Puckwudgies
In the shadowy depths of Indiana’s ancient forests, the elusive Puckwudgie lurks, a creature of both wonder and mischief. Standing no taller than a toddler, these goblin-like beings boast smooth, gray skin that glistens under the moonlight, and porcupine-like quills that bristle when they’re agitated. Their large, expressive eyes and exaggerated features -- like oversized ears and noses -- lend them an almost comical appearance.
Puckwudgies are a part of the wilderness. They are not domesticated in any way and are best left alone due to their unpredictable nature.
Originating from Lenape (Delaware) folklore, Puckwudgies possess the ability to shapeshift and vanish at will, making them both feared and revered. Legends whisper that these tricksters once lived harmoniously with humans, but jealousy turned them into unpredictable spirits of the wild.
Found primarily in the dense woods of southern Indiana, particularly around Mound State Park, they are guardians of the old ways and masters of illusion. The term Puckwudgie translates to "little wild man of the woods that vanishes." Approach them with caution, for while they may appear whimsical, their tricks can quickly turn perilous for the unwary traveler.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Puckwudgies are small, standing about 2-3 feet tall. They have goblinoid features; large ears, short legs, and a stooped posture. They have smooth, gray skin and many legends say they have porcupine-like quills on their backs.
Ecology and Habitats
Typically found in forests and wilderness areas, puckwudgies are particularly populous in Indiana and Massachusetts. They are known to inhabit places like Brown County State Park, Mound State Park, and the Bridgewater Triangle.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Puckwudgies love to steal food, though it's not known whether this is to eat it, or simply as another malicious way of annoying humans. Because of their magical abilities and mischevious ways, common forest scavengers -- such as raccoons -- are often accused of being puckwudgies in disguise.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Often solitary, they can work together to play tricks or cause harm. Very much the enemy of my kin is my enemy.
Puckwudgies have high-pitched voices and speak in a language that humans have been unable to translate, probably due to the dearth of linguistic samples.
Facial characteristics
Their faces resemble those of the Wampanoag people but with exaggerated features like large ears, noses, and fingers.
In the early 1700s, Indiana was predominantly inhabited by other Native American tribes such as the Miami, Potawatomi, and Delaware. The Delaware people, in particular, migrated to Indiana in the early 18th century, establishing settlements and interacting with other tribes in the region. As the stories of puckwudgies migrated with the Delaware, the touchstones to the Wampanoag people -- with whom they would have had only incidental interactions -- in their historical homelands came with them.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
They are found in the forests of Indiana. While they are most sighted in Mound State Park near Anderson, Indiana, Brown County State Park is estimated to be home to the second or third largest population in the Midwest.
Average Intelligence
Puckwudgies are cunning and intelligent, known for their trickster behavior and ability to use magic. They are skilled at hiding and built for moving swiftly through the dense forests they inhabit and will often allow themselves to be chased, luring humans into cunning and dangerous traps.
Civilization and Culture
Common Etiquette Rules
It is common wisdom to avoid puckwudgies lest they cuse you mischief or harm. A puckwudgie that reveals themself on purpose is likely trying to lure you into a trap, and one who is spied by accident will very likely take unkindly to the intrusion.
In the rare event that one is forced to interact with a puckwudgie, it is essential that you do not annoy or disrespect them as doing so can lead to dangerous consequences.
History
Puckwudgies were once friendly to humans but turned against them out of jealousy and mischief.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Puckwudgies have a very contentious nature with humans. They are often blamed for unfortunate mishaps in daily life, especially those caused by mischevious animals which are always assumed to be a puckwudgie in disguise.
Origin/Ancestry
The folklore of the Lenape (Delaware) people.
Average Height
24-36 in.
Average Weight
20-30 lbs.
Average Physique
They are described as having short legs, large ears, and a stooped posture.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Puckwudgies have smooth, gray skin and may have porcupine-like quillls on their backs.
Geographic Distribution
Spooky Shenanigans Badge 2024
Spooky Shenanigans Badge 2024
by
Haly, the Moonlight Bard/Canva
The frost has lifted from the fields
and early summer's moonlight yields:
A dewy carpet 'pon the ground
as we sit the campfire 'round.
Deep inside the forest's night,
cast in eerie shadow-light
Summer Campers stir with glee
amongst their spooky family!
Are YOU Afraid of the Dark?
If you're like me, then you look for any excuse you can to work a little bit of the spooky, the creepy, the mysterious and unexplained into your world. After all, everybody loves a good story about a monster under the bed, things that go bump in the night, or that weird thing that disappeared into the bushes.
The Challenge: Spooky Shenanigans
Claim this badge when you submit one (or more) Summer Camp eligible article that also features information about:
- a ghost/haunted house/cursed object, OR
- a cryptozoological mystery, OR
- a legendary true crime.
This is an honor-system badge, I won't be checking. But I think it's a fun little extra challenge, especially if you're building a spooky world or just like telling ghost stories.
Created by Haly the Moonlight Bard. Snag this with: [imgblock:5648735] or [img:5648735] and drop a link in the comments so I can like your work!
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