Arctic Halfling

a.k.a. Furchin, Polar Halfling,

Tundra Halfling

Personality

Arctic Halflings are hunters and fishermen, stalking walrus and seal and putting to sea to fish, usually in the company of larger races such as humans. They are peaceful, spiritual people whose rituals include pre-expedition prayers for forgiveness from the animals they hope to kill. Artic Halflings hunters use leather slings for small game and long barbed spears for more formidable foes. They normally attach a strong line to the spear to allow it and whatever it has impaled to be drawn back toward the launcher. Artic Halflings prefer short handled axes and daggers, but avoid melee combat when possible. Because of their small numbers and an absence of potential foes, the members of this sub-race are unused to war and have developed no tactics for fighting an organized formation of soldiers.

Having developed a number of specialized skills, the Artic Halfling is adept to surviving in their grueling environment, and seemingly having a good time while they are doing it. In general, the Artic Halflings are good-humored people who enjoy practical jokes, funny stories, and bawdy songs. Both parents care for the young with great tolerance and tenderness, teaching their children early on the secrets of surviving intheir harsh climate .

Members of this sub-race are very proficient in specialized skills suited to their environment, some of which will carry over quite effectively into other locations. They are patient trappers and skilled hunters, tanners, and leatherworkers as well. Their characteristic boat is a miniature kayak, a virtually water-tight shell of leather covering a sturdy bone frame. While only one of their skilled boat wrights can craft these vessels, virtually all adult Artic Halflings are adept at piloting them.

Physical Description

Artic Halflings resemble Deep Halflings in both height and girth, averaging an inch or two below 3' in heigh and less than 40 lbs. though their average life expectancy is considerably shorter at about 80 years, no doubt due to their harsher native environment. Hair and skin color vary widely, but tend to be pale, though eyes are usually dark. Those few Furchin born with green eyes are accorded much status, as they are believed to be envoys of the gods and are treated to a life of near royal privilege. The most distinguishing feature of this sub-race is the full, long beard that sprouts from the chin of the mature males. These beards are a matter of great pride, and in older Furchin often extend as far as the waist.

The race favors warm clothing, woven of animal hair or lined with fur. They regularly wear snowshoes and boots and their equipment is made from leather, bone, and ivory; wood is almost unknown in their lands.

Relations

Glacier Dwarves with objects for trade are always welcomed and tribal leaders will often wield metal weapons and tools acquired through these trades. Strangers, especially those who bring gifts or interesting stories to tell are welcomed also by Artic Halflings and with warm hospitality. Although their lives are hard, they are an unselfish people and will treat visitors with kindness and generosity, unless given reason to do otherwise.

Alignment

Most Artic Halflings are neutral good in nature, but lawful neutral, and lawful good alignments are also common. Artic Halflings can be of any alignment, but the chaotic and evil alignments are rare in Artic Halfling society.

Arctic Halfling Lands

In their natural environment, the Artic Halflings are primarily nomadic, ranging across icy glaciers and barren tundra, following great herds of migrating animals. They have become adept at surviving in these very harshest of conditions. Artic Halflings dwell in small clans, usually no more than thirty individuals in a community. In summer they live in tents of leather; in winter they make small, domed shelters of ice.

Religion

Artic Halflings frequently worship The Great Huntress. Individual Artic Halfling of any alignment might pay tribute to a wide variety of gods and goddesses. Many follow the teaching of Risk and revere the Bear in high regard.

Languages

In addition to their own language, Artic Halflings also speak the Merchant Tongue. Because of their heavy trading and relations with Dwarves they often speak Dwarven and one regional human language.

Adventurers

Artic Halflings adventurers are rare, but they to fall victim to the powers of the wanderlust. There are, however, Artic Halflings outcasts that venture the lands to seek redemption for harm brought to their tribe.