Halflings

**Halflings** (***Homo semivir***) are the closest known relative to humans and second most populous group in Mankhan, although underrepresented in cities. Genes and the environment influence halfling biological variation in visible characteristics, physiology, disease susceptibility, mental abilities, and magical potential.

Halflings are predominantly piscivores, capable of consuming a wide variety of plants and fish, and have used fire and other forms of heat to prepare and cook food since time immemorial. Halflings are generally diurnal, sleeping on average seven to nine hours per day. Childbirth is dangerous but regular compared with other intelligent creatures, with a high risk of complications and death. Often, both the mother and the father provide care for their children, who are helpless at birth. A typical halfling lives 100-150 years of age.

### Variations

#### **Lightfoot**

Lightfoot halflings, also known as hairfeet, are the most common type of halflings seen in the world, in large part due to their famous wanderlust, which sets them apart from the relatively sedentary ghostwise and strongheart halflings. Lightfoots are most comfortable living alongside other cultures, even adopting their cultural practices.

Lightfoots are among the most affable and good-natured halflings. They are typically curious about others and very open to sharing about themselves. Altogether these aspects of their personalities kindled fast courtships and friendships with others. These are often brief, for most lightfoots innately feel a sense of wanderlust that compels them to not stay in one place for too long. Though lightfoots are very loyal and such relationships are genuine, some feel the way they so deftly part ways makes those friendships disingenuous.

Due to their personalities many races stereotype lightfoots as being fickle and flighty in nature, being unreliable and easily distracted. However, despite the impression they gave such races, these halflings are very cunning, opportunistic, and resourceful individuals.

#### **Ghostwise**

Ghostwise halflings are very elusive and generally isolated from the outside world. They live a nomadic life in clans. Those who leave the clan often carry a token of some important natural feature in their clan's territory, such as a stone or a vial of water from a stream. Losing one's token is considered a sin and requires an act of atonement assigned by the clan leader. They do not experience as much wanderlust as the other halflings.

Ghostwise halflings are thought to have been touched by an otherworldly being, as they have an innate ability to communicate telepathically.

#### **Strongheart**

There is very little that can upset most stronghearts or corrupt them. Their outlook on life stresses cooperation above all else, with one's skill in teamwork being among the most valued of behaviors in their lands. Some races stereotype them as being fat or lazy due to their sedentary nature and love of fine food. However, they are simply patient as well as very industrious. They put great emphasis on quality.

Stronghearts live a semi-nomadic lifestyle, with businesses, families, and even whole clans moving around. Many stout halflings take up the profession of a jeweler, stonecutter, weaver, woodcutter, potter, basket maker, painter, or farmer. Due to their industrious nature, emphasis on quality, and nimble hands they tend to excel in most of these professions.