Cold across the top of the Empire lays the Pale, so bare that no vassal clamors to incorporate it. Bickering bureaucrats have made no use of it outside of their signatures, with the only exceptions being cultists who have done far worse.

As failures mount in the region, doubts loom about the endurance of those that came before. One needs not doubt the longevity of the ‘Ker. 

Forever ago now, a Dominion once made homes of the wilderness that humanity struggled to inhabit. From an unruly land grew its greatest ally, and the strongest Elven state in over 400 years.

We settle these lands without doubting it too will replicate this high watermark in the relations between our races and in our people’s civilization as a whole.

Of these great expanses, a state will be carved from it - one whose borders will be a task that will vex even the most skilled cartographers.

Akin to the pines of the Pale, we will not wilt.

Signed,

Warden of the Pale Kairn Ithelanen

Ahern’uell elparonn’thilln mali’thill anniln

Ehya, lye’thilln vallumeyae

Haelunor’leh virae Haelunor’ehya.

Liewyn'Larihei eltaeleh walehe ohn vallein eltaliyna walehe

Larihei’nor tareman eth

Heyathilln’or Haelunor’ane?

Hey’aetah aheralan resavern?

Haelun’or maylu maylune’ehya ker’ante,

Iluthill Haelunor’lom,

Ilulye Haelun’or ker’ante eth

‘Karin’ento Haelun’or fiyem’ saner elheial’thilln kerante’leh Haelun’or

‘Karin’ento thilln fiyem’

Ehya, thilln fiyem

Thilln Fi’halen taynuel

Mali’thill dont’thilln ker’ante,

Fi’halen myumier.

Fi’halen div’ata, malithillnan’ehya

Beloun’alliman hier’aver Fi’halen, ehya aher’erihne lin

Iylaetah’thilln hileia’sae, maehr’sae, hiylun’ehya

Iylaetah’thilln vulamana ceruan’ehya ahekarimir

Tir’arhil thilln’anniler, cruan’lomi cinh

Ehya Fihalen’leh adont’marn,

Fihalen’leh adontern Haelun’or

Malithilln’an fiyem’erih elcihi’thilln

elcihi’Larihei elcihiaheral’ehya

Thilln ito lye’leh

Haelun’or ito lye’leh

Maehr’sae hiylun’ehya

Maehr Haelunor’aher

ay’Larihei aysohaer’ehya

Okarir'thill Delos Telperion puerithn [[Haelunor]]

A depiction of of Sutican peasant openly brewing potions!

An inquisitive squint I offered towards a city so bright,

Alight with magic and architecture no other land knows,

Upon entering one may think they have entered a great hall,

Echoing steps as one realized they are not yet through the gates,

Wide eyed in wonderment had I beheld wonders on casual display,

Metalworks spilling forth oddities of all sizes making their merry way,

Atronachs abound as I explored their fair city,

Aneath the beautiful bay that Sutica swam upon though,

An entire district seemed to have sunk into,

Up one would look to schools of fish rather than the sky,

Further along I gazed between mystical feats casually performed,

Gargantuan people with flowing robes and jewels each adorned,

Difficult was it to leave; so relaxed I felt sedated in their pleasant spa,

Managing to depart I left slack jawed in wonderment and awe!

Sutican Library Audit of 1695

History of the Sutican Library

The Sutican Library has been institution at the forefront of the Sutican identity. Sutica has been a land full of scholars rather than fighters. It is a land of patrons of the arts rather than laborers  of the soil. The library has endured besides Sutica for ages. Formerly known as the Lubba Antheneum during its formative years. The institution brought together scholars from all around Sutica free from the persecution and strife which afflicted the outside world, and would make research more difficult. 

During Axios the Library would see many changes including being renamed The Grand Library of Sutica. Curator Gallidron Elindrow, was handed the library after a theft of many books, but she endured. She brought the Library back to being the jewel of the institutions of Sutica.

However, during it’s time in Atlas the Grand Library of Sutica slipped back into a state of shambles. While the Library was open it was almost devoid of any books, but the Library would soon be closed and even cease to exist entirely. Several librarians tried and failed to restart the Library. This is when Lily Anarion the Minister of Law offered me a position of Head Librarian. I took it without any hesitation as books and reading had been a long time passion of mine. As a kid in Adria, you could usually find me in The Library of Dragur reading on the history of humanity.

My first job was to get a building to house the books in. With the help of my friend Silveress we worked tirelessly on a humble design which took less focus away from grand architecture and more on the books themselves.

Second step was to establish an initial audit and collecting new books. We had 15 books which were either books about Druids, Alchemy, or Herbs, so I set about collecting books. I talked to many citizens about getting books. A special thanks must be given to Laethesia who donated one of the first and largest collections to the Library. Recovery efforts also were sent forth with cooperation from the Stewards and other governmental agencies. Large collections were discovered in an old clerical temple, abandoned houses, and in the vault of Sutica.

1. General Information

(usually shortened to the Conservative Party, or informally known as the Erpublicans) is a centre-right political party in Dunshire. 

The party was founded on the 11^th of Malin’s Welcome 1696 by Erling Newburrow, the party usually promotes conservative policies averse to change or innovation, to promote traditional values. 

2. Proposed Policies & Beliefs

Most “Erpublicans” believe in:

• A halfling should be proper at all times, unless radical times call for radical measures. (e.g. wearing a shirt at ALL times!)
• Every inhabitant of Dunshire has to contribute to Dunshire in one way or another. (Those without a job will lose their benefits.) 
• A wall must be build around Dunshire to keep tall scary individuals out that wish to harm us. (No longer will Dunshire submit to raids and pillaging.) 
• Burrow owners should not be punished for defending themselves against people who break into their homes. 
• Dunshire must remain independent and never join another kingdom or lose its right of freedom.
• There should be more support given to those who protect Dunshire and its traditions. 
• A more conscious effort to preserve the flora and fauna.
• Elections must be changed to be more democratic.
• Pumpkin Lord Knox is our one and only true god. 
• Marriage is encouraged. 

3. Membership

A halfling wishing to join the Conservative Party may contact:

Erling Newburron (Lomrun#0400)

4 Lake’s Root, Dunshire

Atlas

[!] An additional note is pinned directly underneath the pamphlet & the note. 

“Those wishing to contribute to party policies and/or propose changes are welcome to speak to Erling Newburrow. Your voice shall be heard.” 

I’m here to state that this is not acceptable nay longer. I will not sit about and let us all get picked off one by one, struggling to stay safe as the biggun threats get larger and larger each day. That is why, I, Rollo Applefoot, am overthrowing the elders, Harold Applefoot and Petrus Frondor, and declaring myself THAIN OF DUNSHIRE and new leader of the halflings.

I myself have claimed the power of a shovel with the blessing of Knox himself, one given to me as a gift to unify Dunshire under leader, and as Sheriff I am making an executive decision to put myself in that position. Knox has abandoned us, and left me as the halfling to keep us all together, as a result this action is taking place immediately, and while I will not stop any halflings from attempting to stop me, I will not give up my new position easily.

Should a nation wish to speak to the new leader of Dunshire, Rollo Applefoot, I implore you to speak with me.

I’ll be making an update in exactly 1 elven week as too my position under the responsibility of Dunshire with any sudden changes I come up with included.

-Signed, Rollo Applefoot, Thain of Dunshire.

LONG LIVE DUNSHIRE. LONG LIVE WEEFOLK.

The halfling village of Dunshire would now have a simple Noticeboard near the village's entrance. Soon, the noticeboard would fill up with grocery lists, poems, announcements, and silly jokes alike!

The Halfling Leadership Charter

This is the official Halfling Charter, a government system made by the late Pal, who died in a drinking contest before he could propose this system. After the coup of Dunshire by Rollo Applefoot, the self asserted Thain has decided he wants to honor Pal’s name by implementing this political structure. As such, the text below shall be the way us weefolk try and go about a fair, quick, precise, and communally helpful government.

Glory To Weefolk

Thainship

The Thain is the leader of the lands in Halflingdom, the ruler of the village and the wildlands beyond the town to the borders. To an outsider or bigg’un, the Thain is the closest one would find to a feudal lord in the world of the Wee Folk, being the head of all political actions. Halfling culture is very odd however, and you’ll find often the Thain, while commanding much authority and respect, is seen more as a pillar of the community; a leader rather than a ruler. They’re normal people, if only a bit more motivated. They are the most prominent position a Halfling can hold, and is both a duty and honor to be called Thain.

