Burroden

The Burroden
Masters of the earth
Also known as Burrodonians, this earth loving people share a common ancestry with burrowing mammals such as groundhogs, hedgehogs and moles. Being one with the soil of Terra, you'll find no better agriculturists than a Burroden citizen. Their love for farming is only matched by their lust for gems, minerals and geodes. Trading these materials is part of everyday life for these treasure hunters. They have a difficult time understanding why other species places so much value on the common gems used as the currency among humans and others. To a Burroden, these meager stones are near worthless.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Burroden come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. While they all evolved from the same cells, it seems certain members have inherited specific traits from their ancestors making their physical appearance resemble their distant cousins.
With this in mind, Burrodonians do share many common traits. Generally, a Burrodonian's body is slim and incredibly flexible. This comes in very handy when spelunking. Their legs can be considered short in comparison to their other proportions but, their very powerful. Their feet and toes are rugged and their toes resemble sharp claws. They are able to curve the palms of their feet nearly 90 degrees in either direction allowing them to use their feet as scoops or shovels or move with little effort underground. Their arms and hands are nearly identical to their feet, but are quite long sometimes reaching past their knees. Each limb is ends with 5 digits. Burrodonians have long rounded ears on both sides of their heads which have muscles allowing them to move their ears at will. They are known to have long nasal cavities and snouts, their mouths are lined with sharp teeth. Finally, their eyes have an interesting property. When underground, their pupils dilate so much they are as dark as the tunnels they are burrowing in. However, while outside, their eyes could be mistaken for those of a Human's.
Oh! and they have small adorable useless tails.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Burroden people are mammals. Typically, pregnancies will last around 7 Months. During this time, the father will spend some time creating a nursery within their home. This usually implies they will simply dig a new room. The mother will gather materials in order to make a 'nest' for the baby to reside in once it is born. Mothers will stay by the newborn's side for 2 or 3 months without leaving the house, relying on the father to provide during this time.

Growth Rate & Stages

The Burroden age at a rate similar to Humans. By the 4th month, a baby will begin exploring its surroundings. With a bit of guidance from their parents, the baby will be crawling before the 5th month begins. From the 6th month onward, the baby will typically be allowed to go outside with their parents. They will not be allowed to go farther than what could be considered the home's "front yard".
Once a Burroden infant reaches the age of 3, speech lessons are on the curriculum. This is usually taught by the parents at home.
At 4 to 5 years old, its time to learn how to read and write. Again, mostly taught by the parents.
Between the age of 6 and 13, the child is largely left to their own devices. The only true responsibilities in a Burrodonian community is agriculture. This is left to the adult's however. Until then, the children play, cause conflicts and continue to learn. This also marks the time in a Burroden's life when the love of treasure and rarities begins to flourish.
The Burroden are recognized as adults once they turn 14 years old. Now, they are though the secrets of agriculture and are expected to tend to the crops and soil. This also marks the time when A Burrodonian is allowed to venture into the world if they choose to.

Ecology and Habitats

Burrodonian settlements are usually found foothills or mountain bases. It's believed this is preferred because the mountainous regions seem to bolster a great many resources valued by nearly all species on Terra; gems, ores, geodes, etc. Meanwhile the closer to the something resembling a plain surface, the better they can manage the soil and create their farms. Lastly, the Burroden like the heat. For this reason, they tend to stay closer to the East of Terra.

Dietary Needs and Habits

It is widely believed that the Burroden people are vegetarians. While they absolutely do love nearly all form of vegetables, this is not entirely true. Burrodonians also adore insects. (Apparently, the crunchier the better) They do not hunt animals for meat and they do not fancy eating meat.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The Burroden people are independent creatures. Many believe this is because they dislike competition when treasure hunting is involved. One interesting trait contradicts this behavior. Burrodonian families (as in close families) love to pile all their plunder into one pile or stash. A family's stash is the biggest sign of status in a Burroden community. The more impressive their haul, the higher their social status becomes.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mostly found inhabiting in the East of Terra. This region is slightly warmer than other parts of the world which the Burroden greatly appreciate.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Burroden people are at home under the earth. Their special yes allow them to see in the dark without any problems and, perhaps, even better than they can see in daylight. For this reason, Burrodonians tend to be much more active and productive near Dusk.
Their hands and feet are designed in such a way they may as well have spades attached to their limbs. Plus, their claws are strong enough to reduce boulders to rubble should they have the opportunity to claw at it long enough. (This being said, it is not uncommon for a Burrodonian to chip a claw or two.)
Their sense of smell and hearing are exceptional. You'd be hard pressed to ever sneak up on a Burrodonian.

Scientific Name

Burroden

Lifespan

70 years

Average Height

Relaxed: 2.1 m Standing upright: 2.5 m Crouched: 1.3 m

Average Weight

Around 85 kg

Average Length

Around 1.9 m

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The vast majority of Burrodonians have brown fur. The tint can vary from a light beige to a dark, nearly black color. As a fun fact, while a Burroden is technically bipedal, they prefer being on all fours.

Related Materials

• Putridily plant