Hedge

The most diplomatic and good natured of all the folk of the Feywild, hedges like to live quiet lives in villages throughout the Woods. They resemble hedgehogs, although the quills that cover their backs are far tougher, hard enough to repel blades and sharp enough to pierce the solid hides of monstrous creatures. Despite their sturdiness, hedges are sensitive and emotional creatures, who display meekness more than bravado. Their meek demeanor and deference in social situations has earned them a reputation as cowards in the eyes of outsiders. But rather than being born of cowardice, their behavior stems from a desire to respect the feelings and sensitivities of others, something considered to be of utmost importance in hedge society.

Culture

Hedges have an incredible capacity for empathy, and tend to view all creatures, from the smallest beetle to the largest beast, as being equally deserving of respect and dignity. They are known across the Wood for being excellent conflict mediators, and usually find themselves acting as diplomats or emissaries between factions trying to broker an agreement.
Hedges feel most at home when everyone gets along. They are one of the few races who truly understand that conflict is not an evil force but simply represents an imbalance which must be resolved. This is not to say that hedges have never known strife, only that their proactive approach to mediation, coupled with their deep respect for the dignity of all living creatures, results in fewer occasions for conflict. Yet, when a serious conflict does arise, hedges who feel they have been truly and deeply wronged can close themselves off from the rest of their society, sometimes resulting in splits in a community.
One of the reasons hedges display such deep empathy and compassion towards others is due to the intensity of the emotions they feel. The strength of these emotions applies as much to positive feelings it does negative, meaning emotional wounds run deep with hedges.
Hedges are tied into the natural world. This has granted hedges special magical gifts, such as the ability to speak with the smallest ground-dwelling creatures in the Wood, and the power to cause flowers to bloom. It is quite common for hedges to have a variety of animal friends who share their home.
Communities of hedges enjoy living surrounded by nature, near clearings within the forest or lone copses. Central meeting areas and communal gardens can be constructed in the spaces between burrows. Hedges love gardening, and tend to keep a few small gardens wherever they live.
Hedges need special consideration when wearing clothes, and favor loose tunics, baggy trousers, flowing robes, and other clothes which fit easily over their quills. When not actively flared out, these tough quills naturally flatten, becoming smooth to the touch. However, if suddenly frightened, their quills reflexively flare out and stiffen, an accident which can ruin a hedge’s clothing.

by Ilse Gort

History

Often considered among the weakest of beastfolk, the Hedge were persecuted by otherfolks on the Beastland. However, when drafted into the Feywild by the Yordles, they saw it as an opportunity for a fresh start. They burrowed underground, forming communities in the safety of the woods.
As other beastfolk pillaged and raided the Autumn Court, the Hedge built sanctuaries for their communities, seeking to avoid the conflict. When the Birdfolk arrived and began waging war against the ground-dwelling beastfolk, the Hedge burrowed even deeper to stay clear of the strife.
Excluded from the peace pact between the Birdfolk and other Beastfolk in the Autumn Court, the Hedge led secluded lives unaffected by court affairs. However, over Time, they faced familiar challenges from the Beastland as they were persecuted and bullied for resources by other, more predatory, beastfolk like the Mapach and Vulpin.

The conflict between those considered predators and the old Autumn Court began to escalate, and despite their lack of affiliation with the court, the Hedge were targeted by the predators. A few Hedges attempted to resist but were defeated.
Nisha, a Hedge hero, rallied her people to fight back in their own way. With the aid of other members of the Autumn Court, the Hedge began offering shelter to those wishing to avoid the conflict, turning their sanctuary into a safe haven amidst the war.
As the conflict evolved, the Hedge proved to be a major force for mediation and safety. They were eventually included as part of the new Autumn Court under the reign of Hap'Robin once the war was over, and their home was to be respected as a zone of neutrality.

General Information

Scientific name
Homo erinaceinae
Geographic Distribution
Feywild
Languages
Sylvan

Physiologie

Average Lifespan
120 years
Size
Small
Average Height
0.9-1.2 m
Average Weight
18-31 kg

Others