Halflings

Halflings battle to tame a domestic goat.

“
*Never decline an invitation to supper with Halflings.*
”
— The Adventuring Adventurer's Guide to Adventure.
**Halflings**, also known as **hobbits**, are a humanoid race native to Vosel. Halflings are known as such because they resemble humans in both shape and proportions, except that they are about half as tall. The comforts of home are the goals of most halflings’ lives: a place to settle in peace and quiet, far from marauding monsters and clashing armies; a blazing fire and a generous meal; fine drink and fine conversation.

Though some halflings live out their days in remote agricultural communities, others form nomadic bands that travel constantly, lured by the open road and the wide horizon to discover the wonders of new lands and peoples. But even these wanderers love peace, food, hearth, and home, though home might be a wagon jostling along a dirt road or a raft floating downriver.

## Biology

### Appearance

The diminutive halflings survive in a world full of larger creatures by avoiding notice or, barring that, avoiding offense. Standing about 3 feet tall, they appear relatively harmless and so have managed to survive for centuries in the shadow of empires and on the edges of wars and political strife. They are inclined to be stout, weighing between 40 and 45 pounds.

Halflings’ skin ranges from tan to pale with a ruddy cast, and their hair is usually brown or sandy brown and wavy. They have brown or hazel eyes. Halfling men often sport long sideburns, but beards are rare among them and mustaches even more so. They like to wear simple, comfortable, and practical clothes, favoring bright colors.

Halfling practicality extends beyond their clothing. They’re concerned with basic needs and simple pleasures and have little use for ostentation. Even the wealthiest of halflings keep their treasures locked in a cellar rather than on display for all to see. They have a knack for finding the most straightforward solution to a problem, and have little patience for dithering.

### Lifespan

Halflings reach adulthood at around 20 years and live, on average, about 150 years.

## Culture

### Kind and curious

Halflings are an affable and cheerful people. They cherish the bonds of family and friendship as well as the comforts of hearth and home, harboring few dreams of gold or glory. Even adventurers among them usually venture into the world for reasons of community, friendship, wanderlust, or curiosity. They love discovering new things, even simple things, such as an exotic food or an unfamiliar style of clothing. Halflings are easily moved to pity and hate to see any living thing suffer. They are generous, happily sharing what they have even in lean times.

### Blend into the crowd

Halflings are adept at fitting into a community of humans, dwarves, or elves, making themselves valuable and welcome. The combination of their inherent stealth and their unassuming nature helps halflings to avoid unwanted attention. Halflings work readily with others, and they are loyal to their friends, whether halfling or otherwise. They can display remarkable ferocity when their friends, families, or communities are threatened.

### Pastoral pleasantries

Most halflings live in small, peaceful communities with large farms and well-kept groves. They rarely build kingdoms of their own or even hold much land beyond their quiet shires. Many halflings live among other races, where the halflings’ hard work and loyal outlook offer them abundant rewards and creature comforts. Some halfling communities travel as a way of life, driving wagons or guiding boats from place to place and maintaining no permanent home.

## History

Halflings have had an important impact on history, although this impact tends to be understated as a result of the understated demeanor of halflings in turn. Halflings have often been unexpected but crucial heroes and heroines; likewise, Halflings have a rich history of success in adventuring—although some criticize halflings by calling this the result of the strange and pervasive luck that the entire race seems to be blessed with. Whatever the reason, most halfling communities are incredibly distrustful of the "hero" and the "adventuring" businesses, preferring tranquil and peaceful lives.

## Subraces

### Lightfoots

Lightfoot halflings are mostly inclined to keep to themselves and their loved ones, eluding attention with ease when necessary. Lightfoots are inclined to be affable and tend to get along well with others, especially elves, gnomes, and humans. Lightfoots are more prone to wanderlust than other halflings, and often dwell alongside other races or take up a nomadic life. For these reasons, such halflings have spread the farthest and thus are the most common variety.

### Stouts

Stout halflings are hardier than average and have some resistance to poison. Some say that stouts have dwarven blood, but scholars have found no evidence of this. Nevertheless, Stouts get along well with Dwarves, often living in communities outside of the entrances to the Dvaerkar's great mansions.

## States

Halflings lead no large, powerful states, but many smaller duchies and counties are led by Halfling nobles. Innately lawful and altruistic, Halflings are considered by many to make admirable subjects, and are thus ennobled and promoted to minor administrative positions with high frequency, though they seldom have the ambition to reach the highest echelons of power.

## Appendix

The Common Peoples
**Dwarves** (Deep, Hill, Mountain) • **Elves** (Deep, High, ShadowHB, Sylvan, Wild) • **Gnomes** (Deep, Forest, Rock) • ****Halflings**** (Lightfoot, Stout) • **Half-Elves** (Half-Elf, Quarter-Elf) • **Half-Orcs** • **Humans**

### References

1. ↑ Player's Handbook.
2. ↑ Player's Handbook.
3. ↑ Player's Handbook.
4. ↑ Player's Handbook.
5. ↑ Player's Handbook.
6. ↑ Player's Handbook.
7. ↑ Player's Handbook.
8. ↑ Player's Handbook.
9. ↑ Player's Handbook.
10. ↑ Player's Handbook.
11. ↑ Player's Handbook.
12. ↑ Player's Handbook.