Halflings

Living in village-like communities, usually made up of extended family. An average Halfling town can consist of up to 200 people, many great grandparents, second, third or fourth cousins, uncles, aunts and so on as it is normal for a couple to have up to five or more children.

Living in rural locations and occasionally on the fringes of forests, Halfling architecture varies, adapting to the landscape. Some communities build their homes into the sides of hills or under the base of ancient trees with mud bricks, stone or wood and take great pride in their house. Hard working people, Halflings mainly farm their crops and keep small pens of herd animals like goats or chickens.

Their history is mostly oral, passed down from generation to generation around fires by elders or at village parties. Halflings love music and it is little surprise that some of Calamia’s greatest Bards have come from this race. They enjoy gathering together for celebrations and can certainly hold their alcohol. Strangers visiting to their towns will nearly always be an excuse for a feast of some kind and shown the best hospitality, liquor and dancing the small beings have to offer.

Halflings can appreciate a good fight and drinking usually erupts in a tussle or two, yet they are not a race which will involve itself in wars. If left alone they are perfectly happy to continue their lives in peace and get along with nearly all Races of Calamia, but woe to an enemy who assumes them weak, for they are a feisty and spirited breed. Halflings will defend their villages and farms to the end with need be, but only as a last resort. Most would prefer to sit the attacker down and discuss it over a couple of dozen ales…

A race of short stature beings, Halflings grow between 2' 5" to 3' in height and have the appearance of small Humans. While they are often of solid yet slim build, it is rare to every find an overweight, flabby or dumpy individual due to their active lifestyles. Generally this race has genetically pale, smooth and rosy complexions in contrast to hair which ranges from common red, auburn, brown and black shades. Eye colors tend to be in light hues such as blues, greens and sometimes grays. Although their not long or as pointed as Elsyven, Halflings do have a small, capped tip to their ears. Older males keep their beards trimmed short and women will normally wear their hair long.

The expected lifespan of a Halfling can be from 100-120 years of age.

Half-breeds are very rare, but loved by their communities just the same, affectionately referred to as ‘Tallfellows’ or ‘Beanstalks’. Growing 4ft to 4½ft in height they are slightly more slender then normal, but possess all other characteristics of the race. Sadly they do seem to live a little less with a lifespan of 80-90 years.

Of course fashion does vary with climate but Halflings prefer functional clothing of natural fabrics, often homespun in wool and cotton, as well as leather accessories. Soft colors are favored such as greens, browns and a more feminine grey or pale blue. They wear little to no jewelry and seem to dislike gemstones or gold. Halflings do value fine craftsmanship, however, known for their woodworking, carving and tapestry items.

The majority do not bother with magite, most having almost no natural magical talent. Occasionally a select few may use small Earth stones to help with farming and mundane tasks, but this is seen as lazy.

Halfling society does not like caste or titles and all members of a community are seen as equal. Women are often homemakers, looking after children and tending to the house while the men farm and maintain the towns, but it is not uncommon to see females working alongside men if needed. Purely for organization purposes, the eldest or smartest member of the village is appointed as major, but in name only. This individual rarely exercises any powers above those of others, more acting as matriarch/patriarch to the town.

Haflings make excellent Bards, Commoners, Clods, Herbalists and Magicians, though there have been a handful of them known to break this tradition and take on more complex classes.