Trowbridge
The Trowbridge are a unique subculture of the Mor'sidhi, serving as a bridge between the tree-dwelling Crannfain and the more communal Surefoots. They live both on the ground and in the trees, building their homes around the trunks of large trees and creating small towns nestled within the forest. They maintain a strong connection to the forest while also embracing a more communal way of life. While they value their quiet and secluded nature, they have no qualms about working in Surefoot towns or cities or engaging in trade with outside races such as humans, elves, and gnomes. The Trowbridge see themselves as protectors of the forest and their people, blending the wildness of the Crannfain with the practicality of the Surefoots.
Trowbridge halflings are known for their resilience, loyalty, and protective nature. They see themselves as guardians of the forest and their people, keeping a watchful eye on travelers and outsiders who pass through their territory. Despite their vigilance, they remain friendly and fun-loving, embodying the playful spirit of the Mor'sidhi. However, they are fiercely protective of their way of life and especially of the Crannfain, whom they see as their more vulnerable kin.
Their towns are a harmonious mix of tree-dwelling structures and ground-level buildings, often connected by rope bridges or winding paths. Trowbridge communities are self-sufficient but open to trade, exchanging goods like crafted items, herbs, and forest resources with neighboring races. While they welcome interaction, they remain deeply committed to preserving their traditions and the sanctity of the forest.
Physical Description:
Trowbridge halflings have a mix of Crannfain and Surefoot traits. Their skin tones range from light to dark tan, often with a slight greenish hue that reflects their connection to the forest. Their hair is typically brown or black, often worn in practical styles, and their clothing is sturdy and practical, made from natural materials like wool, linen, and leather. Their attire is often decorated with leaf or vine patterns, blending seamlessly with their environment. They are small and nimble, with a sturdy build that reflects their active lifestyle.
Psychological Traits:
Trowbridge halflings are protective and loyal, seeing themselves as guardians of the Crannfain and the forest. They are balanced and adaptable, able to navigate both the wildness of the Crannfain and the communal values of the Surefoots. While they are community-oriented and value cooperation, they retain a strong connection to nature and tradition. Once they set their minds to something, they are relentless in achieving it, whether it’s protecting their home or completing a task.
Daily Life:
Trowbridge halflings build their homes around the bases of large trees, creating a mix of ground-level buildings and elevated platforms connected by bridges. Their villages are small but thriving, blending seamlessly with the forest. They cultivate small gardens, forage for food, and hunt to supplement their diet. Trowbridge are skilled woodworkers, creating tools, furniture, and art from the trees they live alongside. Their crafts are both functional and beautiful, often featuring intricate carvings of animals and plants.
Community gatherings are an important part of Trowbridge life. They hold regular festivals, storytelling sessions, and communal meals, strengthening their bonds as a community. These events are lively and filled with music, dance, and laughter, celebrating their connection to the forest and each other.
Society & Culture:
Trowbridge society revolves around family and community. They value cooperation, mutual support, and shared prosperity. While they no longer live in tribes, they maintain strong family ties and often form guilds or cooperatives to support their communities. Disputes are typically resolved through discussion and compromise, though rivalries can arise between families or guilds over trade or resources.
Arts & Crafts:
Trowbridge halflings are skilled artisans, producing high-quality goods like pottery, textiles, and wood carvings. Their crafts are both functional and beautiful, often featuring intricate designs inspired by nature and community. They take great pride in their work, seeing it as a way to honor the forest and their ancestors.
Magic & Technology:
Trowbridge halflings prefer practical magic and technology that improves daily life. They are not as interested in grand arcane experiments or complex machinery, focusing instead on tools and techniques that enhance their connection to nature. Druidic magic is common among the Trowbridge, with many learning to communicate with animals or plants.
Relations with Other Races:
Trowbridge halflings feel a deep sense of responsibility toward their Crannfain cousins, often acting as intermediaries between them and the outside world. They respect the Surefoots for their practicality and often trade with them, though they find their more settled lifestyle a bit too restrictive. They admire elves for their connection to nature and often form alliances with them. While they are cautious around humans and dwarves, they are friendly and open to trade. Orcs and goblins, however, are seen as threats to their forest home, and the Trowbridge will defend their territory fiercely.
Alignment and Religion:
Trowbridge halflings tend toward Neutral Good or Lawful Good alignments, valuing community, nature, and tradition. They strive to protect their home and maintain harmony within their society. Many Trowbridge worship trees, rivers, and other natural phenomena, seeing the forest as a living entity. Some Trowbridge halflings will worship the gods of Glosmordin due to their interactions with outside races. Those usually take the form of gods who inbody nature, protection, or community.
Lands and Settlements:
Trowbridge halflings inhabit the edges of dense forests, where the trees are large enough to support their tree-adjacent homes. Their territories are well-protected and often hidden from outsiders. Their largest settlement is Treebottom, a town built around massive oak trees. It serves as a gathering place for trade, festivals, and community meetings.
Adventurers:
Trowbridge adventurers are often driven by a desire to protect their forest home, seek knowledge, or explore the wider world. Their resilience, loyalty, and connection to nature make them valuable allies in any party.
Trowbridge Traits:
- Ability Score Increase: +2 Dexterity, +1 Constitution
- Age: Trowbridge halflings mature at the same rate as humans and live up to 150 years.
- Alignment: Tend toward Neutral Good or Lawful Good.
- Size: Small (3–4 feet tall).
- Speed: 25 feet.
- Stout Resilience: You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage.
- Languages: Common and Trowbridge Tongue (a melodic dialect with many words related to trees, nature, and community).
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