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Halfling Halflings are easily moved to pity and hate to see any
living thing suffer. They are generous, happily sharing
Regis the halfling, the only one of his kind for what they have even in lean times.
hundreds of miles in any direction, locked his fingers behind Blend into the Crowd
his head and leaned back against the mossy blanket of the
Halflings are adept at fitting into a community of hu-
tree trunk. Regis was short, even by the standards of his
mans, dwarves, or elves, making themselves valuable
diminutive race, with the fluff of his curly brown locks barely and welcome. The combination of their inherent stealth
cresting the three-foot mark, but his belly was amply thick- and their unassuming nature helps halflings to avoid un-
ened by his love of a good meal, or several, as the opportu- wanted attention.
Halflings work readily with others, and they are loyal
nities presented themselves. The crooked stick that served as
to their friends, whether halfling or otherwise. They can
his fishing pole rose up above him, clenched between two of display remarkable ferocity when their friends, families,
his toes, and hung out over the quiet lake, mirrored perfectly or communities are threatened.
in the glassy surface of Maer Dualdon. Pastoral Pleasantries
—R.A. Salvatore, The Crystal Shard
Most halflings live in small, peaceful communities with
large farms and well-kept groves. They rarely build
The comforts of home are the goals of most halflings’
kingdoms of their own or even hold much land beyond
lives: a place to settle in peace and quiet, far from ma-
their quiet shires. They typically don’t recognize any sort
rauding monsters and clashing armies; a blazing fire
of halfling nobility or royalty, instead looking to family
and a generous meal; fine drink and fine conversation.
elders to guide them. Families preserve their traditional
Though some halflings live out their days in remote ag-
ways despite the rise and fall of empires.
ricultural communities, others form nomadic bands that
Many halflings live among other races, where the
travel constantly, lured by the open road and the wide
halflings’ hard work and loyal outlook offer them abun-
horizon to discover the wonders of new lands and peo-
dant rewards and creature comforts. Some halfling
ples. But even these wanderers love peace, food, hearth,
communities travel as a way of life, driving wagons or
and home, though home might be a wagon jostling along
guiding boats from place to place and maintaining no
an dirt road or a raft floating downriver.
permanent home.
Small and Practical Exploring Opportunities
The diminutive halflings survive in a world full of larger
Halflings usually set out on the adventurer’s path to de-
creatures by avoiding notice or, barring that, avoiding
fend their communities, support their friends, or explore
offense. Standing about 3 feet tall, they appear relatively
a wide and wonder-filled world. For them, adventuring
harmless and so have managed to survive for centuries
is less a career than an opportunity or sometimes a
in the shadow of empires and on the edges of wars and
necessity.
political strife. They are inclined to be stout, weighing
between 40 and 45 pounds. Halfling Names
Halflings’ skin ranges from tan to pale with a ruddy
cast, and their hair is usually brown or sandy brown and A halfling has a given name, a family name, and possibly
wavy. They have brown or hazel eyes. Halfling men often a nickname. Family names are often nicknames that
sport long sideburns, but beards are rare among them stuck so tenaciously they have been passed down through
and mustaches even more so. They like to wear simple, the generations.
comfortable, and practical clothes, favoring bright colors. Male Names: Alton, Ander, Cade, Corrin, Eldon, Errich,
Halfling practicality extends beyond their clothing. Finnan, Garret, Lindal, Lyle, Merric, Milo, Osborn,
They’re concerned with basic needs and simple pleasures Perrin, Reed, Roscoe, Wellby
and have little use for ostentation. Even the wealthiest Female Names: Andry, Bree, Callie, Cora, Euphemia,
of halflings keep their treasures locked in a cellar rather Jillian, Kithri, Lavinia, Lidda, Merla, Nedda, Paela,
than on display for all to see. They have Portia, Seraphina, Shaena, Trym, Vani, Verna
a knack for finding the most straightforward solution Family Names: Brushgather, Goodbarrel, Greenbottle,
to a problem, and have little patience for dithering. High-hill, Hilltopple, Leagallow, Tealeaf, Thorngage,
Kind and Curious Tosscobble, Underbough
Halfling Traits
Halflings are an affable and cheerful people. They
cherish the bonds of family and friendship as well Your halfling character has a number of traits in common
as the comforts of hearth and home, harboring few with all other halflings.
dreams of gold or glory. Even adventurers among Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score in-
them usually venture into the world for reasons of creases by 2.
community, friendship, wanderlust, or curiosity. They Age. A halfling reaches adulthood at the age of 20
love discovering new things, even simple things, such and generally lives into the middle of his or her sec-
as an exotic food or an unfamiliar style of clothing. ond century.

Chapter 2: Races
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D&D Basic Rules (Version 1.0). Not for resale. Permission granted to print and photocopy this document for personal use only.