Boléguéans
Basic Information
Anatomy
Boléguéans are a diminutive humanoid species, rarely surpassing a meter in height. They are frequently described as having odd proportions, being too fat or thin for their height. Their limbs can be long and gangly, or short and stocky in equal measure, but often to extremes, giving them an uncanny appearance. Though commonly described as exceptionally "weathered" and "wrinkled", this is by no means a universal trait, just a very common one.
Boléguéans have some of the smallest ears of the Korrigan Tuath, only slightly larger than those of the average Bediz. The tips of their ears are pointed, and often curve downwards. They commonly have large flat noses, and bushy eyebrows.
Genetics and Reproduction
Nothing is known about the reproductive habits of the Boléguéans, and indeed, they are rarely seen together save for special occasions. Each Boléguéan lives within a set circuit of Korrigan communities, acting as a sort of traveling priest or counselor between them regularly. When a Boléguéan dies, or is killed, another appears at the Kalvar of that community to take their place. They are never observed approaching the Kalvar, and when questioned only identify their origin as "Over that hill", gesturing in a direction away from the community.
Growth Rate & Stages
The Boléguéans insist they have ages, as well as age-related seniority compared to others of their Tuath. However, even the Korrigan have difficulty estimating the relative ages of various Boléguéans, as appearance seems to be an arbitrary and irrelevant determinator.
Ecology and Habitats
Boléguéan Dwellings
Boléguéans are also known as the Korrigan of the Mounds, and are charged with the safeguarding of ancient tumuli, dolmens and burial mounds. Despite this moniker, they rarely live within these structures themselves, but instead constructing small cabins and cottages that closely resemble the architecture of the closest settlement inside and out. Despite the mundane appearance of these dwellings, they are protected by a subtle, but powerful glamour, hidden just outside of perception for those who do not know where to look. Many a farmer has lived their whole lives steps from a Boléguéan neighbor without ever being aware of their presence. At other times, Boléguéan dwellings appear abandoned or run down, and it is only when entering with specific invitation that the true interior is accessed. These "ruins" are considered to be part of the landscape, their presence quickly dismissed and forgotten by most of the population. Unlike the Teuz, who have proven adept at manipulating imaginary space within mundane structures, the Boléguéans shun such arrangements, living strictly within the space that would be normally alotted to them in the footprint. It is thought that the Korrigan of the Mounds would be quite capable of such spatial manipulation with ease, but choose to live otherwise for cultural reasons.Boléguéan Communities
A single Boléguéan will associate themselves with a particular geographical region, integrating themselves among one or more Korrigan communities in the region, traveling to each regularly. Boléguéans commonly have small farms, but rely heavily on the hospitality and generosity, given or assumed of their neighbors, Korrigan or otherwise. It is not uncommon for Boléguéans to "borrow" what they need at a given time, and it is considered impolite to point this out.Dietary Needs and Habits
The Boléguéans are an oddity among the Korrigan, forsaking the consumption of Foyson for an entirely physical diet, though they can and will partake in Foyson feasts upon visiting the other Korrigan Tuath. Generally, Boléguéans prefer simple, unfussy dishes when presented the option, adopting an almost ascetic mealplan of unseasoned staples, prepared in such a way that it enhances the natural flavours of the ingredients. Boléguéans typically have little time or patience for overly seasoned or pretentious dishes.
A Boléguéan almost always carries the required ingredients for the Hospitality ritual, but will ask for these upon entering a home. It is not uncommon for a Boléguéan, welcomed to a great feast, to consume merely bread, honey and salt, to the consternation of their Sidhe or Bediz hosts.
Behaviour
Boléguéans are commonly presented as frank, direct and humble, shunning the manipulative social games of some of their cousins in the Korrigan and the Sidhe. They have little patience for manipulation and half truths, presenting their opinions directly and plainly. That is not to say that they are not clever, and even the most silver-tongued Eladan may find themselves bested in an argument or deal by the straightforwardness of a Boléguéan negotiator.
Boléguéans shun luxury, preferring to live their lives without fuss or frills. Despite this, however, they enjoy simple pleasures, such as drinking, smoking, song, a good brawl and dancing. They have a mischievous, but not mean-spirited, streak.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Boléguéans first appeared on The Armorican Peninsula, but they are found throughout Northern Kornôgel, especially La Manche, Gallia, The Cloth Cities and Northern Arle. Rarely they can be found as far South as the Mor Kreizdouar, but are more common in the North and West.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Boléguéans possess physical senses on par with the Bediz or Teuz, but are often somewhat colourblind. They excel in low-light conditions, and typically travel at dusk or dawn, moving freely through gloomy caverns and darkened forests.
