3. The Sheriff’s Hall of Littleburrow

A key civic building in the Halfling hobniz village of Littleburrow, the Sheriff’s Hall plays a vital role in maintaining order, resolving disputes, and liaising with the Verbobonc, Viscounty’s broader governance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Hall, its staff, and its role in the community.

Location and Physical Description

The Sheriff’s Hall is located at the heart of Littleburrow, adjacent to the town’s modest market square and within walking distance of the 2. The Galloping Pike Inn and Stefania Hall of Littleburrow.

Exterior

• Architecture: A sturdy, round-walled structure constructed from warm-toned bricks and wood, designed to complement Littleburrow’s signature burrow-style homes.
• Gardens: A small front garden with a well-tended flowerbed and a flagpole flying the sigil of House Stefania.
• Signage: A wooden sign above the entrance bears the words “Sheriff’s Hall” carved in flowing script.

Interior

• Main Room: A cozy meeting room with a central wooden table surrounded by mismatched chairs. A large map of the Viscounty hangs on the wall.
• Sheriff’s Office: A smaller room with a tidy desk, shelves of legal scrolls, and a rack of ceremonial weapons.
• Holding Cell: A single small, secure cell in the back for temporary detainment.

Historical Background

The Sheriff’s Hall was constructed over 50 years ago during the reign of Marchioness Mirabella Stefania’s father, the Marquis. Its purpose was to formalize Littleburrow’s local governance and provide a point of contact with neighboring settlements.

• Legacy of Peace: Despite its function, the Hall has seen little use for criminal justice. Most disputes in Littleburrow are resolved amicably.
• Symbol of Authority: It stands as a reminder of the village's loyalty to the Viscounty and its shared halfling values of fairness and community.

Politics and Governance

The Sheriff’s Hall serves as the administrative center for Littleburrow’s law enforcement and acts as a bridge between the village and the broader Viscounty.

Role in Governance

• Legal Authority: The Sheriff is empowered to enforce local laws, settle disputes, and represent Littleburrow to the Viscounty.
• Liaison Duties: Acts as the primary contact with Marchioness Mirabella Stefania’s court, as well as with neighboring villages.
• Elective Office
• Sheriff: Elected annually by the villagers. The role is both ceremonial and functional, with emphasis on maintaining the community's values.
• Deputy: Appointed by the Sheriff and approved by the villagers.

Culture and Community

The Sheriff’s Hall embodies the halfling values of fairness, hospitality, and collective responsibility.

Community Role

• Conflict Resolution: Most cases involve property disputes, lost livestock, or minor disagreements.
• Community Hub: Villagers often gather here to discuss news or share concerns.

Relationship with Mirabella Stefania

The Sheriff’s Hall operates under the guidance of Marchioness Mirabella Stefania, who occasionally consults with the Sheriff during her visits to Littleburrow.

Notable Relationship Points

• The Marchioness views the Sheriff’s Hall as an essential institution for upholding peace and stability in the village.
• Sheriffs are often invited to Stefania Hall for counsel and updates on the region's affairs.

DM Only: Secrets of the Sheriff’s Hall

Show spoiler

Hidden Connections

• Stefania’s Agents: The Sheriff occasionally receives covert orders from Mirabella Stefania to gather intelligence on merchant and monsterous movements coming out of the Kron Hills.
• Smuggling Routes: Unbeknownst to the Sheriff, a criminal gang has been using the outskirts of Littleburrow as a waypoint for smuggling goods.

Secrets of Sheriff Milo Hilltopple

• Former Spy: Before retiring as a merchant, Milo worked as an informant for the Viscounty, providing critical intelligence during the Gnarley Forest conflicts.
• Buried Evidence: Milo has hidden a sealed chest beneath the Hall containing documents that could implicate corrupt officials in Verbobonc.

Deputy Bessa Cloverfoot’s Aspirations

• Potential Ally: Bessa has ties to the centaurs southeast of Littleburrow, who occasionally provide her with valuable information about travelers and potential threats.
• Secret Courage: Despite her cheerful demeanor, Bessa harbors a deep fear of failure, motivating her to work tirelessly for the village’s safety.

