After addressing why Clerics aren't present in The Hero's Journey, Second Edition it got me thinking about another commonly asked question concerning my favorite lineage in the game: Halflings. Most folks who read the game seem surprised that halflings can advance to maximum level as a Yeoman and not as a Burglar. The logic of this seemed obvious to me at the time of writing the game, but continues to be another commonly asked question, so again, I wanted to address it.
First, let's start with how the assumption that halflings should be expert burglars came about. The answer is pretty obvious from both a rules standpoint and when one looks at the source material. The iconic halfling , especially when it comes to burglars is none other than the esteemed Bilbo Baggins, protagonist of The Hobbit. He's even literally called a burglar in the book - though he prefers the term expert treasure hunter. Fantasy roleplaying games, practically from the beginning, seem to have presented halflings as being quintessentially stealthy and rogue-like, so it makes sense that they'd be the most buglarious. Even in The Hero's Journey their high Finesse, natural stealth, and innate skill with ranged weapons seems to make them ideal burglars.
So why then, are they given maximum advancement in Yeoman and not Burglar?
The answer is simple: It's not about what they're good at. It's about who halflings are and what matters to them deep in their heart. Halflings value simple things: Family, home, food, simple comforts. They are, to my mind, the personification of the ordinary and its importance, even when on grand adventures. Halflings show their mettle when confronted with impossible danger, especially when in defense of those they love. They face these challenges with heart and hope. They are determined, dedicated, and resolved to give every last ounce of themselves to protect the small joys of the world.
Most halflings aren't cunning, clever little thieves. They're not mighty warriors, nor are they uncanny arcanists. Yes, in some stories they can take up such roles - but it's not who they are. They're ordinary people, defending the ordinary world and ordinary joys. And in the end, they know just how important the ordinary truly is. They stand up for friendship, family, a fine meal, and the little happinesses that make life worth living - and they'll give their last breath to ensure that such things endure.
It always seemed to me that even though Gandalf played Bilbo up to be a burglar to the dwarves he really wasn't and Gandalf knew it. And that wasn't the real reason Gandalf chose him.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. I never liked the role of burglar attributed to hobbits/halflings, and as Narmer says, even Gandalf didn’t chose him for this reason. Bilbo’s thief capacities weren’t a question of his lineage.
ReplyDeleteHey James. I ran a few sessions of Hero’s Journey a few months ago and loved it. Hope to be able to start a full campaign soon.
ReplyDeleteI picked up Skaldic Sagas, and I was wondering about how to combine it with Hero’s Journey. I was thinking of adding the archetypes as options for humans (or people who grew up with humans like changling) as essentially varient archetypes. I was also thinking of adding the rune urdrs for all players. I was wondering how to balance the XP system though. How should one convert between glory and XP in a balanced way?
Also, I was wondering if you could talk about XP in general. It seems using the options in the book, it would take forever to reach high levels. Do you accelerate it as it goes on? I myself was thinking about just adapting the glory system to Hero’s Journey because I tend to prefer milestone leveling, but I’m curious what your thoughts are on this all.
Thanks.