Although in the past the halfling population in Ratik was not significant, a steady rise in halfling numbers in recent years has meant that the total halfling population now outnumbers the gnomes and elves and rivals the dwarves. The largest concentration of halflings outside Marner itself lies in Optwall. The population of halflings in the Optwall area has recently grown even larger due to the influx of large numbers of halfling refugees from the Bone March.

Although there is currently no permanent halfling settlement, enterprising halflings have often established and run businesses in larger centres across Ratik. The dwarves, for example, are very fond of halfling cooking and hence a number of halflings have opened food and hospitality related businesses in dwarven towns like Orokeep (a town also noted for using halflings as security guards).By far the majority of the new immigrant halflings are still itinerant, travelling the width and breadth of Ratik, and the lands beyond, in caravans numbering 25 to 35 wagons usually drawn by Brixashulty. Such numbers allow for plenty of room when camping, while proving a formidable deterrent for marauding monsters or bandits.

Quite a few of the major towns in Ratik have a specific camping area for visiting halfling caravans although permanent residence is discouraged. Clan Ukaloa, for example, have an area set aside for the use of the International Halfling Society at Frostkeep. The arrival of a halfling caravan in town is a major event, such caravans offer trading possibilities, and a chance to hire skilled craftsmen. Halfling caravans also gather much news on their travels, opening the opportunity for exchanges of news and gossip from all over Ratik and offer an informal mail and delivery service between communities they visit.

The halflings also have a number of "preferred" camping sites on the road which may not stand out to the casual passer-by but are well marked with discreet signs recognised instantly by most halflings. These sites tend to be discreetly out of the way, having good game and can be easily defended in case of attack.

The halflings currently have no formal representation in Ratik. Traditionally the native Ratik halfings have never been over concerned with direct involvement in politics preferring to use behind the scenes influence and other "subtle" methods of achieving their aims. The representation issue has however recently become a cause for some discontent amongst the halfing immigrants, the “New Ratikans”, especially the more hot headed younger radicals fresh from the oppression of the Bone march.

Historically there are a number of reasons for this lack of representation. Halfing numbers were much smaller in the past. There has also been no clear halfling seat of power and no overall recognised leader that all halfings look up to. The native halflings themselves have not shown a lot of interest in what they see as “longshanks business” either (the traditional halfling response to a problem like famine or invasion is move somewhere else). Furthermore the continuing existence and disruptive influence of the underground criminal organisations known as shadow clans has meant authorities in Ratik have never been prone to encourage a halfing involvement in politics.

The halfling shadow clans are a unique part of Ratikan culture, although actually documenting the underground movement is somewhat difficult due to its factional nature. Rather than one large organised front, the shadow clans are a series of separate (and often competing) organisations that each specialise in particular areas, which occasionally overlap. The shadow clan families are a closed network, usually only those born into the clan are accepted, therefore outsiders are almost never heard of in these factions. For this reason the majority of the new "immigrant" halflings are not involved with the clans.

The first shadow clan was founded in the Optwall region around 430 CY. Certain enterprising individuals found that during a period of poor crop seasons, it was far more profitable to ‘borrow' supplies from their neighbouring towns. Those individuals found that their endeavours increased when they banded together and coordinated their efforts. However, as is inevitable with such organisations, as the collective grew in power and numbers, a power struggle emerged within the ranks which by now had begun to accept the name of the ‘shadow clan'.

The end result of many years of warring between the various clans that arose was the appearance of two main competing clans, the Optwall ‘originals' who as always are quite upfront and brutal in their approach and a relatively new more sophisticated Marner based clan who see a low profile and economic stability as essential to their profitability. The Marner clan are renowned for their ability to maintain acceptable relations with the local Marner Constabulary and the extent of their political influence.

Recent increases in the population of halflings in Optwall due to the influx of Bone March refugees has concerned the Optwall clan who see the new arrivals as a threat to their current control over the local area. Efforts by the Lord Erik Optwall to gain aid for the refugees within his domain are partly motivated by a desire to reduce the influence of the Optwall shadow clan.

With the new influx of halflings into Ratik the situation is slowly changing. Whilst many older Ratikans have heard of problems arising from the activities of halfling "Shadow Clans" and generally distrust native halflings, more recent halfling arrivals don't appear to be part of these groups. Halflings generally are beginning to be trusted a little more. As for the halflings themselves, the older natives (especially the clan based ones) may still be sticking to their old attitudes but the "New Ratikan" immigrants, who now outnumber the natives, are keen to make the best of their new life in what they see as a land of opportunity.

There are also promising signs that Ratikan authorities are encouraging of the changes and are prepared to meet the halflings halfway. An example of this is the recent deal brokered between House Devonmeek and House Optwall to have Devonmeek vineyards exclusively hire immigrant Optwall Halflings.