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Halfling

A sapient race which is oft overlooked and underestimated, the halflings are a people who have amongst them some of the greatest adventurers of all time. A remarkably brave race, they are known to stare down orcs without flinching. But then again, when surrounded in a world of giants it pays to be tough. They teach an important lesson to those who would listen; if you think you are above someone, you will be brought low.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Halflings are a sapient race of diminutive round-eared humanoids. They stand on average a mere 3 feet tall at shoulder on average. Aside from their height, they are highly comparable to humans anatomically speaking. Despite standing at the same height as a human child, they are extremely agile yet have extremely dense muscle, making them pound for pound as strong as orcs.   The most unique physical trait of halflings are, oddly enough, their feet. The feet are large for their size and often tufted with thick fur-like hair on the dorsum. The soles of the feet are also padded, meaning halflings often prefer being barefoot unless in an extreme environment. While many halflings do choose to wear shoes, just as many choose not to do so.

Genetics and Reproduction

Halflings reproduce sexually and have a seven month pregnancy, usually resulting in a single child. What is most notable is how quickly the mother recovers from childbirth. Halfling women are regularly completely healed and physically capable of another pregnancy within a fortnight.

Growth Rate & Stages

Homo hobbitus develop at a similar rate to humans, reaching adolescence by 13 years. They are considered adults by 18 and reach their prime by 30. Few halflings live past 60 years however.

Ecology and Habitats

Halflings are very adaptable and can survive in most locales fairly comfortably. The clans and caravans of the Lightfoots travel across the continent, making them well versed with the lands of Amastris.   A sizeable number of both Lightfoot and Stout clans live in the The Crowns, having arrived in 122 MB.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As befitting a race known for travelling far afield, halflings have a varied diet. They enjoy freshly hunted game and fowl as well as foraged nuts, berries, and herbs. While they do practice agriculture in settled communities, they prefer small personal gardens rather than larger farm fields.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The far-travelling halflings are a curious race which are very fluid in their social structure. Continental halflings are nomadic and travel vast distances in familial units called "caravans". These caravans are a series of wagons pulled by a variety of beasts of burden. Each wagon is fairly large, housing a single family unit of usually 2 to 3 generations. While the families themselves stay fairly rigid, the wagons often choose their own path. Sometimes they will stay amongst the same wagons for years, while others stay for only a few days before parting ways. This inconsistency makes imposing more traditional and settled societal frameworks difficult.     The exception to this are the Crowner halflings, who are quite settled. While many of them choose to go a viking, the majority stay in one settlement.

Domestication

Halflings have a particular knack for creating long lasting relationships with animals and often have exotic mounts. Axebeaks, ponies, hounds, and even bears have been reported by outsiders. Many of the other races believe halflings have some innate magical talent, but the halflings, with a smirk, just claim they are lucky.

Facial characteristics

Halflings are sometimes confused for gnomes due to their similar size and overall demeanour. However, the surest and fastest way to differentiate the two species is that halflings have rounded ears like Human and Dwarf. This is unlike gnomes which have the pointed ears characterized amongst the Elf; Elvhen and Orcs and Half-Orcs.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Widespread across the continent.

Average Intelligence

No more or less intelligent than any other sapient.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Comparable to humans, though they are known to have remarkably fast reflexes, almost supernaturally so.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Halflings are consummate explorers, traders, and animal trainers and, as such, are relatively well liked amongst all the races. They tend to get along best with humans, whom they see to be the most well-established and with the best trade deals. Gnomes have a special kinship with the halflings, as they are both the smallest of the common races (even if the halflings can't get a good bargain out of them). The other sapients don't seem to have any particular views of halflings.   However, halflings do have a knack for sparking companionship with animals and beasts. Many of the hobbitus take to the druid or ranger vocation as a means of fostering even deeper relationships with their furry friends.
 
Scientific Name
Homo Hobbitus
Lifespan
60 Years
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Average Height
3'1" - 4"
Average Weight
30lbs - 70lbs
Average Physique
Generally lithe and agile. Despite this agility, they have surprisingly dense muscles, allowing them to have strength that is comparable to humans.
Geographic Distribution

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