Capital: Lynnebrooke (population: 8,000)
Human Population: 7,000 (95% Vaas, 5% other)
Demi-humans: 69,000 (5% dwarves, 10% elves, 85% halflings)
Humanoids: none
Government: Republic
Current Leaders: A 150-member halfling parliament
Coat of Arms: A tan pipe emitting Grey smoke on a pale green field
Imports: wine, ale, gold, gems, cloth, iron
Exports: pipeweed, grain, crafts, musical instruments, clothing
Greenwood Forest is like no other on Corwyn, in that it is home to Grenshire; the largest independent colony of halflings found anywhere on the continent. The Greenwood is bordered on the north by the Nolar Vaas, the south by Elyria, the east by the Eldir Vaas river, and on the west by the Almyron Sea. The forest is populated mainly by centaurs and halflings, although humans are quite common here as well. The forest contains as many plots of Pipeweed, grown by the halfling folk for trade, as it does trees.
The halflings have no real enemies, other than the occasional brigand or kobold band. For protection, there is a lightly armed halfling militia called the Guardë that patrols the Greenwood Forest and collects tolls for the use of the Greenway, the central road that passes through the forest, on its direct route between the cities of Lynnebrooke, and Rilsavar. The Academë Road runs thru the northern part of the forest on its route between Athos-Avarel and Berevrom's Keep.
Life & Society
The halfling society of the Greenwood is one of peaceful tranquility, although sometimes interrupted by numerous festivals, parties, and merry-making. Nearly all halflings are either farmers or are somehow involved in the pipeweed trade, their chief staple. Pipeweed only seems to grow in the Greenwood, and the halflings have been harvesting it for thousands of years. The symbol of the weed, leaf, and pipe are synonymous with halfling culture and their reputation on Corwyn. Halflings are not savvy merchants like Serathians, nor avaricious money hoarders like Orellians.
Rather, most halflings will sell their wares at a decent price, but many would just as soon give their product away for a song, a mug of ale, or for simply telling a good story. Life here is tranquil and quiet, with hardly any trouble. This tranquility is why so many humans and gnomes have migrated here in search of the idyllic surroundings offered within these woods. The halflings also have a peculiar relationship with the centaurs of the forest, who befriended them long ago. It is well known that centaurs will not willingly associate with humans or dwarves, but they seem to get along well with the small folk of Greenwood. Halfling militia patrols are sometimes mounted on centaurs, so they can move quickly through the dense undergrowth. But the patrols are usually bored for there is little excitement here.
Important Sites
Lynnebrooke: (population: 8,000) this large town serves as the capitol of the halfling realm of Grenshire, the center of its economy, and the wholesale market of pipeweed for all of West Corwyn. The village of Lynnebrooke is located on the coast of the Almyron Sea, at the western edge of the Greenwood. All manner of shops, warehouses, and inns are crowded into its streets, and most visitors don’t seem to mind the low ceilings everywhere, for the hospitality is warm, and the pipeweed is of the finest quality. Lynnebrooke is accessible via the Greenway, which connects it to the cities of Gresham.
Local History
Halflings are unlike the other older races in that they endured no struggle in their early history. Unlike the elves and dwarves who endured many bloody wars, halflings settled throughout Corwyn in the Third and Fourth Ages and established roots, but nowhere were those roots as strong as in the Greenwood. Apart from a few border skirmishes and raids by kobolds, the halflings have peacefully prospered. They historically had no love of gold or jewels, so no other races tried to conquer them, for it seemed the little folk were materially poor. Even today, that reputation for poverty and simplicity endures, for which halflings are eternally grateful.
