Halfling Cove

Once the lair of raiders and bandits, Halfling Cove is a collection of huts, built on pilings, in the swamps, and the further east of all the settlements in The March. Since it's 'liberation' it has become a home for halflings, who want to establish a community of their own, many of whom are ex-slaves who fear recapture, while some just want to live a quiet, and traditional, life - or at least as much as they can. They aren't the only race here, but they are in the majority. While there is a channel leading to Coal lake, the economy is based on items that can be found, or cultivated, in the wetlands. Unlike most other places, there is no nominated leader, and no-one acts on behalf of the community, rather there is a 'sort of' communal arrangement, where everyone is seen as having a share of the benefits.

They run water-cows (called Carabao in Halfling) in the wetlands behind the village, and use the milk to make a semi-hard cheese that they flavour with locally foraged Cranberries and Juneberries. When wrapped in Darmera leaves, these cheeses are shipped as far as Tusk, where they are considered exotic delicacies.

  1. The Wise Woman's Hut - Probably the only influential non-halfling in the place. She offers advice, minor magics and medicines - but is very much a loner. When she comes into the village proper, everyone takes note.
  2. The Cheese Hut - This large hut is used for all the cheese making processes, from the first fermentation, to the final packing in Darmera leaves.
  3. The Jetty - The channel leading from the Jetty to Coal lake is just wide enough for The Yitis Keeler to get in, although it needs to be poled, rather than rowed or sailed. Otherwise, there are a few skiffs and rafts that the halflings use while foraging in the swamps.

The local food is unusual, although fairly tasty. Foraging and trapping provides Mud Eels and Waterfowl, Mint, Chives, Marsh Mallow(1), Cattail, Watercress, Water Chestnut, Cranberries and Red Huckleberries - which are supplemented by eggs and cheese.

Note1: Yes, it is a plant