Willowbough Halfling
Acclaimed for their uncanny ability to breed and train Tressym, the halflings of Willowbough have become regionally known as the perfect location to visit for wizards and other magic users in order to procure a familiar. Prosperous from their success in trade, the citizens are able to live joyous and leisurely lives as they enjoy a trade of their choice. All citizens seem to hold strong familial values and crime is nearly nonexistent in the village, some wonder how it is even possible to have achieved such levels of unity and peace...
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Averee, Baybel, Elina, Heliana, Igrid, Jermina, Lyria, Naryann, Opali, Ulia, Yoriana
Masculine names
Cherman, Finnean, Garander, Hrefel, Jirett, Pody, Quintel, Squipper, Varrow, Wincent
Unisex names
Alferie, Corraine, Dasey, Ezral, Gallias, Jaeden, Lonnie, Movan, Peppen, Trente
Family names
Draydale, Galvaree, Gladsome, Happygallow, Kindlehollow, Merryfoot, Sunnysew, Soirerae, Tippurwill
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The halflings of Willowbough communicate in gnomish and common with a quick, flowing speech which includes somewhat musical intonations which adds to their lively personalities.
Culture and cultural heritage
Many of the families of the shire have inhabited the area for several generations, slowly expanding the borders of Willowbough as the population grew, as such the values of generosity and community have grown with it.
Shared customary codes and values
Willowbough halflings live peacefully in their shire with little care or worry for crime. The citizens believe in the communal success of the shire as a whole and realize they would get further by asking for help from others if necessary, rather than stealing or performing unlawful acts. Likewise, this group is very trusting and generous towards one another, realizing that working together and helping each other serves to improve the quality of life for all in the long run.
Average technological level
One of the main accomplishments of the Willowbough halflings is their ability to breed and train tressym. A previously unheard of skill, this ability has fostered several family lines of tressym breeders and many magic users across Ankroth make a point to visit Willowbough to procure a first-rate tressym familiar at a premium price. As such, there are many of the creatures throughout the village, living peacefully among their joyous and friendly owners.
Common Etiquette rules
- Treat your neighbor as yourself, no matter human, orc or elf.
- Do not criticize, whine or complain, as such folks are quite a drain.
- Give freely to charity, for possessions are no rarity.
- Enjoy yourself with a full heart, as our joy sets us apart.
Common Dress code
Clothing in Willowbough tends to be geared towards comfort in relation to one's trade of choice. Common leisure clothing includes trousers or skirts in varying shades of brown and green; considering the warm climate of the region, it is not uncommon to see individuals going about their days shirtless (females included) in order to expose the skin to the sun for comfort as well as the purpose of increasing the number of freckles on one's bodies. Most halflings prefer to not wear shoes but will wear them if working with hooved animals or in other scenarios where their feet need protection.
Art & Architecture
Halflings of Willowbough prefer dabbling in naturally based art such as whittling, knitting and crochet, painting on stones that naturally jut out of the earth and various forms of sculpting. A few talented artists of the shire have also been able to figure out how to whittle intricate patterns and designs into the bark of trees without harming the tree itself which led to a majority of the trees in and around Willowbough being covered in ornamental markings. Many of the homes of Willowbough are excavated into the rolling hills of the area or built above ground in a reinforced tent style to ensure more permanence.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Willowbough halflings are always looking for a reason to gather and party, for that reason any halflings major life event (birth, coming of age, marriage, death etc.) there is a large gathering of halflings to contribute and celebrate. With the number of halflings present in the shire this usually leads to at least one party each week.
Common Taboos
If anyone in the shire is found to have committed a crime, a trial is held with an apt punishment selected. There have been times when someone who committed a more notable crime disappeared completely from the shire and not spoken of again.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Skin dappled with freckles, shiny and fluffy curled hair, bright and light colored eyes, button nose, pudgy cheeks, well groomed foot hair
Courtship Ideals
Courting couples present one another with intricate crowns woven out of natural materials such as vines, leaves, flowers and berries which are then magically treated so they do not wither or decay.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships of Willowbough halflings tend to be monogamous and for life.
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