( aka H a l f l i n g s, P u t t e r s )
Hobbits (sometimes called Halflings) are a diminutive race found in small communities throughout Mir, although it is believed that they originated in Clarion region far to the west. Some say they have the blood of the faeries in their veins, and the word "Hobbish" derives from old terms used for fae. Hobbits themselves are usually quick to deny this allegation, for they are a humble folk, and want nothing to do with such strangeness.
Although Hobbits appear sometimes in the histories of other Fading Folk like the Elves or the Dwarves, they had no empires, ancient cities, or grand founding myths. Of all the races of Others, Hobbits seem to be the most akin to men, and are not treated as being particularly exotic in human lands. On the contrary, the history of their people mostly sits quietly alongside the progress of humanity, just smaller and quieter.
APPEARANCE
Hobbits stand between 3 and 4 feet tall, with lean limbs, short torsos, and disproportionately large (usually hairy) hands and feet. Other than their size, their physiologies are mostly the same as humans, although they live roughly twice as long as a normal-sized human, sometimes reaching 200 years.
They are often pale or rosy-cheeked in complexion, with round faces, large-ish ears, and usually curly hair. Males may grow facial hair, but can rarely manage a proper beard. While not particularly athletic in their inclinations, these small roundish folk nonetheless have a natural, unassuming spryness, and a surprising resiliency.
A Hobbit's broad, oversized feet are especially remarkable due to their typical 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. Even so, there exist some Halfling communities, particularly from harsher climes, who have taken up wearing shoes or winter footwear.
CULTURE
Hobbits are a peaceable race with a pacifist tradition, and a strong aversion to violence. When threatened, historically Hobbits will either submit to rule, or else whole communities will pick up and migrate else 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 temperament, hard-working nature, and knack for agriculture.
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 (due to their round shape and earthy diets), pubes (curly hair), putters (their slow manner, love of golf, and flatulence), and of course “halflings” – though this last name has become common even among Hobbits.
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