Halfling Benevolent Society
The HBA is an organization that serves the interests of Freeport’s halfling population. It does everything in its power to protect them from being exploited by their stronger neighbors, a problem that is even more prevalent in Freeport than in most other places.
History
Founded over a hundred years ago, the Halfling Benevolent Association (HBA) began as an effort to protect Freeport’s smallest citizens from injustice at the hands (and feet) of the larger races. The HBA used money to buy clout with the city’s powers. Once the organization was established, it was able to provide loans to members to purchase and build homes and businesses. Donations from the HBA’s success stories, plus some prudent investments, allowed the organization to prosper and grow. For a time, there was even a militia (known derisively as the “Short Swords” by other Easterners), but the HBA leadership decided it was more expedient to simply hire bodyguards when needed. It was only a matter of time before some enterprising halflings tried to take advantage of the HBA to get rich. Thirty years ago, a group of ambitious entrepreneurs took over the organization. They used the treasury of the HBA to bankroll a huge convoy to Amador. If all went according to plan, the rare commodities they imported would triple their money. The journey took over six months, but it seemed that the convoy was going to make it. They were but a day’s sail from Freeport when disaster struck. They were caught in a freak squall, and the heavily laden merchant ships were swamped or driven into nearby reefs. In the end, only a single ship made it back to the port. The rest were destroyed and the cargo lost. The next five years were hard for the HBA. The organization was nearly bankrupt, and it lost its influence quickly. Soon, a criminal gang was preying on halflings, breaking into their homes and robbing them on the streets. The gang then began to prey on other Easterners. The whole district was soon beset, and it seemed only a matter of time before it became another Scurvytown. It was at this point Finn appeared in Freeport. He purchased the HBA for practically nothing, rebuilt the organization, and then went toe to toe with the gang that had been plaguing the Eastern District. Many bodies hit the cobblestones, and within a year, Finn had driven them out of Freeport entirely, never to return.The City is Built on Little People
Founding Date
760
Type
Guild, Professional
Alternative Names
The Syndicate
Leader
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
The World of Nor
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