.: R I F T L A N D S :.: H O B B I T S

( A K A H a l f l i n g s, P u t t e r s )

ORIGINS

Hobbits (sometimes called Halflings) are a diminutive people found in small communities throughout Wellundia, Kaelthea, and Torvaria. Some believe them to be the original inhabitants of the Clarion region, while others say they have the blood of the faeries in their veins.

The word "Hobbish" derives from terms used for faeries, though Hobbits themselves would be quick to dispute any kinship they might share with the Fae realm. Although they appear sometimes in the histories of the Fading Folk like the Elves or the Dwarves, unlike them, Hobbits have no empires, ancient cities, or grand founding myths. Of all the races of Others, Hobbits are the most akin to men, and are not treated as being particularly exotic. On the contrary, their story mostly runs alongside the the progress of humanity, writ small and humble.

APPEARANCE

Hobbits tend to live roughly twice as long as a normal-sized human, but otherwise have very similar physiologies. They are often pale or ruddy in complexion, with round faces, biggish ears, and curly hair. They stand between 3 and 4 feet tall, with lean limbs, stout torsos, and disproportionately large (usually hairy) hands and feet. While not particularly athletic in inclination, these small roundish folk have a natural, unassuming spryness, and a surprising resiliency.

A Hobbit's broad, oversized feet are especially remarkable due to their practice of going barefoot year-round; it is said a Hobbit in shoes would be no stranger a thing to see than a fish riding a pony.

CULTURE

Hobbits are a peaceable race with strong pacifist traditions. When threatened, historically Hobbits will either submit to rule, or whole communities will pick up and migrate elsewhere if survival is at stake. It is understood that Hobbits serve in no armies, and will take up arms only in the most desperate of circumstances.

In primitive times, Hobbits were often taken as slaves, but were found to be listless and ineffective when separated from their communities. However, many rulers have found that contented Hobbits make excellent tenants due to their docile, hard-working nature and knack for agriculture.

COMMUNITIES

Hobbit communities are typically secluded and agrarian, with homes built from sod hillocks called 'Hobbit holes' - although this name belies the crafted comfort of these pleasant dwellings. In most other respects, a Hobbit shire is much like any other peasant village, simply reduced in physical scale.

Similarly, Hobbit culture tends to resemble that of the human settlements they live nearest to. Hobbits are close-knit and conservative folk, who rarely leave their friends and families, and don't stray much further than their towns, farms, or local market hubs. Nonetheless, their suspicion of outsiders is usually offset by their curiosity and their strong culture of hospitality. Hobbits love hearty food, sweet wines, cheery music, and long afternoons spent smoking aromatic tobaccos and swapping stories.

Epithets used to describe Hobbits include: turnips (diet, shape), pubes (curly hair), putters (slow manner, love of golf, flatulence), and of course, halflings (though this last has become largely ubiquitous).