Boudics
Basic Information
Anatomy
Boudics are tiny humanoid creatures, standing about 10 centimers tall. They have a plantigrade stance, with feet ending in five slightly clawed digits. They possess 5 digits on each hand, four fingers and one opposable thumb. Morphologically, boudics are very similar to Bediz.
Ecology and Habitats
Boudics appear incapable of constructing their own shelters or maintaining agricultural production on their own. Instead, they co-opt the structures and fruits of others, relying on Hospitality and the assumed generosity of larger creatures. Boudics attach their communities to a specific structure, such as a farmhouse, dovercote or stable, claiming forgotten corners, crawlspaces and other disused spaces. While living within a structure, the troupe will undertake tasks befitting the space, such as cleaning and repair. As a troupe grows, the area the see as their own will increase, and they will undertake fitting tasks for these new areas. Curiously, Boudic troupes seem to recognize the boundaries of a house, farm or other property and will not cross into a neighboring area.
Boudics live within liminal spaces, carving out pockets of Faerie to live in simple dwellings within a larger structure, allowing them to live in areas that would normally be too small to support a community of their size.
Biological Cycle
Boudics are primarily nocturnal, carrying out their chores under cover of darkness. Some individuals or troupes may be active during daylight hours, but these are exceptional.
Behaviour
Once attached to a structure, the boudics will set about carrying out various chores associated with their chosen space, including cleaning, harvesting, and cooking. Often this will begin as small tasks mimicking the actions of larger sapient creatures living within. As they progress, boudics will become more adept and overt at their tasks, learning and improvising for increased efficiency far beyond their original mimicry. These tasks are carried out not for the benefit of those dwelling within, but for the place itself. Boudic activity can extend throughout a property as the population grows, extending into fields, orchards and vineyards, although the majority of activity is centered on their dwellings.
It is difficult to compel the boudics to specific activity, and their ideas of a properly run house/farm may differ from those of other dwellers. Boudics are bound by ironclad rules of Hospitality, and it is wise for an individual looking to keep in their good graces to leave the appropriate offerings of bread, salt and honey. Small objects, such as coins, buttons and bits of cloth, are also well appreciated. It is imperative, with the exception of Hospitality offerings, that these objects never be presented directly as gifts, but merely left out for claiming without remark.
Boudic are especially eager for small pebbles, warmed in the fire and left on the hearthstones, which they use for seating as they gather between chores. They are also lovers of cream, which acts as a powerful intoxicant, their small frames making them quick to descend into jovial drunkenness.
While the Boudic are often industrious workers for the maintenance of the house and farm, they expect that all other dwellers fulfill their own assigned roles. When they feel others in a dwelling are lazy or slovenly, they will often make noise and play out mischievous pranks until the situation is corrected.
If an object is lost or required for a task, Boudics can be asked to locate one, providing it within a day. They have difficulty identifying complex items, and precision is required lest they produce something else entirely.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Boudic troupes are typically quite small, more closely resembling an extended family than a larger community or even a clan. The largest boudic communities never exceed one or two dozen individuals. These troupes commonly resemble Bediz extended family structures.
Facial characteristics
Boudics have long, pointed ears, the longest proportionally of any Korrigan species. They have long noses and small conical horns on their foreheads.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Boudics possess keen senses of smell and hearing. but their small stature makes it difficult for them to see things at a distance or large scale.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Boudics do not share their names with outsiders, but respond to respectful nicknames.
The boudics refer to themselves as the Tuatha Bouffon Noz.
Average Technological Level
Boudic each carry a small stick of one of the seven sacred trees, imbued with powerful magik. These talismans are filled with the concentrated flow of the hud, making them potent casting tools.
Common Etiquette Rules
Like many of the Fair Folk, the Boudic operate under the concept of Dle. Unsolicited gifts threaten to upset the delicate balance of their magic, but at the same time, it is important for a dweller sharing their space with a boudic troupe to make their gratitude known in subtler ways, leaving food, drink and small trinkets around for them to claim. This will help keep the boudic happy, productive and out of too much mischief.
Violating hospitality will cause the boudic to turn violent or aggressive to defend "their home." When threatened, Boudic are capable of altering their size for a brief time, or unleashing some of the most powerful and creative spells with their talisman sticks.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Korrigan of the Farms
Conservation Status
Boudics are thought to be fairly common, but their unique living situation, small size and commonly shy behaviour makes their exact numbers difficult to determine.
Average Height
.1 cm.
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
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