Halfling
Halfling Upbringing
A halfling raised among their own kin will speak, read, and write Common and Halfling. The Halfling language isn’t secret and frequently uses the Thorass alphabet common to many human languages in Faerûn, but halflings are loath to share their language with non-halflings. They write very little, so they don’t have a rich body of literature. Their oral tradition, however, is very strong. Almost all halflings speak Common to converse with the people in whose lands they dwell or through which they are traveling.
The diminutive halflings survive in a world full of larger creatures by avoiding notice or, barring that, avoiding offense. Standing about 3 feet tall, they appear relatively harmless and so have managed to survive for centuries in the shadow of empires and on the edges of wars and political strife.
Halflings’ skin ranges from tan to pale with a ruddy cast, and their hair is usually brown or sandy brown and wavy. They have brown or hazel eyes. Halfling men often sport long sideburns, but beards are rare among them and mustaches even more so; this is not because they cannot grow this sort of facial hair, but rather a general cultural preference. They like to wear simple, comfortable, and practical clothes, favoring bright colors.
Halflings of the Sword Coast
Halflings—also know as hin—are a fairly common sight throughout most of Faerûn as they are naturally outgoing and adaptive. Strongheart halflings are less common than lightfoot halflings in areas farther away from the warmer southern lands near the halfling homeland of Luiren, but both groups are well-represented throughout the Sword Coast. Lightfoot caravans and pony-mounted patrols are not uncommon sights on the trade roads of the region, and strongheart tradesmen have established communities in cities like Baldur’s Gate, Waterdeep, and Mirabar.
Halfling Names
A halfling has a given name, a family name, and possibly a nickname. Family names are often nicknames that stuck so tenaciously they have been passed down through the generations.
Male Names: Alton, Ander, Cade, Corrin, Eldon, Errich, Finnan, Garret, Lindal, Lyle, Merric, Milo, Osborn, Perrin, Reed, Roscoe, Wellby
Female Names: Andry, Bree, Callie, Cora, Euphemia, Jillian, Kithri, Lavinia, Lidda, Merla, Nedda, Paela, Portia, Seraphina, Shaena, Trym, Vani, Verna
Family Names: Brushgather, Goodbarrel, Greenbottle, High-hill, Hilltopple, Leagallow, Tealeaf, Thorngage, Tosscobble, Underbough
Halfling Traits
All halflings, regardless of subtype, have certain characteristics in common.
Age
A halfling reaches adulthood at the age of 20 and generally lives into the middle of his or her second century.
Size
Halflings average about 3 feet tall and weigh about 40 pounds. Their size is Small.
Speed
A halfling’s base walking speed is 25 feet.
Lucky
When a halfling rolls a 1 on the d20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, they can reroll the die and must use the new roll.
Brave
Halflings have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Halfling Nimbleness
Halflings can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than theirs (e.g. Medium).
Halfling Subtype Traits
Lightfoot Halfling
A lightfoot halfling can easily hide from notice, even using other people as cover. They’re inclined to be affable and get along well with others. Lightfoots are more prone to wanderlust than other halflings, and often dwell alongside other humanoids or take up a nomadic life.
Naturally Stealthy
A lightfoot halfling can attempt to hide even when they are obscured by little more than a creature that is at least one size larger than them.
Strongheart Halfling
A strongheart halfling is hardier than average and has some resistance to poison. Some say that stronghearts have dwarven blood.
Stout Resilience
Strongheart halflings have advantage on saving throws against poison, and they have resistance against poison damage.