Up with Halflings!
- Thread starter Argent Silvermage
- Start date
Finally a Halfling bard gets mentioned. Sheesh thought I was the only one who was sane for minute there.
Though mine Hawkins Brae ( Brd 10/ Ftr 7) is really unusual. Through a little bit of luck, and a lot of pure intellect Hawkins
has A) won the hand of a Dwarve Princess
B) Gotten perhaps the best suit of armor a halfling has ever owned made of what looks like fire opals(Halfling Artifacts kick but) Its featherweight with the ability to detect dragons within 50 miles of himself, Helm that shoots a fireball/day A Greatsword Sunblade which he uses two-handed, and a cloak of Dragon flight which lets him fly at the same speed and agility of a dragon. Appraised at 23,000,000 GP by a dwarven Armorsmith/ Appraiser C) A keep all his own, along with two Shield Guardians to boot. and D) a fleet of 23 Merchant ships from which he makes tons of GP a year and Two Privateersmen Of which he commands the faster of the two.
Yeah its a lot of Booty for a halfling but he has been played alot
My newest halfling Dath Shadowfingers (Rog 3/ Sor 2) is still on a test run basis.
And for you Necromancer guys
What would you give a Halfling with Necromancer 10/ Paladin 20/ Blackguard 10
Though mine Hawkins Brae ( Brd 10/ Ftr 7) is really unusual. Through a little bit of luck, and a lot of pure intellect Hawkins
has A) won the hand of a Dwarve Princess
B) Gotten perhaps the best suit of armor a halfling has ever owned made of what looks like fire opals(Halfling Artifacts kick but) Its featherweight with the ability to detect dragons within 50 miles of himself, Helm that shoots a fireball/day A Greatsword Sunblade which he uses two-handed, and a cloak of Dragon flight which lets him fly at the same speed and agility of a dragon. Appraised at 23,000,000 GP by a dwarven Armorsmith/ Appraiser C) A keep all his own, along with two Shield Guardians to boot. and D) a fleet of 23 Merchant ships from which he makes tons of GP a year and Two Privateersmen Of which he commands the faster of the two. Yeah its a lot of Booty for a halfling but he has been played alot
My newest halfling Dath Shadowfingers (Rog 3/ Sor 2) is still on a test run basis.
And for you Necromancer guys
What would you give a Halfling with Necromancer 10/ Paladin 20/ Blackguard 10
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I play a Hobbit Paladin in a Greyhawk campain. It is a very funny character with his celestial riding dog mount.
My DM did a special prestige class for me, truly oriented for Paladin of Yondalla:
Holy Protector of Yondalla
Hit Dice: d10.
Level Attack Bonus Fort. Ref. Will Special Spells per Day
1 +1 +0 +0 +2 Special Mount, Divine Emissary, Domain Spells +1 level of paladin class
2 +2 +0 +0 +3 Protective Expertise +1 level of paladin class
3 +3 +1 +1 +3 Share Aura +1 level of paladin class
4 +4 +1 +1 +4 Sacred Defense +1 +1 level of paladin class
5 +5 +1 +1 +4 +1 level of paladin class
6 +6 +2 +2 +5 Sacred Defense +2 +1 level of paladin class
7 +7 +2 +2 +5 +1 level of paladin class
8 +8 +2 +2 +6 Sacred Defense +3 +1 level of paladin class
9 +9 +3 +3 +6 +1 level of paladin class
10 +10 +3 +3 +7 Transcendence +1 level of paladin class
Requirements:
To qualify to become a Holy Protector of Yondalla, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria:
Race: Halfling.
Alignment: Lawful Good.
Patron Deity: Yondalla.
Base Attack Bonus: +6.
Skills: Knowledge (religion): 4 ranks; Ride: 10 ranks.
Feats: Mounted Combat, Weapon Focus (shortsword).
Special: Divine Grace.
Class Skills:
The Holy Protector of Yondalla's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are: Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge Religion (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), and Sense Motive (Wis).
Skill Points at each level: 2 + Int modifier.
Class Features:
Weapon and Armor Proficiency.
Holy Protectors are proficient in all simple and martial weapons, with all armors, and with shields.
Spells per Day.
A Holy Protector continues the magical training he began as a paladin spellcaster. For every Holy Protector level gained, the character gains new spells per day as if he had also gained one level in the paladin class.
This essentially means that the character adds his Holy Protector levels to the level of paladin class he has, then determines spells per day and caster level accordingly.
He does not, however, gain any progression of the other benefits of the paladin class (lay on hands, smite evil, turn undead and remove disease).
Special Mount.
A Holy Protector can call an unusually intelligent, strong, and loyal steed to serve him or her in her crusade against evil. The character adds his Holy Protector levels to the level of paladin class he has, then determines progression of his special mount (PHB p43).
Divine Emissary.