    The Authority Of Thain

I.

The Authority To Banish

II.

The Authority To Conduct Foreign Diplomacy

III.

The Authority Over Burrows And The Land

IV.
The Authority To Call An Eldership NC Vote

V.

The Authority Over The Storage

VI.

The Authority Of Legislature

VII.

The Authority To Propose Replacements For Respected Elders

The Duty Of Thain

The duty of the Thain is to be the pinnacle leader of the Halflings. He is not only descended from a respectable family, but is also an Elder, an elected Elder of Elders. While they may not be the single leader of the Halflings, they are the highest, and the final and most important voice when making decisions. It is among their duty to lead the Halflings to properness, safety, and happiness (in that order).

The Appointment And Reign Of Thain

The Thain is appointed via vote by (and from) the four Elders. In order to become Thain, the specific Elder must receive ¾ of the votes. Voting for yourself is allowed. If a decision cannot be made, the High Pumplar is allowed to cast a tie-breaking vote under the authority of Knox. The Thain leads until his/her death, or retirement due to age or illness. There is a new appointed Elder, and the process begins again.

In the event the Thain becomes tyrannical, falls ill, or loses his sanity (not rare for us Wee Folk), and is unable to properly lead, or is unwilling or unable to retire, the Elders, High Pumplar, or Sheriff, may call a NC vote. This allows all five (three Elders, Sheriff, and High Pumplar) to vote to remove the Thain, or to keep them. The vote requires a unanimous 5/5 vote in agreement to remove the Thain.

Eldership

The Elders have, for most known Wee Folk history, guided the Halflings in their daily lives. They have provided history, knowledge, and taught the ways of properness to the new’uns. Through many political changes, the Elders have remained, and have used their age to further influence the villages under them, and in recent history have lead the village in a trinity. Now, however, they are returned to their original positions as Elders of culture, faith, and knowledge, rather than the overall task of leadership.

The Authority Of The Elders*

I.

The Authority To Vote On Thainship

II.

The Authority To Conduct Minor Diplomacy

III.

The Authority Over Burrows And The Land

IV.

The Authority Over The Storage

V.

The Authority To Call A Thain NC Vote

VI.

The Authority Of Legislature

The Duty Of Elders

The Elders are, as the name implies, the Elder Halflings of the village. They have been around the village for some time, and are knowledgeable about the laws, properness, the culture, and all the little things new’uns may not know. Thus, it is the duty of the Elders to teach new and improper Halflings of properness, and shepherd them to being proper halflings of the community. While this is their main duty, their secondary duty is to upkeep the village itself. The Thain may handle busy work, but he alone cannot control the whole village, and it’s up to the Elders to aid in giving out burrows, organizing and gathering for the storage, planning festivals, as well as construction, and all the smaller (and less glamorous) things in the village.

The Appointment And Reign Of Elders

Elders are appointed by the village from a vote. Each Elder is decided based on which halfling the village thinks is the most knowledgeable and able to lead. There is no tie-breaking vote, so you’ll have to convince the village that you’re worth electing! They serve until death, or retirement, just as the Thain does.

Also like the Thain, an NC vote may be called upon sick, improper, missing, or otherwise neglectful Elders by the Thain themselves. All five voters (Thain, Two Elders, High Pumplar, and Sheriff) vote, but you only need ⅗ of votes to remove an Elder. The village then holds another election for their new Elder. Halflings who are voted out can become Elders again in the future, but it is required you wait 2 Elven months before running for election again.

Sheriffdom

The Sheriff is the law of the village, and the keeper of the peace. Along with his deputies they patrol the boundaries (thus the nickname bounders) of the nation, keeping out spooky folk and munchkins, and keeping the town safe. The Sheriff’s office is the local law, the authority of the village, and the muscle of the land really comes from the Sheriff and his trusty spade.

The Authority Of The Sheriff

I.**

The Authority To Imprison

II.

The Authority To Appoint Deputies

III.

The Authority Of Legislature

IV.

The Authority Of Tie-Breaker Thainship Votes

V.**

The Authority To Enforce The Laws

The Duty Of The Sheriff

The Sheriff is the law enforcement of the land, along with his deputies, and while their job may not be easy, it is extremely important. Their duty is to ensure the safety of Halflingdom, and to make sure the Halflings of the nation, including the Thain and Elders, adhere to the law. In the event of emergency, we rely on the Sheriff and Deputies of our nation to hold the line.

The Appointment And Reign Of Sheriff

Sheriffs have been elected democratically. This will remain, and allows for any proper Halfling who lives in the Village (or the lands of the Thainship) to vote for the Sheriff. The Sheriff can be elected from the common halfling village, and is often used to avoid nepotism in the law. Deputies are not elected, but rather picked by the current Sheriff. Both Sheriffs and Deputies serve until death or retirement.

Sheriffs and Deputies can both be fired by the Thain without a vote. It should be noted that unwarranted firings, while legal, are frowned upon in the Halfling society, and may be looked at as a political power-play, which is a sign of improperness!

The High Pumplar

The High Pumplar is the head of the Knoxist religion, the spiritual leader of the Halflings. He is the ultimate voice on all things Knoxist, or relating to Knoxism, and can put into effect religious doctrine. The Halflings don’t care too much for detail, however, and the High Pumplar often takes a more culturally important role in the nation rather than a political one.

The Authority Of The High Pumplar

I.

The Authority To Pardon Unto Knox

II.

The Authority To Appoint New Knoxist Dogma

III.

The Authority To Anoint Pumplar Sainthood

IV.

The Authority Of Legislature

V.

The Authority To Declare Religious Legitimacy

The Duty Of The High Pumplar

The High Pumplar may be the least important role in the collection of leaders, but it is still important to the Halflings none the less. The High Pumplar’s duty is to guide the spiritual nature of the Halflings, and to help the Halflings better connect with Knox. His other duty is to ensure a good relationship between the spiritual entities (Knox, Harvest Spirits, Arugula, Etc.) and the people of the Halfling nation.

The Appointment And Reign Of The High Pumplar

High Pumplars are chosen by Knox himself, spiritually though not in person. Any such Halfling wishing to become High Pumplar will need to speak to Knox. They will declare their wish to become High Pumplar and, if worthy, Knox himself will grant them their position. If they are unworthy, the Halfling will be denied.

High Pumplars serve until death, and do not retire. Considering they are not elected, the High Pumplar cannot be voted out of their position. The only person who has the authority to remove a High Pumplar is Knox himself, considering he also grants the position. This is extremely rare, but in the event Knox himself removes the High Pumplar, all of the changes the Pumplar put into place will be retracted and considered null & void. It should also put the now Ex-High Pumplar under investigation for improperness or munchkinism, due to being deemed unfit by Knox himself.

The Current Leaders

Rollo Applefoot: Thain of Dunshire

Petrus Frondor: Elder of Dunshire

Harold Applefoot: Elder of Dunshire

(To Be Revealed): Elder of Dunshire

Daisy Applefoot: High Pumplar

Ander Swiftoak: Sheriff

* The Thain holds a higher Authority than a single Elder on issues

** These authorities also apply to Deputies

All changes to those in power will be edited into the charter, along with any amendments.

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xslyQmbqX0E#t=0

 

Hello and welcome to the halfling forum section! This particular thread will be used not only as an introduction to the halfling race, but as a general all-in-one information hub as well. This thread will contain tons of useful information, designed to help you learn all about our race and help you become one of our own! Let’s get started, shall we?

Halflings. The lovable little farmers. The mischievous little thieves. The halfling community has always strived to create a fun, laid back and stress-free roleplay environment inside LoTC. The halfling race is a very unique one, but it may not be a good choice for everybody.

Petyr’s guide can be used to help you determine whether the halfling race is or isn’t for you.

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Some important points to note:

 

• If you really enjoy PvPing, a halfling is probably not for you.

• If you rage or have a temper, being a halfling is not for you.

• If you want to be a Mary Sue or be a super duper badass, halflings are not for you.

• If you get really bored really quickly, halflings might not be for you.

• If you want to mine, halflings might not be for you.

• If you are too serious, halflings are not for you.

