Alternate Halfling Options

The variant options presented below come from several sources, most notably the Advanced Player's Guide and Halflings of Golarion. Unless stated otherwise, all options are from the Advanced Player's Guide.

Halfling Adventurers

Often overlooked due to their diminutive size, halflings have an amazing ability to seamlessly insert themselves into the grand narrative of the world around them. Quick, deft, and strong-willed, they blend into the societies of other races and quickly make themselves indispensable. Though sometimes stereotyped as sneaks and thieves by other races—and with plenty of examples to back up the allegations—halflings as a rule are neither. Rather, most halflings are adaptable and easy-going, and though their curiosity sometimes gets them into trouble, most gnomes meet adversity with a tenacity and courage that belies their small stature.

Halflings rarely live in segregated communities, but their cultural kinship with other halflings (and to a lesser extent with gnomes) is an unspoken connection between those who know what it is to be so small and ignored in a world full of bigger creatures.

Halflings who choose to become adventurers often favor light armor and weapons that play to their natural dexterity, emphasizing a variety of skills to be ready for any occasion. Though rarely looking for a fight, their insatiable curiosity often leads them to wander far and wide—and sometimes straight into danger.

Alchemist: Halflings’ natural curiosity leads them to experimentation, and few classes reinforce this tendency so much as that of the alchemist, where new and ever-more incendiary (sometimes literally) discoveries are always just around the corner.

Barbarian: Though larger races may laugh at the idea of a halfling barbarian, few do so to his face. Though weaker than many other barbarians, the sheer fury of a raging halfling can catch many opponents off guard.

Bard: Halflings love to sing, dance, and celebrate, and their bards are masterful entertainers with the common touch. Though sometimes employed in high halls and grand theaters, halfling bards are even more likely to be found engaging their wanderlust on the road, bringing mirth and merriment to new audiences every day.

Cavalier: Halflings may be too small to effectively master horsemanship, but astride a pony, riding dog, or more exotic mount, a halfling cavalier can turn the japes of larger rivals on their heads, leading soldiers into battle with complete fearlessness and inspiring great heroics with their skill and dedication.

Cleric: halflings have an enduring faithfulness in one another, and this devotion carries over to their gods. Their good humor, curiosity, and ability to blend into new societies with ease make them natural missionaries.

Druid: Though halflings tend to appreciate the finer points of civilization, some halfling druids find solace and enlightenment in the wilds, and others ally themselves with the animals already present in cities.

Fighter: Halflings are often less bloodthirsty than other races, yet they still understand and appreciate the value of a trained warrior capable of defending her kin.

Inquisitor: With their ability to blend in with the scenery and eavesdrop without being noticed, halflings pick up clandestine information quite easily, and this combined with their curiosity makes them perfect inquisitors, especially suited to investigating other races.

Monk: Many halflings seek the simple life of devotion and dedication that is the monk’s path. With their placid and seemingly harmless appearance and their dedication to hard work, monks blend seamlessly into halfling communities, though many a raider has learned his error after attacking an unarmed halfling.

Oracle: Though oracles are rare among most races, in places where halflings are oppressed or enslaved, oracles become more common, acting as the secret spiritual centers of a community when open worship or organization is forbidden. Halfling oracles often venerate the spirits of earth, nature, or even heroes of the past.

Paladin: Given the high value they place on community, hearth, and home, many halflings aspire to be paladins. Enemies who do not take them seriously soon learn their error as these stout crusaders unleash the fury of heaven upon those of evil motives.

Ranger: Halflings may not be renowned for hunting, but only because their great skill is overlooked by those unable to overcome their prejudices. Halfling rangers are experts at bringing down game both large and small, blending into the wilds as easily as their brethren blend into the cityscape, or using their tactical acumen in conjunction with their trusted animal companions (who sometimes act as their steeds as well).

Rogue: Rogues are stereotypical halfling adventurers, making their way as jocular raconteurs, cunning burglars, and daring highwaymen. With their light step and deft hands, halflings make natural thieves and pickpockets, a fact not overlooked by their detractors.

Sorcerer: Halfling sorcerers often keep their magical abilities concealed until they’re needed, the better to catch their opponents off-guard, and often favor charms to enhance their natural persuasiveness or massive evocations that make their small size seem irrelevant.