Holy Protectors can telepathically communicate with any outsider within 60 feet, as long as that outsider serves the disciple's deity or has the same alignment
Domain Spells.
Like a cleric, a Holy Protector can prepare one domain spell at each spell level in addition to his regular allotment. At the time he becomes a Holy Protector, the character gain access to the Protection domain (sanctuary, shield other, protection from elements, spell immunity) and he must choose one domain from those over which Yondalla holds sway (Good, Law, Family or Halfling). He thus has access to two domain spells at each spell level and may prepare one or the other each day in his domain spell slot.
Unlike clerics, Holy Protectors gain no granted powers for their domains.
Protective Expertise.
Benefit: When the Holy Protector wields a shortsword to use the attack action or full attack action in melee, he can take a penalty on his attack and add the same number to his AC or to the AC of an ally (If the Holy Protector threatens an opponent with which an ally is engaged in melee combat, he can choose to protect this ally). This number may not exceed the Holy Protector level.
The bonus to the Holy Protector’s AC is a dodge bonus, the bonus to the AC of an ally is a circumstance bonus.
The changes to attack rolls and Armor Class last until the character's next action.
A Holy Protector using Protective Expertise can use the Expertise feat in the same round.
Share Aura.
A benefit gained from being a Paladin (divine grace, divine health or aura of courage) can be shared with the Holy Protector’s mount or with one other creature in physical contact with the Holy Protector.
Using this supernatural ability is a free action.
Sacred Defense.
Add this sacred bonus (+1 at 4th level, +2 at 6th level, +3 at 8th level) to the Holy Protector's saving throws against divine spells, as well as the spell-like and supernatural abilities of outsiders.
Transcendence.
The Holy Protector, through long association with her deity's outsider servants and direct intervention by her deity, transcends her mortal form and becomes a divine creature. Her type changes to outsider, which means she acquires some immunities and vulnerabilities based on her type (see Native Outsiders, under the planetouched race description, FR p18). As a free action she can ward herself with a protection from evil spell.
Multiclass Note: Paladin characters can freely multiclass with this class.
Faraday
My DM did a special prestige class for me, truly oriented for Paladin of Yondalla:
Holy Protector of Yondalla
Hit Dice: d10.
Level Attack Bonus Fort. Ref. Will Special Spells per Day
1 +1 +0 +0 +2 Special Mount, Divine Emissary, Domain Spells +1 level of paladin class
2 +2 +0 +0 +3 Protective Expertise +1 level of paladin class
3 +3 +1 +1 +3 Share Aura +1 level of paladin class
4 +4 +1 +1 +4 Sacred Defense +1 +1 level of paladin class
5 +5 +1 +1 +4 +1 level of paladin class
6 +6 +2 +2 +5 Sacred Defense +2 +1 level of paladin class
7 +7 +2 +2 +5 +1 level of paladin class
8 +8 +2 +2 +6 Sacred Defense +3 +1 level of paladin class
9 +9 +3 +3 +6 +1 level of paladin class
10 +10 +3 +3 +7 Transcendence +1 level of paladin class
Requirements:
To qualify to become a Holy Protector of Yondalla, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria:
Race: Halfling.
Alignment: Lawful Good.
Patron Deity: Yondalla.
Base Attack Bonus: +6.
Skills: Knowledge (religion): 4 ranks; Ride: 10 ranks.
Feats: Mounted Combat, Weapon Focus (shortsword).
Special: Divine Grace.
Class Skills:
The Holy Protector of Yondalla's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are: Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge Religion (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), and Sense Motive (Wis).
Skill Points at each level: 2 + Int modifier.
Class Features:
Weapon and Armor Proficiency.
Holy Protectors are proficient in all simple and martial weapons, with all armors, and with shields.
Spells per Day.
A Holy Protector continues the magical training he began as a paladin spellcaster. For every Holy Protector level gained, the character gains new spells per day as if he had also gained one level in the paladin class.
This essentially means that the character adds his Holy Protector levels to the level of paladin class he has, then determines spells per day and caster level accordingly.
He does not, however, gain any progression of the other benefits of the paladin class (lay on hands, smite evil, turn undead and remove disease).
Special Mount.
A Holy Protector can call an unusually intelligent, strong, and loyal steed to serve him or her in her crusade against evil. The character adds his Holy Protector levels to the level of paladin class he has, then determines progression of his special mount (PHB p43).
Divine Emissary.
Holy Protectors can telepathically communicate with any outsider within 60 feet, as long as that outsider serves the disciple's deity or has the same alignment
Domain Spells.
Like a cleric, a Holy Protector can prepare one domain spell at each spell level in addition to his regular allotment. At the time he becomes a Holy Protector, the character gain access to the Protection domain (sanctuary, shield other, protection from elements, spell immunity) and he must choose one domain from those over which Yondalla holds sway (Good, Law, Family or Halfling). He thus has access to two domain spells at each spell level and may prepare one or the other each day in his domain spell slot.
