Squibs (Scwibs)

"Mischevious little buggers, the lot 'o em."

Squibs are small imps that are notorious for their love of shiny metals; particularly silver. They are native to the Western side of the world (The Isles of Pern to Verchein), though they are found in large concentrations in Verchein particularly; using the region's natural woodland and caves to hide their stolen items.
They average at around 40cm tall (15.7 inches) and are particularely nimble, using their tails to swing from over head rafters in the dark to make off with their loot.

Ecology

Distribution

Squibs occure across the Western third of the world. However, due to deliberate Human persecution, they tend to be heavily concentrated in the rural regions of Verchien; the Eastern most region, with its side pressed against the natural border of the Vulpine mountain range.
There they tend to live in small dens, created in the land's natural dense forests or in caves. Although, reports have found these curious creatures living in the ruins of stone outposts and guard towers of long forgotten settlements.

Diet

Studies of these creatures have found that they possess long needle-like front teeth, as such physiologists have determined that these creatures are naturally meat eaters. Although, despite such claims, Squibs are Omnivorous in nature. Natural scavengers, they tend to stay close to human settlements in order to steal scraps and fresh produce. It is not uncommon for hungry cats to return a dead Squib to their masters, caught whilst trying to steal oats from the granaries.

Behaviour

Squibs are inherently social creatures, as such they tend to form small packs and bands. The average number of Squibs in these pack vary from region to region, however. On the isles of Pern, their small packs tend to average around 8 in total; Whilst in the forests of Verchien, that number averages to around 15+
Squibs are sentient, Although, it is unclear if they form any sort of society or culture between themselves. They see their band as their family, and all the labour and theiving is shared between the sexes.
Some reports have found them wearing clothing in the colder months, constructed by tieing the tattered remains of cloth to form a toga-like article. It has be theoried that this is due to their lack of knowlage to construct fires.
Their intelligence has been estimated to that of a four year old Human child.

"If Humies wish to see shinies they must give Cobbie shinies"

Squibs are very verbal creatures, being able to both comprehend and speak an argot of Common. This, however, has been compared to 'baby speak' by most Humans.
In terms of death, Squibs have no concept of funerals or rites. Instead they choose to cannibalize their recently desceased.

Relationships with humans

In culture

In Verchien, these creatures are considered magical by nature. As such, in the poorer areas of the region, villagers have taken up the practice of 'spirit-binding' these creatures to new built houses. The process involves walling up a Squib in the walls and waiting for the helpless creature to die. It is said its spirit will leave and fetch good fortune on those who dwell inside the haunted property.

As food

Whilst considered a taboo in some cultures, Squib meat is a stable in others. In Verchein, it is not uncommon for Squib meat to be turned into a stew by poorer village-folk.

A Squib hording its loot