Overview
The Five Shires is the homeland of the hin, a race similar to halflings, and a land of peaceful, pastoral bliss. It is a loose confederation of five independent shires, each with its own customs and traditions, all united under a single king or queen. The hin are a cheerful, good-natured people who value comfort, family, and a simple life. They are renowned for their bravery and their natural ability to avoid danger, often seen as a mix of good fortune and an uncanny knack for stealth. The nation is a land of rolling hills, lush farmlands, and cozy burrows, and it is largely self-sufficient, with little need for foreign trade or diplomacy.
Appearance
The landscape of the Five Shires is a beautiful, idyllic countryside of gently rolling hills and fertile fields. The land is largely rural, with no major cities or large towns. The homes of the hin are often built into the hillsides, with round doors and windows, and are well-known for their cozy and comfortable interiors. The hin themselves are a small, stout people, with hairy feet and a love for bright, colorful clothing. Their appearance is one of cheerfulness and contentment, and they are often found with a pipe in hand and a smile on their face.
Culture
The culture of the Five Shires is one of simplicity, hospitality, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. The hin are known for their love of good food, good drink, and a good story. They are a communal people, and a sense of family and community is a central part of their society. They have a strong oral tradition, and their history is passed down through songs, poems, and stories. The hin are a deeply spiritual people, with a pantheon of gods who represent the more positive aspects of life, such as luck, family, and good fortune. They are not a warlike people, but they are fiercely protective of their homes and their loved ones.
Society
Hin society is a democratic monarchy, with a King or Queen who is elected from a council of five sherriffs, one for each shire. The sheriffs, in turn, are elected by the hin themselves. This system ensures that the ruler is someone who has earned the respect and trust of the people, rather than someone who inherited their position. The hin are a communal people, and they often share their resources and work together for the good of the community. They have no standing army or professional soldiers, but every hin is trained to defend their home and their family.
Territory
The Five Shires are a geographically isolated nation, surrounded by the towering mountains of the Dragon's Teeth and the vast plains of the Broken Lands. This isolation has allowed the hin to remain largely undisturbed by the larger nations of the Known World. The territory is a patchwork of five distinct shires, each with its own local customs, but all united under a single king.
Resources
The Five Shires are a land of abundance, and their primary resources are their rich agricultural land and their love of good food. They produce a surplus of grains, vegetables, and livestock, and they are masters of brewing beer and ale. They have no natural resources like gold or iron, but their land is rich in life and comfort. Their greatest resource, however, is the tenacity and bravery of their people, who are willing to fight to the death to defend their home.
Military
The military of the Five Shires is not a formal army. It is a militia of hin who are trained in the use of slings, short bows, and daggers. They are masters of guerrilla warfare, using their small size and intimate knowledge of the land to their advantage. They have an uncanny ability to disappear and reappear without warning, and they are experts at ambushes and surprise attacks. While they may not be a match for a full-sized army in a straight fight, they are a formidable opponent on their home turf.
Relations
How the Five Shires Feels about Others: The hin of the Five Shires are a peaceful and friendly people, but they are wary of outsiders. They have a particular dislike for goblins and other monstrous races, whom they see as a constant threat to their way of life. They have a cordial relationship with the Grand Duchy of Darokin, and they often trade with their merchants. They have no significant diplomatic relations with the other nations of the Known World, preferring to keep to themselves.
How Others Feel about the Five Shires: The other nations of the Known World view the Five Shires with a mixture of amusement and respect. They see the hin as a cute, unassuming race, but they are also aware of their bravery and their ability to defend their home. The Grand Duchy of Darokin sees the Five Shires as a valuable trading partner, and they often send their merchants to trade for hin beer and food. The monsters of the Broken Lands see the Five Shires as a rich and easy target, but they are often surprised by the ferocity and skill of the hin defenders.
Reputation
The Five Shires have a reputation as a land of simple, good-natured folk who just want to be left alone. They are known for their hospitality and their love of a good party, but they are also respected for their bravery and their ability to defend their home. The hin are seen as an anachronism in a world of warring empires and powerful kingdoms, a land of peace and comfort in a world of conflict and strife. They are a testament to the idea that a simple life, a good heart, and a sling can be more powerful than any army.