Unlike clerics, Holy Protectors gain no granted powers for their domains.
Protective Expertise.
Benefit: When the Holy Protector wields a shortsword to use the attack action or full attack action in melee, he can take a penalty on his attack and add the same number to his AC or to the AC of an ally (If the Holy Protector threatens an opponent with which an ally is engaged in melee combat, he can choose to protect this ally). This number may not exceed the Holy Protector level.
The bonus to the Holy Protector’s AC is a dodge bonus, the bonus to the AC of an ally is a circumstance bonus.
The changes to attack rolls and Armor Class last until the character's next action.
A Holy Protector using Protective Expertise can use the Expertise feat in the same round.
Share Aura.
A benefit gained from being a Paladin (divine grace, divine health or aura of courage) can be shared with the Holy Protector’s mount or with one other creature in physical contact with the Holy Protector.
Using this supernatural ability is a free action.
Sacred Defense.
Add this sacred bonus (+1 at 4th level, +2 at 6th level, +3 at 8th level) to the Holy Protector's saving throws against divine spells, as well as the spell-like and supernatural abilities of outsiders.
Transcendence.
The Holy Protector, through long association with her deity's outsider servants and direct intervention by her deity, transcends her mortal form and becomes a divine creature. Her type changes to outsider, which means she acquires some immunities and vulnerabilities based on her type (see Native Outsiders, under the planetouched race description, FR p18). As a free action she can ward herself with a protection from evil spell.
Multiclass Note: Paladin characters can freely multiclass with this class.
Faraday
Argent Silvermage
First Post
Does any one know where I can get some decent Halfling figures on the web? I need one for Bolo.
also need a dire bear, ape, hawk, cheetah and Elephant... not to mention Treants... LOTS of Treants.
also need a dire bear, ape, hawk, cheetah and Elephant... not to mention Treants... LOTS of Treants.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
a halfling's story
[Here is a story I wrote about a halfling rogue based on my campaign, World of Kulan. I originally posted this in my Divinity War StoryHour thread (see sig).]
Servant of the Shadow
Haily wasn't sure that she could pull it off. Her masters at the Angle's Edge Thieves' Guild had sent her out to procure an item they considered vital to their survival.
Sure, their survival. It's not like they cared whether she lived or died. This Zultmir fellow is one of the most powerful wizards in the Kingdom of Stonn not to mention a rumored favorite of the Jealous Arcane. And any wizard that could attract the attention of Xuar, the God of Necromancy, is someone she would normally avoided like the plague.
Followers of Xuar are not known for their mercy.
Haily looked at the tower in front of her in awe and a whole lot of fear. The stone gargoyle next to her seemed to be mocking her. Calling her a coward and worse. Of course, it was all in her head. The gargoyle wasn't alive. Just a convenient hiding spot cloaked in shadows on an adjacent roof to the necromancer's tower.
"This is crazy." The halfing shook her head in frustration. "I don't even know if I can get in, let alone find it."
But the guild had been adamant. Find the item or all was lost. They hadn't even told her what it was she was suppose to steal. Oh, they had hinted that it was important to the Church of Kuil and the entire pantheon for that matter. All the more reason her stomach was now doing somersaults.
"The necromancer doesn't know what he has." Guildmaster Vendel had told this to her in his private room. "If he did it could lead to another war amongst the gods. We don't dare speak the name of the object. But you'll know it when you see it."
She had been less then pleased. She wasn't a devoted worshipper of the North Gods. Yes, Kuil is the patron of the Angle's Edge Thieves' Guld. But that doesn't mean she believes that the God of Rogues and Illusion cares whether or not she exists. The guild has always been a means to an end. And now that could be her fate, literally.
"Well, no sense wasting time." Haily stood up putting a hand on the gargoyle. Staying in the shadows she waited until two Watchers passed by on the street below. "Time to get killed."
The halfling rogue deftly dropped down to the street below without a sound. She checked the street again while keeping to the shadows. Then she closed her eyes concentrating on the shadowed corner, cast by the street lamps, on the other side of the street that she had seen from above. Breathing slowly, she took a step and felt herself being pulled through the darkness to the other side of the street next to the necromancer's tower.
She clenched her hands together fighting the fear that always came with shadow walking. It was a gift taught to all guildmembers of the Angle's Edge. She hated it. It felt like ice was being shoved through her skin. But it came in handy when you needed to do something real risky like trying to break into a arcane tower. And this was the easy part.
"Oh forget it." Haily clenched her teeth together. "Guild membership isn't worth this."
Haily slid away from the tower sprinting down a side alley. She'd have to leave the city of course. She'd have to leave everything she had behind. Start over. Somewhere else where she didn't have to answer to the North Gods in order to steal for a living. There was always the southern lands or even the old cities of the Empire of Swords.
