Peuglet

Peuglets are thought to be descended from a race of fae that died out during the Hallowing War. Peugglets are anything but delicate-looking. With fat little bodies and four stubby limbs, they are often assumed to be slow, clumsy creatures. Their form however is decidedly deceptive, as peuglets are known to transit from one location to another in nearly the blink of an eye. peuglets are considered to be good luck charms for homes across Ebilar. The presence of one of these creatures is said to boost crop yields, increase luck (especially related to finances), promote strong overall health, and some peuglets have even been known to protect individuals (especially children) from harm if motivated enough.
Peuglet sightings are rare and often occur in more rural areas of the Continent. Generally, these sightings are not of the peuglet itself, but rather involves experiencing prolonged or unusual good luck, unexplained "near misses" with regard to potential injuries or risks of harm, and other such events. It is rare to actually see a peuglet in the flesh, as they will largely appear invisible to individuals. peuglets tend to pick a single member of a household--typically a child--to whom they become more attached. It is far more common for peuglets to show themselves to these favorites, in an attempt to build a playful connection with them. This is considered a great honor to be chosen by a peuglet as its favorite person.
Many farms across Emmeron will set out small offerings to entice peuglets to come into their home. These offerings often involve small trinkets that the family has handmade. The reason is that peuglets associate the craft and effort of making the trinkets with their value. Some scholars believe that peuglets gain their powers from a close connection with their host family. Thus, the more carefully, or emotionally crafted the item, the higher the perceived value for a peuglet. Similarly, individuals will often leave food items (particularly sweets) out for these fae.
Not every encounter with a peuglet is a positive one, however. If a family fails to provide food, or meaningful offerings to the peuglet, they can begin to feel ostracized from the family. peuglets will often select one member of the household in particular as their favorite. The positive and negative effects of offerings are generally more intense coming from the chosen favorite. Thus, happy peuglets tend to provide more beneficial effects to favorites they see as attempting to show respect and gratitude. peuglets who feel scorned, abandoned, or forgotten will attempt to use their connection with the household to torment the family.
This torment may begin small, in an attempt to change the family's behaviors in a more positive direction. This could include moving random objects, stealing momentos of sentimental value to individuals, or creating odd noises throughout the house. If they continue to feel scorned or abandoned--or alternatively, if they believe they have not been shown enough attention or respect, either by their favorite or the household as a whole--they will continue to intensify their actions. The goal appears to be causing confusion, and minor fear to unsettle the family. As these reactions intensify, families may begin to experience difficulties growing food, dead or underproducing livestock, or they may experience an increase in escalating accidents. Generally, this will continue until they feel satisfied the family has suffered, or until the family corrects their actions.
The most terrifying thing that peuglets do, tends to appear when they believe the family has no intention of correcting their behaviors, or if they attempt to remove the peuglet. At this point, they will appear to their favorite, or to the children in the home. They will begin to interact as if nothing is wrong, and will appear to make an effort to positively reconnect with the individuals. As the individuals begin to become comfortable, the peuglet will remove its head, in an attempt to shock and terrify the audience. From there, it has been told that they will begin using illusory magic to transform themselves into various creatures which resemble the darkest fears of the audience. As its believed connection is where they draw their power from, the intensity and impact of the illusions depends on their connection to the audience member. Similarly, if the individuals attempt to leave the home and go to another location, the peuglet will follow through a magical attachment to the family, and appear at their new refuge to continue the torment.
While there have been no reported cases of peuglets actively attacking their host families, there have been deaths associated with sleep terrors, heart attacks, and cases of severe anxious exhaustion and complications of previous medical conditions that have been tied to peuglet intervention.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Peuglets appear as squat, fat little goblinoids with small, almost useless-seeming limbs. Small tufts of black hair cover their heads, but the rest of their body appears to be hairless. Each hand is adorned with four stubby fingers, and thick black claws that appear to serve no real use.

Biological Traits

It is unknown how long peuglets live, but there have been several instances where individuals swear their guardian peuglet was alive across several generations of their family.

Genetics and Reproduction

Peuglets do not appear to have any sort of sexual or reproductive organs and always appear solo. It is unknown how they reproduce if they do so at all. One prevailing theory is that a new peuglet is created from a child's wish or the prayers of families in dire need. There is no evidence for either claim, but no other explanation has yet existed for how peuglets propagate.

Growth Rate & Stages

Peuglets do not appear to age like other sapient species. The best way to tell older peuglets from younger ones, is to examine the coloration of their claws. Younger peuglets will appear with a more milky-grey color to their claws. Adult peuglets will appear with black or deep brown nails. Older peuglets will appear with a light brown or yellow-tinted claw color.

Ecology and Habitats

Peuglets who have adopted a household will often remain cloistered in recesses within the foundation of the home. This may be a quiet larder, an attic or crawlspace, or even under the house itself. Generaly, a peuglet's nest is distinguishable by piles of offerings, tufts of makeshift bedding. Generally, though, peuglet nests are hidden where humans and other species cannot easily find them. It is also important the nothing be touched in the peuglet nest if found, as these tiny fae are extremely vindictive when they believe their domain has been violated, and will often being pranking, intimidating, or punishing the family, until they are satisfied they will not make another incursion into their domain.

Additional Information

Domestication

Peuglets can not be domesticated. Instead, they operate in a more symbiotic capacity with their hosts. Peuglets will generally resist any serious attempt to command them, and will take offense at these attempts.

Facial characteristics

The most obvious physical features of a peuglet (outside its body) are its massive black eyes. They are disproportionate to the rest of its face. A small, nearly imperceptible nose is set just below the bottom line of its eyes, and a tiny, lipless mouth sits below that.

Average Intelligence

Peuglets are highly intelligent and show a great degree of foresight and planning, when necessary.

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

6 - 8 in.

Average Weight

5 - 10 lbs.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Peuglets generally appear to share a common light tan or olive-tinted tan color scheme. They do not generally have any other distinguishing marks.