Critterfolk were a species of sentient hybrids, extradimensional humans and small animals. Originally created in a dimensional magical accident, Critterfolk went on to dominate the Linnean Islands and form the first Federation of Linnean at the end of the Time of Mountains and throughout the Elfin Age before eventually being nearly completely wiped out by a combination of plague and magical catastrophe caused by the Sylvan War.
Critters appeared in a wide variety of forms. Each "type" of Critter resembled a specific animal, usually carried down family lines but mutations were not unheard of. For instance, two Mauslings almost always produced more Mauslings, but a Mausling and a Calico might produce either. There was no "blending" of features across Critters with diverse heritages. There was also a variance in appearance across these types of Critters, ranging from nearly completely bestial to little humans with beast features (these commonly being ears and a tail), with most falling somewhere between the two. Unlike Critter type, their place on this spectrum was seemingly completely random with family playing no role. Even twins could be as different as a bipedal rat and a human with enormous mouse ears.
Smaller than even Halflings, Critters stood about two feet tall on average, with some Critter types smaller than others.
Critter Culture
While Critters tended to stick with their own Critter varieties and as such develop unique cultures across their many islands, some universal ideas permeated the islands, likely a result of their long enslavement by the Lang who are the ancestors of modern Langites. A strong sense of community, a resentment of being called 'cute' or similar, and a nearly crippling love of games of all sorts. The freed Critters went on to found the Federation, a 'republic of nations' that left each island to decide for itself what the system would be, all under a strong federal command led by an elected president. While religious practices also varied somewhat, there was a creator (or creators) that was both mysterious and some sort of direct ancestor, very likely an adapted understanding of their human origins.
Varieties of Critter
Mauslings were the most varied of the folk, with many rodent types among them such as gerbils, hamsters, rats, and especially mice. They were skilled merchants and diplomats, and as a result of their natural charisma headed the Federation of Linnean (the alliance of Critters).
Timberborn were the beaverfolk, bigger than Mouselings and renowned as fine craftsmen. What Dwarves can do with iron and stone, the Timberborn could do with carpentry. Their talents were the backbone of the Federation’s infrastructure with new villages able to be constructed in an impressively short amount of time. They were almost cursed with a need to build and had an appetite for the very wood they worked with.
The Leporine were rabbitfolk, legendary sages with an inborn affinity for magecraft. They were noted as particularly frail as a result of the natural magic that infused them. Little is known of them as they very rarely left the Federation in the Elfin Age and were already extinct by the time of Skaldor’s landing.
The Masque were raccoon-men, born woodsmen and incredible scouts. It was the Masque that gave the Federation the edge over the Lang in the Critter Revolt, skillfully leading raiding parties through the thick pine forests of Linnean to strike at Elfish targets and sabotaging information. After the Federation won its independence, the Masque retained a reputation for woodland banditry.
The Riverine were otterfolk whose amphibious lifestyle and bloodthirsty nature made for brutal soldiers among the Federation forces. Lang soldiers learned to fear the water quickly. While the Riverine were said to delight in battle and killing, they were also known by friends to be especially playful and curious.
The Calico Collective were similar to the true catfolk, like miniature versions of those. Naturally contrary and notoriously difficult to work with, the Collective insisted on being part of the Federation but also separate from it. An inborn sense of self-importance made them natural administrators for the Mausling leadership, and they were known to be particular favorite companions of dragons.
Lupins were doglike humanoids as small as other Critters but loyal companions and ferocious soldiers. In the Revolt, the dogfolk made up the bulk of Federation forces but suffered such heavy losses as to be on the decline by the time of the Tower. At the Federation’s height they were mostly employed as guards and advisors by high ranked Critters.
Scuri were small, wiry squirrelfolk who specialized in climbing. Little is known of these in the modern age, save that they were apparently also master fencers.
Brin Cari were frogfolk that were nearly wiped out by the Lang prior to the Revolt. None remained by the time of Skaldor's Landing, but there is evidence to suggest that Lisbeth's Grippli population are in fact descended from Brin Cari refugees.
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