( 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 typically found in small communities throughout Mir, although it is believed that they originated in Clarion region far to the west. Some say the Halflings have the blood of the faeries in their veins, and that the word “Hobbish" derives from old terms used for fae. However, Hobbits themselves are usually quick to deny this allegation, for they are a humble folk, and want nothing to do with such strangeness.
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. Although they may appear sometimes in the histories of other Fading Folk like the Elves or the Dwarves, Hobbits had no empires, ancient cities, or grand founding myths. On the contrary, their history mostly follows alongside the progress of humanity - just smaller and quieter.
APPEARANCE
Standing between three-to-four feet tall, Hobbits have 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, sometimes even reaching 200 years of age.
Hobbits 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 inclination, these small roundish folk nevertheless seem to 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 to see than a fish riding a pony. Even so, there exist some Halfling communities, particularly those 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, Hobbits historically will either submit to rule, or else whole communities will pick up and migrate elsewhere if survival is at stake. It is understood that Hobbits serve in no armies, and take up arms only in the most desperate of circumstances.
In primitive times, Hobbits were often taken as slaves by other races (perhaps one reason for their wide distribution), but became listless and ineffective when separated from their communities. On the other hand, many rulers have discovered that contented Hobbits make excellent land tenants due to their docile temperament, hard-working nature, and knack for agriculture.
Hobbit shires 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, local Hobbit culture typically echoes that of any nearby human settlements.
Hobbits are close-knit and conservative folk, who stick close to their friends and families, and rarely stray much further than their towns, farms, or local market hubs. While they may be suspicious of outsiders, this 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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