Haily ran through the back alleys of Stonn City keeping an eye out for Watchers and anyone who might recognize her. It wouldn't take long for the guild or the Church of Kuil to learn that she had chose to leave 'without the bag' so to speak.
She turned a corner and ran right into someone, She went down in a tangle of arms and legs with the other person.
"Ow," Haily noticed that the person in front of her was one of her kind. A halfling boy barely out of his mamma's diapers no less. "What hit me?"
The boy looked like he was about to pass out. He rubbed his forehead groaning in pain. Damn, she hadn't been careful. Now she was in a situation that would lead the guild right to her. If the boy talked.
She reached for her dagger. Then she looked at the little halfing with her hand on the hilt of her blade. No matter whether or not she was part of the guild anymore, she couldn't bring herself to murder an innocent child. Especially not one of her own kind.
Haily let go of her dagger. She quickly stood up taking a quick look around to see if any Watchers had spotted them. She tried to help the boy up but his legs were too wobbly to stand. She picked him up carring him into the shadows of a nearby alleyway.
"Are you all right child?" Her mother would have been proud, if she knew who her mother was.
"I-I think so," The boy still couldn't stand. "What happend?"
"You were out in the middle of the night. Wandering through the streets. I didn't see you and ran right into you. What are you doing out at this time of night? Where's your kin?"
"Kin, your not serious are you. I don't have any halfling relatives. I'm on my own, ok."
He seemed a little less fragile now that his head had cleared. "So you're an orphan?"
"What about it?" The boy was becoming more hostile. "And what the heck are you running from, hmm?"
"Don't sass your elders child." Haily tried to dodge the question. "Halflings have to stick together."
"Don't call me a child. And you're not my elder."
"Why don't we go to the Temple of Yondalla an ask the High Priestess if she agrees with you on that, hmm."
"N-no, that's all right. I'm sorry. I'm just a little sore, ok?"
"Fine. Now, where do you live?"
"Umm, your looking at it." The boy pats his clothes, turns around several times then sits down in the alley.
"You live in the streets. Of Stonn City. Do you take me for a fool. No one lives on the streets in this city. Not unless they want to go to prison or get thrown out into the wilderness."
"Well, I don't really live here. I live wherever my feet take me. I'm just passing through, honest."
Haily sighed crossing her arms in frustration. Great, all she needed right now was a halfling boy that she now felt responsible for. The guild was going to catch her for sure.
"All right, I believe you. What's your name?"
"Kyle."
"Is that it?"
"Ya, why?"
The boy didn't even have a last name. She should have done the job. At least that would have been safer.
"Ok, I'm going to get you out of the city. Then we'll try and find a nice, quiet halfing community for you to settle down in."
"I don't think so."
"Excuse me?" Haily was now starting to regret not sticking the little bugger with her dagger.
"You heard me. And don't give me that Yondalla routine again. I know they're as likely to make you do penance for being a thief."
"What makes you think that?" Obviously, he's brighter than he looks.
"Oh come on. You just scream thief-in-the-night. Don't worry, I've pinched a few things in my time."
"Oh really, you don't look like you could even lift a dagger let alone a full purse of coins."
"I'll prove it to ya."
Haily couldn't help but admire him. Kyle had this cockiness about him that she once had a long time before having to deal with pantheon politics.
"I don't have time for you to prove it to me." Haily heard the sound of footsteps coming down the street. Watchers! "We have to go, now."
"Oh them, relax. Watch this."
"Don't-" She was too late. The little halfling bound out into the street like a cat. He went right up to the two Watchers coming into the lamplight.
"Damn it." He'd end up in jail, of course. Watchers don't bargin. Haily stayed out of sight waiting for them to arrest the little bugger.
Silence.
Haily didn't understand it. Watchers are known for loving the sound of their own voices. The halfling rogue peeked out of the alley. Her jaw almost fell off.
The two Watchers didn't move, frozen in midstep. Not only that. They were completely naked from top to bottom. Kyle had relieved them of all their clothes. He scampered back to the alley next to Haily giggling the whole way.
"How'd you do that?" Haily was trying not to laugh.
Kyle snapped his fingers and the two guards continued walking down the street right by them in the buff. They didn't even seem to realize what had happened.
"They'll walk for a couple more blocks before snapping back into reality." Kyle gave Haily a wry smile.
"I don't understand. Who... what are you?"
"Don't you know?"
"Come on, kid. I don't have time for games."
Kyle sighed. He seemed much older now. His face seemed older than anything she had ever seen before.
Haily back away. "You're not a halfing, are you?"
"I'm what you see, Haily. but I'm also what you have never seen."
"What?" Riddles, Haily hated riddles.
