Hobbits of the Shire
Culture
hobbits of the shire
…he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.
Hobbits are a small and merry folk, possessing a love for time-honoured traditions and respectable ways, and a strong dislike for anything out of the ordinary. If Hobbits had their way, the days would go by in an unchanging world, as they have since anyone can remember. At least, in their land, the Shire.
But since the return of Mr Bilbo Baggins from his adventure with a group of Dwarves and a travelling Wizard, something has changed. Stories about remote lands, dark woods, Giants, Elves, and forgotten halls beneath the earth have started to circulate among Hobbits of a more adventurous sort. And with every year, another one or two discreetly disappear to go and have adventures.
characteristics
Hobbits are much smaller than Men, even smaller than Dwarves, and might be mistaken for children of Men by those who do not know of their existence. They have never been warlike, but for all their gentle appearance they are surprisingly tough, and difficult to intimidate or kill. A merry folk, Hobbits possess a cheerful spirit and a friendliness that makes them good companions.
Hobbits do not abandon their comfortable lives easily, but when they do they usually wait for their coming of age at 33. A particularly reckless fellow might feel the call to adventure when in their tweens, as Hobbits call their twenties. When pushed to resort to weapons, Hobbits choose short swords and hunting bows, which they can shoot with uncanny precision.
Cultural Blessing — Hobbit-sense
Hobbits have learned their place in the world a long time ago, and they display a robust capacity for insight that many folks mistake for lack of courage. No visions or wild fantasies can tempt them, as they do not seek power or control over others.
Your WISDOM rolls are Favoured, and you gain (1d) on all Shadow Tests made to resist the effects of Greed.
… they have a fund of wisdom and wise sayings that men have mostly never heard or have forgotten long ago.
Halflings
Due to their reduced size, Hobbits cannot use larger weapons effectively. The weapons available to Hobbits are:
Axe, bow, club, cudgel, dagger, short sword, short spear, spear. Additionally, Hobbits cannot use a great shield.
Standard of Living — Common
Hobbits live in peace, their land is well-tilled and their borders protected, but theirs is an isolated island in the middle of a desolate region, and trading is an uncommon occurrence.
attributes
Choose one set of Attributes, or roll a Success die:
|
Roll |
STRENGTH |
HEART |
WITS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
3 |
6 |
5 |
|
2 |
3 |
7 |
4 |
|
3 |
2 |
7 |
5 |
|
4 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
|
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
6 |
2 |
6 |
6 |
Derived Stats
Calculate the following scores based on your chosen Attribute ratings:
|
Endurance |
STRENGTH + 18 |
|
Hope |
HEART + 10 |
|
Parry |
WITS + 12 |
Skills
Copy the listed Skill ranks onto the character sheet; then, choose one Skill among the two underlined and mark it as Favoured.
|
AWE |
0 |
ENHEARTEN |
0 |
PERSUADE |
2 |
|
ATHLETICS |
0 |
TRAVEL |
0 |
STEALTH |
3 |
|
AWARENESS |
2 |
INSIGHT |
2 |
SCAN |
0 |
|
HUNTING |
0 |
HEALING |
1 |
EXPLORE |
0 |
|
SONG |
2 |
COURTESY |
2 |
RIDDLE |
3 |
|
CRAFT |
1 |
BATTLE |
0 |
LORE |
0 |
Combat Proficiencies
Copy the following Combat Proficiency ranks onto the character sheet, selecting a preferred Proficiency when offered a choice.
|
Bows OR Swords |
2 |
|
Choose one Combat Proficiency |
1 |
Distinctive Features
Choose two Distinctive Features among those listed: Eager, Fair-spoken, Faithful, Honourable, Inquisitive, Keen-eyed, Merry, Rustic.
Languages and Typical Names
Hobbits speak only the Common Speech, preserving the use of a few words and names of their own forgotten tongue. Names are composed of a first name and a family name. First names for men are usually simple and short, with women being often given names of flowers or precious stones, but among the older families a custom survives of giving more heroic and high-sounding names, whose origin can be traced back to a time before the Shire.