Introduction to Hobbitika

Hobbitika is an Earth-like world, on (and in) which live many interesting species. The most obvious novelties that an Earthling would notice, if one were to visit Hobbitika, are a big reddish sun, a dark blue daytime sky, a small and erratic secondary moon, and a far greater variety in humanoid species. Incidently, the name of the world is not derived from that of the Hobbit species, but rather the reverse: the Elven source of the word "Hobbit" means "people of the Earth", an apt description for ground-burrowing farmers.

One Hobbitikan year is about 341 days. Most species use a 27 to 28 day month based on the orbital period of the main moon of Hobbitika, Selene; some use an 18 to 19 day month based on the period of the minor moon, Meinas. Eclipses by Selene of Helios, the sun, are rare but often last over an hour. Several planets are visible in the Hobbitikan sky: the majestic and brilliant Zeus and Rhea; the beautiful morning and evening "stars", Phosphoros and Hesperos; fiery Enyalios, honoured especially by the Orcs; slow and faint Kronos; and Kirke, the speedy daughter and companion of Helios.

Climate on Hobbitika is fairly similar to that of Earth. The most notable difference is that habitable land is somewhat more restricted towards the equator than on Earth, on account of great icefields. Elven legends speak of a time when the ice was much less widespread. Gnomish legends say that they are sleeping mountains of ice that used to walk at night but eventually got tired and lay down for a short nap: coincidently, the spots that these mountains found most comfortable were the unnaturally flat croplands of the legendary superbeings that reputedly ruled the world, the Hobgoblins, resulting in that species being squashed out of existence. This, say the Gnomes, should be a warning to all farmers today to be nice to the ice, or else suffer the same fate.

A note concerning names: many species and races have different names for the world and the sun, the seas and mountains, and the moons and months. For convenience sake, only one set of names is generally used in this atlas, that of the Greeks (or at least one city of Greeks, typically Khaldor). Why the Greeks? Probably because of the anthropocentric view of the author and the love of Greek philosophers to study the natural world: the Greeks probably have the most complete list of names for things, at least in Mesopontia. Exceptions to this rule occur in cases when the Greeks do not have a common term or when they themselves use a non-Greek name.


THE LAND OF MESOPONTIA

Mesopontia is the name given by Greek inhabitants to a region in the southern hemisphere of Hobbitika roughly 1000 km across, roughly centred about the Mesopontos ("Central Sea"). The Greeks, however, are one of the more recent peoples, and many of the more indigenous folk still use their own names (as will be mentioned later). The region is dominated by several interconnected lakes or seas, and is bordered by the Axenos ("Inhospitable") Sea to the south, the Kaska Mountains to the east, and the Steppes of the north. The western limits are now being defined by encroaching invaders, mainly well-organised Orc nations. The climate is dry temperate: dry and fairly hot summers, wet autumns, cool winters with snow the norm in most regions, and very unpredictable springs.


THE PEOPLES OF MESOPONTIA

1) The Humans

As seems to be the case for many worlds, Humans are the most visible humanoid species on Mesopontia. Their "success" is the result of many factors such as rapid breeding and cultural traits favouring the building of lasting structures and the militaristic domination of their neighbours and environment. However, this is a relatively recent phenomenon, brought upon mostly by the recent immigrant cultures (the Greeks and Norse), and one that may also be fairly short-lived: the Orcish invaders may well overrun all of Mesopontia within a few decades.

a) The Greeks

The Greeks are the most prominent and populous Humans in Mesopontia, on account of their love of buildings, boats and warfare. Their arrogance and occasional piratical tendencies have not earned them a good reputation. Many compact cities are situated on the shores and islands of the two central seas: highlights are the many splendid temples and public buildings, but these are countered by the drab living conditions for the bulk of the populace. The Greeks pride themselves on their intellectual and technological skills, but spend an excessive amount of time, effort, and lives fighting among themselves. Economically, the Greeks are the major trading force in the region. This has led to a loss of self-sufficiency in foodstuffs, however, with many of the eastern states dependent on their western cousins and the Hobbits.

The main political unit among the Greeks is the city-state. Some cities control extensive tracts of lands and even other cities, but most are little more than a small walled city with some surrounding agricultural land. Four states are currently the most significant: Khaldor, Thalsos, Khaliedon, and Amphithea (the fifth biggie of recent times, Epikratos, has been crippled over the last decade by the Orcish incursions). Most cities are monarchies, with a few being non-monarchical oligarchies or limited democracies. The most equitable ones tend to be on the western shore of the Mesopontos. In most states, free peasants make up the bulk of the populace and slaves making up about 20% of the population. Khaliedon is the main exception, consisting of over 50% slaves.

