Halflings

Hedonistic culture which values art & culture, food & drink, and mind-altering substances. They do a strong trade in all of these things and have built a mercantile network that is the envy of all. Very good sea power, not so great on land, but they try to be "everybody's friend." They were completely unprepared for Gnomish aggression, as there was a "gentlemens' agreement" among the powers to leave the halflings alone. They didn't do well in the war and suffered under Gnomish rule until their remnant troops, along with allied aid, pushed back the axis forces and eventually were victorious.