Halfing

"Well, you look hungry," said the portly man, barely three feet tall.
Surprised, the beggar pushed back his hood, revealing a face gaunt from malnourishment.
"I'm Heywood," said the little man, his brown curls shaking as he gave a smart bow, "but everyone calls me 'Squeak'. And you know what? I'm hungry too." Heywood reached up his nut-brown hand and patted the emaciated man as high as he could reach on the elbow. "How about you and I go have dinner in that tavern, and I'll tell you all about it. I could use the company."

— Janet Forbes

Halflings: an Overview

A serene, safe home, a warm hearth, plentiful meals, and the joy of good company: these are the comforts that most Halflings live for. Whether in quiet rural settlements, within city walls, in traveling homes like riverboats or minstrel waggons, or even on the road, in general Halfings will always be happiest beside the fire, enjoying convivial camaraderie and comestibles.

Physical Description and Combat: Small yet Mighty

Barely reaching 3 feet in height, Halfling’s often value their unassuming appearance, as it enables them to go unnoticed, both individually, and as a group. Many a halfling village has survived amid the turmoil of larger empires, simply due to looking non-threatening. Halflings typically weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, although as hearty eaters they can easily exceed that in later life.

Halfling skin tones vary the full gamut, from very dark, to tan, to rosy pale. Their hair, regardless of color, is usually curly. Halflings value comfort, and while their “clothes for company” often display rich fabrics and vivid colors, they’re usually designed for ease-of-wear over fashion. Their work clothes tend towards the practical, particularly among those who rely on stealth to survive.

Life span and outlook: Amiable and Inquisitive

“Growth - whether it’s friends, family, experiences, or potatoes - is always a good thing.”

— Janet Forbes

This common halfling proverb encompasses “the more, the merrier” attitude that lies at the heart of Halfling culture. Halflings tend to be compassionate and generous, always ready to set an extra place for an unexpected guest, even if that’s a beggar at their door. While not exactly gullible, they are optimistic about folks, and hope for the best. Generally, they are strongly community oriented, and social ties between - and within - halfling settlements are very important.

Families and Societies: Community Harmonizers

Halfings are not typically conquerors: they prefer diplomacy and friendship to war. Respected elders often take the place of Mayors or Leaders of their small agrarian settlements or traveling troupes. Individual Halflings also thrive in cities among other species, their conviviality and kindness allowing them to create their own found families and communities around themselves.

Whatever their community, Halflings will fight for it loyally, and make a point of knowing everyone’s names and, where possible, easing their troubles.

Naming Traditions

Nicknames are an important part of community and tradition, and the origin story of a nickname is held to be a great, oft-repeated icebreaker. They can be anything, but it’s often held that the more obscure or ridiculous, the better, such as “Firecracker”, “Pumpkin”, “Bubbles”, and “Squeak”.

Halfling first names tend to have something of nature about them. Halfling family names often reflect the expertise (or lack there of!) of ancestors gone by.

Male first names: Ash, Oliver, Alder, Acker, Basil, Bray, Briar, Cullen, Danner, Darragh, Elmore, Forrest, Glenn, Hawthorne, Heywood, Juniper, Linden, Marlow, Perry, Reed, Sage, Salton, Selby, Sylvan, Sorrel, Tilden, Udell, Walden

Female first names: Bryony, Camelia, Cinnamon, Daffodil, Dawn, Joy, Autumn, Flora, Heather, Honey, Iris, Dew, Jasmine, Juniper, Meadow, Myrtle, Pansy, River, Rain, Stella, Violet, Rowan,

Family names: Marrowmaker, Scrumper, Goodapple, Butterbean, Beamcarver, Bakerwell, Squashgobbler, Thistlestop, Fishtickler, Meadmaker, Beebungler, Hearthkeeper, Herbspotter, Meadmerry,

Reasons to go Adventuring

Halfings make reluctant adventurers, and it takes a lot to prise them from a warm fire and a cold cider. Those who venture out often do so from a sense of duty: as loyal friends, they’re quick to join a quest that will support their communities or friends, or improve their homes in some way. Some have a hunger for new friends, new experiences, and for the good things in life, which leads them to venture out into the unknown, despite the fact that they’re usually the shortest folks around.