Halfling

The Haflings are one of the smallest races in all of Asobria, being not only much shorter but also much lighter than a majority of Asobria's inhabitants. They are a widespread race, which has led to their appearance being as variable as the Humans. Their skin can range from dark browns to pasty whites, and their hair color can be any shade of brown, blonde, black, or red. Their widespread nature also leads to an abundance of hairstyles that often mimic neighboring people, with braids and dreadlocks being mixed in with all manner of groomed and messy hairdos. For as varied as their hair may be, however, Halflings often choose to shave or trim their facial hair into neatly groomed styles, with sideburns being a popular option. The often minimalist and simple lifestyles of the Halflings lead to many of them wearing clothes of simple cloth and fabrics, which is most often in basic, inexpensive colors. Their eyes are often described as uniquely bright, reflecting an unwavering curiosity and sociability.

The Halflings almost seem to have an innate energy to them, which is reflected in their nimble movements through larger crowds and natural proficiency in social situations. They also seem to be unnaturally lucky, a trait that they attribute to their patron deities of Ragl'n & Bagl'n.

The exact origins of the Halflings remain unclear, as it is not known which of their two patron Gods, Ragl'n and Bagl'n, can take credit for the race's origins. Regardless of which God is responsible, the Halflings have the twins' aptitude for food, drink, and fellowship. They found their home in the marshes and plains of what is now Palprofundia, forming communities where everyone was a member of the family. They were left to their own devices for a while, only ever interacting with outsiders to defend their lands from other Halfling communes or Imperial tribes. When Acolytius became king of the growing Empire, they chose to ally themselves with this new nation and have remained as such ever since. As the Empire's influence continued to spread, their people spread with it, always finding new foods to eat and people to meet.

Halfling culture revolves around the bonds of camaraderie, and their people are often avid socialites. It does not matter whether they find themselves in a bustling city square, at a table in a local tavern, or in the comforts of their own home, Halflings strive to bring people together. This sociability stems from a long-standing belief that these bonds and friendships are more valuable than any material possession, reflected in their minimalist homes and lifestyles and large communities. It isn't uncommon to find Halflings traveling abroad to fulfill this belief, with their goal being to meet as many people as possible and learn all about different regions and cultures. Their sociability also leads to them being slow to anger, preferring to work out issues with conversation and a drink rather than violence. With many of their people having tongues sharper than their blades, diplomacy comes easy for a Halfling.

One of the most famous aspects of Halfling culture is their food, as travelers from all over Asobria have noted how good their food is. Halflings don't just share their recipes, however, and they often keep their signature meals as a personal secret. If a Halfling prepares their signature dish for you, then consider yourself a part of the family.

While almost all cultures across Asobria view the family as an important facet of their society, Halflings revolve everything around their family unit. One of the most notable differences with their culture, however, is their definition of family. While most only consider those connected by blood to be their family, the Halflings view anyone who they share a close bond with as a sibling or parental figure. A typical Halfling family is often quite large, containing multiple generations of a handful of bloodlines found within their commune. Many of these families have other members who live elsewhere, usually being close friends who were welcomed into the family. These more distant members also don't have to be other Halflings, and members of any other race can be deemed a 'distant cousin.' These familial units do almost everything together, meeting to celebrate various holidays or just to catch up and enjoy each other's company. It is thanks to this welcoming viewpoint that Halflings have enthusiastically spread all across Asobria, and it is a perspective that they believe others should try to adopt.

The Halflings' aptitude for befriending those they meet and acceptance of any into their families has given them quite the kind reputation. Even before their home regions became the Province of Palprofundia, they were known for their hospitality. That reputation continues to be upheld as they further travel throughout Asobria, bringing with them the guarantee of tales around a fire or drinks at the local tavern. It's easy for a Halfling to bring a group of people together, and their loyalty to their friends makes them some of the best allies anywhere in Asobria.