b) The Norse

The Norsefolk reside mostly around the southern end of Titan's Way, on the eastern shore of the Mesopontos, and around the Vatnsend ("Sea's End") in the west. They are the newest Human cultural group to arrive in Mesopontia, mostly arriving about a century ago from somewhere beyond the far side of the Axenos. The Norse have been actively exploring and colonising to the west, but are gradually being driven back by the Orcs. They are not very politically organised, but cultural ties keep them unified. Many live or work in Greek cities as non-citizen merchants, craftspeople, and mercenaries; most mercearies in Mesopontia are Norse, as they are second only to the Kimmerians in fierceness and are more easily controlled than the latter. The Norse and Greeks compete keenly for trade in the Axenos; minor wars have occurred in the past, and are a constant threat. The only major Greek state having a sizeable Norse citizen population is Khaldor, due to its close proximity and interest in trade to the south.

The Norse towns and villages by the Axenos generally have the look of temporary camps. Stonework is rare, as are large structures. While this is in keeping with cultural preferences, the real reason is that many Norse still seem to be looking for a real homeland to fully settle in: so many have been on the move or travelling as traders for so long that they have ceased to bother with permanent fixtures.

c) The Japanese

Japanese fishing villages dot the coast of the Axenos, in and about the same general region as the Norse inhabit. Most of these are autonomous, with their inhabitants being preoccupied with fishing and other basic activities. A single, small nation also exists at the western end of the Mesopontos. The Japanese predate the Norse and Greeks by centuries, and have somehow been able to hold their own amongst the pushy newcomers. According to one Elvish tale, nothing has changed in their villages over the centuries but for a minor influx of Norse knotwork in art, esoteric Greek philosophy, and feta cheese.

d) The Iroquois

The Iroquois are a "barbarian" people of the forest and steppe land to the the north. To the Greeks and Norse they are barbarous because they speak funny, dislike large cities (prefering their wilderness homeland), and are not obsessed with trade and profit. However, their political and magical skills equal if not surpass those of the Greeks (let alone the Norse). What was first taken to be timidness in the face of "superior" newcomer cultures is now begrudgingly accepted to be a general disinterest in the southerners on the part of the Iroquois: they have been here for millenia, and see no reason to worry or change because some groups of loudmouthed seafarers have moved next door. The Iroquois are also having problems with Orcish incursions from the west, but are able to counter them reasonably well with guerilla warfare, and are clearly a less desirable target because they lack rich cities with concentrated wealth.

Politically, the Iroquois are a well-governed democratic federation of nations. They have limited dealings with the Hobbits, as neither understand the other very much. On the other hand, with the Elves they have the best relations of all the Humans.

e) The Kimmerians

Far to the south, somewhere across the inhospitable Axenos, lies the land of the fiercesome Kimmerians. Most inhabitants of Mesopontia are quite thankful for that, as the Kimmerians are classic horseback barbarians that quite enjoy raiding all of their neighbours. A few Kimmerians have migrated into Mesopontic lands, many as slaves of the Greeks or spouses of traders. Their archery skills have made them useful as light troops and as mercenary police forces, while their horse skills make them indispensable as mercenary cavalry as well as horse breeders and trainers. Not too surprisingly, Kimmerians have difficulty fitting into sedentary and urban lifestyles.


2) The Hobbits

Long ago, Elves named Hobbits "people of the Earth" after their world. This term the Hobbits have adopted for themselves, finding it much nicer than the names most other species give them (such as Halflings, Stubbies, Midges, Grunts, Gnoll-bait, Stomaches and Root-grubbers). Hobbits love to eat, and live to eat. They have lived in Mesopontia for as long as anyone can remember: they seem to predate all of the Humans except perhaps the Iroquois, and even the Elves have no record of their moving in. Hobbits occupied most of the eastern shore region of Mesopontos before the Greeks and Norse arrived, but have since retreated from the sea. The greatest concentration is now in the fertile rolling hills east of Khaldor.

The Hobbits are the best farmers in region, if not the entire world. It is often speculated upon whether this is the result, or the cause, of their legendary appitites. They export food to many of the Greek cities as well as the Gnomes of the Pindos Mountains. From the Greeks they obtain high-quality metalwork, textiles, wine and pottery. The Gnomes supply metalwork and magical goods (but how the Gnomes get to and from the Hobbit lands is a bothersome matter for toll-seeking Khaldor!). A few Greek cities have tried to emulate the farming practices of the Hobbits, but with limited success. In part this is due to the relatively low status and subsistent lifestyle of most of the farmers in the Greek states, who thus lack the means and incentive to fully appreciate the subtleties of Hobbit ingenuity and patience. The Hobbits also refuse to share several key secrets, prefering instead to simply eat.

