Poulpiquet
The Korrigan of the Dale
Pictured: A Poupliquet of the Kastellin Basin
Basic Information
Anatomy
Poulpiquet are bipedal humanoids, similar in build and size to the Bediz, possessing two arms and two legs with 5 digits on each. They are distinguished by one or more animal features replacing those of a normal Bediz, with pronounced ears, claws, horns or tails resembling those of local mammalian fauna.
Poupliquet are capable shapeshifters and can take the forms of animals, most commonly those sharing their physical traits and normal Bediz, weaving powerful glamours to enhance the effect for mischief or defense.
Ecology and Habitats
Poulpiquet, the Korrigan of the Dale, are typically found in valleys and lowlands, such as the Kastellin Basin. Poulpiquet are equally at home in rolling plains and in light forests, usually quickly adapting to their surroundings as they move across their valleys. Unlike the agrarian Teuz and the territorial Kornikaned, Poupliquet are semi-nomadic, traveling within an area in circuits in caravans of carriages and boats. They are not fully nomadic like the Tempestarii, with their movement patterns resembling the Pilhaouer, traveling extensively within a local region, but rarely venturing outside of it, typically returning to small farms and cottages in their beloved valleys.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Poupiquet are omnivorous, capable of eating most foods and processing Foyson. They are especially fond of overripe blackberries.
Poulpiquet are scavengers by nature, living off of what they find or the charity of others, to the extent that food left in the fields after Kalan-Goañv is referred to as the "Poulpiquet's Share" as it's foyson is often claimed by them.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Poulpiquet typically shun the established hierarchies of other faerie peoples, operating in small families and as individuals, or casually joining the social structures of other groups rather than forming their own.
Individualism and independence are both highly prized traits among the Poulpiquet, which reflects on their society at large. Poulpiquet are among the most lilely of the Korrigan to become Solitary Fae.
Facial characteristics
The eyes of a poulpiquet shimmer, even in total darkness, a side effect of their high levels of natural glamour.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Poulpiquet were first encountered in the Kastellin Basin, between the Meneziou Are and the Meneziou Du on the Armorican Peninsula, but they have spread beyond it, favouring river valleys such as those of the Liger, Sena, and Renk. Poulpiquet are common throughout Kornôgel, and have even migrated as far as Pharos and Slaver's Coast.
Average Intelligence
Poulpiquet have a reputation for being clever and intelligent, with a penchant for unorthodox solutions to presented problems. Mischievous tricksters, they delight in pranks, jokes and stories.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Poulpiquet typically possess keen senses of hearing and sight, above those of a normal Bediz.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Poulpiquet rarely have any interest in organizing long enough to become involved in any social group for any length of time, unless part of some long and elaborate joke, with the exception of thieves guilds or actor's troupes, which they find very exciting. In these capacities, poulpiquet have begun to integrate more openly into human society.
Gender Ideals
Poulpiquet typically do not identify as gendered, although they may have clearly defined biological sexes in their true form. Their incomplete understanding of genders can lead to unexpected consquences for the targets of their magical pranks, leaving the target as the opposite sex during or even after a particular prank is done.
Common Etiquette Rules
If addressed directly, a poulpiquet will typically respond and identify its true nature.
A gift given to a poulpiquet must be reciprocated in spirit.
Poulpiquet prefer to cause their mischeif on those they feel deserve it, especially the self-important or arrogant. They do not try to cause permanent harm, although this can result. The poulpiquet will often use their magic to help or hinder others depending on its mood and the situation. Usually some lesson is intended, although not always clear to the victim. There are not many rules limiting what constitutes a "fair prank" save for no intentional killing. Poulpiquet are excpetionally powerful magik-users, albeit with a carefree and undirected approach that prevents them from mounting a truely dangerous threat. Illusions and transformations of the victim or targets around them are common examples. A rich miser finding that the gold they have stolen is a cauldron of acorns or a chauvinistic knight finding himself now a damsel in distress give these tricksters great joy.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Mischeif and laughter is the main motivation behing a poulpiquet's actions and these are held to the highest standard among them, as is the vague and fluid concept of "fair play", the definition of which is as erratic and changable as these fae themselves.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Poulpiquet are typically friendly, escewing a number of typical Fae behaviours. While their pranks can inadvertently cause damage or injury, their is rarely evil intent behind their actions, compared to their more malicious relatives, the Kelpie.
Poulpiquet like gifts and will graciously accept them, usually giving something in return. A well-intentioned gift is rewarded with a fantastical item or service of great value, while a greedy or otherwise ill-intended gift will receive something appearing to be of great value, but is in fact, worthless.
Poulpiquet make little attempt to hide their true natures if found out, compared to the violent tantrums of the Fées-des-Houles or disappearing acts of some Korrigan. Tricksters by nature, they only hide their true selves in furtherance on some joke, and usually not very well. A poulpiquet disguised as an animal will speak up if it feels that its intended target isn't going about triggering a prank or figuring out a riddle to its liking.
Common Taboos
Like all Sidhe, Poulpiquet has a ban against iron, which harms them and disrupts their magic, causing them great pain. They especially dislike spurs which they refer to as "sharp things" and will avoid anyone wearing them with great disdain.
The day after Kalan Goañv, the poulpiquet's favourite day, it is forbidden from partaking in any tricks or pranks. In exchange, anything remaining unharvested by the holiday is considered belonging to the poulpiquet and hazardous to eat.
History
The Poulpiquet were persecuted heavily during the reign of Conan Meriadoc, High King of Letha and quickly sided with Ker-Ys during the War of the Two Brothers, becoming a key part of the Kingdom of Kernev. Their home, the great plain of Are was destroyed during the Battle of Meneziou Are and they settled along the Aon River.
Having already lost their homes along the North Coast of the Plateau de Dreger, they defended their valleys with great fervour, allying with other Korrigan peoples against invaders or settlers. When the Kriores retreated into their mountains, the Poulpiquet bore the brunt of Bediz agression, driven back from their lust river valley to the Yeun Elez swamp. Angered at their treatment, they found an ally in Conomor the Cursed, joining his forces to destroy Waroch I of Gwened and Budig II of Leon, making up most of the host in the campaign against the latter.
Defeated at the Battle of Relec, they took advantage of the chaos sown during Conomor's rule to repopulate the Aon River Valley and spread outwards to other regions, finding homes in Akitania and Anjev.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Poulpiquet enjoy the company of Bediz, specifically causing them trouble, although rarely with intent to harm. They typically take the form of animals, encouraging the mortal to take some action like riding a horse or chasing of fox they encounter on the road, and leading them through a chaotic run crossing between Bedoaur and Faerie, even through Faewylde, before leaving them confused and disoriented exactly where they began. They are especially fond of children, who often take the poulpiquet's actions in stride with a sense of wonder and enjoyment. Their mischief is not restricted to Bediz and they consider all species valid targets, the more pompous or self-important the better.
Poulpiquet dislike the cruelty of the Tohoseguéannets, the territoriality of the Kornikaned and the rigidity of the Kriores, but still associate openly with them. They are often neighbors with the Teuz and find the Gargoul and Paolig to be kindred spirits.
Poulpiquet are often Pilhaouer, living in their villages and traveling with their caravans.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Average Physique
Poulpiquet range in body types from small and thin to well-built and muscled, often following the traits of the animals whose features they possess.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
Related Materials
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