Civilization and Culture
Common Dress Code
Boléguéans favour simple, durable clothing, most commonly of earthy tones and hardy materials. They commonly are seen wearing tall, pointed hats of red or green, with one or two feathers stuck into the hat-band.
Male Boléguéans typically wear neatly trimmed beards and bushy moustaches.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Boléguéans are talented weavers, and will often spend their idle time braiding the manes and tails of nearby horses, to the confusion and consternation of their Bediz Neighbors.
While most Boléguéans take on roles as advisors, bards and healers, they are renowned amongst the Korrigan and being formidable warriors and brawlers. Unlike other Korrigan Troupes, they do not ever battle for their own causes or peoples, but instead take on the role of champions or paladins for those they deem oppressed. The exception to this is a good tavern brawl, the one exception they make to their personal oaths of relative pacifism.
They commonly excel at Gourig and Boules throughout Letha and La Manche, taking part in village festivals with some regularity.
The Council of Stones
Each year, during the Festival of False Sunset, the Boléguéan and Hoseguéannets hold a congregation, during which the Korrigan Troupes are judged for their hospitality and neighborliness. All attendees casts their opinion freely and without further repercussions. The guilty are imprisoned at the bottom of a nearby pond or tumulus until the next year's meeting.Common Taboos
No door can be blocked to a Boléguéan, and they can appear almost anywhere at a moments notice, appearing within Kriores vaults, aboard Windships or submarine settlements without concern.
Boléguéans shun glamour for dissimulation, but can make themselves unperceived, appearing as part of the background and dismissed quickly as unremarkable.
History
The Boléguéans are known by many names, including "Lutins" in Gallia and La Manche and "Servan" in Arle.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The Korrigan Tuath
The Boléguéans are commonly found living on the outskirts of Korrigan settlements, part of, but distinct from the community. Commonly a Boléguéan will intergrate themself into a large number of such communities within a geographic area, serving the needs of those communities as would a local parson or traveling healer. A practical sort, Boléguéans most commonly live near Teuz villages, or the entrances to Kriores mines. They are aware of the locations of Kornikaned Nests and Poulpiquet trails, but rarely attach their dwellings to these. Boléguéans administer to these populations, offering advise, counsel, and stories, as well as odd services such as prayers, healing, or animal husbandry. Boléguéans are viewed as a part of the Korrigan Troupe, and hold positions of respected elders by most within. As such, they often serve as messengers and mediators between different troupes within a region.Hoseguéannets
Of special note are the Hoseguéannets, the Korrigan of the Cromlec'h. Where there is a Boléguéan attached to a particular population, there are always an equal number of Hoseguéannets. These typically avoid each other, even crossing on opposite sides of a road should they pass. The exception to this is when a troupe is called together is a place of justice, where the Boléguéan and Hoseguéannet representatives take up equal, but opposing roles, one advocating for justice and compassion, the other for revenge and strength.Other Fair Folk
The special relationship that the Boléguéans have with the Korrigan does not extend to the Sidhe or Fomorii, although such a relationship may be formed. Often, a Boléguéan is selected to represent a troupe in exchanges and negotiations with a Sidhe Troupe or Fomorian Clan. The aesthetic simplicity and straightforward attitude often puts the Boléguéan at odds with the Eladan, who favour wit, clever wordplay and ostentatiousness.The Bediz
Like the other Fair Folk, the Bediz are treated as an outside community by the Boléguéans. Contact is most common when a Korrigan Troupe lives within or near a Bediz settlement, and the Boléguéans are often used as intermediaries between the parties.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Korrigan of the Tumuli
Conservation Status
Of the "common" Korrigan Tuath, the Boléguéans have the smallest numbers, often with a single individual to be found in a small geographic area, surrounded by other Korrigan communities. When a Boléguéan dies, they are replaced shortly after by another, appearing along the road into the community at the Kalvar.
Average Height
30 cm - 60 cm
Average Physique
The Boléguéans are known for feats of extraordinary strength and endurance, carrying out heavy lifting and extensive farmwork with little trouble.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Boléguéans typically possess skin tones similar to those of the local Bediz population, taking on a tan, weathered look due to their common outdoor lifestyle.
Geographic Distribution
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