The Hobbits of the Shire did not always dwell in peace and prosperity. Their beginnings in the Glennen were characterized by frugal living, hidden residences, and terror of the Necromancer's growing presence. Crossing the Misty Mountains to escape his Shadow, they encountered the arrogance and ridicule of Men along with all the perils of the wide world. The Shire was granted to the Halflings by King Argeleb II as their new homeland, but even then they faced strife from within and without. The Hobbit tribes of the Tooks, Pendles, and the Bucks were at odds continuously. And the Lords of House Tarma coveted the Halfling territory. Adventurers who visit the Shire will need to keep their blades loose in the scabbard - feuding Hobbit clans, proud and greedy nobles, strange remnants from the Eldar Days, and roving bandits all threaten the unwary. The Shire includes complete stats for MERP, the Lord of the Rings Adventure Game, and Rolemaster.