Halfling Race & Physiology

Halflings are believed to have spontaneously descended from human peoples in pre-Celtic Britain, as early as 14,000 years ago, when Britain was still connected to mainland Europe. Originally scattered in small tribal groups along the western coastal lands facing the Atlantic Ocean, they lived as hunter-gatherers before gradually adapting to early agricultural practices. Over the next three millennia, as farming techniques developed, halfling communities migrated eastward, following river valleys into what later became Doggerland. This region, now submerged beneath the North Sea, served as a cultural center for halflings before it was lost to flooding between 6500 and 6200 BCE.

Despite the destruction of their homeland, halfling peoples continued their eastward migrations, forming alliances with the gnomes of Scandinavia, with whom they shared a friendly and cooperative relationship. Today, halfling settlements exist throughout northern Europe, including Dalshire, overlooking the Skagerrak; Oxshire, situated along the Gulf of Bothnia; Breen, facing the Greenland Sea; and the Archangel, on the shores of the White Sea. Each of these regions remains pleasant and peaceful, though somewhat remote, with their communities preserving traditions that date back to the halflings' earliest days.

Appearance

Half as tall as a human, halflings have an average height between 2 ft. 8 in. and 3 ft. tall. Though not as stocky as dwarves, they tend to be stout, with delicate ears. They grow little to no beard, with only a wisp of hair appearing along their cheeks, yet their lower legs and feet are considerably hairier than those of humans. Their feet are unusually leathery, allowing them to walk comfortably along roadways and through fields barefoot, though the soles are not thick enough to protect them in true wilderness environments.

Their hair is thick and varies in colour, ranging from ginger and russet brown to jet black, wheaten and even flat white or platinum blonde. Among their people, white hair is considered most attractive, while ginger and brown are the most common shades. Their eye colours are typically various shades of brown, though some are born with chartreuse green or silver-grey eyes. Skin tones range from bronze to honey-coloured browns, with a slight yellow undertone that distinguishes them from human complexions.

Advantages

Player characters choosing this race gain a +1 dexterity and a -1 strength.

Halflings are limited to only three classes: druid, fighter or thief. Their small stature greatly restricts their choice of weapons, leading most of their kind to favour short swords, daggers, slings and spears. They are exceptionally skilled with the sling, receiving a +3 to hit bonus when using this weapon.

Their natural hardiness grants them a +1 saving throw against poison, wands, staves, rods and magic spells for every 3½ points of constitution. A halfling with a constitution of 12 would have a +3 saving throw against these attacks.

Halflings also possess infravision, allowing them to see in the dark with relative clarity.

See also,
Aging
Bestiary
Character Race Options
Player Characters