Hobbit society is oriented around the clan (and eating), and in Mesopontia it is particularly well organised. The community (and dinner table) is the focal point for all Hobbits, and fairness to all is the rule. Hobbit democracy differs in several ways from that of the Greeks. Greek democracy is theoretically very effective and perfectly fair, but in practice is often open to manipulation by rich families. As well, most Greek states have strict definitions for citizenship. The Hobbits, on the other hand, are more honest in their recognition of the leadership skills of clan elders and their clergy, but conversely are more adamant in their leaving all major decisions up to the community as a whole. Voting is open to all Hobbits, no matter what their status, residence, appetite, or profession; thus even perfect strangers can wander in, eat, listen to a debate, eat, and cast a vote. Concensus is the desired goal in all but the most pressing of votes. This leads to loooonng discussions, but for those who are interested it provides the best chance to fully understand all sides of the issue (and share a meal or three with all sides).

Even in military matters, the Hobbits are deceptively resistant. The first Norse migrants attempted to subjugate much of the Hobbit lands, but found that the guerilla tactics, organisation, and magic made them far too costly to try to rule. They were also annoyed at the incredible appetites of their little slaves. Eventually an uneasy truce was achieved, with the Hobbits abandoning the shores of the Mesopontos to the invaders. Not too surprisingly, the Hobbits are generally suspicious of the activities of all big folk now. Scouting bands of a dozen or so Hobbits have often been seen far abroad, and have even been involved in the battles against the Orcs to the west: they can often be hired as short-term mercenaries, as long as there is plenty of food.


3) The Elves

Only one sizable Elvish community is commonly known in Mesopontia: Haryn, a deeply forested region about 50 km across at the head of the Naios River. This community is roughly half-and-half Noldor and Nandor, but the Nandor are rarely seen by outsiders. Few Elves deal with outsiders, and those that do mainly do so with the Gnomes of the Pindos Mountains, the Iroquois, and the Humans of Thalsos.

Other Elves are certainly known to exist, but their homelands are far more hidden. Some number of Vanyar are suspected to be living somewhere in the Kaska mountains, and a sizable number of Nandor may be living in the northern forests, perhaps among the Iroquois.


4) The Dwarves

Dwarves are very scarce in Mesopontia. No communities are known to outsiders, although some are suspected in the Kaska Mountains. Dwarves are currently unwelcome in many Human states, ever since their interference in Khaldorian politics was discovered about 70 years ago. Their reasons were never made clear, and in hindsight it seems that they may have been actually attempting to aid Khaldor, but the secretive manner has left considerable suspicion. Khaldor does not permit any Dwarves on its soil, and many other Human states tend to drive them out.

Not too surprisingly, many Dwarves feel that everyone is out to get them. Unfortunately, the few Dwarves that one meets outside of the Kaska and Pindos Mountains tend to be shady traders, mercenaries, adventurers, or outcasts, making matters worse for their reputation. Only among the Gnomes and a few Norse communities do they in any way live in harmony with others, usually as smiths and miners.


5) The Gnomes

A small group of Gnomish communities exist in the Pindos mountains. The Gnomes keep very much to themselves, with the notable exception of a strong trade link with the Hobbits. In exchange for fine metalwork and magical goods, the Gnomes receive foodstuffs and information on the Humans. The Greeks of Khaldor in particular have tried to establish friendly relations with their neighbours, if for no other reason to guarantee their western border against Gnolls and Orcs. This has led to sporadic trade in fine wine and pottery for the Gnomish metals. It has also brought forth unwanted interference in internal politics, however, often of a humourous and unpredictable nature; the net result has usually been simply chaotic fun, but several Humans have lost much face and have cultivated a strong hatred for all Gnomes. The Gnomes have difficulty understanding people that lack a strong sense of humour.

The Gnomish trade with the Hobbits of the east also proves to be a perpetual annoyance to Khaldor. Somehow the Gnomes regularly travel to and from the Hobbit lands, without ever being seen crossing Titan's Way or Khaldorian land. This in turn means that the lucrative trade cannot be taxed. Needless to say, the Gnomes will not tell anyone how they do it, simply responding that they were there first and hardly notice giants anyway. The Hobbits likewise keep quiet, enjoying their privileged trade connection and good meals with their short friends (some say that the Hobbits themselves do not know the Gnomish secret).


6) Orcs and other Undesirables

As with most worlds, there are a few rotten folk who are bent upon wreaking havoc upon their neighbours. In the case of Mesopontia, most of these troublemakers belong to, or are associated with, several nations of Orcs located to the west. Besides being an immense nuisance out there, they are expanding eastwards into Mesopontia. The only bright side to the obnoxious antics of these low-lifes is that many of the numerous old hatreds among the Humans, Elves, and Dwarves are being put aside, at least for the moment.

