HISTORY

Tak’Nak’Raq, son of the chief of the Raq’ clan, was born into a clan beset by skirmishes with forest monsters and natural disasters. But this was not new. The halflings of the forest ridge thrived under this pressure and adversity.

Tak’ lived, as all his compatriots did, as a hunter. Learning the ways of the forest, both surviving from predators, and living off prey. Tak’ also, due to inherent potential, also received tutelage from the village shaman, learning to use in his mind in synthesis with his hunting skills. Able to use the way to the betterment of the clan.

The time came when Tak’ came of age, as a halfling. Having completed his hunt, bring back prey by himself, he was now ready to undertake the transition to leader. A sojourn was required of all prospective leaders - a journey into the outside world, to learn of it, and to gain personally. Only through exposure to the harsh world of Athas would the bright talent of today become the wise leader of tomorrow.

So Tak’, with much ceremony and dedication did leave his village, destination unknown, and without any certain when, or even if, he would return. Tak’ is journeying through Athas presently, seeking to learn and grow into the tribal leader he is destined.

At present Tak’ has traveled across the Ringing Mountains to Tyr, where he is starting to pick up the language and ways of the city-folk. He is still mostly confused, but has set his iron will and perceptive nature to the task, seeking to find those who he can relate to and accept into his community among the urban multitudes.

APPEARANCE

Tak’Nak’Raq, being a halfling, is not physically intimidating. Standing at 3 foot 3, and weighing a mere 54 pounds, he could be mistaken for a child at a distance. But only at a distance. His small, wiry body is covered with a simple loincloth, and rough studded leather armor on his legs and chest, his exposed skin covered with elaborate tattoos, marking successful hunts, social status, and honor within his clan.

His hair, a mane of black out of proportion with his small stature hands loosely down to the small of his back - jet black in color, except for a thin white street, effectively parting his hair down the middle.

A shortbow, arrows and a simple spear are all that could possibly encumber him in his travels. Two simple daggers, carved from the teeth of slain animals hang on his belt, and a simple cloth sack is slung over his back. Tak’ is a traveler, and a hunter. He carries what he needs, and leaves all else by the wayside.

PERSONALITY

There are several traits peculiar to halflings, and Tak’ exhibits various degrees of these.

Community/Culture: To those he knows and respects, Tak’ is altruistic and respectful. To those he does not know, (outsiders), he will take time to learn of their ways and culture. He will then either accept them into his community, or discard them and view them as without culture, even below the animals he hunts in the deserts and forests.

Non-materialism: Tak’ does not aspire to wealth, glory or power. He seeks inner peace and community well-being. As such, he has no need for coins, gold or other ‘trinkets and baubles’. Later, Tak’ may learn the importance of coins, but will not seek to hoard or collect them.

Specifically (to Tak’, as opposed to halflings in general), Tak’ is essentially an observer. His purpose for being in the outside world is to learn, and he relishes this duty. He will learn from all who are willing to teach, and will study those who do not.

Also, Tak’ is a crusader. He has very firm opinions on what is good and what os evil, and all things evil must be vanquished. While to a certain extent he is able to forgive cultural differences, if the invisible line Tak’ has drawn is crossed, he will not hesitate to act.

Favorite sayings;

"For the bounty of Gaea!"

"A sloth has more culture."

"A tree snake has more stature."

"If the body is able, and the mind is willing."

"Tall-folk are inherently attracted to bits of pottery, as halflings are attracted to leafy boughs."

"As the 23rd son of Gre’Nak the entire halfling clan of ‘Rak stand against you"