 

HOWEVER:

 

• If you enjoy farming, drinking, fishing, and laughing, be a halfling.

• If you are tired of powergamers, poor RPers, or just tired of conflict, be a halfling.

• If you want some peace and some good friends, be a halfling.

• If you are drawn to short and weak races like hobbits and gnomes, be a halfling.

• If you like the sound of an Irish accent, be a halfling.

• If you want a community that is more focused on fun over items, be a halfling.

• If you've always wanted to live in a hobbit burrow, be a halfling.

Roleplaying a halfling can be fairly difficult for newer players or those that do not know much about the halfling race. In order to be a proper halfling, you should know:

• Halflings are usually around three feet tall and have large, hairy feet

• Halflings live in small, cozy homes carved into the hillside known as burrows

• Halflings mature at the age of 33 and can often live longer than most humans due to ancient dwarven blood, sometimes up to even 250 years old

• Halflings have a distinct accent that sounds similar to a modern-day Irish accent

• Halflings are known to be some of the best farmers in the land and often wear farmhand clothing

• Halflings typically do not wear any form of shoes due to their large feet, and are much more comfortable going barefoot

• Halflings can sometimes have two different colored eyes

• Halflings have very big stomachs despite their smaller stature and are often very hungry

• Halflings never wield or equip blades or armor, and their go-to weapon and tool is always the shovel

• Halflings prefer to barter and typically don't use minas or any other currencies

• Halflings do not particularly frown upon thieving things from the outside races, however as a community, they generally choose not to steal from one another

• Halflings frown upon locks and instead prefer an open and trusting community

• Halflings frown upon violence, however they are not considered pacifists

You should also read the halfling wiki, found here: https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Halflings

The general appearance of the halfling race can be summed up very well by Bili's guide on how to look the look. 

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Halflings are unique when it comes to their stature. They are said to resemble children, although they have the features of adult humans. Due to this, they are often called halfmen, and referred to as the smallest beings of all the races. The average height for a halfling is about three feet tall.

 

Halflings are not known for their combat skills due to this size, coupled with their lack of burliness. Unlike dwarves, who are short and stout, this race is short and less built. It is not uncommon to see an obese halfling, though, for they do love food and lazing about.

The Little Folk are famous for their hardy feet. It is a well-known fact that they avoid wearing shoes. Doing so is quite uncomfortable, as they have much thicker and more leathery feet than humans. This extra layer of skin can withstand thorns and sharp rocks. The foot of a male halfling has a curious amount of hair, that spreads over its top. Little is known why they have so much foot hair, but the halflings do not seem to question it. Their feet, in proportion to the rest of their body, are quite large.

The hair of halflings is often curly, or wavy, and almost never straight. It tends to range from blonde to dark brown, and on rare occasions, black. Black hair is rarely seen, and brown seems to be the color in most abundance.

Halflings' eyes are also quite a curious spectacle. Their eye color is about the same as a humans', ranging from brown, to green, to blue, with the addition of less common colors, such as violet. The most intriguing eye color is, well, in fact, a mixture of two different colors. The condition "Heterochromia iridium" is common in halflings. This means that both eyes are different colors. It is seen more often in she-halflings than in male halflings, for reasons unknown.

 

Fumble's guide on clothing will help you dress for success!

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Halfling clothing tends to vary from halfling to halfling. Some halflings prefer to wear jackets if they are feeling fancy that particular day. Others might wear some sort of farmhand trousers combined with a vest or shirt if they need to work or travel. Overalls are also common. The more relaxed and nature-loving halflings will wear casual or very short clothing. Most female halflings wear short dresses or skirts.

Rupert’s guide can be used to help you master the halfling accent.

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Typically, halflings have a sort of Irish accent from the modern world today, however there are some notable differences.

 

• Halflings have a difficult time pronouncing the letter T during mid-statement, however they can easily pronounce it as the first sound of a statement, for example:

 

Normal: This is a test statement.

Halfling: This is a tes' sta'emen'.

 

Notice how in “statement,” the first T isn't replaced with an apostrophe. The “st” sound remains pronounceable.

 

• Halflings typically don't pronounce the H sound when speaking. You can also drop the “oo” sound in words, and instead replace it with “e” or “a” (You -> Ye, Ya), for example:

 

Normal: How are you?

Halfling: 'ow are ye?

 

• Some accents don't allow the halfling to pronounce the sounds “to” and “too”, and instead would replace them with “ter,” for example:

 

Normal: What do you have to do today?

Halfling: Wha' do ya 'ave ter do terday?

 

• Lots of times, Halflings won't pronounce the "er" sound at the end of a word and instead replace it with "a", for example:

 

Normal: How are you, Mister Proudfoot?

Halfling: 'ow are ye, Mista Proudfoo'?

 

Again, the "st" sound will remain strong, but in the word "foot," it would drop the T.

 

• Halflings typically don't pronounce "ing", and instead only pronounce the "in'" sound, for example:

 

Normal: How are you doing today?

Halfling: 'ow are ya doin' terday?

 

Friendly tips:

• Your character will be able to pronounce the random consonants in the beginning of words. "Green" is not "'reen,” "more" is not "'ore,” etc.
• Many halflings choose not pronounce the “th” sound, and instead replace it with a D (That -> Dat). This is completely up to you, however when I learned in mid-Asulon, it was not a typical thing to do.
• Have fun with it! Mix and match to make your accent unique!

Making your new halfling character is fairly simple and can be done in some easy steps.

• Know your stuff
• Get your name
• Get your skin
• Start RPing

Know your stuff! Read up on the halflings in this thread and the wiki!

Get your name! The best way to get a name would be to join a family, such as the Brandybucks, Willowswamps, Herbwallows or Tooks. (It would be wise to ask a member of the family to join beforehand!) Names can also be created through creative thinking or a name generator, such as one found here: http://www.chriswetherell.com/hobbit/

Get your skin! Skins can easily be obtained by searching the Internet, however we would recommend that you have your skin custom-made by yourself or somebody else on the forums. Stealing another player’s skin and editing it is frowned upon and is extremely awkward when you see the other player in-game!

Start RPing! Throw your skin on, make your character card (persona) and head for the halfling village!

Bili's guide on courtship is a wonderful read on how traditional halfling marriages are arranged.

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Halfling courtship and marriage are similar to that of the human race, but it also has a few differences. Here are some specifications. 

When a halfling finds an attraction to the opposite gender, he or she will usually approach the other, eventually asking them to go on a date of some sort. They might go to any location (the pub, a nice picnic etc). On this "date," the two will get to know each other better. The halflings might find that they enjoy the others company, in which they will go on another "date." Or, they might find that they dislike the other, in which they will head off in search of a new person.

Barring that there are any mishaps, fights, or loss of interest, the two halflings will eventually fall in love, and start to get on a more personal level. After an even longer time, the halfling's love might become so strong that they feel they can spend the rest of their lives together. If so, the male halfling will offer the female halfling an item of significant importance, and ask for her to marry, and spend the rest their lives together. If the female accepts the two will begin preparations for a wedding (It is very rare for a pair of halflings not to have the wedding ceremony, but in a few cases halflings have skipped in altogether). 

These ceremonies will be held (normally) in an outside area, as most halfling communities have no large church or building to hold it in. These weddings will have large amounts of people (nearly the whole town, for halflings like to party), food and drinks. Once the initial party is over, the weddings begin. In these, the betrothed stand close to each other with an Elder in the middle. The two wear fine clothes as do the rest of the onlookers. Rings are then brought out by a first man and lady. The husband's is often inlaid with refined lapis and the wife's is inlaid with a diamond. The two exchange rings then their vows are read by one of the Elders. The two seal their vows by drinking some of the towns finest vintage wine from the same cup. A toast is then raised by the onlooking crowd for the well-being of the relationship. 

The party then resumes with traditional halfling jigs and other dances, carrying off late into the night. After the couple is happily married they will indulge on a search for a home they can live in together (note, they skip the honeymoon as halflings don't like to travel as much as other races). The couple will then raise a family and resume their happy halfling lives together.

If you are looking for an enjoyable halfling read, you should definitely take a peek at Petyr’s history.

