The Shortoak Family

[Larry Shortoak 297]

The Shortoak Family

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The Shortoak Family had a rather odd beginning. One quite fit for the life of a Halfling as it involves a bet between two very cheeky friends. Larry and Andwise were best of friends even from their first meeting back in the village of Goodborough, luckily for the pair they both knew how to rustle each other’s jimmy’s and knew when each could be beaten, especially when they put wagers on the line.

As we go back to the story of the Shortoak beginnings, one must first know the initial bet and what was at stake. Andwise bet his most famous trusty shogging shovel that was cared for and had a magical ability to be quicker than any other, or so they said. And Larry had nothing of importance, not at the time anyway but he liked to gamble so he put a wager of betting his last name to something Andwise found amusing at the time, shortoak.

Obviously, the pair needed a competition, something where a winner would clearly be decided, so they opted to drink until one fell off their chair onto the floor. It started off with human ale, then to vodka, then to Larry’s famous Shortoak stout only to be followed with both hobbits falling to the floor at the same time, Larry making contact first. Thus, Larry and his family became the Shortoak’s.

They tend to abide by three simple to follow rules:

1 - Listen to your Elders, they make the rules for a reason.

2 - Never steal from another Halfling, there is a storage burrow for a reason.

3 - If you take from another Halfling, leave something in return.

 

:: Culture and Tradition ::

Shortoak’s tend to have a large appetite, often eating multiple meals throughout the day. Larry believes that if more bigguns valued food and song above power and gold, it would be a merrier and peaceful realm.

Another culture trait they have, not unique to the Shortoak’s is their ability to talk their way out of many situations, due to their often mischievous actions. However, often this is used due to getting themselves out of situations they had previously caused issues starting.

Though their traditions stick similar to their fellow neighbours some of the Shortoak family enjoy artistic ways of life such as poetry, songs and drawings.

 

:: Appearance ::

The Shortoak’s often have the same colour eyes, yet it is still not uncommon to find one with different colours due to it being common for other halflings. Their complexion is often one of a light tan due to their time spent in the sun. Their hair colour can vary from a bright red to a dark brown with it being rare to see a ginger colour. The Shortoak’s are some of the shorter of their kin. Apart from their short visage, the family hold no real unique appearance.

 

:: Religion ::

The Shortoak’s way of life do not hold any sort of religion in high regards other than some following Druidism and/or the old Harvest gods during the harvest months, though it is noted that the family are fully aware of the existence of Aenguls and Daemons in the realm, even appreciating the efforts done by some to their kin.

 

 

:: Notable Family Recipe ::

The most notable recipe from the Shortoak’s is a Mutton Mince Pie.

To make this meal, first one needs to gather the ingredients prior to cooking, never bought, but farmed by the cook and prepared shortly after collecting. A hint of nutmeg and salt adds to the taste, creating their unique take on the pie.

They also have a brew known as Shortoak stout first created by Larry, no one knows the exact ingredients other than him but he has let slip it is made with the same main products as all other stouts.

 

 

:: History of the Shortoaks ::

Larry Shortoak - Male (1487 - Present)

Finlay Shortoak - Male (1495 - 1570)

Annabelle Shortoak - Female (1500 - 1592)

Drogo Shortoak - Male (1528 - 1530)

Holly Shortoak - Female (1550 - Unknown)

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[Hobbs_Burrows 497]

Shortoaks are well known and respected among Halflings, I am pleased to read about their fine history