Brownie

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

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

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

Ecology
Brownies tend to prefer quiet, pastoral areas. They are sometimes said to inhabit houses or barns, and in return, they 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 work at night, perhaps in exchange for small gifts or food. They are easily offended, however, and will abandon a house if their gifts are called payments or if they are offered gifts of clothing (no matter how shabby their own clothes are).

If encountered on friendly terms, brownies can often be convinced to help lawful characters. Brownies do not usually carry weapons other than short swords. They have 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