Brownie

A brownie was sometimes said to be distant relative of the halfling (perhaps half halfling, half pixie), but were smaller and far less common.

Description
Brownies appeared as small elves roughly one and a half feet tall. They favored brightly colored garments.

Psychology
Whatever their origin - whether a mixed breed or a type of fey all to their own - brownies were generally friendly to humans and their ilk. However, they were very shy and seldom allowed themselves to be seen. The fact that they had exceptional senses in general and were never surprised helped them to accomplish this goal.

Ecology
Brownies tended to prefer quiet, pastoral areas. They were sometimes said to inhabit houses or barns, and in return, they would help the owners out with household tasks - making or repairing small items of leather, metal, or wood, for example. In keeping with their shyness, they only worked at night, perhaps in exchange for small gifts or food. They were easily offended, however, and would abandon a house if their gifts were called payments or if they were offered gifts of clothing (no matter how shabby their own clothes are).

If encountered on friendly terms, brownies could often be convinced to help lawful characters. Brownies did not usually carry weapons other than short swords. They had a number of special powers including the ability to cause Confusion and employ other spells of distraction or misleading.

Notable brownies

 * Shank
 * Fiddlenose

Appearances

 * Short stories:
 * "Too Familiar" in Realms of Magic