The Hollyfoot Clan is one the major Halfling Clans and one which delights in making beautiful things. The family’s origins lie in the weaving trade, though over the centuries they have diversified. Today, Hollyfoot Halflings can be found in most towns and cities of the Reikland, working in a range of artisanal fields. From a very young age, creativity is instilled in Hollyfoots. Such is their commitment to quality, some Hollyfoot workshops have even earned the respect of Dwarf tradesmen (not that they admit such in public). Recent developments in industrial processing, such as the great steamlooms of Altdorf and Nuln, are of great concern to skilled Hollyfoot weavers. They are keen to halt the proliferation of such mechanization. The Hollyfoots are also deeply involved with Altdorf ’s construction business. The Hollyfoot-led Gaffers Guild leads the project management of a significant proportion of the city’s architectural projects. And because the Hollyfoot gaffers have cornered the Ogre labourer market in the city, they have an enormous advantage over their Human peers.[1a]
Almost all Hollyfoots work as artisans — weaving still dominates the clan’s interests, but other trades such as carpentry, smithing, and buckle-making are also common. Other members of the clan work as merchants, trading their family’s wares, or as servants, assisting the more skilled clan members. Given the taxes imposed by Human guilds — and certain guilds’ reluctance to welcome non-Human members — some Hollyfoots are driven to pursue a career in smuggling, transporting their skilled wares to somewhere they can be sold freely. Recently many have taken to the streets of Altdorf as agitators, protesting the potential rise of industrial looms that directly challenges the tried and trusted skills of their clan.[1a]