Summoner: Halflings are endlessly curious, and some seek the path of the summoner to explore the myriad possible forms that magical life can take. Their eidolons are generally flamboyant in their color, with appearances as wild as their summoners’ imaginations, and sometimes used as mounts.

Witch: Though halflings have a reputation for wide-eyed naivete, they also tend to collect secrets, and some follow this route to the superstitious calling of the witch, becoming wise women, herbalists, and crazed knowledge-seekers.

Wizard: Halfling wizards often seek their arcane secrets out of a combination of curiosity and a desire to rise above their physical size and force other races to take notice of them. As a result, they tend to prefer flashy spells and flagrant displays of power.

Alternate Racial Traits

You can exchange one or several of your character’s normal racial Traits, but of course you cannot exchange the same racial trait more than once.

As with any alternate or optional rule, you must first get the permission of your GM to exchange any of your character’s normal racial Traits for those listed here.

Craven

While most halflings are fearless, some are skittish, making them particularly alert. Halflings with this racial trait gain a +1 bonus on initiative checks and a +1 bonus on attack rolls when flanking. They suffer a –2 penalty on fear saves and gain no benefit from morale bonuses on fear saves. When affected by a fear effect, their base speed increases by 10 feet and they gain a +1 dodge bonus to armor Class.

This replaces the fearless and halfling luck racial traits.

Jinx (Su)

Halflings with this trait gain the ability to curse a creature with bad luck at will as a standard action. This curse has a range of 30 feet, and requires line of sight and line of effect to it. The target gets a Will saving throw to resist this jinx (DC = 10 + 1/2 the halfling characters level + the halflings Charisma modifier). If the target makes this saving throw, it is immune to this jinx ability for 24 hours. A jinxed creature takes a –1 penalty on all saving throws. This jinx lasts for 24 hours or until the halfling attempts to use it again. A jinx is a supernatural ability, is not mind-affecting, does not allow spell resistance, and can affect any kind of creature not immune to luck effects.

This replaces the halfling luck racial trait. Source Halflings of Golarion.

Low Blow

Some halflings train extensively in how to attack larger creatures. Halflings with this racial trait gain a +1 bonus on critical confirmation rolls against opponents larger than themselves.

This replaces the keen senses racial trait.

Outrider

Some halflings specialize in mounted combat. Halflings with this racial trait gain a +2 bonus on Handle Animal and Ride checks.

This replaces the sure-footed racial trait.

Practicality

halflings are grounded in hard work and common sense. Halflings with this racial trait gain a +2 bonus on any one Craft or Profession skill, as well as on Sense Motive checks and saves against illusions.

This replaces the fearless and sure-footed racial traits.

Swift as Shadows

Halflings possess incredible stealth even while moving through obstructed areas. Halflings with this racial trait reduce the penalty for using Stealth while moving by 5, and reduce the Stealth check penalty for sniping by 10.

This replaces the sure-footed racial trait.

Underfoot

Halflings must train hard to effectively fight bigger opponents. Halflings with this racial trait gain a +1 dodge bonus to AC against foes larger than themselves and a +1 bonus on Reflex saving throws to avoid trample attacks.

This replaces the halfling luck racial trait.

Wanderlust

Halflings love travel and maps. Halflings with this racial trait receive a +2 bonus on Knowledge (geography) and Survival checks. When casting spells or using abilities that provide or enhance movement, halflings treat their caster level as +1 higher than normal.

This replaces the fearless and halfling luck racial traits.

Warslinger

Halflings are experts at the use of the sling. Halflings with this racial trait can reload a sling as a free action. Reloading a sling still requires two hands and provokes attacks of opportunity.

This replaces the sure-footed racial trait.

Favored Class Alternatives

Instead of receiving an additional skill rank or hit point whenever they gain a level in a Favored Class, halflings have the option of choosing from a number of other bonuses, depending upon their Favored Class. The following options are available to all halflings who have the listed Favored Class.

Bard: Add +1/2 on Bluff checks to pass secret messages, +1/2 on Diplomacy checks to gather information, and +1/2 on Disguise checks to appear as an elven, half-elven, or human child.

