Halflings

There are three types of halfling (also called, rarely, hobbits) on the Flanaess--Lightfoots, who are around 3 feet in height with ruddy faces and brown hued eyes and hair; the slightly shorter, course-haired and broader-faced stouts; and the tall, slim-bodied, fair-faced tallfellows. Halfling hair is often curly or wavy, and it's not uncommon for halflings to grow thick muttonchops.

Halflings are natural traders and merchants, mingling and interacting with the other races. Some halflings still live in small towns and villages, but on the whole they prefer to live in the nations and towns of stronger races.

Halflings love the land with the passion and care of an elven ranger, but in a different way. Where elves love the wild things of the forest and letting things grow as they will, simply content to protect them from the outside, the halflings love cultivation. They garden and landscape, and breed wonderful pets.

They are courageous for such small people, stalwart and strong of heart. They are also lucky, tenacious and can be bloodyminded. They are at once a simple and extravagant people. The things they take pleasure in are simple--food, wine, song, family and friends--but they take pleasure in these things in large portions.

Halflings wear knee-britches with tunics or shirts, and usually vests. Female fashion is to dress in bodice and long skirts. They favour stripes and embroidery of contrasting bright and dark colours.

The best halfling magic is culinary--indeed, it is said that cooking itself is halfling magic. Outside the kitchen, halflings frequently use magic to defend and protect.