Kyle took her hand. She didn't even try to resist. She couldn't resist for some reason. Everything seemed to stop for moment and then Haily was standing in front of the necromancer's tower. The rest of the city was gone. It was like they and the tower were alone in the world.
"And here we are again, Haily." Kyle stood looking up at the tower with disgust. "Damn necromancers."
Haily didn't know what was real. Everything was a blur in her head. It didn't make sense. She wasn't standing on anything but yet she was standing.
Kyle knew her name but she hadn't told him what it was. Only her fellow guildmembers knew her true name. The halfing boy was larger than life in front of her. He turned at looked at her.
"O-oh my," Haily felt her eyes watering with tears. "Lord K-Kuil..."
"My Child." The boy in front of her vanished. Replaced by the power of the God of Rogues and Illusions. She felt like her heart would explode, her skin burn away from His radiance. "The Pantheon needs you Haily. I need you."
"But I-I'm just a thief." Haily was on her knees her hands clasped in front of her chest. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Him. She didn't feel worthy to be near him.
"You are more than worthy, child. You are one of my most gifted followers. And I am sorry that you felt neglected. I have meant to come to see you several times but didn't realize how fragile your faith had become until you decide to run away."
Haily was sobbing uncontrollably before her God. He was her God now. She felt it now like nothing she'd ever felt before in her life. It was amazing and intoxicating.
"I don't understand why you don't just take the item away from the necromancer. He couldn't stop you even if he tried."
"It isn't that simple, dear Haily. No god is meant to possess it except the All-Mother. It could corrupt me. Besides, if I intervened directly in this matter then Xuar would know. He would become aware of the item and seize it for himself. That is what could destroy the world and that is what must never happen. That is why I need you, my dear."
"But surely a more experienced thief would be more likely to succeed."
"Your humility is why I've chosen you. You stand in my presence yet you still doubt yourself worthy of the task. And make no mistake, my child, I chose you myself. I have complete confidence in you to do this."
Haily felt His love for her. Kuil stepped pulled her up to her feet. He held her hand against his chest. He stared directly into her eyes. Haily gasped for air as she felt like she was being born again from within.
"Everytime you stand in the shadows you are a part of me, Haily. Everytime you shadow walk it is my touch you feel inside you. It isn't darkness you feel but the light in the darkness that guides you to me. I am your Father, I am your Mother, I am your Brother and Sister, I am your kin. I love you as much as Yondalla loves you. Never forget that."
Haily was shaking. She opened her eyes. She was on the rooftop next to the gargoyle. The necromancer's tower stood in front of her once again. It wasn't scary at all. The Watchers went by but she didn't give them a second thought. She could feel the items power calling out to her. It needed her to recover it for the pantheon. To keep the world safe from Xuar and the other dark gods.
Haily closed her eyes and shadow walked into the very heart of the tower. She opened herself completely to the shadows for the first time. She felt Him there next to her. Guiding her. She knew exactly where to look for the item. It stood on the necromancer's mantle in his room. She had shadow walked right into his lair without hesitation. The necromancer's warding spells fizzled. She had been blessed by her Lord and moved through the room with ease.
Haily grabbed the item off the mantle. The necromancer slept soundly behind her. She didn't even look at him. She shadow walked away back to street where she had run into Kuil, as Kyle. She tucked the item under her arm. She knew the guildmaster would be proud if not a little surprised that she had succeeded. It was ok. She didn't need his favor. She was a servant of the shadow now. Haily shadow walked back to the guildhouse embracing her Lord's touch with a smile as she went.
[Here is a story I wrote about a halfling rogue based on my campaign, World of Kulan. I originally posted this in my Divinity War StoryHour thread (see sig).]
Servant of the Shadow
Haily wasn't sure that she could pull it off. Her masters at the Angle's Edge Thieves' Guild had sent her out to procure an item they considered vital to their survival.
Sure, their survival. It's not like they cared whether she lived or died. This Zultmir fellow is one of the most powerful wizards in the Kingdom of Stonn not to mention a rumored favorite of the Jealous Arcane. And any wizard that could attract the attention of Xuar, the God of Necromancy, is someone she would normally avoided like the plague.
Followers of Xuar are not known for their mercy.
Haily looked at the tower in front of her in awe and a whole lot of fear. The stone gargoyle next to her seemed to be mocking her. Calling her a coward and worse. Of course, it was all in her head. The gargoyle wasn't alive. Just a convenient hiding spot cloaked in shadows on an adjacent roof to the necromancer's tower.
"This is crazy." The halfing shook her head in frustration. "I don't even know if I can get in, let alone find it."
But the guild had been adamant. Find the item or all was lost. They hadn't even told her what it was she was suppose to steal. Oh, they had hinted that it was important to the Church of Kuil and the entire pantheon for that matter. All the more reason her stomach was now doing somersaults.
