Numerous families of courtfolk once served elven courts from Arbonesse to Valera and every holding in between. The courtfolk are what halflings should be, they claim, and their pitiable offshoot cousins are defined by their loss of purpose. They maintain they are simply halflings, but unlike the reclusive winterfolk and sly riverfolk, they did not break faith with the covenant they forged, by choice, with the great elven lords and ladies of old. The courtfolk themselves laugh off such claims. An occasional mage postulates the halflings were wholly created as elven servitors, made up partly of Midgard’s substance and given life by fey magic. Some suspicious humans maintain halflings were once human servants, but frequent exposure to the Elflands and the magic there left them stunted and enthralled to the fey.
The provenance of the courtfolk-indeed, all halflings-is the subject of speculation, and one the halflings themselves are curiously unconcerned with solving. They take pains to care for their clothing, family heirlooms, musical instruments, work implements, and other valued possessions. Courtfolk women particularly favor pipes of unique design.Ĭourtfolk are not motivated by material wealth or luxury, finding genuine contentment in simple things, but what they do keep, they desire to be of fine quality. Elven jewelry is common among halflings of any gender as are smoking pipes. Colors are pastel or forest tones and muted, befitting a servant, but never drab. Men typically wear baggy trousers and tight vests and women favor flowing skirts with bodices. Courtfolk prefer neat, well-tailored clothing (most of which they make themselves) with touches of elven inspiration apparent without ever descending into gaudy imitation. Their long proximity to elves and the Elflands shows in their complexion, usually pale and freckled with light-colored eyes and curly mops of hair.
Fey-Touched FineryĬourtfolk are as small in size and stature as any halfling. Centuries of elven absence have been difficult on the courtfolk, but they, like all halflings, have proven capable of adapting to a world that no longer needs them as they were. Now their oaths are sworn to the variable moods and personalities of scattered elfmarked lords, to the humans in large cities who see halflings as a simple labor force, and to rare elves who are not quite what they once were. Courtfolk are defined by their dedication and deference to the great elven courts of old, but their identities are in flux in the wake of the Great Retreat. No creature epitomizes the art of graceful service like the courtfolk, an accomplishment these halflings take with great (but quiet) pride.