Halfling

Halflings, also known in some places as "mousefolk," are possibly one of the most unusual and highly varied races in Ferlausen. Like the goblinoids, different groups of halfling may appear to be completely distinct species, with totally different characteristics. However, most modern scientists and anthropologists accept that halflings and mousefolk are, in fact, the same species, though a few people do insist that they are separate species merely capable of interbreeding with one another, who have done so to such a degree that the hybrids are more common than the pure breeds.   All halflings are mammalian, bipedal humanoids; that is where the commonalities stop. Halflings may be either plantigrade or digitigrade, may or may not have fur, may or may not have pointed, rodent-like snouts, and may or may not have long, tufted tails. Generally speaking, these traits are displayed on a spectrum from more human-like to more mouse-like.   The most human-like halflings often appear to be miniature humans. They are usually similar in stature and general build to dwarves and do not possess tails, although they may have unusually large ears. The most mouse-like halflings may stand at only just over a foot tall, and appear to be humanoid mice, with a digitigrade stance, mouse-like muzzles, whiskers, fur, large rounded ears and long, tufted tails. They are often referred to as "mousefolk" or some similar variant. In between these two extremes, you may find halflings displaying almost any combination of human and mouse-like traits. Generally speaking, each halfling ethnic group has a specific set of traits that may be displayed.   Most halfling ethnic groups straddle the middle line, looking mostly humanoid, with human-like faces, plantigrade stances, large ears, and long tufted tails.   The precise origins of the halfling species are unknown; some believe them to be the descendants of talking mice from the Feywild, others consider them to be formerly enchanted or cursed dwarves, and still others believe them to be the result of ancient groups of druids casting spells to gift mice and other rodents with sentience.