Halfling

Halflings have no creation myth and no mighty civilizations of old. Only a few regions of the world have large halfling populations, and none are ruled by halflings. Despite this, their people have a unique culture and a propensity for producing great adventurers. Furthermore, records suggest that Halflings have resided in their homelands for thousands of years, despite many foreign invasions. There are three principal tribes of Halflings in the Eastern Realms, each with their own culture and related language.

The Proudbottoms

The strangely named Proudbottoms are one of two tribes of Halflings within the Empire. Originally called the Lirings, they acquired their current name when a Holmgardian ambassador demanded their unconditional surrender to the Emperor. In response, the proud Halfling elder Memeford "the Proud" exposed his rump to the ambassador, who rode away in anger.

Ultimately, Lirion did end up becoming a part of the Empire, but the joke was on the humans: the terms of the vassal agreement were that Holmgard would protect Lirion "in perpetuity", in exchange for only five paltry wagons of (subpar) pipeweed per annum. 

The Proudbottoms are known for their unpredictable and outrageous sense of humour, their skill at music and cookery, and their mass export of pipeweed. These features have led them to be well known innkeeps and bards throughout the realms.

The Thornburys

The Thornbury tribe are the smaller of the two Halfling populations within the Empire. They reside in the Imperial province of Westmark in the Wolfwood. Living nearby the Lupercal tribe of Holmgardians has given them martial experience, as have the marauding packs of wolves that threaten their home town of Tirenhall. As a result, the Thornburys are renowned as master slingers and archers. Their homes, which tend to consist of enormous tunnel networks carved out of the hills, are also extremely defensible.

The Thornburys are viewed by the Proudbottoms as a bit strange, even "human-ish". Conversely, the Proudbottoms are seen by the Thornburys as lazy and juvenile. This rivalry never causes anything more than the occasional family feud, however.

The Dourfoots

The Dourfoot halflings are the original inhabitants of the Principality of Lornham , the home country of Rudolph van Richten. Living in a dismal climate has made this group of Halflings seem sombre, even downright depressed compared to their cousins in the Empire. Their culinary skill, though considered the finest by far in Lornham, is regarded as abysmal by their Halfling cousins. Famous Dourfoot dishes include "bongers and mush", "tatties", "fish n' chippies", and all manner of salted herring.

Unlike their relatives who have no affinity whatsoever for the water, the Dourfoots are naturally gifted sailors. Their people often man the tall ships sailing out of Darkon, climbing high on the rigging with scarce regard for the height.