, or perhaps darts) and at least a long knife or spear for melee combata fact invaders expecting to find them easy prey have discovered time and again, to their surprise and regret. Halfling companies Halfling companies are almost aJways irregular; they don't fight in neat ranks and lines. They will be quite capable of firing volleys of missile fire upon command, and they will advance and withdraw on the orders of their captains, but they would have a hard time facing, for example, a tight rank of armored human infantry or orcish swords.
lnstead, the halflings favor battles in wooded or otherwise obstructed terrain. Their scattered formation is ideal for each fighter finding his or her own source of cover, though they are far more adept than humans at holding their company's unity even in thickets where visibility and mobility are severely limited. The fabled ability of halflings to virtually disappear in underbrush is never more useful than at moments like this.
A favored tactic of a halfling force, when fighting in this type of concealing terrain, is to create a loud diversion. A few veteran warriors will thrash through the brush, firing many arrows, giving the impression that they number scores of times more than they actually do. Then, if the opponent's force turns to face this imaginary onslaught, the real halfling company screen by the woods attacks the enemy's flank. If a halfling force is attacked in unfavorable (i.e., open) terrain by a force of large creatures, the small folk might try to stand off the attack if they feel they have a chance of success. If they are attacked by horsemen or are outnumbered by wellarmored infantry, however, the entire formation will usually scatter, joining up again at a place offering more concealment and protection. Halflings rarely fight mounted, though Tallfellow Halflings are a notable exception, occasionally riding into battle on small ponies or, very rarely, beasts such as dire wolves. When halflings fight as members of an alliance, they are often used as missile troops. Well screened behind formations of human or dwarven footsoldiers, hallling archers and slingers can shower the enemy with a deadly rain of arrows and bullets.
Another common specialty of halfling troops is tunneling and underground operations. They are not particularly adept at digging such passages-that task is better left to dwarves, but halfling troops can negotiatemuch sma!Jer passages than can most of their allies. Thus, if combat is expected in close quarters or beneath a low ceiling, halfling troops are often selected to lead the way.
Tactics
Halflings prefer to avoid war if at all possible. A community of the small folk will be willing to negotiate extensively, and even yield to a certain amount of extortion, in order to avoid bloodshed.However, when pressed to the point of no return, halfling troops make determined fighters with a number of effective tactics at their command. In most cases, only about half the adults will fight, the remainder remaining behind to protect the elderly and children. In cases of dire need where the very survival of the community is at stake-every able-bodied adult may well be drafted into the cause.
Halflings have a reputation for being easygoing and somewhat lazy, but this does not mean they cannot fight effectively if they need to-the legends of the Bad Old Days remind every halfllng of what life was like before they had villages and lands of their own, and they will fight with surprising tenacity, even ferocity, to keep from slipping back into that fugitive existence Thus each hallling has something that can be used as a weapon in his or her burrow, no matter how peaceful the area. If the village has had to fight in the recent past, then each resident might have a short sword and shield as well as a bow and arrows or a sling and bullets. Even if battle is rare or virtually nonexistant, villagers will be able to ann themselves with a missile weapon apiece (bow, sling, or perhaps darts) and at least a long knife or spear for melee combata fact invaders expecting to find them easy prey have discovered time and again, to their surprise and regret. Halfling companies Halfling companies are almost aJways irregular; they don't fight in neat ranks and lines. They will be quite capable of firing volleys of missile fire upon command, and they will advance and withdraw on the orders of their captains, but they would have a hard time facing, for example, a tight rank of armored human infantry or orcish swords.
lnstead, the halflings favor battles in wooded or otherwise obstructed terrain. Their scattered formation is ideal for each fighter finding his or her own source of cover, though they are far more adept than humans at holding their company's unity even in thickets where visibility and mobility are severely limited. The fabled ability of halflings to virtually disappear in underbrush is never more useful than at moments like this.
A favored tactic of a halfling force, when fighting in this type of concealing terrain, is to create a loud diversion. A few veteran warriors will thrash through the brush, firing many arrows, giving the impression that they number scores of times more than they actually do. Then, if the opponent's force turns to face this imaginary onslaught, the real halfling company screen by the woods attacks the enemy's flank. If a halfling force is attacked in unfavorable (i.e., open) terrain by a force of large creatures, the small folk might try to stand off the attack if they feel they have a chance of success. If they are attacked by horsemen or are outnumbered by wellarmored infantry, however, the entire formation will usually scatter, joining up again at a place offering more concealment and protection. Halflings rarely fight mounted, though Tallfellow Halflings are a notable exception, occasionally riding into battle on small ponies or, very rarely, beasts such as dire wolves. When halflings fight as members of an alliance, they are often used as missile troops. Well screened behind formations of human or dwarven footsoldiers, hallling archers and slingers can shower the enemy with a deadly rain of arrows and bullets.
Another common specialty of halfling troops is tunneling and underground operations. They are not particularly adept at digging such passages-that task is better left to dwarves, but halfling troops can negotiatemuch sma!Jer passages than can most of their allies. Thus, if combat is expected in close quarters or beneath a low ceiling, halfling troops are often selected to lead the way.
History
The creation of Halflings was long debated, however Cáel had more than elaborated on this in his books of "Concerning Hobbits".
The Name Halfling
It should be noted that, so far as halllings themselves are concerned, the name "halfling" is a misnomer. They don't consider themselves half the size of anything; in their opinion, it's everybody else who's oversized. Their own name for their race translates simply as 'the folk' or 'the small folk' (a term which sometimes includes gnomes as well humans, elves, and dwarves are collectively referred to as 'the Big Folk'. The halflings also have a slang term they use to refer to humans which translates as 'too-tails'.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Genetic Descendants
Related Organizations
Related Materials
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