Halflings

## Appearance

Halflings stand at about three feet tall, and are usually stout in stature. Skin colour ranges, however complexion is usually ruddy. Their hair is usually wavy, and brownish in colour, as are their eyes. Sideburns are common, but other forms of facial hair are rarely observed. Haflings live for about 250 years.

## Origin

Halflings were created in the Age of Creation, by Quulla, the Goddess of Travel. Their small stature, strong will, and hardy feet made them ideal explorers. Nomad packs formed in this time period migrated further than any other race. Quulla made halflings in her image; they are determined, and ever-willing to bend around what the road will throw at them next. They are not power-hungry, and are not especially interested in glory and violence.

## Spread

There are about 5 million halflings spread amongst Perion. About 4.5 million live in the Halfling Kingdom of Nokland, situated to the South West of Perion. Many also live independently, amongst various cities in Perion (and very rarely in villages). The rest form nomad packs that travel around Perion. For Halflings, soaking in sights and experiencing the journey is more important than any destination. So, for the most part they eschew ships and airships, preferring to travel in wagon trains.

## Customs

Clothing

Halflings are mainly focused on basic needs and satisfaction, and their clothes reflect that. Basic travel garb is worn by nomads; cloaks, tunics, and trousers. Halflings generate a great deal of body-heat, and even in cold winter nights, lightweight gear will usually suffice. Rather than wearing bulky greatcoats to hold off the elements, Halflings prefer more practical inventions that don’t encroach on their person. Umbrellas are used in the place of heavy clothing, and padded bedrolls and blankets are preferable to winter clothes.

In the cities, halflings are more than willing to subscribe to whatever dominant culture there is. As long as the clothing remains practical and not too flashy, they will gladly adopt it. Comfort is more important than appearance and fashion.

Halflings prefer to settle in warmer regions, such as Nokland. The garb of settled Halflings include linen and cotton trousers. Halflings prefer vibrant, basic colours. Red, green and blue are common. Younger halflings like loose tunics, and in winter, they don’t mind a poncho-like accessory. Wide-brimmed hats are worn in the fields; Halflings don’t especially like labour, and want to be as best-equipped as possible. Amongst the flashier individuals, waistcoats are popular, though jewellery isn’t common, aside from a few dull non-lustrous rings. Older halflings tend to have even less worries regarding their appearance. Monk-like robes are worn for comfort and convenience, as well as basic button-down shirts.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Halflings have leathery soles on their feet, so they never need to wear shoes. Their large and hairy feet are tougher than most quality travelling boots.

Food

Halflings love their food. On a usual day in Nokland there are six separate meals: Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Supper. This isn’t including the various snacks and breaks they’ll have on their workday. As a result, most halflings are quite fat. In Nokland, it is a more serious problem, and obesity is steadily rising amongst richer individuals.

Nomad packs always have at least one wagon to be the dedicated pantry, containing the best food that can be obtained on the road. Ale, salted meats and fresh vegetables are all carried along with them. An average house in Nokland also has a dedicated pantry. Cheeses, meats, vegetables, broths, eggs, fruits, and ale are all popular. Halflings are splendid cooks, and there is no labour they prefer more than it, as they are guaranteed a great prize at the end. Eating together, and cooking for one’s friends are important bonding practices amongst them. Halflings love a drink, though they are not as sturdy as dwarves. When intoxicated, they love to sing songs, play riddles, or joke with one another. Inns are common in Nokland, with fine ales and beer. They dislike stronger stuff, like whisky or wine.

In cities, Halflings are willing to try out foods from other cultures with ease. Nomad packs too, consider experiencing new foods to be a primary motivation to travel.

Language

Halfling language is ever-changing and ephemeral. Few non-Halflings get the opportunity to learn it, as it is rarely written. Instead, Halflings prefer oral traditions. The language is full of soft sounds, and flows together in a naturally merry rhythm. There is plenty of opportunity for puns, double entendres, and clever riddles hidden in the language. Many halfling riddles fail to make sense in common, leading to some frustration.

Poets and performers are common. These individuals roam the countryside, stopping towns and villages to perform for money. Stories follow folktale traditions.

Music

Halfling music is jovial and merry, and can quickly hype up a jig in the local inn. Instruments include lyres, ukuleles, hurdy-gurdys, harmonicas, and most importantly, the voice. Songs value comedy and crass humour. Travelling performers are also common, and some of the finest musicians are Halflings.

Marriage

Marriages are well-celebrated in Halfling culture, and are considered a grand affair. Weddings are less of a formal ceremony and more of a great party, where the bridge and groom are the centre of attention, along with their families. Family roots are well-recorded in Halfling culture, though it is not common to marry for political alliance or prestige. Marriage is decided by individuals, though family grudges may play a role.

Parents are the primary organisers of their children’s weddings, though the entire community is expected to play a part. For example, a local winemaker may bring his finest vintage to celebrate the occasion, while a gardener will breed flowers to decorate the pavilion. Weddings are rarely indoors and are not religious in nature.

Whilst taking a partners name is common, it is not restricted by gender, and either husband or wife may take the other’s name.

Names

A halfling has a given name, a family name, and possibly a nickname. Family names are often nicknames that stuck so tenaciously they have been passed down through the generations.

Male Names: Alton, Ander, Cade, Corrin, Eldon, Errich, Finnan, Garret, Lindal, Lyle, Merric, Milo, Osborn, Perrin, Reed, Roscoe, Wellby

Female Names: Andry, Bree, Callie, Cora, Euphemia, Jillian, Kithri, Lavinia, Lidda, Merla, Nedda, Paela, Portia, Seraphina, Shaena, Trym, Vani, Verna

Family Names: Brushgather, Goodbarrel, Greenbottle, High-hill, Hilltopple, Leagallow, Tealeaf, Thorngage, Tosscobble, Underbough

Lightfoot Halflings

Lightfoot Halflings generally live in the warmer areas of Nokland, closer to the coast. They are affable, light, and usually a bit slimmer than their counterparts. In their youth, they are deft, cheery and always curious, though they tend to become more sedentary in their later life.

Stout Halfling

Stout Halflings come from the temperate woods closer to the North of Nokland. They are heavier, tougher, a bit more dwarven-like. The woods of Nokland are safe aside from a few wild boars, though poisonous plants tend to crop up, which Stout Halfings are experts at handling.