Spoiler

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A History of Halflings - by Petyr Brandybuck

 

Preface

 

As is common knowledge, the origins of the halfling race reside began with couples consisting of a human and a dwarf. Nowadays, the halflings have distinct traits of their own, practically unmistakable when compared with the modern counterparts of their progenitors. The purpose of this book is to educate the populace about the culture and history of the halflings. The information in this book has been preserved either in ruins, in literature, or in folklore.

 

Chapter 1 - Beginnings - Years 0-300

 

Though there are many conflicting accounts regarding the creation and following years of Aegis, most records agree that the race of humans and that of dwarves most likely had contact before Year 50. And, as when any two cultures collide, so do their blood, and so at some point in time, humans began to mate with dwarves. We can trace some traits back to this point, such as brewing and farming talents, but as we will see, other generic halfling traits developed over time.

 

Indeed, it is hard to pinpoint the first halfling. After researching animal breeding as well as magical oddities, I would propose that, intially, the children of a dwarf/human couple would not be classified as a halfling. You see, it would make much more sense if halflings were a height in between that of a dwarf and human, but instead, they are actually shorter! This would indicate that, some time in the past, a great outer influence caused the future children of these mixed couples to have this odd height.

 

It is reasonable to conclude that halflings as we know them today were present by Year 300, based on folklore and literary records.

 

Chapter 2 - Early Developments - Years 300-600

 

A combination of small stature and inherant greed drove some of the first halflings to thievery, a very viable profession for nimble hands in the cities. They gained a reputation for being mischievous and devious, and thus gained little respect for their brewing or farming prowess. There was some prejudice against them, no doubt; never once in history or literature does one hear of a heroic or powerful halfling. To say that they were suppressed would be incorrect, but people did find them a thing to be "tolerated".

 

Over time, of course, most halflings developed a sort of fear of violence and arguments, reducing the number of thieves. As well, most halflings moved to Oren to escape the war-mongering attitude of the dwarves. This is estimated to have taken place over the time span of Years 400-600 The humans were little better, though. And, over time, halflings began to move to more rural areas, escaping those that would persecute them. Small communities on the very border of human cities were formed, and there halflings began to develop customs to cheer them up. Indeed, good food and good times seemed to become the goal of every halfling.

 

Chapter 3 - Later Developments - Years 600-1200

 

Halflings continued migrating farther and farther out of the city. It came to be that small communities of halflings were spread out in the vast plains surrounding Oren, with the halflings only revealing themselves occasionally to trade goods. Over time, the negative connotation towards halflings mostly disappated, but the halflings enjoyed their semi-solitary lifestyles.

The countryside is where the art of halfling brew and cooking truely matured into the art form that it is today. Indeed, the herbs and spices that could be found in the countryside of Oren had never been truely used to their full potential, and so halflings were the first to utilize them. Some of these herbs include the yellow wildflower, spice of apple, and fern dust. The ale, while very potent, began to develop more of a focus on flavor and aftertaste. This also was the case with halfling bread and cider.

 

It is important to note that there were still some halflings living in cities at this point (~Year 800). Most halflings were born of halfling/halfling, but some were still born of a human/dwarf couple. These halflings enjoyed a much easier life than their ancestors.

 

Around this time in history, the number of halflings had indeed grown to a point where surnames were required to identify with, as previously, only single names were used. Names, both first and last, were usually one or two syllables. Notable surnames and houses that began at this time were the houses of Took and Brandybuck, founded by Tulkan and Grombadook, respectively. The Tooks had the traits of what might be called the quintessential halfling - friendly, yet shy, of average height and demeanor. The Brandybucks, however, were a tad more adventurous, with darker hair than most halflings. Each family lived in a single burrow hill, most of them in the general vicinity of another. These family hills were the closest thing to a town as had truely ever existed yet in halfling culture.

 

However, in around Year 1010, some families started to break apart from population pressures. Families like the Brandybucks eventually spread all througout the lands.

 

By around this time, halflings had been isolated enough that, not only did this unique culture of peace and merriment develop, but the halflings actually forgot or disbelieved in the creation stories and of Aenguls, Daemons, and God. Indeed, the halflings didn't really develop a totally obscure faith, but instead took on a quasi-religious outlook that revolved around the things they held dear: harvest and food, companionship, nature, and peace. No "gods" were ever named, nor was worship very common, but there was a common belief that, if a halfling betrayed his tight-knit community, that the harvest and the tranquility of life would be lost.

 

Chapter 4 - The Rise and Decline of the Village Era - Years 1200-1304

 

Around the year 1200, a small group of halflings, from both Took, Brandybuck, Goodbody, and other families, decided to form a self-sufficient community apart from the family burrows. They had decided to make it a collection of hills, hidden from society by the waters and hills surrounding it. This community eventually came to be named "Dunwood", and it remains the most notable halfling town to date. There are massive wheat fields and a beautiful, clean lake. This town was always notable for being quite territorial, for as the humans began to urbanize more and more, family burrows were abandoned, and Dunwood was one of the last retreats for the country-loving halflings. As word of the town's existence came to be, spread by the word of the Wandering Wizard, halflings from both cities and family hills came to try and gain a burrow here. The founders of Dunwood were initially very welcome, but soon, the onrush of want-to-be residents came to such a high number that it was impossible to distinguish which would be beneficial to the community. The aspect of companionship was always very emphasized, and as a later resident of the town, I can vouch for this fact. By the time that I moved to Dunwood, it was impossible to walk through the streets of Al'Khazar without being pestered for the town's semi-secret location.

 

Envious of the town, many halflings and non-halflings alike began making similar towns in the surrounding hills, a more known one by the name of Thistledown.

 

I am now qualified, at this point, to tell the history from a first-person perspective. Yes, for I arrived in Dunwood during a small population boom, when the town was thriving and more inhabitants came every day. The Elders of the town at the time were Kip Took, Len, Gimblo. I was first escorted to the town by Gimblo, who took Bell and I for a visit. And, as I mentioned earlier, we were pursued through the streets of Al'Khazar by nosy people! Gimblo turned a corner, snapped his finger, and suddenly Bell and I were in Dunwood (a trick I have yet to emulate perfectly). The smell of hot bread and ale wafted from the ale garden, and I could hear a halfling singing with a lyre in the distance. Indeed, it was truly the ideal place for a halfling. Indeed, soon, the whole town took a trip to Al'Khazar to pledge allegiance to the newly-kinged Edmund.

 

After many a year of drinking, story-telling, and visitor-shoveling, the town seemed to go into a cultural decline. The Elders grew a tad sickly, and so they appointed Owen Sturdyfoot II as the Mayor to help govern. However, even his efforts did not maintain the vitality of the town, as Brian left to become an Ascended, Biodoc passed away, Rusty moved to Al'Khazar, and Lilly was kidnapped. This decline occured in other towns, too, leaving an area surrounding Dunwood filled with empty hill-homes and the likes. I, too, left after a call from the Druids, though the years of countryside living would have a profound influence on me for my entire life.

 

Chapter 5 - Up to Modern Day - Years 1304-Present Day

 

After many years, around 1340, I decided along with a few relatives to restore the popularity and culture of Dunwood, and so we hosted DunFest, a large festival with much merriment. There was drinking, dancing, singing, and the likes, of course. However, afterwards, it did not have the profound influence on the town population that I would have liked. And so, I went back to Malinor, only to try another festival later. Indeed, it appeared that our selective ways way long ago had a profound influence on the interest in the town, and so many gave up their hopes of moving and settled in the city. Many halflings have forgotten the joy of the simple and clean life, to my surprise. While I certainly traveled and was no typical halfling, the air off of Lake Dunwood in the early morn still stirs my soul like very little else does.

 

At the most recent DunFest, I did meet some fellows quite interested in culture, but none were halflings. I have tried to embrace the city-dwelling halflings with open arms, but very few have answered the call.

 

With the division of Oren, I as one of the only remaining Elders of the town decided to not immediately pledge our allegiance to either faction, instead remaining independent for some time. I did, however, set up a trade caravan of goods between Dunwood and Galahar, trying to make use of our overstocked wheat.

 

At the time of writing this, the state of the world grows dim as the Undead continue to win victory after victory. The future will surely deserve another tome of halfling history, perhaps more in depth, as this was merely a general overview. Hopefully this has been an informative and enjoyable read.

 

Petyr Brandybuck

 

For those who would like to learn how to build proper burrows, Petyr’s guide on burrowing is another fantastic halfling guide to read and learn from. You can also check out Faldo's burrowing guide, found HERE.

