Menehune (Ierendi Hin) as a Character Option
by Marc SaindonThese would be local Hin with whom the Makai have a long-standing friendship and many cultural exchanges. They would still see themselves as Hin like other Shirefolk, but have a stronger connection with the sea.
One quick idea is that Hin language sounds like modern English: the Shirefolk speak with a Cockney accent, the Minrothad Halflings speak with an Australian accent (which perhaps ties in with their past as convicts and forced laborers)... and Ierendi Hin would speak with a Surfer Bro Californian accent (Cowabunga!), integrating Makai loan words in their lexicon as well. (Which makes me hope a Texan Halfling community lives on the Savage Coast).
While not insular, they do live in their own districts or hamlets (with buildings customized to their small size), have Kahunas (Sea Druids) as community leaders, and a bitter rivalry with the Kara-Kara Orcs (who consider them a delicacy).
(Image from: https://www.worldhistory.org/Menehune/)