Halflings in Polesia

Halflings are believed to be an offshoot of early humans, and it seems that for uncounted years, they’ve lived alongside humans in a strange symbiotic relation that is rarely seen amongst hominid varieties. Humans have often looked on halflings as bringers of good fortune and often value their ability to walk unheard and unseen. In early times it appears that humans and halflings often worked in concert, such as in hunting parties where halflings served as scouts and ranged support while humans would implement their superior strength and speed to take down the game. Today these tactics are also used in many armies. Yet this is not the halflings’ only strength.

Like gnomes, halflings have never had an empire in the conventional sense, though many tribes do claim vast territories in major cities or out in the countryside. Also like gnomes, halflings have found a somewhat secure place as go-betweens for the other civilized races. However, unlike gnomes halflings trade in information, not material goods. They are also natural political players, and have the sense and are not too proud to play from the background, therefore ensuring their survival as regimes inevitably change. In this regard halflings are excellent diplomats and many of their number are exceptional consular and help negotiate on behalf of nations.

Halflings also have a darker side as well, with many of them becoming excellent criminals and thieves. Many halflings also number amongst the world’s most notorious assassins, being small and quick and greatly knowledgeable with poisons and traps. There have even been a couple of particularly well known halfling serial killers, such as the Riddle King, who delighted in having his victims choose the way they would die by setting up particularly complex obstacle courses with the dangers clearly marked and explained.