Cleric: Select one domain power granted at 1st level that is normally usable for a number of times per day equal to 3 + the cleric’s Wisdom modifier. The cleric adds 1/2 to the number of uses per day of that domain power.

Fighter: Add +1 to the fighter’s CMD when resisting a grapple or trip.

Monk: Add +1 to the monk’s CMD when resisting a grapple and +1/2 to the number of stunning attacks he can attempt per day.

Paladin: Add +1/2 hp to the paladin’s lay on hands ability (whether using it to heal or harm).

Ranger: Add +1/3 dodge bonus to armor Class against the halfling’s favored enemies.

Rogue: Choose a weapon from the following list: sling, dagger, or any weapon with “halfling” in its name. Add a +1/2 circumstance bonus on critical hit confirmation rolls with that weapon (maximum bonus of +4). This bonus does not stack with Critical Focus.

Summoner: Add +1 skill rank to the summoner’s eidolon.

Halfling Sacred Keepsakes

Source: Pathfinder Player Companion: Halflings of Golarion

Among halflings, tradition demands that young people must perform a noteworthy task before they can cross the threshold into adulthood. As a sign of their success, most earn or claim some minor token or memento. Though these keepsakes rarely have much value, halflings tend to cherish them and often carry them to their graves. However, for those few who hear the call of the gods, these tokens sometimes prove far more useful.

The sacred keepsakes detailed below give halflings new options when casting a particular 1st-level divine spell (sacred keepsakes have no effect on arcane spells). When used as an additional divine focus for the spell, a keepsake gives the caster the option to make that spell more effective or simply different. Each keepsake earned at the end of a halfling’s coming of age task is unique and usually irreplaceable. However, a halfling who loses his keepsake might, if especially devoted, gain a nearly identical copy as a reward for completing a particularly important quest or assignment that directly benefits his faith.

Many halflings who are divine spellcasters attach their keepsakes to their holy symbols to prevent loss and to keep the keepsakes handy for casting spells. If the keepsake is too large or unsuitable for attaching to a holy symbol (such as the half-deck or game piece), it is worn on a strap around the neck or wherever the holy symbol is worn. If the keepsake is near the holy symbol, a halfling can grab them both at the same time with one hand and cast the spell as normal. If the keepsake is hidden away, the halfling must spend a move action to retrieve it before casting the spell. Only the halfling who earned the keepsake can use it for the following purposes. These keepsakes are not magic items and do not radiate magic.

Since they only offer the chance to cast a variation of one specific 1st-level spell, these keepsakes have little real impact upon a particular character. GMs who wish to make a keepsake more powerful, perhaps by offering up variant spells for each spell level, should probably require that the character spend a feat to balance out the advantage gained.

Black Bead: Usually a trophy seized from a foe, this bead often commemorates tasks involving defeating a threat through manipulation or deception rather than direct action. A halfling who uses the bead while casting cause fear can target multiple creatures within range of the spell so long as their total Hit Dice does not exceed 5. A creature that fails its saving throw becomes shaken for 1d4 rounds; a successful save means that the spell has no effect.

Blessed Button: This brass button often commemorates tasks requiring the youth to destroy or drive off a threat to the community without directly engaging it in hand-to- hand combat. A halfling who uses it while casting bless weapon on a sling affects enables the sling to confer the spell’s benefits to the ammunition it fires.

Constable’s Nail: This bent iron nail is often given to young halflings to commemorate tasks involving capturing a criminal or another outlaw and bringing her safely to trial. A halfling who uses it while casting magic weapon may have the spell give the weapon the merciful ability instead of an enhancement bonus. In the hands of anyone but the caster, the weapon loses the merciful ability and reverts to the normal effect of magic weapon.

Decisive Game Piece: This object, gathered from a larger set of game pieces, often commemorates tasks involving gaining a strategic advantage over a more powerful foe. A halfling who uses it while casting bane may give opponents who fail their saves a –2 penalty to CMD instead of the normal spell effect.

Half-Deck: This partially intact deck of cards often commemorates tasks in which the young halfling must successfully take calculated risks in order to achieve a noteworthy goal. A halfling who uses it while casting divine favor gains a luck bonus on all skill and ability checks instead of on attack and damage rolls.

