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The Shire
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Hidden in the depths of the old Haon Dor forest, there is a crowd of comfortable
caverns, lovingly groomed by the peaceful folk of hobbits, who stems from this
place. All things which make up a town - inns, shops, practicing grounds as well
as capable gateguards and sheriffs - are present in the Shire. The Shire is very
hidden inside Keorangar, and so not many are disturbed that only hobbits are
allowed to enter.
The hobbits have established a friendly governing system in the Shire, mirroring
their search for peace and harmony. A Thain is elected by the hobbits, who then
acts as mayor and peacekeeper of the town. He deploys sheriffs who act as
cityguards and policemen. When you enter the Shire, you are coming under the
jurisdiction of the Thain, so better don't make trouble!
"I like that region of the Haon Dor Forest. There is a place, usually guarded by
a tall warrior, where I meet the Little People. Aragorn bless them, they are a
bless for my business. They bake wonderful bread, create a godly herbal brew,
and their ceddar cheese seeks comparison. I never went near the place where they
live though, those strange little hills with ... shutters!"
- Herwadon Breslii, touring merchant
The typical housing space in the Shire is used by little caverns, which are
groomed as if they were houses. It is taken care that they are comfortable,
heated, and bear enough space for a hobbit family. From the outside you can
recognize them on their painted shutters, the round door leading in, or the
plume coming from the cavern's chimney(s).
The people in the Shire live mainly from the trade with midgaard and the Elven
tree, so you might think to meet a human or elf in it, but you're far wrong!
Only seldomly other people than elves are let into the town, as is the bond
between hobbits and elves the strongest hobbits support.
An illustrated map of The Shire is available by clicking on the minimap below (please
note that is it quite a large image (250k) ).
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