"The necromancer doesn't know what he has." Guildmaster Vendel had told this to her in his private room. "If he did it could lead to another war amongst the gods. We don't dare speak the name of the object. But you'll know it when you see it."
She had been less then pleased. She wasn't a devoted worshipper of the North Gods. Yes, Kuil is the patron of the Angle's Edge Thieves' Guld. But that doesn't mean she believes that the God of Rogues and Illusion cares whether or not she exists. The guild has always been a means to an end. And now that could be her fate, literally.
"Well, no sense wasting time." Haily stood up putting a hand on the gargoyle. Staying in the shadows she waited until two Watchers passed by on the street below. "Time to get killed."
The halfling rogue deftly dropped down to the street below without a sound. She checked the street again while keeping to the shadows. Then she closed her eyes concentrating on the shadowed corner, cast by the street lamps, on the other side of the street that she had seen from above. Breathing slowly, she took a step and felt herself being pulled through the darkness to the other side of the street next to the necromancer's tower.
She clenched her hands together fighting the fear that always came with shadow walking. It was a gift taught to all guildmembers of the Angle's Edge. She hated it. It felt like ice was being shoved through her skin. But it came in handy when you needed to do something real risky like trying to break into a arcane tower. And this was the easy part.
"Oh forget it." Haily clenched her teeth together. "Guild membership isn't worth this."
Haily slid away from the tower sprinting down a side alley. She'd have to leave the city of course. She'd have to leave everything she had behind. Start over. Somewhere else where she didn't have to answer to the North Gods in order to steal for a living. There was always the southern lands or even the old cities of the Empire of Swords.
Haily ran through the back alleys of Stonn City keeping an eye out for Watchers and anyone who might recognize her. It wouldn't take long for the guild or the Church of Kuil to learn that she had chose to leave 'without the bag' so to speak.
She turned a corner and ran right into someone, She went down in a tangle of arms and legs with the other person.
"Ow," Haily noticed that the person in front of her was one of her kind. A halfling boy barely out of his mamma's diapers no less. "What hit me?"
The boy looked like he was about to pass out. He rubbed his forehead groaning in pain. Damn, she hadn't been careful. Now she was in a situation that would lead the guild right to her. If the boy talked.
She reached for her dagger. Then she looked at the little halfing with her hand on the hilt of her blade. No matter whether or not she was part of the guild anymore, she couldn't bring herself to murder an innocent child. Especially not one of her own kind.
Haily let go of her dagger. She quickly stood up taking a quick look around to see if any Watchers had spotted them. She tried to help the boy up but his legs were too wobbly to stand. She picked him up carring him into the shadows of a nearby alleyway.
"Are you all right child?" Her mother would have been proud, if she knew who her mother was.
"I-I think so," The boy still couldn't stand. "What happend?"
"You were out in the middle of the night. Wandering through the streets. I didn't see you and ran right into you. What are you doing out at this time of night? Where's your kin?"
"Kin, your not serious are you. I don't have any halfling relatives. I'm on my own, ok."
He seemed a little less fragile now that his head had cleared. "So you're an orphan?"
"What about it?" The boy was becoming more hostile. "And what the heck are you running from, hmm?"
"Don't sass your elders child." Haily tried to dodge the question. "Halflings have to stick together."
"Don't call me a child. And you're not my elder."
"Why don't we go to the Temple of Yondalla an ask the High Priestess if she agrees with you on that, hmm."
"N-no, that's all right. I'm sorry. I'm just a little sore, ok?"
"Fine. Now, where do you live?"
"Umm, your looking at it." The boy pats his clothes, turns around several times then sits down in the alley.
"You live in the streets. Of Stonn City. Do you take me for a fool. No one lives on the streets in this city. Not unless they want to go to prison or get thrown out into the wilderness."
"Well, I don't really live here. I live wherever my feet take me. I'm just passing through, honest."
Haily sighed crossing her arms in frustration. Great, all she needed right now was a halfling boy that she now felt responsible for. The guild was going to catch her for sure.
"All right, I believe you. What's your name?"
"Kyle."
"Is that it?"
"Ya, why?"
The boy didn't even have a last name. She should have done the job. At least that would have been safer.
"Ok, I'm going to get you out of the city. Then we'll try and find a nice, quiet halfing community for you to settle down in."
"I don't think so."
"Excuse me?" Haily was now starting to regret not sticking the little bugger with her dagger.
"You heard me. And don't give me that Yondalla routine again. I know they're as likely to make you do penance for being a thief."
"What makes you think that?" Obviously, he's brighter than he looks.
"Oh come on. You just scream thief-in-the-night. Don't worry, I've pinched a few things in my time."
"Oh really, you don't look like you could even lift a dagger let alone a full purse of coins."
"I'll prove it to ya."
Haily couldn't help but admire him. Kyle had this cockiness about him that she once had a long time before having to deal with pantheon politics.
