Halflings¶

Halflings are a small and cheerful folk, known for their love of comfort, community, and simple pleasures. Cherished and guided by gods who value life, home, and hearth, Halflings gravitate toward bucolic havens where family and community shape their lives. Though they prefer a quiet existence, many Halflings possess a brave and adventurous spirit, leading them to journeys of discovery, where they explore the wider world and make new friends along the way.

Their size—similar to that of a human child—allows them to pass unnoticed through bustling crowds and slip through tight spaces with ease. Those who have spent time around Halfling adventurers have likely witnessed the storied “luck of the Halflings” in action. When in mortal danger, an unseen force often seems to intervene on their behalf. Many believe this unusual gift to be the blessing of Apaxia’s benevolent pantheon.

Origin & Creation¶

Halflings were created by Apaxia - Goddess of Life, to embody warmth, resilience, and joy. She shaped them from the rich soil of Ocantos, blessing them with long lives and resistance to despair. Legends suggest Faenira - Goddess of Nature, also played a role, tying Halflings closely to the land and bestowing them with an instinctive connection to the earth. Others whisper that Tyralio - God of Trickery, gave them their mischievous streak and unnatural luck, ensuring that they could always slip away from trouble.

While they rarely seek power or glory, their luck and courage often lead them into the heart of great adventures.

Subspecies & Ethnicities¶

Halflings are largely a unified species but have distinct cultural and regional variations based on their environments.

Hearthlings¶

The most common Halfling lineage, Hearthlings are farmers, brewers, and artisans who live in tightly knit communities. They are known for their love of tradition, warm hospitality, and rich cooking.

Swiftfoot Halflings¶

More adventurous than their kin, Swiftfoots are wanderers, merchants, and explorers, often seen traveling in colorful caravans. They are quicker on their feet and seem to benefit most from Halfling luck.

Deepburrow Halflings¶

Living in more secluded forests or hillsides, Deepburrows have a strong connection to nature magic and druidic traditions. They prefer simple lives away from outsiders.

Saltfoot Halflings¶

Rare among their kind, Saltfoot Halflings dwell along Paxden’s coasts and rivers, making their livelihoods as fisherfolk, sailors, and traders.

Physical Traits¶

Average Height & Build¶

Halflings average around 3 feet tall, with stout but agile builds. Their size allows them to move through spaces occupied by larger creatures, slipping through gaps that others cannot.

Skin, Hair, and Eye Colors¶

Halflings have warm, earthy tones, with curly hair ranging from golden brown to black. Their eyes are typically hazel, green, or deep brown.

Feet & Natural Traits¶

Many Halflings, especially Hearthlings, have large, leathery feet that allow them to walk barefoot comfortably. They are surprisingly dexterous and quick, despite their stocky frames.

Lifespan & Aging¶

Halflings live 120-150 years, with slow aging in their early years and a long, healthy adulthood.

Habitat & Settlements¶

Primary Locations¶

Halflings predominantly reside in Paxden, a land of rolling hills, fertile farmland, and charming villages. They tend to avoid large cities but can be found in markets and trade hubs.

Architecture & Villages¶

Halfling homes are often burrow-like structures, built into hillsides or with thatched roofs and circular doors. Their villages focus on community gathering spaces, such as taverns and feast halls.

Nomadic vs. Settlers¶

While most Halflings prefer settled life, Swiftfoot Halflings and some adventurous souls take to the road, often as traveling merchants, bards, or messengers.

Society & Culture¶

Common Values & Beliefs¶

Halflings cherish family, friendship, and the joy of a well-prepared meal. They value hard work but never at the expense of a good story or a hearty laugh. Many Halflings believe that luck is a divine gift, guiding them safely through life's dangers.

Halfling villages are run by councils of elders, with no formal rulers or kings. Decisions are made communally, and respect is earned through wisdom and contribution.

Relations with Other Species¶

Halflings are welcomed by most civilizations due to their cheerful and non-threatening nature. However, some view them as lazy or unambitious.

Traditions & Customs¶

The Gathering Feast: Seasonal festivals where entire villages prepare grand communal meals.
The First Ale: A coming-of-age tradition where young Halflings brew their first batch of ale.
Trickster’s Night: A lighthearted holiday celebrating pranks, riddles, and storytelling, believed to honor Tyralio.

Religion & Spirituality¶

Deities & Worship¶

Halflings primarily worship Apaxia (Life), honoring her through harvest festivals and communal feasts. Faenira (Nature) is also revered, particularly by Deepburrow Halflings, and Tyralio (Trickery) is often jokingly honored for his influence over Halfling luck and wit.

Sacred Sites & Rituals¶

The Everhearth: A legendary eternal flame in Paxden, said to be blessed by Apaxia.
The Blessing of the Fields: A yearly druidic ritual to ensure bountiful crops.

Magic & Technology¶

Affinity for Magic¶

Halflings have little interest in arcane magic but are naturally resistant to mind-affecting spells. Many who do pursue magic favor nature-based or illusionary arts.

Common Magical Professions¶

Halfling Druids, Rangers, and Bards are the most common spellcasters. Some also become Illusionists, using their magic for harmless trickery and mischief.

Technological Advancements¶

Halflings favor simple, practical inventions, such as watermills, carts, and fine woodworking. They are masterful brewers and textile makers.

Combat & Warfare¶

Common Fighting Styles¶

Halflings are pacifists by nature but will defend their homes fiercely. They rely on stealth, traps, and ambush tactics rather than brute force.

Weapons & Armor¶

They favor slings, shortbows, and daggers, using their small size to their advantage. Some train with poison darts or hidden blades.

Military Structure¶

Halflings do not have standing armies, but during times of war, they form militias focused on ambushes and sabotage.

Language & Names¶

Language¶

Halflings speak Paxdenic, a language full of lilting tones, playful phrasing, and storytelling elements.

Common Names¶

Male Names¶

Tobin, Milo, Alric, Fenwick, Jory

Female Names¶

Maribel, Elva, Poppy, Wynna, Liddy

Surnames¶

Goodbarrel, Bramblefoot, Tealeaf, Greenburrow

History¶

The Founding of Paxden¶

Legend states that Apaxia blessed Paxden, making it a land of peace and plenty. The first Halflings settled there, building the first burrow-villages.

The Quiet Wars¶

A rare conflict in Halfling history, where orc invaders attempted to conquer Paxden. Instead of fighting head-on, Halflings used traps, misinformation, and clever tactics to drive them out. Due to Paxden's location as a choke point between the human kingdom, Aelmyr, and the untamed wilderness to the south, it has often acted as the vanguard of civilization.

Miscellaneous Facts¶

Halflings have an uncanny knack for avoiding disaster, a phenomenon many attribute to divine intervention.
They can hide even behind larger creatures, making them naturally stealthy.
Their bravery is legendary, and they seem resistant to fear itself.