Polevik
The polevik (also polevoi, lugovik and lugovoi) is a creature that makes his home in fields and meadows, and as such, occupies another niche on the boundary between the human world and the wild. Poleviks and poludnitsas (the females of the type) preside over the crops that sustain human life, and are therefore seen as beneficent beings, and are therefore propitiated with eggs, roosters, sheaves of wheat, and other sacrifices even by people deeply devoted to the True Confession. Poleviks tend to appear on hot summer days, at noon, and at sundown (though they also like to come out in bright moonlight).
Poleviks and poludnitsas regale themselves in the wide-open spaces between village and forest. They love reletless movement, freedom, and the winds, and race like mad through fallow fields, meadows and pastures, often riding on horses or carriages, and being visible only as the dust clouds or the fire sparks their motion leaves behind. While thus occupied, poleviks can be particularly dangerous to unwelcome guests, scaring them, chasing them into ditches, causing them to be lost in the high grass (or setting it on fire), lulling them to sleep, or breathing diseased air on them. Sometimes, polevik children approach passers by, asking them to blow their nose for them (and occasionally, leaving rewards for those thatn consent). On the whole, humans should approach poleviks with great caution, and are well-advised to pay generously for whatever service they solicit.
Poleviks tend to both cluster in their own underground warrens, and to succumb to wanderlust, seeking out far-flung meadows for purposes known only to them. In winter, they slumber (like all other nechist') in well-protected chambers in these warrens, often setting up guardians to protect them and their hidden treasure.
Civilization and Culture
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Half-poleviks
Products of polevik-human unions commonly appear as tall, tanned, long- legged, blond or red-haired humans. Both males and females are very hirsute, with hair covering the length of their bodies. Their nechist’ origin is often given away by their bulging eyes, and sometimes, the small horns they sport atop their heads. They favor all-white clothing (or other bright colors).
Character
Half-poleviks often possess mercurial personalities. On the one hand, they tend to be diligent and hard working, especially in farming duties, though some also excel at specialized trades such as brewing. In either case, they are usually good at managing money. At the same time, they don’t like to stay still, and become increasingly uncontrollable without outlets such as riding or travelling to markets. Occasionally, even these activities don’t offer enough of an escape, and half- poleviks leave their homes, and wander to other villages, towns, lands, or even beyond the bounds of human civilization itself. They may be found among various wandering folk, such as bandits, troupers, soldiers, vagabonds, and ascetics, though they often have complex backgrounds and roots in multiple places.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Immortal (full polevik). Human (for changelings)
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Often covered by a thick fleece of blond or red hair.
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