"I don't have time for you to prove it to me." Haily heard the sound of footsteps coming down the street. Watchers! "We have to go, now."
"Oh them, relax. Watch this."
"Don't-" She was too late. The little halfling bound out into the street like a cat. He went right up to the two Watchers coming into the lamplight.
"Damn it." He'd end up in jail, of course. Watchers don't bargin. Haily stayed out of sight waiting for them to arrest the little bugger.
Silence.
Haily didn't understand it. Watchers are known for loving the sound of their own voices. The halfling rogue peeked out of the alley. Her jaw almost fell off.
The two Watchers didn't move, frozen in midstep. Not only that. They were completely naked from top to bottom. Kyle had relieved them of all their clothes. He scampered back to the alley next to Haily giggling the whole way.
"How'd you do that?" Haily was trying not to laugh.
Kyle snapped his fingers and the two guards continued walking down the street right by them in the buff. They didn't even seem to realize what had happened.
"They'll walk for a couple more blocks before snapping back into reality." Kyle gave Haily a wry smile.
"I don't understand. Who... what are you?"
"Don't you know?"
"Come on, kid. I don't have time for games."
Kyle sighed. He seemed much older now. His face seemed older than anything she had ever seen before.
Haily back away. "You're not a halfing, are you?"
"I'm what you see, Haily. but I'm also what you have never seen."
"What?" Riddles, Haily hated riddles.
Kyle took her hand. She didn't even try to resist. She couldn't resist for some reason. Everything seemed to stop for moment and then Haily was standing in front of the necromancer's tower. The rest of the city was gone. It was like they and the tower were alone in the world.
"And here we are again, Haily." Kyle stood looking up at the tower with disgust. "Damn necromancers."
Haily didn't know what was real. Everything was a blur in her head. It didn't make sense. She wasn't standing on anything but yet she was standing.
Kyle knew her name but she hadn't told him what it was. Only her fellow guildmembers knew her true name. The halfing boy was larger than life in front of her. He turned at looked at her.
"O-oh my," Haily felt her eyes watering with tears. "Lord K-Kuil..."
"My Child." The boy in front of her vanished. Replaced by the power of the God of Rogues and Illusions. She felt like her heart would explode, her skin burn away from His radiance. "The Pantheon needs you Haily. I need you."
"But I-I'm just a thief." Haily was on her knees her hands clasped in front of her chest. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Him. She didn't feel worthy to be near him.
"You are more than worthy, child. You are one of my most gifted followers. And I am sorry that you felt neglected. I have meant to come to see you several times but didn't realize how fragile your faith had become until you decide to run away."
Haily was sobbing uncontrollably before her God. He was her God now. She felt it now like nothing she'd ever felt before in her life. It was amazing and intoxicating.
"I don't understand why you don't just take the item away from the necromancer. He couldn't stop you even if he tried."
"It isn't that simple, dear Haily. No god is meant to possess it except the All-Mother. It could corrupt me. Besides, if I intervened directly in this matter then Xuar would know. He would become aware of the item and seize it for himself. That is what could destroy the world and that is what must never happen. That is why I need you, my dear."
"But surely a more experienced thief would be more likely to succeed."
"Your humility is why I've chosen you. You stand in my presence yet you still doubt yourself worthy of the task. And make no mistake, my child, I chose you myself. I have complete confidence in you to do this."
Haily felt His love for her. Kuil stepped pulled her up to her feet. He held her hand against his chest. He stared directly into her eyes. Haily gasped for air as she felt like she was being born again from within.
"Everytime you stand in the shadows you are a part of me, Haily. Everytime you shadow walk it is my touch you feel inside you. It isn't darkness you feel but the light in the darkness that guides you to me. I am your Father, I am your Mother, I am your Brother and Sister, I am your kin. I love you as much as Yondalla loves you. Never forget that."
Haily was shaking. She opened her eyes. She was on the rooftop next to the gargoyle. The necromancer's tower stood in front of her once again. It wasn't scary at all. The Watchers went by but she didn't give them a second thought. She could feel the items power calling out to her. It needed her to recover it for the pantheon. To keep the world safe from Xuar and the other dark gods.
Haily closed her eyes and shadow walked into the very heart of the tower. She opened herself completely to the shadows for the first time. She felt Him there next to her. Guiding her. She knew exactly where to look for the item. It stood on the necromancer's mantle in his room. She had shadow walked right into his lair without hesitation. The necromancer's warding spells fizzled. She had been blessed by her Lord and moved through the room with ease.
Haily grabbed the item off the mantle. The necromancer slept soundly behind her. She didn't even look at him. She shadow walked away back to street where she had run into Kuil, as Kyle. She tucked the item under her arm. She knew the guildmaster would be proud if not a little surprised that she had succeeded. It was ok. She didn't need his favor. She was a servant of the shadow now. Haily shadow walked back to the guildhouse embracing her Lord's touch with a smile as she went.
