Gioia came to us to ask for help developing a backstory for her character Meir Overhill. We let Batsy take over this project! Gioia had the idea that a clan of halflings roams the earth, thieving as they go along. Upon adulthood, they go on a 5 year Quest for Thieving and the position in the clan is determined by how much they contribute in this period.
Here is what Batsy came up with! Let us know what you think!
Back story
Meir Overhill is a halfling of the human-elf Olidammara clan. This clan gained quiet fame for thievery and wealth across the globe. To gain positioning in their clan they had to strike out on a Quest for Wealth. This quest, in turn, led to a 5-year journey in which the now young adult would travel the world and steal as much as possible to contribute to the clan. Their positioning in this clan was deeply rooted in how much treasure they obtained during this time. In addition to this, the clan had a deep respect for the trickster god Olidammara and often spends time singing, dancing, and story-telling of their 5-year journies. When one in the clan passes, they take gold coins and cover the halfling’s body, cover the sigil of Olidammara on their armpit with soil from the spot in which they passed, and spend at least 13 hours singing, celebrating, and dancing to honor the spirit of the deceased.
Meir had never quite known their parents growing up and instead was raised by the clan’s elder Chenlie Isawyn. Chenlie was happy to provide all that they could for the orphaned halfling as long as they could complete minuscule household chores that the elder found themselves to frail to complete.
When the elder halfling passed away, Meir was left alone to fend for themselves within the clan. Thus, they realized that it was time to embark on their Quest for Wealth to make a name for themselves.
Meir found that getting past human suspicions was quite easy, mostly in part since they assumed the disguise of a human boy to get around. Their preferred way of trickery and thievery was to use their presumed innocence to cause those around them to let their guard down. When suspicions fell flat, that is when the halfling would strike.
The halfling is about a year and a half into their journey and has found that they are surprisingly good at their thieving. As long as Meir keeps their treasure safe for the remaining four and a half years, they should be quite well off in the clan. However, for the young halfling just being “well off” isn’t good enough. They hope to attain enough treasure to forge an unmistakable mark within the history of the clan long after their time.
Short Story
Laughter and music filled the air of the semi-permanent campsite. Small tents, fires, and huts were strewn about the lengths of the canyon, each structure containing a shrine that seemed to boast of the treasure claimed by the halfling within. A large, gaudy tent lied at the head of the campsite, flashing ornate colors of silk. Outside, a pile of treasures and gold stood, nearly as tall as the tent itself.
Meir looked at their small tent. Filled with barely the essentials with just enough fabric to cover each side, their tent was anything far from extravagant. The halfling pulled on a coat far too large for them and an oversized hat. Assuming the role of a young boy, they were able to dodge the need to steal to earn a position in their clan.
An old halfling stopped in front of Meir’s tent. The small, old woman bent over a cane made of twisted pine and encrusted with fine gems. “Mr. Overhill, I know you’re not going to stay in that tent all day.”
Meir stumbled out of their tent, tripping over their belongings in the process. “Of course not, Chenlie!”
“Well then, I would pick up the pace. We don’t have all day, young man.”
Chenlie Isawyn offered to take care of Meir for the past few years. Assuming that Meir was a young man, the elder was able to provide housing for them whilst using them to help with daily chores.
Chenlie herself was not very high in their social hierarchy, as she hadn’t stolen much in her five-year quest for wealth. However, Meir was more than happy to oblige in helping Chenlie with her tasks as long as the elder provided protection and guidance for them.
“What is the plan for today, ma'am?” Meir asked, following behind the other halfling.
“Well, I’ve had some rather gangly roots work their way into my garden the night before. I can’t seem to get rid of them on my own.”
“Weeding. Got it.”
“And whatever is ripe, go ahead and pluck those for me. You may take some home with you too if you’d like.”
Meir smiled wide. “Thank you so much!”
The two arrived at Chenlie’s tent, a humble structure with burlap coverings and a modest garden surrounding the perimeter. Chenlie let herself into the tent and settled into the cushions on the floor. “Come find me when you are finished.”
“Of course.” The young halfling replied. “I’ll be back soon.”
Meir walked out to the garden and began pulling the stubborn weeds that began to choke the ripe vegetables. Their hands began to turn a rosy pink as blisters formed from the pulling. It took nearly an hour and a half before the garden was fully rid of the pesky infiltrators. Though short, that time was enough for Chenlie to curl up and fall into a deep sleep. “Chenlie?” Meir called out, opening up the flap to the tent. “Chenlie?” Meir knelt beside the old halfling, gently shaking her shoulders. It wasn’t long before Meir noticed that no breath left the other’s lips. “Ch-Chenlie..”
The young halfling stood and fished through Chenlie’s belongings, tears welling up in their eyes. Beneath her cushions, lay two gilded coins. They placed the coins atop Chenlie’s eyes. Afterward, they raised the elder’s arms and grabbed dirt beneath their feet. The scattered the dirt across a faded tattooed sigil across the woman’s underarm. “P-Praise Olidammara.” They knelt beside the halfling, looking at their work. They began to sing songs of praise, adventure, and recounts of the other halfling’s travels to send the deceased on their way. The halfling’s shaky voice rose out of the tent as tears freely ran down their cheeks.
Shortly thereafter, the troop began to file into the tent. Songs and dances were shared about the elder and gold pieces were laid across her body. A feeling of love and warmth spread through the tent. The songs lasted until the next night, a never-ending celebration of love, laughter, and adventure. It wasn’t their way to mourn, instead, live for who the person was and celebrate what they had done.
For Meir, this situation had far more gravity. For although the clan was bonded like a family, Chenlie was the only one who had been looking out for them, providing them with the necessities for years, only asking for minimal help in return. Meir knew that they had to honor Chenlie’s spirit and continue contributing to the clan. No longer could they be idle in their impending Quest for Wealth. It was time to participate, and carve out their future within the clan.
If not for themselves, for Chenlie.
The original idea was requested by Gioia Bishop. It was written by Batsy, and edited it by us, Bards of Lore. We take no credit in the creation of character!
Love the story Batsy :)