D&D 4E Reinvisioning the Halfling for 4E

[Traycor]

So that's like the bayou halfling of Spellbinder games ? IMO lame.

While I haven't seen the Spellbinder games, the flavor is exactly what WotC has already implemented for halflings in 4E. They are that way in Races & Classes.

The main thing I'm hoping to change is the art direction. Wizo's gave them "bayou halfling" fluff, but a "plain old human" look.


I could even see evil halfings as roving pirates! All the other races have evil versions, and this new direction on halflings could make them interesting opponents.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Dump them from the PHB until their concept works better and stick them in the MM1 instead.

 

[Traycor]

Dump them from the PHB until their concept works better and stick them in the MM1 instead.

Now, now. Don't be jealous. I'm sure when they release the epic 3 part movies, "David the Gnome" we will get the little fellahs back into the PHB1 for 5E

 

[Wormwood]

Dump them from the PHB until their concept works better and stick them in the MM1 instead.

Honestly, that would have been my choice.

 

[Raduin711]

I never minded the 2nd edition halfling. It was a little hard to find a reason for one to adventure, however; they don't adventure almost by definition. They like to stay home, where it is comfortable.

While I am fine with the concept that every race of beings isn't prone to picking up a sword and running about the countryside, it does provide some barriers to playing a halfling adventurer. Any time you play a halfling you are playing against type, which becomes rather unlikely after the 3rd halfling the PC's have played.

So you have to make some kind of change to the original "hobbit" concept.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I never minded the 2nd edition halfling. It was a little hard to find a reason for one to adventure, however; they don't adventure almost by definition. They like to stay home, where it is comfortable.

While I am fine with the concept that every race of beings isn't prone to picking up a sword and running about the countryside, it does provide some barriers to playing a halfling adventurer. Any time you play a halfling you are playing against type, which becomes rather unlikely after the 3rd halfling the PC's have played.

So you have to make some kind of change to the original "hobbit" concept.

Those issues don't pose a problem for humans, who behave identically.

 

[Wormwood]

Those issues don't pose a problem for humans, who behave identically.

Which begs the question, why have halflings at all?

 

[Traycor]

Which begs the question, why have halflings at all?

I agree with you here, to a point. We all know why halflings are in the PHB. Recent and upcoming movies have made Hobbits popular, plus a certain percentage of players just like to play little people.

But even that doesn't really answer your question. The halflings haven't been made distinct enough. They aren't "Hobbits", so they need to be changed into something original and interesting.

The new design direction has the potential to fix much of what's lacking. Halflings can have a universal look/dress, they can appear both interesting and capable, and they can still be tiny agile people for those that like little characters. As traders and nomads, there is every reason in the world for halflings to frequent new places and potentially become adventuring player characters. It wouldn't even be that much against type anymore.

 

[Wormwood]

The halflings haven't been made distinct enough. They aren't "Hobbits", so they need to be changed into something original and interesting.

Which really is all I ask. Give them a hook and I'll cheerfully play along.

Disclaimer: "Short and English" is not enough of a hook for me.

 

[kennew142]

I played a 3e halfling once. I got tired of it real fast. Luckily his head got crushed by a fire giant and I was able to replace him with a human. The fact that I was interested enough to build a non-human in the first place is significant. I was probably just excited by their non-hobbitness (more from the cahnage than anything else).