Halflings

To the north west of the continent lies the Halfling nation of Hobbleshire, a country of rolling green fields and fertile farmland. Since the Halfling Civil War, a conflict which tore the nation over allegiance to the Empire, the Haflings of Hobbleshire have cut all treaties and loyalties to any other nation state. Their expansionist ways have pushed the borders of the Mildaark back further than ever before, and their frontier towns and fortified villages can be found peppering the fringes of the forest.

The new expanded lands of Greater Hobbleshire are tempting beacons for monsters and ne’er-do-wells, and the militias of these new settlements must defend their homes, as well as pushing ever further into the unforgiving Mildaark forests.

## Forces of the Halflings

### Halfling Sheriff

At the head of any Halfling Warband is the Sheriff, appointed by the mayor of the town to keep the peace. It is the job of the Sheriff to assemble and maintain the militia, making sure they are appropriately armed and trained for combat.

Any good Sheriff leads from the front, and it is common to see them marching towards any threats at the head of their militia. Usually grizzled old veterans themselves, they are proud to serve their town, and show the young’uns how it’s done.

### Halfling Battle Cook

In Halfling culture, food is extremely important. Their culinary expertise is famed across ArcWorlde, and Halfling cuisine can be found in almost every town and city in Upper ArcWorlde.

In Halfling settlements, the best cooks are seen as medicine-men by the community. Their delicious Arcanite-laced concoctions can seemingly cure any ailment or give the consumer miraculous powers. In times of war these cooks march into battle alongside their townsfolk, often atop enchanted cauldrons of bubbling broth, ready to administer their magical meals to any who need them.

### Halfling Militia

As Halflings settlements are often isolated, especially those in the newer territories of Greater Hobbleshire or within the Mildaark, it is vital that every Halfling knows how to defend themselves and their property from danger. As such, each town has a militia comprised of working folk who are ready to drop their tools and pick up their weapons at a moment’s notice.

### Halfling Town Guard

Although the bulk of a Halfling force is made of working folk, each settlement has a dedicated number of Town Guards to assist the Sheriff in their daily duties. These highly trained soldiers are equipped with the finest armour the town can afford and are sworn to guard both the Sheriff and citizens under their protection.

### Halfling Thing-Flinger

“The Halflings are an industrious folk, and many construct ramshackle contraptions akin to catapults or trebuchets to help defend their homes. Although the exact design of these varies from town to town, they are collectively known amongst the Halflings as Thing-Flingers due to their propensity to lob anything they can get their hands on.

With the more recent expansions into Mildaark, many towns have adapted their Thing-Flingers to be more mobile. Mounted upon the backs of placid Bulloxes they are vital in the protection against the dangers of the forest, even if they are sometimes more of a danger to the Halflings that crew them!

### Halfling Monster Hunter

In the frontier lands of Greater Hobbleshire and the Mildaark, creatures are an ever-present threat to those who settle there. Monsters roam the wilds of ArcWorlde, and the new villages and farmsteads are tempting targets for hungry beasts. As such, it is common for these towns to have Monster Hunters, who go out and thin the numbers of these dangerous creatures.

Highly skilled and trained with all sorts of traps and weapons, Monster Hunters are respected, but feared within the Halfling community. It takes a rather unhinged individual to want to fight a Troll single-handedly, and most Hunters are at least a few pennies short of a shilling.

### Trollhound

Trollhounds are a breed of dog famed for their strength and immense size, with some individuals reaching the height of small ponies. Originally bred in Hobbleshire, they are mainly kept by farmers to protect their herds from roaming monsters, who would think nothing of devouring an entire flock if they had the chance.

Although playful and affectionate beasts, Trollhounds are fiercely protective and will savagely attack anything they deem a threat to their masters. It is common for Trollhounds to accompany Halfling Warbands into battle as their powerful bite is a great help against larger foes.

## Halfling Civil War

At one time, the halflings were united under the rule of the Empire. Enraged at the failings of the Empire, some Halflings chose to fight for independence. They wished to cut all ties with their former allies, and re-establish Hobbleshire as a proud nation stronger than ever before.

## Famous Halflings

### Crimson Rita

Crimson Rita is one of the most famed warriors in all of Upper ArcWorlde. As a young girl she was brought up in one of the many Halfling settlements in Njorsvald, until one day a roving band of Hobgoblins killed her family and burned down her village. Whilst attempting to defend herself from the greenskins with her father’s sword she clumsily decapitated one of the Runts attacking her, and her passion for violence was awakened.

From that moment on she swore to slay all of those whom she felt deserved to be slain, and during her adventures has come toe-to-toe with all manner of evil creatures. Her red hair flying and her sword whirling, she is a mighty hero to have on your side in a scrap.

### Brunhilde von Nordburg

As the leader of the von Nordburg clan, Brunhilde is a brave and powerful warrior. Mounted upon her Ironwool ram, she is a force to be reckoned with in the area around the mountains of Njorsvald.

Although normally keeping to themselves, the events of the Troubles in the North call upon old pacts between the Halflings of Njorsvald and the humans. Brunhilde leads her forces towards Gjalleborg to fight the myriad of foes there, and to protect her own lands.

### Jean le Porc - Halfling Knight

Hailing from the chivalrous lands of Galanaux, Jean le Porc is a questing knight on the hunt for gallant adventure. He will fight for any folk who's cause he deems worthy, though this 'coincidentally' often ends up being for those with the best grub. Bon Appetit!

### Bruno Focaccia - Halfling Duelist

Hailing from the bustling cities of Esandaluca, Bruno Focaccia is famed throughout ArcWorlde for his exploits. As deadly with a blade as he is in the dancehalls, he is a Halfling that people either want to be or be with.

### Rabbin Tood - Folk Hero

A folk hero, famous for robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, filling many a halflings empty cook pot.

### Dyke Von Clon - Gold Prospector

A halfling fortune seeker, he ventured to Alphos and back, through the Mildaark and returned, having earned enough gold to buy himself a comfortable house and hire servants, such that he never has to work another day in his life.

### Russ and Mitch

Members of the adventuring party associated with helping the individual known as the Explorer.

### Van Halsing

A halfling hunter who specialies in hunting the damned.