Murin

Small bodies, big hearts

Murin are a species of rodent-like humanoids native to Caelwhyn. They are nimble and dexterous, with quick reflexes and the ability to fit into tight spaces.

Description

Physical Appearance

On average between 65 and 100cm tall, Murin are the smallest of all sapient creatures native to Caelwhyn. Many Murin look like tall bipedal mice, but they are also known to look like a variety of rodents. This can be influenced by their surroundings - the city-dwelling Murin are more likely to resemble rats, while deep evergreen forests may see some Murin that are more squirrel-like.

Personality

Murin are aware that their small stature means that they tend to avoid notice, and they are usually quite happy that way. Most tend to prefer a simple life amongst their community. However, this does not mean they should be underestimated. Murin are known to be particularly curious, with a bravery that would usually be reserved for species triple their size. While most eventually settle down within their warrens, many young Murin can find their curiosity getting the better of them, and give in to their growing wanderlust.

Society & Culture

Community

Murin settlements, known to their inhabitants as "warrens", can be found all over Caelwhyn, in small, hidden away places that are unlikely to be stumbled upon by an average traveller. These warrens tend to see themselves as independent to the overruling government of the nation they live in, and their secrecy helps maintain this freedom for most. Murin prefer comfort and intimate spaces for their dwellings. Their homes tend not to be open and wide, preferring underground burrows or covered areas, like hollow trees, old castle ruins or the spaces between city walls. Communal living spaces are woven naturally throughout their homes, where different families can gather to share meals and stories.
Community is of great importance in Murin culture. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is taken literally with them - the tightly-knit community of their settlement is as much in charge of parenting young Murin as the people who are responsible for their birth. Young Murin grow up surrounded by multiple role models, learning different skills from various community members. They particularly value arts such as crafting and storytelling, but learning the art of survival is also a key tradition. They are experts in food preservation, and still prefer to hunt and gather for their sustenance. Murin are particularly stealthy as well, and are known for being great at creating escape routes, using secret communication methods and going about the world unnoticed.

Naming Conventions

Murini people have long hyphenated names made up of two parts - their “gifted” name, and their “gathered” name.
Murin will receive their gifted name from birth, from their parents or guardians. These names are usually references to nature, or sometimes food. “Gathered” names tend to happen more organically over time, coming from the community around them as a way of distinguishing them from others of the same gifted name. Sometimes this may be as simple as “son/daughter-of-(whoever)”, it could be a reference to where they’re from, a distinctive aspect of their personality, a catchphrase of theirs or anything else that makes them stand out.

General Information

Alternative Names

Mousekin

Patron Deity / Deities

Himeldrin, Teriesh

Homeland(s)

Found across Caelwhyn

Language(s)

Common, Murini

Lifespan

Less than a century (similar to humans)

Average Height

65cm - 100cm

Average Weight

10 - 15kg

Note: Traditionally, in writing, a Murin's first name is always in all caps, with dashes in between each following word.

Do you know MAPLE?

MAPLE-from-dark-wood or MAPLE-tumble-down-hills?

No, MAPLE-soft-speak-quick-foot.

— trying to find a mutual friend, overheard in Thistlewood

Examples:

• CHESTER-of-the-bright-red-door
• HOLLY-jolly-sing-song
• NUTMEG-first-daughter-of-ash
• PEPPER-born-in-summer-storm
• YARROW-far-walks-the-brown-hills
• BASIL-who-sings-to-bees

By the time a Murin reaches adulthood, their gathered name will have been solidified for some time, and accepting this name is considered an important part of coming of age. Names are deeply tied to community bonds and personal growth. A gathered name will never contain negative connotations - you won't find a Murin called "trips-on-roots" or "burns-the-bread", even if they regularly do both these things. Instead, the community finds ways to frame distinctive traits positively - perhaps "dances-with-earth" or "creates-new-recipes". As Murin grow and experience life, their gathered names might naturally lengthen, with new elements added while maintaining their original name as the foundation. JUNIPER-whirly-curly-red might become JUNIPER-whirly-curly-red-whistles-tunes.