D&D: Luck of the Halflings
Come get a glimpse of what lies in store for Halflings in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes.
Mike Mearls is back with a look at Halflings and their place in the cosmos, to be further explored in the upcoming Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes. Half longs and Gnomes share their own chapter in the book, each one defined by the absence of a great conflict in which they are embroiled. While it’s likely to be isolation and innovation with Gnomes, with Halflings, if all seems to be a matter of luck and legacy.
Luck is, evidently, one of the most defining features of the Halfling. In addition to being a racial ability, Halfling luck manifests itself in other ways–whether keeping orc marauders from finding their village, or somehow ensuring that Halflings always seem to turn up exactly what they need, their racial tendency towards luck is a powerful defense.
According to Mearls, it’s a gift from Yondalla, goddess of the Hearth, who may or may not have created the Halflings–depending on the story, she may have merely adopted them after their original creator vanished or was, say, slain by Gruumsh. Whatever the case, Yondalla gifts them with stealth and luck and that’s what guides them towards an idyllic sort of life.
Definitely shades of the Shire here, which, given we’re talking about Halflings, makes sense. Halflings mostly live out a very pastoral existence in their villages in the remote parts of the world. Trade may come and go, but for the most part, they’re content to stay in their village, until getting a case of “fancy feet” and needing to see what’s over the Mountain (nothing good). These become Halfling adventurers, who return with treasures and boons that can help keep the Halfling settlements safe. Mearls talks about a Halfling adventurer coming back with a Horn of Valhalla–and it’s easy to imagine other scenarios where the goal of an adventuring Halfling with homesickness, is to leave behind something “just in case.”
At any rate, there’s a look at Halflings, stay tuned for other races, conflicts, and lore as we get the chance.
Happy Adventuring!