Argent Silvermage
First Post
Thanks Robert,
That's a great story!
That's a great story!
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Argent said:
Your welcome. And if you want to read about another halfling character of mine then just click on over to my World of Kulan StoryHour. It features several characters including Mesik Tindertwig, a halfling rogue with a twist of darkness in his soul.
Cheers!
Nifft
Penguin Herder
I'm a huge fan of Halfling Bards, Wizards & Sorcerers. (Well, huge compared to a Halfling.)
I played a Halfling Rog1/Brd2 for a little while -- only stealth & healing in the party, ultimate flexible character. Then we got a Druid and a Paladin, so I retrofitted him into a plain old Rogue, who is a lot of fun, too.
-- Nifft
I played a Halfling Rog1/Brd2 for a little while -- only stealth & healing in the party, ultimate flexible character. Then we got a Druid and a Paladin, so I retrofitted him into a plain old Rogue, who is a lot of fun, too.
-- Nifft
Hey, I know what my next halfling character would be, if I ever get to play one: Halfling barbarian.
However.
This halfling barb is different. Instead of Combat man, he's a Dex man. Even moreso, he's an archer.
"An archer barbarian?" You say.
Yes. Imagine a halfling with a Mighty Composit Shortbow. With a high enough Str, especially when he Rages, he can start Pounding enemies into the ground with that bow. At higher levels, Monkey grip + Composit Longbow.
His Rage is basicly the world slowing down, and himself speeding up. It allows him to concentrate, go into a 'combat time' state, where he's purely focused on where to shoot.
Bullet time, yes.
However.
This halfling barb is different. Instead of Combat man, he's a Dex man. Even moreso, he's an archer.
"An archer barbarian?" You say.
Yes. Imagine a halfling with a Mighty Composit Shortbow. With a high enough Str, especially when he Rages, he can start Pounding enemies into the ground with that bow. At higher levels, Monkey grip + Composit Longbow.
His Rage is basicly the world slowing down, and himself speeding up. It allows him to concentrate, go into a 'combat time' state, where he's purely focused on where to shoot.
Bullet time, yes.
Here is my latest NPC halfling from my campaign
Fael Iredún, female halfling (deep)/ Half dragon (silver) Brd1: CR 1;Size M (6 ft. 3 in. tall); HD 1d6+2; hp 8; Init +4 (+4 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 16 (+4 Dex, +3 Studded leather); Attack +8 melee, or +6 ranged; SV Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +5; AL N; Str 22, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 17. Languages Spoken: Common, Draconic. Elven, Sylvan
Skills; Debate +6, Decipher script +4, Diplomacy +5, Disguise +5, Escape artist +7, Gather information +5, Move silently +6, Perform +7, Pick Pockets +6 Seduction +5, Sense Danger +5. Feats: Point blank shot Possessions: Bedroll, winter blanket, Flint & Steal, Fur Cape (Snow Elk), Cold weather gear, Tent, Waterskin, Whetstone.
Special Abilities: Cold resistance (5), Low light vision. Class abilities; Bardic Music, Bardic knowledge, Spells. Bard Spells Known (2): 0th -- Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mending.
Weapons and Armor:
Damage Crit Weight Size Type
Flamberge 2d6 18-20/x2 16lbs. L S
Bite 1d4 19-20/x2 0lbs. S P
Armor Type: Studded Leather Check Penalty -1; Spell failure 15%; Max Dex +5; Speed 30ft; Weight 25 Lbs.
Fael Iredún, female halfling (deep)/ Half dragon (silver) Brd1: CR 1;Size M (6 ft. 3 in. tall); HD 1d6+2; hp 8; Init +4 (+4 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 16 (+4 Dex, +3 Studded leather); Attack +8 melee, or +6 ranged; SV Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +5; AL N; Str 22, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 17. Languages Spoken: Common, Draconic. Elven, Sylvan
Skills; Debate +6, Decipher script +4, Diplomacy +5, Disguise +5, Escape artist +7, Gather information +5, Move silently +6, Perform +7, Pick Pockets +6 Seduction +5, Sense Danger +5. Feats: Point blank shot Possessions: Bedroll, winter blanket, Flint & Steal, Fur Cape (Snow Elk), Cold weather gear, Tent, Waterskin, Whetstone.
Special Abilities: Cold resistance (5), Low light vision. Class abilities; Bardic Music, Bardic knowledge, Spells. Bard Spells Known (2): 0th -- Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Mending.
Weapons and Armor:
Damage Crit Weight Size Type
Flamberge 2d6 18-20/x2 16lbs. L S
Bite 1d4 19-20/x2 0lbs. S P
Armor Type: Studded Leather Check Penalty -1; Spell failure 15%; Max Dex +5; Speed 30ft; Weight 25 Lbs.
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