Most halflings (also called Hin) in Karameikos emigrated from the neighboring Five Shires (the halfling homeland), drawn by the heavy trade (not to mention chance for adventure) there. Many halfling traders, craftsmen, and innkeepers live in Mirros, Kelvin, and smaller communities. While there are no large halfling clans in Karameikos, the halflings have their own "subculture", frequenting taverns and other facilities that cater exclusively to them.

The Character of the Halfling

When thinking of halflings, most people immediately stereotype them as mischievous and childlike. Another common belief is that we are lazy and fear to leave the safety of our homes. While it is true that Hin are creatures of comfort and many never leave the town of their birth, it does not mean that all Hin are the same.

Unlike true children, Hin have far more respect for the property and dignity of others. Vandalism is unheard of in the Shires. Also, halflings have none of that wide-eye innocence that can be plainly seen in all human children.

Upon the arrival at adolescence, many Hin experience the Yallara. This is an urge for excitement and adventure. Some grow out of becoming yallaren after only a year, while others - like me, from the look of things - never do. It is during this time that Hin travel the world and can often be found in just about any civilised land. It is from the returning yallaren that the people of the Five Shires manage to learn about the going-ons in the rest of the Old World. Hin are often a lot more knowledgeable than humans about the world around them.

Most Hin are simple farmers, brewers and shopkeepers. They are always merry and happy. Nothing is more enjoyable to them that a warm fire, a good ale and a moving story. Still, a few a bold, daring, and even dangerous. Ask any Thyatian unfortunate enough to encounter a ship full of Hin pirates. These halflings have a well-earned reputation of being a danger of the Sea of Dread.

Finally, Hin do not worship any of the traditional Immortals like the members of other races do. Instead they revere Hin Heroes; Hin who have accomplished great deeds during the lives, often saving the Shires against incredible odds, and now watch over the Hin forever [essentially, they are Immortals; the Hin just call them Heroes instead. Ed.]. Despite this, Hin priests are still rare. Those that do exist are called Masters, and their goal is to protect the Five Shires from all dangers. Very rarely do they ever step foot off of the sacred grounds of the Hin nation.

Naming your character

Halfling names are composed of a first 'true name' and a secondary name that is most often an epithet or possibly the name of their clan. The following well known halflings serve as a good example of this naming convention; Tarisco Highnose, Maeragh Littlelaughs, Dulene Darkeyes, Sildil Seaeyes.

To choose a class for your character, go ahead to Step 3...

To pick a different race for your character, move back to Step 2.