The Thorncobble Clan is one of the most esteemed of the Halfling Clans, and the closest thing Halflings have to nobility. Halflings don’t have nobles in the sense that Humans, and the other species, do. Status is, generally speaking, afforded to Halflings based on what they have done, not who their parents are, and while their lineage is important (and often traced back to the days of Ludwig the Fat) it is no guarantee of respect or privilege. That being said, the Thorncobble Clan are the closest analogue to the nobility in Halfling society. A line as ancient as the Stouthearts (to which the Elder of the Mootland belongs), the Thorncobbles see themselves as superior to the other clans: older, wiser, more knowledgeable.[1a]
A wealthy clan, grown rich on trade and exploiting the work of other, lesser, Halfling clans, they moved to Altdorf over a millennia ago. They are well integrated into Altdorf ’s Imperial Court, and most have an unmistakably upper-class accent that shocks those who have never encountered the clan before. Thorncobbles generally pursue the clan’s interests (and their own), in search of profit, influence, and status. Many are found as courtiers in Altdorf, either in their own right, or attached to the households of Elector Counts and other influential Human nobles. Some work as merchants, bankers, and guilders, often purchasing guild licences despite having no aptitude for the trade in question, solely to procure the political influence of guild membership, or even leadership. Thorncobbles are often well educated, and many can be found working in the universities and institutions of learning across the Reikland. Many Thorncobbles take servants after the Human fashion: Skelfsider and Brandysnap servants are common, as are Ashfield guards.[1a]
Known Members[]
- Thelonius Thorncobble - The Little Lord Thorncobble is a frequent visitor of Altdorfs upper-class nobility.