Spoiler

Quote

The Three Keys to Burrowing:

 

1. Cozy

 

2. Circular

 

3. Covered by Dirt

 

Cozy: A burrow must be cozy. A burrow that is too spacious is a burrow begging for unwanted guests. Cozy is not the same as cluttered. A halfling should never have too much room or too little room. Huge basements or vaults or spare rooms are not encouraged.

 

Circular: Burrows should be rounded, not built with the crude edges of other barbaric races.

 

Covered by Dirt: If there is no dirt on top of a burrow, it is merely a house, and a house is not proper for a halfling.

 

Standard Building Procedures:

 

Most burrows will have between three and five rooms. This is typically two large rooms and one bed room, perhaps adding a storage room or, in exceptional cases, another large room. A room is qualified as large if the surface area of the floor is greater than or equal to twenty four meters squared.

 

Standard rooms include:

 

• Bedroom (always)

• Living Room (always) (typically where the fireplace goes)

• Entry Room/Hallway (typically)

• Eating Room/Party Room (sometimes)

• Separate storage room (sometimes)

 

A standard four-room burrow will consist of two large rooms (entry room and living room) and two small rooms (storage and bedroom).

 

Carefully consider the placement of doors, windows, and fireplace before construction begins.

 

Walls should be made of wooden planks stacked two meters high upon some sort of sturdy log.

 

Darkwood and standard planks are preferable.

 

The floors should always be covered by a thin layer of wooden planks or some sort of wool carpet.

 

 

Ceilings should be layered inward from the walls as such (depending on the shape of the room):

 

 

 

 

After construction, burrows should be covered by a layer of dirt, as to be made inconspicuous and natural-looking. Plant flowers and tall-grass after all dirt is placed.

 

Some notes:

• Small basements are okay, but a basement too large will collapse the burrow from lack of support.

 

• Experimentation should of course occur; no two burrows should be identical, and each burrow must be built to the needs of the particular halfling.

 

• Sometimes it is wise to build into the ground a bit, as to avoid too large of a hill and too much similarity between burrows.

 

• Different rooms can be different elevations, connected by a stairwell.

 

• Cutting wooden planks in half allows for very inventive ceiling shapes, adding to the overall cozy factor.

 

 

Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the halflings below!

[!] A scrap of paper is nailed to the Dunshire Notice Board, or found flying about through the wind.

Nineteenth Annual Dunshire Drinking Night!

~A delivery of books to the Library on Melon Street~

The last two Dunshire Drinking Nights were amazing successes! Ne’er before have I seen so many halflings an’ bigguns ‘n Dunshire all drinking and laughing at once! Thus, we ought to have yet another one to keep this amazing streak going! Let us drink and shog once more!

Contents:

~Time and other matters~

~Drinking in the Drunken Duck Tavern!~

~Shogging on Dunshire Lake!~

~A message from the Thain~

~Time and other matters~

~How to get to Dunshire from the Cloud Temple~

Where: In Dunshire, the home of the halfling race!

When: Close to the end o’ this Elven Week and the beginning of the next! ((3 PM EST, Sunday the 10^th of February))

Who is invited?: Everyone who doesn’t cause trouble!

~Drinking in the Drunken Duck Tavern!~

~The Drunken Duck Tavern is well stocked with booze!~

All of the booze will be 100% free! Drink as much of it as you can hold down! Here’s what we have in stock:

~Brandybuck Brandy: The oldest booze currently being served! Dates back quite a few centuries frem what we can tell!

~Applebrook Porter: The classic dark porter that’ll get your tastebuds tinglin’!

~Forest Ale: A simple ol’ ale brewed from simple ingredients found around Dunshire!

~Pumpkin Ale: Ale made from pumpkins, the recipe having been kept alive for generations

~Withfoot Hard Cider: A fermented apple juice that will sweeten your day!

~Bunny Beer: Beer made from carrots and melons, filled with plenty of hops that gives it its name!

~Spiked Eggnog: Sorry, we do not carry non-spiked eggnog for those too young to be drinkin’!

~Carrot Ale: Tastes like Carrots, Wheat, and more Carrots. A simple booze for a simple folk.

~Gin: Stolen Borrowed from the good bigguns at Belvitz. This one is sure to tickle your taste buds!

~Various boozes from Rosenyr: We got our hands on some fine wines and other drinks from those fancy talkin’ people, so if ye like that we’ll have some fer ye!

~Etc....

There will also be free food provided, to help wash down all of the drinks!

~Shogging on Dunshire Lake!~

~The shogging that took place last Dunshire Drinking NIght!~

During the previous Dunshire Drinking Night, everybody started shogging after the pie-eating contest had been completed. It was such a blast that we shogged for a day and a half straight! Thus, I think we ought to do that again!

The rules for Shogging:

~Two players with Shovels in hand and Pumpkins on their heads try to knock the other off of their log.

~Only wooden shovels may be used to knock opponents off! Anything else is too dangerous!

~No jumping between logs!

~No findin’ extra holes in your pumpkin’! ((don’t use third person))

~First person to fall off loses the round.

~Best out of three wins!

~A message from the Thain!~

”Rollo was here”

-Rollo Applefoot, Thain of Dunshire.

This ‘as been yer Dunshire Drinking Night awareness poster! Long Live Dunshire!

-Daisy Applefoot, High Pumplar of Dunshire

[!] The poster ends with the Dunshire Rabbit, official seal of Dunshire.

LAKISH INTERROGATION

PREFACE

THIS IS A CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT, OVERSEEN BY NAME REDACTED  AND APPROVED UNDER THE RULERSHIP OF SWAMPGOTH NAME_REDACTED’LAK. SHOULD IT BE FOUND OUTSIDE THE GRASP OF CLAN LAK, THE INFORMATION LEAK WILL BE PLUGGED, AND THE PERPETRATOR WILL BE DISCOVERED AND EXECUTED IMMEDIATELY.

Frûm ulmakhizishu || Spirits with us

001-812-1655

PRESENTOR’S TRANSCRIPTION

“Start writin’. Ready?”

“You ‘ave been chosen to be ‘ere, among GROUP REDACTED  for a reason - you‘ve proven yourselves devoted to the goals of CLAN LAK and its members. We’re a load o’ da zealest zealots dis generation o’ descendants ‘as ever seen - and I intend to remind da lot o’ dem o’ dat.

“Now, dis -”
Start drawin’ -
“- Dis is what I likes to call, ‘Da Stretcher’.”
 

DA STRETCHER

[PICTURED: Exemplary ‘Stretcher’ in action]

“Anyone got a guess for what dis skah ‘ere does?”

INCOHERENT MUMBLES

“Exactly. Dis is used on da HUMANS and ELVES dat like keepin’ their mouths closed ‘bout who dey worship, and who’s worshippin’ who. Set ‘em here, pull dem levers and watch ‘em scream. You’ll be gettin’ da info out o’ dem in no time!”

“What if they don’t squeal, you’re askin’? Well - dat’s when we stop ‘em from talkin’, an’ bring ‘dese out!”
A quill begins scratching against parchment
“Dis is what I called, ‘Da Chinholda’’. Invention o’ my own.”

DA CHIN-HOLDA’

[PICTURED: Correct position of a ‘Chinholda’]

A SLAVE IS PRESENTED, ONTO WHICH THE DEVICE IS ATTACHED

“And now, he can’t talk, ‘else dis skah digs into ‘is neck.”

GRUNTS OF DISCOMFORT FROM THE CROWD; QUIET MUTTERING

“Mhrm, he can’t speak with dis on. What’s da use in dat when we’re tryin’ ta make ‘em speak, you’re askin’? Well, he can’t speak - or lower ‘is head, or do anythin’, really. Dat’s how we get ‘em - just wait ‘till they break, and they’ll give us all da info we need! They’ll start speakin’ eventually.”

“Now, it’s a rare thing, dat HUMANS don’t start speakin’ at dis point - they’s not as tough as us Orks. But for those DESCENDANTS dat think they’s tough, we keep one o’ dese around.”
 