Adventure Hooks for DMs

• The Buried Chest: Adventurers stumble upon Milo’s hidden chest, leading to revelations about corruption in the Viscounty.
• A Test of Leadership: Milo suddenly falls ill, and Bessa must step up to lead the village in his absence, seeking adventurers to assist with a growing threat.

Adventures and Hooks

• A Missing Mule: A villager’s prized mule has vanished, and the Sheriff seeks adventurers to track it down.
• Lost Heirloom: A farmer reports a stolen family heirloom, and suspicions arise about a traveling merchant.
• Unwelcome Visitors: A group of bandits has been sighted on the outskirts of Littleburrow, raising concerns about security.
• Bandit Intrigue: A bandit leader captured in the village is revealed to have ties to a larger criminal network operating in Verbobonc.

Sheriffs Hall Littleburrow by 3orcs

Sheriff Milo Hilltopple

Level 4 Halfling Fighter (Champion)

• AC: 16 (leather armor, shield)
• HP: 32
• #AT: 2 (+4 to hit)
• Damage: 1d8+2 (shortsword) or 1d6+2 (sling)
• Saves: Str +4, Dex +5
• Abilities: Second Wind, Action Surge, Improved Critical (crits on a 19-20)
• Stats: S 12, D 16, C 14, I 10, W 13, Ch 14
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Languages: Common, Halfling

Items: Short sword, sling, 10 bullets, leather armor, shield, 15 gp, carved pipe with tobacco pouch.

Sheriff Milo Hilltopple by 3orcs

Milo Hilltopple

A stout halfling with graying hair and a pair of round spectacles perched on his nose. Always impeccably dressed, Milo wears a leather waistcoat adorned with the Sheriff’s badge.

• Role: Oversees the Hall, mediates disputes, and organizes village events.
• Personality: Thoughtful, kind, and methodical. Milo believes in resolving conflicts with fairness and a sharp wit.
• Background: A former grain merchant, Milo was elected Sheriff five years ago after retiring from his trade. He is a trusted and beloved figure in the community.
• Motivation: Milo takes pride in serving the village and ensuring its harmonious coexistence with neighboring settlements.

Deputy Bessa Cloverfoot

Level 3 Halfling Ranger

• AC: 15 (studded leather armor)
• HP: 26
• #AT: 1 (+5 to hit)
• Damage: 1d8+3 (shortbow) or 1d6+3 (dagger)
• Saves: Dex +5, Wis +4
• Abilities: Favored Enemy (Bandits), Natural Explorer (Plains), Fighting Style (Archery)
• Stats: S 10, D 16, C 14, I 11, W 14, Ch 12
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Languages: Common, Halfling, Goblin

Items: Shortbow, quiver with 20 arrows, studded leather armor, dagger, 8 sp, small wooden whistle.

Hearthwarden Staff

Magical Wooden Staff (Carved with Protective Runes)

• AC Bonus: When wielded, grants +1 to AC.
• Runic Shield (1/Day): Cast Shield as a reaction, adding +5 AC until the start of her next turn.
• Protective Aura: Allies within 10 ft. gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Deputy Bessa Cloverfoot by 3orcs

Bessa Cloverfoot

A young and energetic halfling with short-cropped auburn hair and a ready smile. She carries a wooden staff carved with protective runes.

• Role: Assists the Sheriff, handles minor disputes, and patrols the village outskirts.
• Personality: Empathetic and courageous, Bessa is known for her eagerness to help and her sharp observational skills.
• Background: Born and raised in Littleburrow, Bessa was chosen by Milo for her dedication to the village. She has aspirations of one day becoming Sheriff.
• Motivation: Bessa is driven by a desire to protect her home and ensure a safe future for Littleburrow.

Type

Guard post / house

Parent Location

Littleburrow

Owner

Mirabella Stefania

Owning Organization

House Stefania