Dobbin

Basic Information

Anatomy

The dobbin has a lavender colored bare stomach and face, and a snout like a cross between a fox and a pig. Their ears are large and pointed, like a fennec fox, and they have large yellow eyes with wonderful night vision. The rest of their body is covered in thick, dark fur. They stand on two legs, but will run on all fours. Their hands are similar to moles or badgers, in that they have long claws suited for digging and rooting.

Ecology and Habitats

Dobbin live in hand-carved caves that begin as simple burrows, but are excavated further as colonies expand. They will occasionally stumble upon naturally occurring cave networks, and forage for mushrooms or insects, but they otherwise stick to their own caves, beneath forests and fields.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dobbin are omnivores which eat whatever they can find. They pull roots and vegetables down into their caves, and will dig out and eat burrowing insects.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Dobbin will use their claws to hollow out small caverns, creating rooms connected by tunnels and windows. If you've ever seen Fraggle Rock, the 1980's Jim Henson puppet show involving tiny subterranean creatures, they live in similar dwellings, though they are far less advanced. A colony of dobbin will work together to tunnel, typically not far below field or forest floors, in search of roots to eat, or burrowing insects. When a dobbin has eaten its fill, they will continue foraging to bring food back to a communal pit where excess is stored and shared with the disabled dobbin.

Average Intelligence

The dobbin show signs of intelligence similar to a primate, able to use rudimentary tools. During or after lightning storms, dobbin may stumble across fire. It is not uncommon for them to become fascinated by fire, seeming almost to worship it, and 'feeding' the fire dry things that burn. Scholars wonder if they will further evolve to harness fire.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dobbin have especially strong night vision and hearing, to navigate cave networks. Their eyes are sensitive to light, but quick to adjust.

Average Length

An adult dobbin is typically 2.5 feet tall, or 0.7 meters.

Average Physique

Dobbin are described as being "goblin-like" in stature and physique. They walk on two legs, but will scurry on four if they are frightened. They are of a medium build typically, not especially skinny, or fat/muscular.