On The Physiology of Halfling Feet (Patreon)

The physiology of halfling feet has only rarely been properly examined. Likely the most complete study was undertaken by Argonex the Mad who, for obvious reasons, is not always considered a reliable source.

According to Argonax's "Physeolic de Hob Feet," halfling feet are actually radically different from the similar-looking feet of humans, elves, and even dwarves. While it is true that the lower pads are thick and calloused, much like the pads of a wolf, the differences are far more extensive.

The lower third of a halfling's foot, including all their toes, is almost all cartilage, supported by a skeletal structure closer to dentin than bone and covered in naturally-occurring enamel. This structure has much reduced bloodflow, and is highly resistant to extremes of heat and cold. Even if penetrated an inch or two deep, the foot is only as damaged as a typical pinprick elsewhere on a haflling's body.

Further while the nerves both on the sole of the feet and within the pad structure are extremely sensitive, they do not have a strong pain response. A halfling with a damaged foot knows it is damage, but the sensation is more an annoyance than anything else.

This entire pad structure is also constantly growing, much like hair, and thus injuries (even as severe as a severed toe) simply heal over and grow back within weeks.

A halfling can literally walk over a field of jagged glass and not suffer any serious injury or pain. Even if a toe is severed, it's a temporary inconvenience.

The end result is that halflings enjoy all the grip, sensitivity, and flexibility of being barefoot, while having protection equivalent to hard-soled boots. Even things like caltrops and razorgrass have no more effect on a halfling than a typical field-equipped and armored human.

These revelations in the "Physeolic" are accompanied with numerous sketches suggesting Argonex dissected the feet of still-living halflings, and tested their resilience and healing. His name is synonymous with monsters and torturers in most halfling communities.

(Two Stout halflings question a maze guardian about the whereabouts of Argonax the Mad. Are by Jacob Blackmon.)