Squirrelfolk

The Squirrelfolk of Aeloria, also known as the Scurrii, are a lively and resourceful race known for their agility, curiosity, and strong communal bonds. Often found in dense forests, towering treetops, and wooded groves, Squirrelfolk are quick thinkers and even quicker movers. They are known for their knack for gathering, crafting, and thriving in arboreal environments, where they balance a love for adventure with a deep sense of home and family. Appearance:
Squirrelfolk are small, nimble humanoids. Standing between 3 and 4 feet tall, they have slender, agile builds, making them well-suited for climbing, leaping, and dashing through the treetops. Their bodies are covered in soft fur that ranges in color from earthy browns and chestnuts to grays, reds, and even golden hues. Their faces are squirrel traits, with bright, expressive eyes—often in shades of brown, green, or hazel—a small, slightly upturned nose, and pronounced whiskers.
Their most notable feature is their large, bushy tails, which can be nearly as long as their bodies. These tails serve as both a balancing tool when leaping between branches and a natural blanket for warmth. Squirrelfolk hands and feet are small, nimble, and dexterous, ending in semi-retractable claws perfect for gripping bark or handling small objects.
Squirrelfolk wear light, practical clothing made from natural materials like leather, woven leaves, and plant fibers, often adorned with acorns, feathers, and bits of bright fabric. They favor earth tones that help them blend into their surroundings, but they also enjoy wearing colorful accessories and trinkets to express their individuality.
Culture and Society:
Squirrelfolk live in tight-knit communities called Warrens or Nutclans, which are often found in treetop villages, hidden groves, or intricate networks of tunnels and burrows. Each Warren is typically led by an Elder Nutkeeper or Chief Gatherer, who is respected for their wisdom, experience, and ability to maintain harmony within the community. The Squirrelfolk value cooperation, cleverness, and the ability to adapt to new situations, which are essential traits for surviving in their ever-changing forest homes.
Squirrelfolk are highly communal and emphasize the importance of sharing, storytelling, and mutual aid. They are known for their knack for foraging and gathering, often storing up vast caches of food and supplies to sustain them through harsh seasons or unexpected challenges. They believe in the Cycle of Abundance, a philosophy that encourages taking only what is needed, sharing with those in need, and giving back to the forest that provides for them.
Nutfests are major cultural celebrations for Squirrelfolk, held at the end of each harvest season. These festivals are filled with music, dancing, storytelling, and games that involve climbing, jumping, and racing. They serve as a time to honor the forest's bounty, strengthen community bonds, and welcome the changing seasons.
Squirrelfolk are also known for their love of crafting and tinkering. They often create elaborate treehouses, bridges, and networks of pulleys and lifts to navigate their forest homes. They are skilled at making traps, small gadgets, and tools from natural materials, and they take pride in their ability to solve problems creatively and ingeniously.