Halflings
Halflings are a short, stout people of Aegis. Originally the children of Humans and Dwarves, most halflings are now born from halfling parents and it is rare to find a halfling born from a human and a dwarf. They are well-known for being a peaceful people who live in small self contained villages made of burrows. These villages usually revolve around the harvesting of crops and production and consumption of ale. Nearly all halflings live in these settlements devoted exclusively to them, but a rare few live in the cities. Halflings were once considered to be asub-race of the humans, but are now classified as a Half-breed race, different from both Dwarves and Humans. Most halflings however will consider themselves a full race.
History: Halflings came about near the beginning of Aegis when some dwarves and humans started having children. Shunned by both communities, these new people banded together to seek out a new life. Although it took a few hundred years, some traits common specific to halflings began to emerge, including a very short stature. Finding it difficult to get work outside of occasional farming and brewing, some halflings took up thievery. Their reputation on the whole suffered, and they became something to be tolerated but not glorified. Without large numbers or many combat skills most halflings began to grow less violent, with many refusing to engage in combat altogether. Seeking to avoid the fighting and chaos of the large cities, many fled to the countryside west of Oren. Halfling communities started to form, where the emphasis was on fellowship, community and farming. Established religion faded away from the consciousness of most halflings. New crops and ales were developed and peace became the norm. Eventually, some notable halfling families that had formed, gathered together to create the settlement of Dunwood, which pledged allegiance to King Edmund Sheffield of Oren. A new era of peace and prosperity came over the Halflings and lasted until the Undead threatened their ways of life. During the Phoenix Revolution the halflings left Oren. When Aegis was abandoned the halflings moved to Asulon and into the settlement of Branborough. In Anthos they lived in Lenfarthing, until the Black Scourge made an attack and destroyed it. They then moved to the Summerset Shire. In the Fringe, the halflings settled in Ivybend, a small and hilly area. For a more complete history up until the rise of the Undead in Aegis, see A History of Halflings by Petyr.
Modern History: When the halflings arrived in the current realm of Vailor they found a land away from the bigguns and quickly built a village called Goodborough that had a river that flowed through it and a large farm for everybody to use. The village was governed by a set of three elders but chiefly run by Fumble Willowbottom. After many years of the halflings living there peacefully a few troublesome 'skygods' evicted the innocent halflings and forced them to relocate. The halflings were appalled that the skygods would do such a thing a took up their shovels and challenged them to a battle for their home. The skygods made quick work of the innocent halflings and sent them far away, never to be seen again. Fumble Willowbottom approached the Deputy of the village, Andwise Peregrin, and named him the Thane of the halflings while Fumble would soon leave with his Willowbottom relatives. Andwise realized the fight against the skygods would prove fruitless and quickly ceased all interaction with them and ran to Grand King Balek Irongut to plead for land to build a new village. The Grand King was kind and granted them the best land owned by Urguan where the village of Petyrborough was built. Petyrborough was notable for their enormous lake which inspired many to learn fishing again. After many years of peaceful dwelling and many grand festivals being thrown Petyrborough was attacked by an arson. The Grand King was lied to and told that the halflings would betray him and sent a group of terrorists to burn the peaceful village. Yet again the desperate halflings searched for land to build a new village, this land was granted by Tristin Tresery, leader of the Wood Elves. On this land the halflings would build the great village of Willow Hollow. This is where the halflings currently live and celebrate life at the 'Spiteful Skygod' tavern. Rather recently many halflings have begun to worship Billy Bob the Aengul of Agriculture and have even gone so far as to build him a shrine that resembles a golden potato.
Personality: It is a well known fact that the halflings do not take up arms. They much prefer a passive help during times of war. This is not to say they are not pacifists, as if attacked, halflings will utilize their agility and dexterity in battle. Some halflings are thought to be troublesome, and live as thieves due to their dwarven ancestors' curse of greed. A halfling thief would never steal from another halfling nor would any kill another halfling unless pushed to do so. Surprisingly enough, they are not shunned by the others, though, as they only choose the lifestyle to aid their community, which, if it was not implied, is the most important aspect of Halfling society.
Halflings are not particularly fond of otherraces, also known as "bigguns" due to their tendency to find or bring violence. Halflings believe if they keep their community closed and to themselves, nothing would ever go wrong, which so far is true. Though as mentioned, they're not particularly aggressive, but they can get very defensive or even territorial of their communities. Halflings don't care for minas, and nearly everything in their community is free or can be bartered for.
Appearance: Besides being commonly known for their short height (Usually about 3 feet tall), the halflings aren't all too different looking from a human. Some, depending on their lineage are capable of growing great beards like the dwarves while others can barely keep a stubble on their chin. A common characteristic among them is to have two different colored eyes. Not all have this, but it's not considered rare either. A common misconception about halflings is that they have long pointy ears like the Elves. This is however not true as halflings have no elven blood. Halflings tend to wear colors of the land around them, such as greens and browns, even yellows and the rare blue. Some halflings wear colors like red or purple, but the ones that do often spend much time in the cities away from the countryside they normally prefer. Halflings have very tough feet, so none bother with shoes. Because of this, some halflings become notorious for their smelly feet; usually the sheep herders. There are different types of halflings who have varying ancestry. The Book Of Wee Folk documents the halflings and their different types.
Abilities: Racial Profession: Farmer and Chef, only Goblins also have 2 racial professions
Learning Speed: +30% Farmer +30% Chef +30% Fisher +20% Lumberjack +20% Woodworker -20% Miner -20% Blacksmith
Special Perks: + Make It Count: Auto-aging humans receive +10% XP for every Skill + Blessing of the Pumpkin Lord: Can farm Pumpkins regardless of Farming skill. - Orc Snack: Decreased Health (-4 hearts)
Notable Halflings: Andwise Peregrin, Kip Tooke, Len Gimblo, Petyr Brandybuck and Fumble Willowbottom
For more info on Halflings you may wanna read the Halfling Mega-Thread https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/113093-welcome-to-the-halfling-section-halfling-information-mega-thread/
If you have any more questions please contact Jandy or Heff!
