Hobbits
based on J.R.R. Tolkien's halflings
A player character race for Palladium RPG and RIFTS®
Hobbits are a short, generally plump people, looking somewhat like small humans. Their hair is usually curly, and the tops of their feet are covered with coarse hair. Due to their tough, leather soles, they prefer to wear nothing on their feet, but many have learned the benefits of foot protection in the hazardous wildernesses of RIFTS earth. And, of course, you can't go barefoot in environmental armor.
Generally a very quiet and homebound folk, some do get the urge to see the world (other Hobbits usually consider these folks to be complete barking nut-cases). Hobbits generally get along well with most others they meet; they look very nonthreatening and consoling (they have +20% to their Trust (only) percentage, -20% to intimidate). Despite appearances, hobbits are extremely resilient. They are prized as negotiators and diplomats due to their natural charisma and fastidiousness.
Although not native to RIFTS earth, they are now well established, with several towns of all hobbits spread about North America, England, The NGR, South America and Japan. Due to their innate skills of dealing with others, they are often welcome in other towns (even in more remote Coalition-controlled cities).
Alignment: Any, but rarely anarchist, miscreant or diabolic. The Taoist alignment from MYSTIC CHINA suits them very well.
Attributes: I.Q. 3D6; M.E. 3D6; M.A. 4D6+2; P.S. 2D6; P.P 3D6; P.E. 3D6+2; P.B. 3D6; Spd. 2D6
Hit Points: P.E. +15 (+1D6 per level)
S.D.C.: 18, plus those gained from O.C.C. and physical skills
Natural A.R.: None
Horror Factor: None
P.P.E.: 4D6
Natural Abilities: Superior Mental Affinity, generally average to high Intelligence and Physical Endurance. Nightvision 90 ft. (can see in total darkness), +5% to all Communication, Domestic, Rogue (except Computer Hacking) and Wilderness skills.
Combat: 2 attacks without training, plus any gained by Hand to Hand training and/or boxing
Bonuses: +4 dodge, +2 vs. magic.+1 action per melee, which is usable ONLY for dodging / evading (cannot be used offensively). Regardless of O.C.C. limitations, hobbits can always take Espionage skills (at a minimum of +0%)
Psionics: Standard, same as humans
Average Life Span: 180+ years
Height: 3 feet + 1D12 inches (94-122 cm)
Weight: 60-90 pounds (27-41 kg)
O.C.C.'s: Palladium: any man-at-arms except longbowman, witch, warlock, mind mage, any clergy, any optional except nobles.
Rifts: any man-at-arms, except Power Armor Pilots. Prefers not to have more than just a few cybernetics (not likely to be even partial 'Borgs). Any Scholar & Adventurer. Tend to avoid magic (can only be Mystics, Warlock, Rift's Priest, or occasionally Biomancers or Druids); but, ironically, the Lords of Magic have found the little people surprisingly adept as High Magi (Federation of Magic). Hobbits can also have one of the following P.C.C.'s: Burster, Mind Melter, Phase Mystic, Earth Child, Star Child, Nega-Psychic, Psi-Druid, Psi-Nullifier, Psi-Tech, Psi-Warrior or Zapper.
Skills of Note: All speak and read Hobbit language at 98%, and Dragonese / Elven (+30%). Also have Prowl (+30%) in addition to O.C.C. skills.
Habitat: Can be found anywhere, but tend to hide well. First documented sighting was in the NGR.
Enemies: Not many, typically huge and/or hungry races. Gargoyles find them a delightful snack.
Allies: Traditionally; humans, elves, dwarves, titans, Faerie-folk.
Notes: Hobbits can be made into any type of Juicer or Crazy using standard human parts and drugs.
P.P.E.™, S.D.C.™, The NGR™, Mystic China™, Biomancer™, Federation of Magic™, Burster™, Mind Melter™, Phase Mystic™, Earth Child™, Star Child™, Nega-Psychic™, Psi-Druid™, Psi-Nullifier™, Psi-Tech™, Psi-Warrior™, Zapper™, Juicer™ and Crazy™ are Trademarks owned and licenced by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books, Inc.
