Halfling

Halflings (they call themselves the hin) are a small race about 3 feet in height. They have ruddy complexions, sandy to dark-brown hair, and blue or hazel eyes. Their faces are small and childlike, and as such people often mistake them for human children. One telling trait of almost all halflings is their fur-topped feet.

The hin of Mystara are Lightfoot Halflings. They are completely incapable of using arcane magic, and therefore cannot be Arcane Archers, Eldritch Knights, Arcane Tricksters, or Wizards. Halflings do practice druidic magic, however, and some become Rangers or Druids (Druids being referred to as 'Masters', their old term for the Wood Elves from whom they learned druidic magic).

Attitudes
Most halflings in Karameikos emigrated from the neighboring Five Shires, drawn by the heavy trade in Karameikos. Many halfling traders, craftsmen, and innkeepers live in Specularum, Kelvin, and smaller communities. While there are no large hin clans in Karameikos, the halflings have their own “subculture,” frequently taverns and other facilities that cater exclusively to them.When halflings do exhibit a preference, they side with Traladarans, whom they consider to be life-loving, romantic, expressive people, as opposed to Thyatians, whom they find cold and unsympathetic.

Dress
The hin prefer the flashy styles of traditional Traladaran dress, usually supplementing it with a billowing cape or hooded robe. Halflings go barefoot in all seasons, as the thick pads of their feet remain unaffected by normal cold and rough surfaces.

Names
Halfling names are just like common English given names. Family names have several syllables and frequently describe family characteristics or professions. Examples include Bill Trenchermann (from a family of big eaters), Anna Hillfort (from a family with a well-defended hilltop home) or Joshuan Gallidox (interesting last name).

Other Mystaran Hin
For more information on the hin, see GAZ 8: The Five Shires. No significant populations of hin are found outside of Karamekios and the Five Shires.