Halflings

Description

Halflings, aka "Hoblings", love to get their hands dirty, tilling the earth and tunneling out homes in the hillside. They are industrious, but in an agricultural way, and at this they excel beyond all others. Hoblings are numerous all over Asmythe. Although they don't tend and keep nations of their own, they are content to live among others, working to provide food and support for the nation that watches over them. Hoblings' sense of community is much stronger than their sense of self or family.

Habitat

Hoblings burrow shallow tunnels out of the hills to make their homes, or when the hills are not steep or strong enough, they fashion cottages. Each home is small and cozy enough for the hobling and his immediate family. Hoblings do not have ancestral homes like the dwarves, they mingle and mate with each in a manner much more like the elves: freely and frequently.

Diet

Hobling food is the most civilized available anywhere. They are very skilled at making bread, pies, sweet meats, and all manner of delicious dishes of which they consume considerable quantities.

Demeanor

Hoblings are jovial and cheerful, yet hard-working and loyal to their friends. They associate freely with all other races, save perhaps the goblins. Hoblins are not proud or vengeful or ambitious, they are content living simple lives off the land and will pay homage to any nation that will have them and leave them alone.

Appearance

Skin and hair color are much like the gnomes. Hoblings are also short, like gnomes, but without the long noses and with a much more "filled-out" physique. Hoblings like to grow their hair long and decorate it with beads and ribbons.

Fighting Style

Hoblings fight in large groups, ganging up on their opponents whenever possible. The use small weapons appropriate to their size like slings, small swords, and maces.

Homeland Government

Hobling societies are governed by a group of three judges, who are elected yearly from a common vote.

Names

Hobling names usually start with a professional moniker and given name, and sometimes a family or honorific name. Hobling names are similar to Irish, Dutch, and Spanish names.

Example: Farmer Buduba of East Glen.