Hauflinfolk
When the world is hostile, and you are tiny, sometimes the best strategy is to have nothing of your own.
An Unusual Adaptation
The Far Reaches is a largely regimented place. While there are occasional moments, such as the Autumn Harvest and Brew Festival, where the races may come together, settlements are largely monocultured and often hostile to members of other races. Amidst that animosity, inexplicably, come the Hauflinfolk. While not necessarily welcome everywhere, they have managed to ingratiate themselves into most of the settlements of the Reaches by assuming the cultural idiosyncrasies of the host culture. Even the Elves of The Verdant Maw have been known to allow a Hauflinfolk to live amongst them from time to time.
Complete Assimilation
What do you mean I'm not a Gnome? Of course I'm a Gnome! Don't you remember giving birth to me?!
In some cases, Hauflinfolk have inserted themselves so completely into their target settlements that they claim they actually are members of the target species. While it is unclear whether they actually believe this or not, most of the races they live with, be it Gnomes, Humans, Elves, or others seem willing to just throw their hands up and accept the 'folk as their own. In many cases, they actually find homes where the host race takes them in and makes them a member of the family. This is not always the case, and a booming Hauflinfolk thieves' guild has sprung up in Frosthold, but more often than not, the 'folk find themselves welcomed, or at least well tolerated, in every city they visit. Perhaps it's the fact that they assimilate so completely that they tend to find acceptance. Perhaps it is just a result of their natural charm.
The Benefits of Adopting a Hauflinfolk
You're not supposed to be here. Pocket Sand!
Of course, any who take in one of the 'folk are expected to keep them well fed and happy, and they can eat a lot. And drink. They drink so much! Combined with the obvious benefits of acceptance and protection, this is the primary benefit to the 'folk. In return, they tend to provide services to their host family by asserting their uncanny ability to find things that have been lost - sometimes, those things were lost by others - most host families try not to think to hard about this.
I found this really great locket under the bed! No, I don't know whose picture that is. Of course I meant your bed!
In addition to their proclivity for finding items that you (or maybe someone else) has lost, Hauflinfolk are fiercely protective of their host families, particularly if they lay claim as a biological addition to that family. They are also highly effective, especially when striking from the shadows. More than one robbery or murder has been foiled by the interventions of an adopted 'folk. Those whose lives were saved will swear by their decision to let the 'folk into their homes, even if they sometimes remain befuddled about how it happened.
Potential Drawbacks
No, it's a healing potion. I swear! Why would I give you a vial of bath water?
While there are many undeniable benefits that come with adopting a Hauflinfolk into the family, there are certainly some dangers to be aware of. For one thing, the 'folk are highly skilled pranksters. Much like the Fay, Hauflinfolk pranks tend to be good natured and (relatively) harmless, especially if they are well fed and well treated by their host family. Those who neglect or abuse their charges might find themselves on the wrong end of darker or more dangerous pranks. Mostly, no one gets hurt.
The other drawback is that Hauflinfolk love to find things, and those things sometimes have owners. Even the most hospitable and accommodating host family might find itself on the wrong end of an accusation of theft. This is certainly the more dangerous drawback, at least for families that treat their 'folk as an adopted member. In most settlements where Hauflinfolk are established members of society, an apology and the returning of the item is all that is required - it is simply considered a side effect of living with them. Still, more serious incidents are not entirely unheard of.
Tradeoffs
I am definitely a Gnome. That guy is definitely just a human child with grey hair and pointy ears, and that one? What do you mean Elves can't have handlebar moustaches?!
At one time, like all of the intelligent races of Karos, the Hauflinfolk had their own civilization, society, and lands. That civilization never recovered after The Divinity Wars and crumbled entirely after The Dragon Wars. They have not been able to maintain a cohesive society since that time. In order to survive, the 'folk have given up their own culture and assimilated into those of their once enemies. They gave up everything that they once were in order to become what others might want them to be. As a result, Hauflinfolk living in different settlements throughout the world can vary wildly in temperament and values based on the society that took them in. Despite everything they have lost, most 'folk will swear they are happy in their new lives and that the relationship they have fostered with their hosts provides them everything they could want in life: food, protection, and a place to belong.
Of course you can be a human child for 50 years. It's called a mutation!
Species: Hauflinfolk
Colloquial Term: Halfling
Society: By Host Race
Home City: None
Host Races: All
Primary Exception: Tribes of The Bloodmarsh do not harbor any 'folk
Halfing by Feael
I love that all the quotes are from Patches!
Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak.