Shenshire
Pronunciation: SHEN-shire
Map Index: E-5
Location: Southeast coast of Aorlan
Description: The kingdom of Shenshire lies along the picturesque coast of Aorlan, situated just north of Denos and south of the Uldeen Hills. It is a coastal land of gentle slopes and fertile soils bounded by the great enchanted forest of Mithtaur in the west.
True to their Shenn heritage, the inhabitants of Shenshire prefer building dwellings into the earth and spending much time cultivating well-tended gardens. The nature centered beliefs of the residents of this peaceful land have fostered a high regard for master gardeners, who are looked up to as important members of the community.
Residents: The population is predominantly comprised of Shenn halflings, who sought refuge in a promising unpopulated land after escaping the calamitous events of the Great Cataclysm. While a smaller number of humans also reside in Shenshire, both races coexist harmoniously and work together in times of peril, with most of the humans having assimilated into the halfling culture.
Primary Population: Shenn
Secondary Population: Varynn
Minor Population: Arn, Ceodari, Garuun, Kishari
Government and Politics: The land is governed by a benevolent halfling thane who treats all inhabitants fairly, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. He is also a master gardener who is a highly regarded expert on flowers.
Shenshire maintains amicable relations with kingdom of Denos, the gnomes of the Uldeen Hills, and the Valtauri elves residing in Mithtaur. Due to their deep rooted fear of the sea, they are somewhat geographically isolated from other kingdoms along the central Aorlan coastline.
Economy: Shenshire is known for its exports of root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, carrots, and rutabagas. They also grow a wide variety of culinary and medicinal herbs. Due to their aversion to the sea, most trade occurs overland with the neighboring kingdom of Denos rather than by sea. Shenshire is one of the few kingdoms that has regular trade with the elves of Mithtaur and as a result, its citizens have access to many items that are magical in nature.
Military: Each village maintains a militia to ensure their protection. Regular drilling has kept them sharp and a force to be reckoned with. Despite their small size, the Shenn halflings exhibit remarkable archery skills and are known for their mastery of concealment. Many a band of unsuspecting brigands have been surprised and routed in swift and lethal ambushes.
History: The inhabitants of this land arrived as refugees from a tragic event. When the Great Cataclysm rocked the world, most of the wonderously beautiful land of Shenn'valea sank below sea level. Many of the inhabitants died but of those who survived, many headed northward to higher lands to begin anew. Shenshire's halfling inhabitants, traumatized by the sinking of their ancestral lands, harbor a deep inherent fear of the sea. As a result, Shennshire halflings avoid swimming or sailing. This also explains why there is only one small port in a human village along their whole coastline, even though there are many favorable locations suitable for building a port.
Today: Through unity, cooperation, and resilience, Shenshire thrives as a haven of peaceful coexistence amidst the ever-changing landscape of Aorlan.
Map Index: E-5
Location: Southeast coast of Aorlan
Description: The kingdom of Shenshire lies along the picturesque coast of Aorlan, situated just north of Denos and south of the Uldeen Hills. It is a coastal land of gentle slopes and fertile soils bounded by the great enchanted forest of Mithtaur in the west.
True to their Shenn heritage, the inhabitants of Shenshire prefer building dwellings into the earth and spending much time cultivating well-tended gardens. The nature centered beliefs of the residents of this peaceful land have fostered a high regard for master gardeners, who are looked up to as important members of the community.
Residents: The population is predominantly comprised of Shenn halflings, who sought refuge in a promising unpopulated land after escaping the calamitous events of the Great Cataclysm. While a smaller number of humans also reside in Shenshire, both races coexist harmoniously and work together in times of peril, with most of the humans having assimilated into the halfling culture.
Primary Population: Shenn
Secondary Population: Varynn
Minor Population: Arn, Ceodari, Garuun, Kishari
Government and Politics: The land is governed by a benevolent halfling thane who treats all inhabitants fairly, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. He is also a master gardener who is a highly regarded expert on flowers.
Shenshire maintains amicable relations with kingdom of Denos, the gnomes of the Uldeen Hills, and the Valtauri elves residing in Mithtaur. Due to their deep rooted fear of the sea, they are somewhat geographically isolated from other kingdoms along the central Aorlan coastline.
Economy: Shenshire is known for its exports of root vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, carrots, and rutabagas. They also grow a wide variety of culinary and medicinal herbs. Due to their aversion to the sea, most trade occurs overland with the neighboring kingdom of Denos rather than by sea. Shenshire is one of the few kingdoms that has regular trade with the elves of Mithtaur and as a result, its citizens have access to many items that are magical in nature.
Military: Each village maintains a militia to ensure their protection. Regular drilling has kept them sharp and a force to be reckoned with. Despite their small size, the Shenn halflings exhibit remarkable archery skills and are known for their mastery of concealment. Many a band of unsuspecting brigands have been surprised and routed in swift and lethal ambushes.
History: The inhabitants of this land arrived as refugees from a tragic event. When the Great Cataclysm rocked the world, most of the wonderously beautiful land of Shenn'valea sank below sea level. Many of the inhabitants died but of those who survived, many headed northward to higher lands to begin anew. Shenshire's halfling inhabitants, traumatized by the sinking of their ancestral lands, harbor a deep inherent fear of the sea. As a result, Shennshire halflings avoid swimming or sailing. This also explains why there is only one small port in a human village along their whole coastline, even though there are many favorable locations suitable for building a port.
Today: Through unity, cooperation, and resilience, Shenshire thrives as a haven of peaceful coexistence amidst the ever-changing landscape of Aorlan.