DA GOBSTOPPA’

[PICTURED: Gobstoppa in the half-open position]

“This ‘ere - this is what we do when dem heretics don’t like speakin’. Shove one o’ dese in deir gobs, and start turnin’ da ring. Dis ain’t a last resort to get answers, dis is how we send da message to start talkin’ more often to ‘em. Just keep turnin’, and turnin’, and turnin’. Soon ‘nough, deir jaw drops off!”

CACKLING, FOLLOWED BY GRUNTS FROM THE CROWD

“Dat’s when we send ‘em back home, so their friends know what ‘appens when dey don’t squeal to our boys!”

A FINAL WHEEZE

 

DA BURNIN’ UGLUK


[PICTURED: An assortment of orcish slaves load an unlucky human into a ‘Burnin’ Ugluk’]

“And here we are - almost at the end.”

A CONTRAPTION IS WHEELED IN

“Dis here’s what I call, ‘Da Burnin’ Ugluk’. Don’t use these too often - mostly ‘cause all da HUMANS die from da Gobstoppa. But if someone’s bein’ ‘specially quiet, or they’ve seen too much, this here’s just as good an alternative ta’ other executions. Stick ‘em in dat hatch there, lock ‘em up tight, and set a fire underneath ‘em. Da screamin’, and da steam that comes from the nostrils sounds just like da old Ugluk’s beasts. Makes dem HUMANS take their time dyin’ ta’ reflect on their mistakes.”

A FEW DRY CHUCKLES FROM THE AUDIENCE - SWAMPGOTH NAME REDACTED’LAK’s cackles fill the room

“So, what d’you all say? Time for some inquiring?”

CHEERS FROM THE AUDIENCE

“Kill da transcr-”

Frûm Ulmakhizishu

[!] A glass bottle corked by a mushroom, washes onto the northern shores of Atlas, finding its way to the orcs of Krugmar and eventually the goblin clan of Shrogo [!]

SHROGO’S ODYSSEY I

From the darkness darted beady yellow eyes. Suddenly before them crackled a fire, waving slowly before their faces. They shuddered from the light, but the hand holding it shook with terror. The walls were stacked with shelves upon shelves of mushrooms, a wide array of colors decorating the otherwise dull, grainy, cavern walls. Shadows of a goblin, stretching across the walls, danced to and fro.

“Yes! Yes, I see, I see!” The face snarled, a sickening grin wide across his face underneath his black hood. In his hands he held a crooked staff, a fetish of The Bad Moon hung from the top. “Oh, oh, yes, the mushroom speaks loud and clear! Luara, Betharuz, SHNUB! Speak to lat’s MUSHOB, MYGENABA!” He screeched and cackled with ear splitting laughter. The goblins before him shuffled backwards, their backs to the rock walls.

The frail goblin, small even for Shrogo standards, illuminated what the staff wielding goblin held in its free hand. A mushroom, skinny and tall with a wide, thick, red cap. “Ah, beautiful mad-cap, this one will do, ha-ha!” He motioned to the tiny torch wielding goblin, who set it ablaze. In a strange feat, the Mushob simultaneously smoked and ate the strange fungus. He was almost frothing at the mouth, his body shaking wildly without predictability. The cave was thus filled with incomprehensible screaming and the sound of rhythmic beating, the Mushob slamming his staff into the ground over and over again.

“Spread like spores, spread, spores of Shnub! Oh, the mushroom speaks-speaks!” Whether out of pure luck or fate, the Mushob pointed his bony finger at a certain goblin, larger and fatter than the others. “You, the mad-caps speak of! Yes, lead a legion of black across the sea. Ride upon our mushrooms, and the Bad Moon will smile its crooked smile!” He jumped and fell on his back, kicking and clawing the air as he shouted. “Gobbgoth! Go and leave now or I’ll beat you with my stick! Snotling! Get me another mushroom!” The fire faded, and the visiting goblins would move out in a large, loud crowd.

Word would spread quickly throughout the cave-dens of Shrogo. Whispers whistled down the winding maze-like tunnels, so it was no surprise that even the neighboring clans and tribes had heard of their planned departure. The Gobbgoth of their unnamed homeland, high on mushrooms, gave permission to the departing group, and supplied them with shoddily made ships fashioned from wood, metal, hide, and mushroom. In droves they left in the cover of night, unknowing of the hardships they would face out on the seas.

It was no surprise, even to the new Gobbgoth, Shiitake’Shrogo, that they would have trouble on their journey. Their goal was to follow in the footsteps of Schnub’Nub, but with no way to really know which way the fabled goblin hero went, the only certainty of direction was where some saw Schnub’Nub set sail all those years ago. Even then, the reports were more than conflicting, due to the small handful of witnesses and mushrooms obviously diluting their already tiny minds. Not only that, but the Shrogo were goblins of the dark, to prowl the night and cower in their caves, so they were completely oblivious on both ship building and sailing. But with the odds stacked against them, their homeland faded out of their view.

STRANGE BOATS OF MUSHROOM

Debris drifted onto the northern shores of Atlas. Atop the floating crates, planks, all made from varying material but all in poor quality, laid the small, pale figures of but a handful of goblins. Robed in black they groaned, exhausted from their journey. But sighting land rose their spirits, and within time a small camp was created from what little materials they had. Few mushrooms remained, but few was better than none. For once in their lives, they chose to conserve for the future… Until one Snotling was found stuffing his face.

“Let it be known, that the gobbos of Clan Shrogo shall spread their spores far and wide! Shroom! Shrooooom! Shroooooooooom!” Shouted Shiitake to the small crowd. And the very next night, they journeyed off to find a new home.

Want to play a goblin of Shrogo? Just send a message over discord to:

• Seigeltsam#5535

• Sykotic#1867

• Inferno_Ougi#1709

   All throughout the Orcish lands, one finds them skewered on spikes, hung from doorposts, piled up in heaps, and adorning macabre altars; the heads of those slain by the sons of Krug. So common a sight are these ghoulish decorations that one almost becomes accustomed to seeing them within gois, forts, and trogs, until such a one finds his way to the bone-strewn halls of the Yars. Among hollowed-out tortoise shells and black and white banners, they hang with darkened, leathery skin, their eyes and lips sewn shut.

     Once they were ordinary heads, perched proudly atop confident --or perhaps simply foolish-- travelers. Maybe they were searching for treasure; maybe they were marching to war; or maybe they simply hadn’t realized where they’d ended up. To the followers of the Old Skhelll, however, it mattered little. There were intruders to be slain; sacrifices to be made. So they were, and now they swing from door posts and bone trees as shrunken parodies of themselves.

     The orcs of the Yar Clan create these shrunken heads through a lengthy procedure the exact details of which are kept within the clan. The purpose of this gruesome custom is largely symbolic; an added insult to fatal injury representing the lack of wisdom on the part of those who would oppose the Yars or their brothers. The scorn is extended not only towards the individual slain to provide the head, however, but also towards their ancestors in a ritual which follows the shrinking process.

     Once shrunken, the head is taken to an elevated area (ideally public) and held aloft, while the Yar performing the ritual shouts ridicule at the deceased ancestors of the victim, regardless of whether the orc actually knows of any specific relatives of said victim. The object is to show any departed family the sad fate of their descendant and his or her remains. For this reason, a Yar will never shrink a fellow orc’s head, even during times of clan war. Afterwards, the head is left on display as a warning to any who would offend the Yar Clan or enter their territory unwanted.

((To avoid meta, I didn’t actually include the shrinking process on here. It is to be learned and taught IC. Before someone complains though, it’s not magic.))

Yar Bone Trees

     Bone trees are monumental offerings to Yar, consisting of tangled masses of bones, rope, string, hides, and hanging moss affixed to poles, posts, or pillars. The bones are typically acquired from slain enemies and hunted beasts. These “trees” serve as tributes to Yar and Clan territory markers, and can typically be found around Yar lands, halls, or homes. Essentially, the presence of a bone tree serves to tell Yar, “Look at all the bones I’ve gathered for you!” As a form of totem, the destruction of a bone tree is considered a vicious insult against the ancestor himself and, by extension, the clan bearing his name.

     Upon completion of a tree, a bowl of herbs is burned at the foot thereof, while the builder performs a ritual dance around the structure, shouting “Bartaas Yar-û!” He may dance alone or invite as many other orcs as he wishes, even from other clans. Once the herbs have been completely burnt, the orc or orcs involved sit by the tree to smoke. If more than one orc has been involved, the builder entertains his guests with a story about one or more of the bones included in the tree. For example, one bone may have been taken from a particularly interesting hunt or from a noteworthy fight.

