Making the best of home and life are the goals of many halflings, despite the barren land they must live in. Halfling communities are renowned for their agricultural skills. Whereas most other species farm and harvest subterranean fungi, halflings have tricks and skills passed through generations which allow them to maintain scant gardens of vegetables and fruits in the infertile badlands which they live, using partially-subterean structures rigged with intricate systems to regulate moisture, sunlight, and nutrients.
Some
members of halfling communities are trained in defense out of
necessity, for their gardens are favorite targets of raids and
thieves. Larger species are sometimes employed as garden guards, only
asking as payment a seat at the badlanders' coveted feasting
tables.
More precious to the badlander community than their
gardens are their carefully counted seeds, which they fiercely
protect even though not many other beings would be able to grow
anything from them.
Badlanders’ skin/hair/eye coloring is as varied as that of humans. They like to wear simple, comfortable, and practical clothes, favoring bright colors.
Halfling practicality extends beyond their clothing. They’re concerned with basic needs and simple pleasures and have little use for ostentation. Even the wealthiest of halflings keep their treasures locked in a cellar rather than on display for all to see. They have a knack for finding the most straightforward solution to a problem, and have little patience for dithering.
Halflings are an affable and cheerful people. They cherish the bonds of family and friendship as well as the comforts of hearth and home, harboring few dreams of gold or glory. Even adventurers among them usually venture into the world for reasons of community, friendship, wanderlust, or curiosity. They love discovering new things, even simple things, such as an exotic food or an unfamiliar style of clothing.
Halflings are adept at fitting into other communities, making themselves valuable and welcome. The combination of their inherent stealth and their unassuming nature helps halflings to avoid unwanted attention.
Badlanders work readily with others, and they are loyal to their friends, whether halfling or otherwise. They can display remarkable ferocity when their friends, families, or communities are threatened.
Badlanders usually set out on the adventurer’s path to defend their communities, support their friends, or explore a wide and wonder-filled world. For them, adventuring is less a career than an opportunity or sometimes a necessity.