Reflavoring the Races for Classic Fantasy – Halflings

In the final of 4 articles that deal with races in the Classic Fantasy setting, we look at taking certain D&D 4e races and reflavoring them into halflings. We’ve already talked about making monsters more memorable and monstrous, and up next we’ll give some ideas on the setting itself.

For each of the following racial or subracial choices, all of the actual mechanical stats, powers, and traits are unchanged. It’s the flavor and descriptions that have been altered to describe a halfling. Some of the traits or powers might need to be interpreted… creatively, but for the most part, mechanics are not affected. Again, take any of the following descriptions as a subrace, or rewrite one of your own design.

HALFLINGS

• COMMON HALFLING (Halfling): The common halfling uses the entry for Halfling. He or she can be found in any settlement or region, living among any of the halfling subraces.
• NIGHT HALFLING (Gnome): Quick-witted and stealthier than even the typical halfling, these halflings are most often found living near elves, from whom they “borrow” magical secrets. Some go on to become true arcanists, if they can find proper instruction in what they’ve learned; others use the small bits of trickery they’ve mastered to indulge more stealth focused careers.
• LIGHTFOOT HALFLING (Goblin): The nimble Lightfoot Halflings hail from the southern planes. They have a natural knack for slipping out of reach in the most annoying manner possible, and they find battle to be almost a joy, laughing as they fight and delivering clever quips to their opponent. Replace Goblin with a single language of your choice.
• TALLFELLOW HALFLING (Kenku): Like many halflings, those born and raised within the boundaries of cities are often predisposed to a life of trickery, but some quickly learn tricks best suited for teaming up, surrounding, and taking down larger foes. They are also skilled vocal mimics.
• BITTERLEAF TRIBE (Kobold): Born and raised in the barbaric reaches of the world, these quick, tough, and savage halflings embrace the primal spirits with an enthusiasm unmatched by their more civilized kin. Replace draconic with one language of your choice.