     Bone trees vary in appearance depending upon the size or quantity of bones involved. Some may be comprised of whole skeletons cobbled together in morbid display on poles and spikes.  Others may exhibit the skulls of enormous beasts perched atop thick beams. Regardless of the specifics, however, they all stand to the glory of Yar.

Shrogo’s Odyssey II

“Waaaaaaagh!”

A shrill roar awoke Nuda, a Mushob appointed by Mygenaba. As he stepped out of his hay bedding, the boat rocked violently throwing Nuda to the wall. Water began to seep in through the cracks of the poorly made ship walls, and as Nuda began to regain his balance, the boat shook. Now, the walls began to cave in. Nuda grabbed his mushrooms and staff, bursting through the door. It was a harrowing sight on deck: Goblins and uruks battling in broad daylight! He stumbled forward as the boat shook from behind him, and turned amidst the chaos. A crudely made black flag with a white skull painted across flew in the air, atop of a hulking orcish ship.

To his horror, the orc ship had crashed, or, more fittingly, rammed into Shrogo ship. It was by pure luck that he left at the time he did, for if he stayed any longer, he would have been crushed by the confines of the room. Sounds of steel, war cries, and the ship breaking, filled the Mushob’s ears. He turned on his heel, bumping into an orc raising in the middle of fighting a goblin. The other goblin would have surely had his head chopped clean off, if not for Nuda’s accidental push, driving the orc into the goblin’s spear. Despite the thanks of the goblin, Nuda continued to run, only stopping wearily at the makeshift railings.

The waves crashed almost as hard as the orcish ship, and over the edge Nuda saw goblins swimming away from the fighting. A soft hiss escaped between clenched lips, “Lat cowards! Get back here and fight. Fight for Luara! Fight for Betharuz! Give your worthless lives to spirits!” He was cut short before he could incite the goblins further, turning his head to side side just as a massive orc ship filled his vision, dwarfing the fleet that the Shrogo had. The larger fleet smashing into the Shrogo ships (if they could even be called such), now with goblins battling the outnumbered but stronger orcs. The daylight had itself caused too many to hide or flee. It even irritated Nuda, but he found courage from taking a bite of his mushrooms. He walked back, took a running start and leaped to the next ship.

Clan Father of the Starbreaker Clan
High Remembrancer of Agnarum

Member of the Council of Rikkin

I Lord Balrog “Tunnelrat” Firebeard  Ruler of Mynebor do hereby accept High King Fimlin’s terms of Pardon. 

The last thing that I will do, is to dissolve the title of Lord of Mynebor and abandon and seal the City of Mynebor, and give the entire lands of Mynebor back to the Consulary Republic of Holm from which they were stolen. The title Lord of Mynebor will no longer apply to myself, or any others who wish to take it, it is dissolved.  The people of Mynebor will leave with all of their belongings, and move to Agnarum, where once more, the dwarves will live in unity. 

Signed

Balrog “Tunnelrat” Firebeard

To Balrog ‘Khazad Dreng’

After reviewing the pleas against your banishment, it is seems you are somewhat repentant for your transgressions, and thus I offer you one last chance to follow a better path to redemption. To be pardoned of your banishment and welcomed once more as kin into our halls, the following terms must be met.

1.  The hold of Mynebor must be sealed and abandoned, the land it is built upon must be returned to its rightful owners, the Consulary Republic of Holm who have suffered much from it’s unlawful construction.

2.   Balrog must return to Agnarum and swear an oath of allegiance to the Kingdom so that he may be bound from committing further misdeeds. Any other attempts to establish holds or other divisive settlements must be approved by the King.

3.   Any association with Ironborn or other banished Dwarves must cease, this includes renouncing any ties with the Frostbeard Clan. Any slaves that are being held within the walls of Mynebor must be freed.

4.  The debt declared by the clergy must be agreed to be paid for Balrogs absolution before the gods, though the specifics of that debt shall remain between Balrog and the Clergy.

If all of these terms are met then you shall be pardoned of the misdeeds you have committed, and you shall be welcome once more among your kin in Agnarum. It is true, you have made mistakes, and have done wrongs against your kin. What matters now though, is making right on those mistakes, and doing what the Brathmordakin demand of us. Please consider these terms and accept them, or else additional action will need to be taken.

“As per decisions agreed upon by the Rikkin’s Council of Agnarum, the following clans and individuals are banished from the Dwarven Kingdom of Agnarum for their crimes against their own people.”

The Frostbeard Clan

-For repeated unrepentant acts of kinslaying upon dwarves of numerous clans.

-For the repeated warring upon other dwarven people.

-For repeated attempts to enforce a Frostbeard hegemony over the dwarven race.

-For the murder of Bastion Ireheart and Dwifur Goldhand.

-For repeatedly breaking from the Brathmordakin faith.

Exemptions:

-Azkel Frostbeard, Pereus Frostbeard, and Rhewen Frostbeard for their dissociation of their hateful and vengeful kin.

The Onyxheart Clan

-For their contribution to the acts of the Frostbeard clan (listed above).

The pretender Balrog and his followers

-For the continuous failed attempts to further divide the dwarven race.

-For the enslavement of Elves and Humans to expand his workforce.

-For extending his hand out to the Khorvad and Undead aligned Ironborn clan.

-For dealing with and supporting known promoters of kinslaying.

-For the kinslaying of Boldrumir Cottonwood.

“Any dwarves who wish to break away from their barbaric kin may return without harm if they wish to redeem themselves and make a new life in Agnarum. Members of the exiled clans must abandon the respective clan in order to be unbanished. Garrond, Hamnil, Nerak Frostbeard, and Koralon Onyxheart are to never be given passage into Agnarum for their role in these crimes listed above.”

<<

Was it truly Khorvad who cursed us with greed?

Or did he simply cast off Yemekarr’s blessings?

And let what hence had resided deep within us,

Surface,

Like impurities in the crucible? 

Urguan had his greed.

It served him some well, but did to him the worst of things.

For greed is no double edged sword; it is an old, rusted hatchet.

With its blunted ax we spill kinsblood and rejoice at riches plundered,

At grudges settled,

At enemies slain.

We have forgotten the consequences.

And all the while its rusted shaft digs into our palms,

But we are blinded to it by the ecstasy of victory.

It feels to us as but a sting, and we say:

“It was worth it, these riches, and traded for but a scrape!”

We feel as if we have cheated the Gods; We rejoice!

But we cannot cheat the Gods...

For they are the greatest of cheaters.

The consequences for cheating the Gods are dire.

We have forgotten the story of Khorvad. 

In due time we feel the fever of greed:

those rusty scrapes their poison begin to deal.

At first our mouthes run dry,

and soon our eyes grow heavy…

the water which sustains us becomes ever harder to swallow.

And we drink until we can no longer,

to dull the pain so that it may go away.

But this pain will never go away.

We ignore it nonetheless.

And only when the blackened tetanus,

veined with hate and fueled by spilt kinsblood,

sent to spite us by Dungrimm himself,

on our arm becomes too painful and apparent to ignore,

do we awaken to the truth and scamper for a cure.

But, hark! Now is time too late.

For no wiccan can construe a cure,

and no Alchemist an elixir make,

to quell this curse of the Gods,

which death sentences by divine hate. 

So sleep now Sons of Urguan,

Sleep for your honor has left you. 

So sleep now, Sons of Urguan,

sleep for your fathers detest you.

A kinslayer his hearth defiles with ambition and greed,

and will surely suffer in Dor’Vuur.

The bystander who this deed sees but ‘stead of stop it, flees,

twice cursed shall be for sure.

He cannot hope to taste Belka’s sweet nectar,

in Khaz’a’Dentrumm.

So sleep now, Sons of Urguan,

Sleep for your honor has left you.

Die now, disowned of the first one,

For from the grave your ancestor mocks you.

Dwarfkind exists no longer,

only bare-cheeked shadows remain.

Splintered is the arm that once bore the hammer,

which to the world balance did ordain.

A kinslayer still is kin,

And surely the Gods shall judge him harshly.

But are we the Gods?

To slay a kinslayer to kinslay is. 

For blood is not water,

and kin always kin remains.

