Halflings are one of the cutest races in DnD 5e. Lacking the grittiness of their Dwarven brethren – and the squalor of their Goblin rivals.
Indeed, the Halflings are one of the more interesting races that there is in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. It is their lack of notability that makes them notable, ironically enough.
This article will explore the Halflings, their culture, their biology and lifespan, and other relevant information regarding the Halflings.
We’ve written similar articles in the past about Elves and Dwarves, go check them out if you’d like to know more about those two races in particular.
Without further ado, let’s get on with the examination.
Table of Contents
The Biology of Halflings in DnD 5e
Let us start with the basics.
The biology of Halflings is similar in some regards to the other races – and completely different in other regards. They take the virtues of many of the races while leaving behind the vices.
In stature they are quite stout, sharing that similarity with their dwarven brethren. Yet they are more humanoid looking than them, resembling very short humans more than dwarves.
Their facial features also differ from dwarves. Dwarves took great pride in their beards and their grooming. Halflings on the other hand almost never have a beard or mustache. The most they will trend is roughly kept sideburns.
Regarding their bodily features, they also differ from dwarves. Whereas dwarves were stout but very sturdy – halflings are stout and rather frail. The average halfling comes in at 40 to 50 pounds. Although, considering how most halflings have a penchant for food it is not uncommon to see a halfling surpass those numbers.
And when it comes to their lifespan, well; halflings fall between humans and dwarves. Whereas dwarves have average lifespans that could be a few centuries – and humans not even a century. Halflings have an average lifespan of about 150 years.
This lifespan doesn’t pose a problem though, in fact, they make the best out of it. Whereas humans will spend most of their lives in a hurry to accomplish their ambitions, dwarves on the other hand take life at a snail’s pace. Halflings take the middle route.
The Culture and Psychology of Halflings
The middle route between humans and dwarves also applies to the way they live their lives as well.
Before we mentioned that they take the pros of each race while leaving behind the cons. And here is how they do it.
They are similar to humans in the regard that they are social and friendly to almost every race. They are the life of the party. This sociability though ends when it comes to making enemies – as humans often tend to do.
Often humans must make lots of enemies to accomplish their ambitions, the halflings prefer to drink it out with their rivals rather than make enemies.
But what about the similarities to the dwarves?
They are similar to the dwarves in the fact that they enjoy dedicating themselves to a craft, although this craft is more often than naught something that lets them enjoy themselves. As such, some of the finest bards and cooks are halflings. Bringing joy to themselves and those around them.
Another regard in which they are similar to the dwarves is the way they build their societies.
Halflings tend to live together with their families in their shires. Not having any rules or nobility, instead, relying on their elders to lead and guide them down the right path. Similar to the way dwarves live within their clans.
Yet, with all the similarities to dwarves – they are still different.
For instance, a halfling will never let himself be caught with a frown on his face – unlike most dwarves. And as said before, they tend to shy away from prideful squabbles. Which is a dwarves favorite pastime activity.
Finishing Commentaries
That is a basic look at the Halflings in DnD 5e and their societies.
They are a rather simple folk, content with enjoying the simple life. Yet that does not mean that they never leave their comfort zone.
As we said before, they make great friends – and terribly inconvenient enemies if you scorn their friends. A loyal halfling will never let misfortune befall their friends. And if it does, they will help them get through it no matter what.
