The Tuckburrows of Tuckland

NB: this post is my entry into the BroXT Make Your Own Braunstein Faction competition.

The Tuckburrows of Tuckland are a renowned family of tallfellow halflings, inspired by the Tooks and Brandybucks from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The Tuckburrow clan is centered on their giant ancestral home, “The Great Den”, a series of tunnels and rooms carved out of a large hill. The Great Den is not only a communal home for dozens of halfling families, but a defensible fortress should dangerous foes seek to threaten Tuckland.

The Tuckburrows are renowned among halflings for their appetite for adventure, and for being more skilled at war and warfare than their extended kin. As upstanding halflings, they primarily seek to ensure the peace and prosperity of their people and those halflings they protect in the nearby region. They won’t hesitate to take up arms in defense of their extended kin, or when the forces of evil threaten their borders.

The Tuckburrows have remained a small power for some time, not having a desire for expansion. The Tuckburrows have been protected by larger, stronger forces of good for years, but recent events in the world mean they may be called upon once again to defend their homeland and to lead their kinsmen against encroaching evil.

Characters

Brungobard Tuckburrow (NG, F4/T4); S17, I13, W13, D16, Cn16, Ch 10; Studded Leather Armor + 1, Short Sword +3, Short Bow, Arrow x 12

The current patriarch of the Tuckburrows and Thane of Tuckland, who has returned to rule over his kinsmen from The Great Den after a career adventuring amongst other races. A skilled fighter and thief, Brungobard’s exploits are both numerous and admirable. However, his kin simply see him as his father’s heir who spent his best years off doing who-knows-what to no beneficial end. Now that he is Thane, Brungobard wants to make a name for himself among the annals of his clan which extends back two-dozen generations.

Dagowart Tuckburrow (F2); S16, I15, W15, D14, Cn17, Ch 16; Studded Leather Armor, Short Sword+1, Short Bow, Arrows x12

Brungobard’s uncle and marshal has been a key figure in Tuckland for decades. His steady leadership ensures the good discipline of Tuckland’s company of defenders. Once, in his youth, he slayed several Kobolds at the Battle of Tuckland Ford, the last incursion of the forces of evil into Tuckland.

Ephroot Tuckborrow (T2); S16, I18, W13, D18, Cn16, Ch 13; Studded Leather Armor, Short Sword, Short Bow, Arrows x 12

Second cousin, twice-removed, from the Thane, Ephroot is a young halfling notorious for his desire to experience the world outside of Tuckland, but his familial obligations have kept him from leaving thusfar. However, he is excited at what the reign of his cousin will bring in terms of new opportunities.

Thorpwood Tuckburrow (F1); S13, I15, W15, D17, Cn12, Ch 12; Studded Leather Armor, Short Sword, Hand Axe

Dagowart’s only son, Thorpwood follows in his father’s footsteps. He seeks to be worthy of his father’s legacy, but also hopes that mainly involves drinking ale and recounting stories with friends.

Troops

The Tuckburrows control a force of 80 Halflings. Each is outfitted with studded leather armor. Their weapons are assigned according to the following table.

The Great Den

The Great Den is a large hill with a large tunnel network. With few doors and windows, and a wooden palisade around it, the Great Den is a surprisingly good defensive fortification, in addition to a large home.