So sleep now, lost sons of Urguan.

Your deeds your souls forever have stain’d.

And die now, ye sons of Urguan.

Your courage and honor never you shall see again. 

>>

The sounds of battle and metal clashing echoed throughout Garrond’s Vale. Smoke risen high from the gates of Kal’Tarak as the Crownhold had been breached and claimed by the Empire of Man for the first time in history. High above the valley of Garrond’s Vale facing southwest, an old and wounded dwarf made his way through the unforgiving bitter cold of the mountains high above the clouds. Resting was not an option at the altitudes he had climbed, for at every moment of stopping, the snapping wind would have surely made quick work of him, freezing his ancient blood, or even tossing him off the edge of the path he took sending him down the slopes to a certain unfortunate death. The path to his destination was narrow and old. The way only marked by loose cobble that were at times, flooded with snow. When the path was not clear, the old dwarf would keep his covered hand to the rigid walls of the mountain, feeling for old runes he used as guidance to ensure he didn’t get lost along the way. Several hours passed before he made it to his destination, an entrance hidden to the naked eye. He felt his way to the hidden stone doorway before he placed his fingers snugly into the grooves of the rock, as if the grooves were made for his fingers only. After gaining momentum, the old dwarf managed to counterbalance the slab with his weight and push it to the side where it comfortably slid into a crevice. The warm air, compared to the outside rushed past him, creating a slight breeze that threw his snow-white hair back, and the old familiar smell of mildew and must filling his nostrils. He then turned and closed the stone entrance behind him, concealing himself in total darkness before descending further into the cavern. He hastily made his way down a narrow flight of stairs, moving at a speed which felt fast to the old dwarf. Soon he entered a large cavern space, shrouded in complete darkness, but for the readers sake, was a great antechamber in the making with pillars chiseled from solid stone, partially decorated with runework, and adorned with intricate carvings depicting events of the past. Several wooden ladders hewn together by rope rest upon the pillars,  placed there from when he was last at work. Lastly, a stone table sat in the center of the room between the four unfinished pillars with a open jar filled with blackened sand, and a leather bound utility belt equipped with the tools of a stonemason resting on top of it. Directly Below the table sat a purple and gold pillow, mostly used for meditation and comfort when resting on the hard floor. The darkness did not pose a threat for the old blind dwarf as darkness was something he had been used to for over a hundred years. He approached the table and laid out various objects from his travel sack, including a box of matches, and an old keepsake box. Producing several sticks of incense, he placed each one upright in the jar of sand before lighting them. The smell of mildew soon dissipated as the strong smell of incense filled the air. Satisfied, the dwarf soon disrobed, shedding his bloodied heavy furs and leather coat, leaving only a linen shirt and his plated battered leggings which were suspended by a pair of suspenders that rested over his broad shoulders. Lastly, the dwarf slid off his ring, a band that reminded him of his wife, Yula. Somebody that he hasn’t seen since the fall of Aegis, though his grief would soon subside as he thinks about ascending to the halls of Khaz’A’Dentrumm to be with her once more.

Moving a hand over the wound that lacerated his side, the bleeding would subside momentarily, though not enough to fully stop the bleeding. He would turn and prop himself up against the table as his mind begins to drift off, thinking over his long life and the choices he had made along the way. From the simple halls of Kal’Urguan to the Crownhold of Kal’Tarak, the dwarves had changed greatly during this time. It would feel as if he’d been living in a completely different timeline than the one that he’d been used to. The meaning of honor and oaths were completely disregarded. The beardlings of today could only hope to reflect what their ancestors had once done, and by attempting to do so, will only fail miserably. Thoughts of how great Urguan once was soon faded to how Urguan spiraled into failure and decadence. Of course, an old dwarf born within Urguan and loyal to the Grand Kingdom for so many lifetimes wouldn’t have sided with ‘wrongful usurpers’, though he did. Unfortunately Kaz’Ulrah followed in the footsteps of Urguan but at a much more rapid pace leaving the kingdom to only be a shell of what it once tried to represent. As the kingdom declined, it’s lovely image had done so as well, and its purpose soon became meaningless among the people that resided within it. Voices of the dark would begin beckoning the dwarf, calling out to him. Many of these voices would be recognized as his father, mother, brothers and sisters all lost in conflict, and lastly his beloved wife. The old dwarf would find reassurance as he spoke to these voices, a grin spreading across his face as he lets in his last breath of air before moving onto the realm of his ancestors, finally united with his true kin he’d known and loved.

The following is the latest recount from War-Historian, Jorvin Starbreaker, also author of ‘The Fall of Kal’Tarak’, and ‘The Battle of Prince’s Folly’.
 

Allow me to preface by saying, right off the bat, yes, I am a soldier within the Legion of Dungrimm, and a loyal one at that, however do not allow this to cast doubt upon the authenticity of my writing. I consider professionalism to be the utmost importance, along with the fact I do not find the act of kinslaying to be a fitting propaganda piece.

The Battle took place on the 1st of the Grand Harvest, 1698 underneath the twin peaks, and before the gate of Agnarum, it was a clear day and little was out of the ordinary. I myself was many miles from the city at the time during the battle, as I was off on a ranging towards the Southeast, investigating suspected bandit activity. When I was informed of the attack via messenger raven, I rushed back, but arrived too late, as the fighting had already begun.

Clan Frostbeard, formally exiled from Agnarum, attacked with between nine and twelve thousand soldiers, led by Garrond Frostbeard (assumed? If anyone know the exact number, and leader of Frostbeard forces during the battle, please send bird.) with the intent of raiding the city, possibility in retaliation for the near-shaving of Garrond Frostbeard a short while prior.

The attack was sudden, and the Legion caught off guard, bells sounded throughout the city to alert the guard, and the commanders quickly rushed to assemble some fifteen thousand men to the defense, leading these forces was the Grand Marshall himself, Dain Metalfist, as well as a majority of the command staff. Rushing up the stairwells to confront the Frostbeards, Legion forces were not afforded time to coordinate a defense prior to the attack, leading to a rather disjointed entry onto the battle, at least until assuming a shield-wall before the gate.

The Frostbeards peppered the defenders with arrows, and though the main line held relatively well thanks to their shields, those trading missiles with the enemy through arrow-port, and windows were hammered with projectiles. Despite this, there were relatively few casualties on both sides during the skirmishing period of the battle, the Frostbeards held, and so did the Legion, as the two’s shield walls occasionally clashed with each other.

It was an hour after the opening of the battle, disaster struck. Due to a tactical error of the highest sort, there was a miscommunication in the ranks, forces of the Silvervein Clan, led by Dwarger ‘Savior’ Silvervein charged ahead of the main battle-line, assuming support from the rest of Legion’s vanguard. Without the aid from the rest of the host, some three thousand men of Clan Silvervein were soon surrounded by Frostbeard forces. Forces from Clan Metalfist, led by the Grand-Marshall himself attempted to intercept, breaking the encirclement, but were unable to reach the Silverveins in time, leading to the Marshall being wounded, and evacuated back to the gatehouse by Gimli Metalfist. Things looked grim, as the legion took substantial casualties in the attempt to pull out the Silverveins, but the Frostbeard attack itself was slowing.

Silvervein warriors had managed to inflict a significant amount of casualties upon Frostbeard forces during their charge, despite being heavily outnumbered. Eventually after this deadly confrontation, the two sides slowly begun pulling back, as despite the heavy damage they had inflicted, the Frostbeards proved unable to break the Legion’s lines in a reasonable amount of time, and further assault was deemed too costly to carry out. The Legion, meanwhile had fallen back to the gatehouse, tending to the wounded and forming the shield-wall behind it’s metal porticulius. It soon became clear that, unless heavy siege weapons were brought to bear against the gate, there would be no breaking the Legion, and as such, the Frostbeards soon sounded their retreat.

Official numbers will vary over the next week, as we are still counting all the dead, though it is roughly estimated that three and a half thousand were lost of Angarum’s side, with just as many wounded, while the Frostbeards suffered similar, albeit slightly lower casualties, due to their own smaller force. It is the personal belief of the author that this battle has done much to highlight the deteriorated state of Dungrimm’s Legion, as I described in ‘The Host of Dungrimm’, and I suspect action will soon be taken to begin reforming Dungrimm’s Legion, in terms of discipline.