Mali

==Mali (Halflings, Gnomes, Goblins)==
MAH-lee
The Mali are a bipedal hominid species native to Erathes. The Mali evolved from Homo Habilis, sharing a common ancestor with Homsi and Krasna. Mali are smaller than most other species, and are semi-nomadic tribespeople. Mali are the rarest of the common races, found only in the grasslands of Western Erathes and a few isolated forests, clustered in tight-knit clans. As a prairie species, the Mali have evolved significantly from their relations to the Homsi and Krasna. In grasslands many animals - predators and prey alike - are capable of reaching incredible speeds. Mali are no different, though small, their gait matches that of any Homsi or Alf - though often in odd, jerky motions. Lacking trees, rocks or other structures to hide behind, Mali evolved highly effective camouflage, their full-coverage fur often striped in colors that match the grass and surroundings of their wide-open habitat, which allows them to hide while in plain sight. Some Mali wear their fur shorn very close, leaving then velvety-skinned, but others allow their fur to grow out. Mali have large, wide, greatly-opening mouths which fill pouch-like cheeks, allowing them to stockpile a large amount of food, more than they need to eat at that time. They then carry the food back to their burrows, store it, and feed off of these food stocks during the winter months when they are sealed in their burrows. Mali have large eyes that rarely blink, as they have a nictitating membrane, a transparent third eyelid drawn across the eye from the medial canthus to protect and moisten it while maintaining vision. 
Lacking said protection of trees, to cope with extreme weather and temperatures accompanying the exposed habitat, the Mali dig burrows that provide shelter from poor weather, and relief from temperature extremes. These burrows combine to form complex tunnel networks, with multiple entrances and exits. In addition to sheltering Mali from the climate, the development of burrowing behavior afforded them protection from the attention of a variety of medium to large predators. By eating, drinking and sleeping in the company of many others, Mali increase the chances that one of them will detect a predator and alert the rest of the group. Many Mali clans select a natural landmark as the center of their territory, and members carry a piece of that landmark with them at all times.
Few argue that Malis are quarrelsome beings. Most serve as scouts, weapon carriers, or even food. Sometimes tribes are brought together by circumstance, opportunity, or cunning leaders, but most have short and brutal lives thanks to their larger cousins, bloodthirsty adventurers, or hungry predators. Their cheerful optimism (or wily cunning) gives them a “never say die” attitude that makes them more than a match for those who would trouble them. Most Mali enjoy life’s little luxuries—good food, strong drink, and lively music when they can get them. Mali LOVE to sing and dance, often to the chagrin of their non-mali companions. Few are adventurous, preferring to stay in close-knit communities far from trouble.
INFRAVISION: Mali can see deep in the infrared spectrum, halving penalties for bad lighting when attacking targets that radiate heat or cold.
MEAN: “alien” and “apathetically cruel” are the two adjectives most used to describe Mali. They subtract 1 from Persuasion rolls.
SHORT: Mali average only about 4 ’ tall, reducing their Size (and therefore Toughness) by 1.
SNEAKY: Mali quickly learn how to sneak around more ferocious creatures who want to kill or harm them. They start with a d6 in Stealth, which increases their skill limit to d12+1.
SURVIVOR: Mali develop numerous tactics to survive in their savage and violent environs. They start with a free Novice Edge of their choice (though they must still meet all the Edge’s Requirements).