Halfling
Long ago, three unnamed deities were making the genetic blueprints for Halflings. While not gifted with natural strength or defenses, the trio granted them incredible luck to help them survive. However, they couldn't decide how their luck would trigger. The first deity wanted Halflings to seek out their luck. The second one thought the race should do good deeds for their blessing, and the third deity didn't want their creations to grow soft, so they wanted them to go through hardships to get their reward. After several unsuccessful debates, they each made a variant to prove the other wrong. Thus, the Clover Halfling, Karma Halfling, and the Ashfooted Halfling were born.
While identical, the primary difference between the Halflings is how they cultivate their luck. Clover Halflings either look for items of good luck or trade for items with sentimental or a long history to regain their luck. Karma Halflings do good deeds to restore their luck, while Ashfooted Halflings absorb the luck from those around them. Other Halflings are not affected by this. Because their luck doesn't last forever, halflings make an important decision early in life. Will they stay in their village for an easier and safer life, or will they leave in search of good fortune and adventure?
Basic Information
Anatomy
Halflings have very similar anatomy to humans. What truly sets them apart is their childlike features and their height. Halflings have an average height of a little less than a meter.
Ecology and Habitats
Because they live off the land, Halflings build their villages in secluded forests or plains. The abundant flora and land help them produce and gather different goods. However, some leave to live in major cities, typically for jobs or luck.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Halflings have an identical diet to humans. However, they tend to eat less because of their smaller bodies. This fact does not stop them from hoarding food in storerooms in preparation for a disaster or the arrival of outsiders.
Behaviour
Halflings have a strong sense of community. But they also have the desire to maintain their luck. If they can control this desire, they end up staying in their village, keeping their way of life safe and contributing to their home. If their want for luck overcomes their sense of connection, they venture into the world to satisfy themselves. It is typically the younger adventurous Halflings that leave.
Clover Halflings become traders and merchants. Karma Halflings try their hand at doing quests and being caretakers. Ashfooted Halflings tend to be assassins and mercenaries, accepting luck as payment.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
While Clover, Karma, and Ashfooted all have their respective jobs. There's one thing that all Halflings can do. As of late, some have accepted jobs as walking lucky charms. The idea is that their luck will rub off on the client if they're with them for long periods.
However, some people take this further by draining the luck and creating a potion. While more effective, the process is dangerous for everyone involved. With one wrong move, both parties could be unconscious or cursed with bad luck for days.
Average Intelligence
Halflings have intelligence similar to that of other sentient species. However, their curious nature sometimes makes them problematic. But, they believe that their luck can get them out of almost any situation. Despite that, sometimes not being the case.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Halflings have senses comparable to Humans. However, some have developed a strange sixth sense. While rare and still being tested, Halflings can tell when strokes of good or bad luck will happen. To this day, other species cannot tell if this is true or an elaborate prank.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Halfling names come from the factors surrounding their birth. For example, one person could have a name relating to Spring because they were born during the season. To help illustrate this, I must remind everyone that Halflings are a superstitious race. They believe once a baby is born, their fate is predetermined. So, most parents try their best to have their children born during conditions they consider the luckiest time.
Average Technological Level
Halfling society may have started as a rural community, but they are a naturally curious race. Several traders and adventurers have returned to their villages with different oddities and trinkets. While some were apprehensive at first, they couldn't deny the usefulness of the outside world. Nowadays, it is a common trend for Halflings to use technology.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
When Halflings can't agree, they let their luck help them decide. They will test to see who has the better fortune, and the victor gets their way. The younger generation mainly does this, but the older folk participate sometimes. In other practices, some dare each other to see how long they go without using their supernatural luck.
Common Taboos
Halflings are a superstitious race. They cannot truly understand if one of their people does not have luck. This train of thought leads them to think of several negative conclusions. One, they were cursed by the gods, and they need to prove themselves. Or two, they were only masquerading as a Halfling. Regardless, the individual will either be kicked out of fear or forced to do multiple tasks to help recover their luck.
Common Myths and Legends
While there are a few minor legends among Halflings, only one truly stands out. Some people believe there's an actual fourth variant. It involves a Halfling completely discarding their luck and putting fate into their hands. If any Halfling can do this, it said they can unlock their secret potential. But, most are not brave enough to throw away their luck. Most elders chalk the myth of the fourth variant as an old wives' tale, but with every generation, there is the sighting of this supposedly fourth variant.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Their luck is their cornerstone trait, for better or for worse. How other races view them entirely depends on the variant. However, informed individuals are often wary of them. Typically, an adventuring Halfling is after maintaining their luck. Keeping that in mind, some races will either view them as luck parasites, merchants, or those with a literal moral compass.
As stated previously, Halflings are superstitious and curious. While wary of those bigger than them, they always welcome newcomers. However, they are not too friendly to others they consider bad omens.
Average Physique
Halflings have childlike bodies. While they're not good athletes, they can easily blend into crowds of people. They're also strangely good with their hands. Ignoring their literal and metaphorical shortcomings, they live their life to the fullest without caring.
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