Nearly incessant and successful warfare by the Orcs is leading to their becoming the dominant humanoid species of Mesopontia and the surrounding lands. The degree of organisation, political stability, and technology of the Orcs in particular is quite remarkable, and very worrying to all other inhabitants of Mesopontia. Several well-built Greek cities held by strong, well-trained troops have fallen to the Orcish armies over the last 20 years, often by means of superb siege tactics. All of the surviving inhabitants of these cities were enslaved, most sent westwards, never to be seen again. Perhaps most surprising of all is the moderate degree of planning and foresight that the Orcs display, so uncharacteristic of their species. They seem quite content to slowly and methodically swallow up the coastal lands, only rarely overextending themselves in their lust for plunder.

The main regions of conflict at present are in the Pindos Mountains, in the Praxetos Sea against the few remaining free Greek cities (all on islands now), at the borders of Khaliedon, and to the north in the Iroquois steppes. Of these, the fighting is heaviest at Khaliedon. The islands in the Praxetos were quite secure until just a few years ago, when the Orcs started taking to boats; while the Orcish pentekonters and biremes are still no match for the Greek biremes and hemiolias, now only one city is not currently making evacuation plans.

Some rumours have it that another race is leading the Orcs, giving them the organisational skills that Orcs normally lack. A few scouts have on occasion spotted large humanoids dealing with Orcish officers. The three most common suggestions for what these beings are have been large Hobgoblins (a species thought long extinct), super-intelligent Bugbears, or some unknown feline species. The most popular countering theory is that the few Human groups that are known to fight in the Orcish armies are not simply unwilling draftees but in fact mercenaries and allies that contribute significant command skills. Many of these humans are of cultures unknown to most Mesopontians, and thus their motives in fighting with the Orcs are open to much speculation.

Despite the obvious threat of the Orcs, not all groups have been cooperating in stopping the invasion. The Greeks in particular have difficulty in not keeping their own feuds going to the detriment of all. Amphithea only begrudgingly ceased raiding Khaliedon a few years ago when the latter became a frontline state, and is still accused of occasionally aiding the Orcs against their old foe.

Greed is another Human trait that the Orcs have exploited. About 25 years ago two Greek cities actually made up contracts with the Orcs to buy Human captives cheap for use as slaves; these cities were utterly sacked 16 years ago by a joint mission of several other Greek cities. Since then a few shady traders continue to purchase some captives and to ransom them to Khaliedon for their purchase price (plus a bit): some people see these traders as heroes, others as filthy scum. As for the Norse, some communities readily prey upon cities weakened by the Orcs, and only fight the Orcs when they get in the way.

While most humans are more consistent in their opposition to the Orcs, many still have difficulty taking their threat seriously. "They have so little magic!","they're short!",and "brainless idiots!" are common responses to the the subject of the Orcish Menace. The Hobbits largely leave the problem to the Humans to deal with ("what else are Humans for but to control other unruly Bigfolk?"), but a few bands of warriors have been taking an active part in the wars. The Gnomes are perhaps the most aggressive group of Mesopontians, given their small number and stature: they frequently send ambassadors (and likely more secret individuals) to encourage Human cities to fight. Elves by and large do not seem to care very much, being content merely on keeping the Orcs out of their forests. Only the Elves of the Haryn Forest near Thalsos have been actively cooperating with other species, working with several Greek cities by patrolling a small section of the Pindos Mountains.


Other than the Orcs, there are no organised nasty humanoid species in the Mesopontic region. Gnolls, Goblins, and Kobolds are nevertheless relatively plentiful in certain regions, and the Orcish armies do employ a large number of them. Many are little more than cannonfodder or special shock troops for the Orcs. However, Gnolls often serve as scouts and as a replacement for cavalry: Orcs are not very good with horses (prefering to eat them) and lack plentiful allies that are.

There is one notable nation of Humans that have sided with the Orcs: the Trechtotties. The "Techies" are not particularly adept at mundane warfare, but are skilled magicians and users of special devices (magical and otherwise). They are even rumoured to have access to numerous ancient Hobgoblin arts and technology. Their most notable contribution to the war lately has been the creation of a widespread teleport network that the Orcs use to transport troops. Whatever their source of their abilities, the "Techies" complement very well their less intellectual allies.

Little is known in Mesopontia about the "Techies" outside of their magical skills. They appear to originate from far to the north-west in tropical lands. Physically, they are dark-skinned and extremely tall and slender. Their one notable cultural trait is a pathalogical hatred of Hobbits, whom they consider to be their mortal foe. Hobbits would find it hilarious that such giants fear them so much, other than the fact that the "Techies" consider genocide to be the only solution to the "Hobbit problem". While the Orcs simply treat Hobbits as nuisances and an immense waste a food, they generally pass on Hobbit captives to their allies for execution. Not too surprisingly, Hobbits have acquired an immense aversion to being captured.