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OF HALFLINGS
Halflings are a race short in numbers as well as size. Those who have not become an integral part of human
society now inhabit an independent pastoral state, which is wholly contained within the Empire and lives under
its protection.
The origins of Halflings stretch back at least as far as those of humans, but now, partly due to their peaceable
nature, their numbers are on the decline.
Halflings are an overfed and peaceful folk, more concerned with the welfare of their crops and herd and the
timing of the next meal than with military pursuits.
They are excellent hosts, welcoming and trusting, happy to provide food and shelter to travellers. Nevertheless,
they are a determined, even stubborn race and will defend their homes, livelihoods and lunch with considerable
vigour, even though they are not effective fighters. They may strive manfully to raise a militia in the face of
some threat and may show considerable individual courage in defending their homes, but their size and unwarlike
nature counts heavily against them.
Halfling communities tend to be small villages, nominally headed by an elder. Elders meet occasionally to discuss
common issues over a large banquet, but overall organisation is very loose, with little or no formalised
government. Halfling religion and folklore revolves around their lifestyle, and their main deities are
concerned with fertility and the weather. Their legendary heroes tend to be Halflings who reaped bumper
harvests, or organised enormous banquets in time of famine, rather than great fighters or explorers.
Adventuring is somewhat frowned upon but some Halflings may travel in human lands, hiring themselves out as
cooks and the like.
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