Tenderfeet (Nyssian Halflings)

The Halflings found in my world are much the same as the standard ones but they are highly focused on their herbalism and connection to the natural world. For their level abilities, I gave them communication skills, as I wanted them to be the connector between the wild and communities.  It also significantly help in the druid and thieving skills, able to find out useful information even before the adventure starts.

I also prefer the term Tenderfoot over Halfling as they don't believe they are half of anything, It's also a better descriptor of who they are.


Tenderfoot CR 1
NG Small Sized humanoid
Init +3; Perception +5

DEFENSE

AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+3 Dex, Leather armor)
hp 6   (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +0

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.
Melee  Knife +3 (1d3)
Melee Crossbow +3 (1d6)

STATISTICS

Str 7, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 13
Base Atk -1; CMB -3; CMD 10
Typical Feat:  Combat Reflexes
Skills Perception +2, Stealth +6, Profession (Farming)+4, Knowledge (Nature)+2
Racial Modifiers +2 Stealth, +2 Perception, +2 Knowledge (Nature)
Languages  Tenderfoot, Common Any bonus languages for high intelligence (Elf, Dwarf, Minotaur)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Halfling Racial Traits
+2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength: Halflings are nimble and strong-willed, but their small stature makes them weaker than other races.

Small: Halflings are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty to their Combat Maneuver Bonus and Combat Maneuver Defense, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.

Slow Speed: Halflings have a base speed of 20 feet.
Fearless: Halflings receive a +2 racial bonus on all saving throws against fear.
Keen Senses: Halflings receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception skill checks.
Green Thumb: +4 Bonus to Farming / Agriculture checks; Knowledge (Nature) +2
Weapon Familiarity: Halflings are proficient with slings and treat any weapon with the word “halfling” in its name as a martial weapon.
Languages: Halflings begin play speaking Common and Halfling. Those with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, and Goblin.

Level Abilities
3rd level: Gain +4 on reaction rolls w/Plants; Speak with Plants (cast 1+ charisma bonus every day)
5th level: Gain +4 on reaction rolls with Fey; Speak with Fey (cast 1+ charisma bonus every day)
7th level: Cast Expeditious Retreat on oneself (cast 2/day)
9th level: Gain +4 on reaction rolls with Animals and Vermin; Speak with Animals or Vermin (cast 1+ charisma bonus every day)


These are well known diminutive humanoids that resemble human children. Many humans refer to them as Halflings, but they prefer the term Tenderfeet for themselves.

A majority of them reside among other race`s settlements though there are some that live in secretive valleys and other little known locations. Viewed as the best gardeners of the domain, having an affinity for raising crops both in and out of Garden Towers. This is one reason why many people believe that Tenderfeet are inherently lucky, they assure the survival of many communities - many common folk refuse to harm them believing it will bring about a curse to the land. Their skills also deems them useful to evil-aligned groups who often enslaved them to grow their crops. When equal members of a community, they prefer to live in burrows surrounding a garden, farm or Ever-Green Tower.

Their lives revolve around the plant`s cycle, including hibernating during the winter and giving birth in the spring.  Their elders often act as ambassadors to animal and plant spirits at least unofficially, speaking on behalf of a community even without the official leaders knowing about it. They are a harmonious people but they do have opinions and they speak out for themselves and others.

Many of their villages have abundant fey, plant and animal protectors that freely come and go, always willing to protect the Tenderfeet and their ways. Tenderfeet are rarely outwardly religious, they appreciate the powers and knowledge of a druid and their connection with the land's spirits but avoid the formal rituals and prayers of the priestly class. Similarly, while wizards are not unknown among their kind, their lack of Spell Towers means most who want to learn spells need to leave for the human cities, few ever return. These industrious hard working kin have a deep appreciation for the works of the vine, enjoying the fruits of their labors as often as they can.

It has often been believed by many that Tenderfeet rarely adventure, this is not true. Many feel the urge to travel and see wondrous sights, such as the Sea of Stones or the forest valley on the Isle of Oromos. Freeing their own kin from the bounds of slavery prompts many into action - especially as rogue and rangers

Druid, Ranger and Rogue are their preferred classes having no class limitation.
Warrior, Bard, Cleric and Wizard all have a 10th level maximum class potential.