Halflings

Overview

Halflings once lived among humans in villages and shires. They farmed, managed animals, hunted, and lived off the land. When the Elves came, the Halflings fled their homelands while the Humans remained. Now, more than a thousand years later, the Halfling people wander without a home. They live their lives traveling from one land to the next in tribal caravans.

Two Peoples

The Halfling race has two distinct ethnic groups in the current era. The Stout tribes are traditionalists who live off the land as expert hunters. In lean seasons, they work as mercenaries and monster hunters for other nations. The Lightfoot tribes have a far different lifestyle as nomadic merchants. They facilitate the movement of goods between the great powers and specialize in complex trade agreements.

The two collectives have little in common with one another. Though relations are not cold, they are not warm either, with each struggling to relate to the other. They are known to respect ties of kinship and will aid each other in times of need.

Leadership

Halfling tribes are traditionally governed by a chieftain, a shaman, and an elder. In Stout tribes these roles are literal; a chieftain is a strong warrior, a shaman is a practitioner of magic, and an elder is the oldest living member of the tribe. Lightfoot tribes take a less dated approach. Their chieftain is more accurately called a mayor. Their shaman is a formally trained mage, and their elder is typically the clan accountant.

Humanity

Halflings prefer dealing with Humans over the other Kindred. The two share a camaraderie as weaker powers under the shadow of Elves and Dwarves. In rare instances, Halflings may settle in Human cities and vice versa.

Halfling Raider

An expert halfling hunter armed with daggers and a shortbow.

  • Stealthy: Requires a DC 15 check to detect.
  • Sneak Attack: Deals an additional 1d6 damage when attacking with advantage.
  • Pack Tactics: Gains advantage on attacks against enemies if at least one ally is within 5 feet of them.

Halfling Alchemist

A halfling trained in combat alchemy.

  • Acid Splash: Uses the acid splash cantrip.
  • Potion of Healing: Once per fight, heal 2d4+2 hit points.
  • Firebomb: Once per fight, throw a firebomb at an enemy, mimicking the burning hands spell.