Harvester’s Pouch: This simple leather pouch, designed to dangle from a belt so the wearer could easily drop freshly picked fruits or vegetables into it, often commemorates tasks in which the halfling provided food for the elderly or infirm. A halfling who uses it while casting goodberry can focus all of the spell’s magic into a single berry. If eaten, this berry cures 1 point of ability damage. A creature can only benefit from this version of the spell once during any given 24-hour period.

Jagged Dice: This pair of ruined dice is often given to young halflings to commemorate tasks that involve coordinating a group in order to accomplish something that benefits the community as a whole. A halfling who uses it while casting deathwatch can, instead of learning about the injuries of nearby creatures, gain a rough understanding of their relative power. The GM should offer a ranking of creatures by their CR (without stating their actual CR) from most powerful to least.

Knotted Strap: This coarse bit of leather, drawn into a tight loop, often commemorates tasks involving defending a wild place from encroaching civilization. A halfling who uses it while casting shillelagh can cast the spell on a sling to give it the abilities of a +1 sling. Ammunition launched from this sling deals damage as if fired by a Large creature (bullets 1d6, stones 1d4) regardless of the halfling’s current size. If not wielded by the caster, the weapon behaves as if unaffected by this spell.

Midnight Bandana: This dark bit of cloth often commemorates tasks involving eliminating a threat to the community by stealth or sabotage. A halfling who wears it while casting sanctuary on herself can cause the spell to affect only one creature instead of all opponents within range. This creature gets a saving throw as normal to resist the effects of the spell. If it fails this saving throw, the halfling can attack it without automatically ending the spell. Each round in which the halfling makes an attack against the target, regardless of the number of attacks or whether or not any actually succeed, the target may make another saving throw in order to overcome the spell and retaliate. Whenever the halfling successfully strikes the target, she reduces the remaining duration of the spell by 1 round. For instance, if the spell had 5 rounds remaining and the halfling struck the target three times in a single round, the spell has only 2 rounds left on its duration.

Noble Needle: This sharp, sturdy needle often commemorates tasks that involve great risks or sacrifices. A halfling who uses it while casting cure light wounds can deal up to 1 hit point of damage/level (maximum 5) to herself and then add this amount to the number of hit points recovered by the target of the spell.

Persuasive Arrowhead: This arrow fragment often commemorates tasks involving protecting a specific animal from hunters or other threats. A halfling who uses it while casting charm animal gains a +10 bonus on Handle Animal checks regarding the charmed animal.

Resilient Spring: This tightly wound spring often commemorates tasks that involve great physical prowess. A halfling who uses it while casting jump can, as a swift action, choose to sacrifice some or all of the spell’s bonus on Acrobatics checks (up to a maximum of her caster level) for the remaining duration of the spell in order to gain an equal bonus on any one skill or ability check that turn relating to Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution.

Trainer’s Whistle: This simple whistle often commemorates tasks in which the halfling finds ways to eliminate the threat posed by particular sorts of animals without actually killing them. A halfling can, when first gaining this keepsake, designate one specific kind of animal (bears, wolves, cats, and so on) for which she has a particular affinity. When she uses the keepsake while casting calm animals, she can affect her chosen animal kind plus one other kind of animal (instead of the spell’s normal limitation of affecting only one kind of animal). Alternatively, she can only affect her chosen kind of animal, and then adds her caster level to the number of HD of animals affected (this is in addition to the normal 2d4 + caster level worth of HD affected).

Vital Cup: This battered clay cup often commemorates tasks involving making the community a safer and more wholesome place. A halfling who uses this cup while casting bless water can pour the resulting water on one weapon or piece of ammunition to imbue it with the power of the holy water. the first creature the halfling strikes with this weapon during the next 24 hours takes additional damage as if it had been struck by a flask of holy water (assuming the creature is harmed by holy water).

Whirling Earring: Usually fashioned from a broken shield or armor, this bent earring often commemorates tasks involving daring risks which paid off not so much through skill or cunning but rather by sheer luck. A halfling who uses the earring to cast entropic shield can, as an immediate action, end the spell to make a ranged attack against her automatically miss. She must make this decision before the attacker actually makes the attack roll.