While their small stature generally keeps halflings out of the spotlight in human settlements, the small folk have nevertheless found a niche for themselves and play an important role in Corwyn. Their largest settlements are found in the Grenshire.
Appearance
Halflings are short humanoids and among the smallest of the civilized races of Corwyn. They tend to be around three feet tall, though mostly human in proportion, with perhaps rounder heads and slightly more childlike proportions. Their coloration is as variable as the locales they call home. Their skin tends to be somewhere between a rich almond color and a pale nut-brown. Many have brown hair, though quite a large proportion of them are as fair as pale humans. The eyes of halflings tend to be fair, with green and blue being the most common colors. Many, though not all, have variations in color that make them seem more similar to other humanoids, typically humans, who live in the region they share. All halflings have very durable feet, the soles of which are very tough. As such, they rarely wear shoes, though some wear spats. Halflings have a fine growth of soft, warm hair on the tops of their feet to keep them warm, with have slightly pointed ears.
Gender differences in halflings is similar to that in humans, with males being slightly larger and heavier, though many of the larger races do not notice this difference which seems much more obvious to the small folk. Males generally only grow facial hair as sideburns, and tend to be a good two to three inches taller. Females are slimmer and shorter, appearing much like a human woman of half size, though both sexes typically have pleasant round faces, and big cheery smiles.
Their small size allows adventurous or guileful halflings to get into some rather tight spots, and they use their cunning and uncanny luck to get out of just as many, if not more, tough situations.
History
Halflings grew up among the human cultures of Corwyn, alongside and were often overlooked by the growth and success of those nations and regions they inhabited. They have their own rich tales and heroes that few of the bigger folk have ever even guessed at. Finding evidence of halflings throughout the ages is difficult, as history generally focuses on the human societies, overlooking the smaller folk in their shadows. The first recorded evidence of halflings is recorded in texts of the Elder-Elves, but little else is mentioned regarding halflings during this time.
Culture
Halflings are generally easy-going yet excitable, staid and yet frenetic if roused. Their greatest advantage is ironically their perceived physical weakness, as halflings know that they will usually be underestimated by the larger folk.
Professions
Halflings often work in service professions such as maids, cooks, and innkeepers, which leaves them in the perfect position to observe the world around them. This knowledge is invaluable to a halfling, given their generally defenseless position.
Luck
Despite their often menial work, younger halflings tend to always keep an eye open for the next opportunity, hoping to improve their lot. This can make them seem danger-seeking to other races, and while it is true that halflings can take extraordinary risks if they believe it will bring them great reward, they are also better at spotting danger. This has given them the reputation for being lucky, but halflings generally dismiss these claims as resulting from their superior reflexes, cunning, and broad skill base.
Customs
During their younger years, halflings often feel drawn to leave their stable and altruistic communities, and strike out on their own to seek their fortune. This leads many young ones to become vagabonds, traveling about and living by their wits and what they can steal. Once this wanderlust wears off, they often discover a profound longing for home and hearth, and spend years maintaining and improving their domicile, and taking joy in the simpler things in life.
Religion
Most halflings worship the Goddess Garrik Goldenrod.
