Halflings pride themselves in being open-minded and hospitable. They believe in second chances and tend to expect the best of a stranger until proven wrong. This does not imply that they proceed without caution however. They are well aware of their weaknesses and strengths, their size and build not being one of their advantages. Their jokes about the larger races are numerous, but they are usually told with hearty humor. Although in a vulnerable position, often seen as the bottleneck between civilization and the wilds, the halflings of Mervin Hills lead a peaceful life without fear of invasion. Their allies, the A'lure elves, have long since secured their borders with outposts. The elves are treasured as kin by many halflings, and are forever welcome in their homes. The dwarves of Mervin Hills are considered reliable and friendly, if a bit grumpy. However there was a time, before the elves secured the region, when a band of orcs and trolls raided their farmlands in an event known as the Battle of Mervin Hill. This has earned the two races a reputation of being capable of destruction. Many bedtime stories tell of trolls kidnapping naughty halfling children, but few halflings grow up to hold it true. The halflings have a larger trust in the city orcs and trolls of Arwondel than they do of the more uncivilized tribes of the forests and plains. The city orcs and trolls sometimes visit the region in trade, but they are seldom invited to visit halfling homes. Trade has characterized the Mervin halfling relationship with the Arwondel humans. The halflings were at one point in time, before the rise and fall of the Barinorr Empire, a major supplier of food to the Arwondel humans. Some halflings have throughout the years sought labor in Arwondel as entertainers, gardeners and cooks. The humans are regarded as being uncaring towards nature, but also capable of wonders.