Tamsin “Tallman” Brindle
Male Halfling Warrior 5
Small Humanoid (Halfling)
Hit Dice: 5d8+5 (27 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +4 chain shirt), touch 13, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +5 / +0
Attack: Longsword +7 melee (1d6+3/19–20)
Full Attack: Longsword +7 melee (1d6+3/19–20)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Halfling traits (+1 all saves, +2 vs fear, +1 thrown weapons and slings), Delusional flaw
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +0
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 9
Skills: Climb +6, Jump +6, Listen +3, Spot +3, Profession (Guard) +5
Feats: Weapon Focus (Longsword), Power Attack, Cleave
Environment: Urban
Organization: Solitary or squad (3–8 guards)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: Standard (guard issue)
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Advancement: By class
Level Adjustment: —
DESCRIPTION
Tamsin Brindle is, by any objective measure, unmistakably a halfling - standing at a mere 3 feet 2 inches tall, with broad, slightly oversized feet, a round face, and the compact proportions typical of his kind. His hair is a dark brown mop perpetually flattened beneath a dented guard’s helm, and his expression carries a stubborn, almost heroic seriousness.
He wears a well-maintained chain shirt tailored to his size and carries a longsword that is, in his hands, functionally a greatsword. He grips it in both hands at all times, swinging with determined, practiced arcs that are surprisingly effective, if somewhat unconventional. His stance is wide, mimicking human infantry drills he has clearly studied and internalized.
When questioned about his stature, Tamsin responds with mild irritation rather than confusion. “Family trait,” he might say. “We Brindles run short. Happens.” Any suggestion that he is a halfling is dismissed outright, often with a polite but firm correction. “No, no. Human. Just… compact.”
LORE
Tamsin was born in a halfling community but, for reasons no one fully understands, developed an early and absolute conviction that he was human. Whether this belief stems from a childhood misunderstanding, a stubborn personality, or some deeper psychological quirk is unknown - and, perhaps, irrelevant. What matters is that the belief is unshakable.
Rather than isolating himself, Tamsin leaned into human society with remarkable determination. He adopted human mannerisms, speech patterns, and even martial traditions, deliberately avoiding halfling customs. He enlisted in the city guard at the first opportunity, insisting - with paperwork, persistence, and sheer confidence - that he met all requirements.
His fellow guards are… divided. Some humor him, treating his insistence as an eccentric but harmless quirk. Others find it vaguely unsettling, particularly because Tamsin is not foolish - he is competent, disciplined, and brave. In combat, he holds the line as well as any human soldier, his smaller size offset by grit and technique.
There are, however, quiet moments that give pause. Tamsin avoids mirrors when possible. He never removes his boots in public. And on rare occasions, when caught off guard, there is a flicker - just a flicker - of something like doubt in his eyes… quickly buried beneath the unyielding certainty of who he believes himself to be.
USING TAMSIN IN YOUR GAME
Tamsin walks a beautiful line between humor and tragedy.
At first, he’s funny - the tiny “human” guard with a two-handed longsword is inherently absurd. But the longer players interact with him, the more uncomfortable it becomes. He isn’t joking. He isn’t pretending. This is his reality.
You can play this a few different ways:
- Comic Relief (surface level): He argues with players about “halflings” while clearly being one
- Earnest Soldier: He proves reliable, even heroic, forcing players to respect him
- Quiet Tragedy: His identity is a fragile construct he cannot afford to question
- Mystery Hook: Is this just delusion… or was something done to him?
If you ever want to twist the knife a bit:
Someone from his past - a halfling who knew him as a child - recognizes him.
And Tamsin simply says:
“I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
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