Kroashent: Marie's Bestiary - Poupliquet

Pictured: A Poulpiquet of the Kastellin Basin, Letha

The Poulpiquet - The Korrigan of the Dale

Physical Attributes

Poulpiquet are bipedal humanoids, similar in build and size to the Bediz, but distinguished by one or more features replacing those of a normal Bediz, with pronounced ears, claws, horns or tails resembling those of local mammalian fauna.   Poupliquet are capable shapeshifters and can take the forms of animals, most commonly those sharing their physical traits and normal Bediz, weaving powerful glamours to enhance the effect for mischief or defense.  The eyes of a poulpiquet shimmer, even in total darkness, a side effect of their high levels of natural glamour.

Habitats

Poulpiquet, the Korrigan of the Dale, are typically found in valleys and lowlands, such as the Kastellin Basin. They are equally at home in rolling plains and in light forests, quickly adapting to their surroundings as they move across their valleys. Unlike the agrarian more sedentary Korrigan, such as the Teuz and the Kornikaned, Poupliquet are semi-nomadic, traveling within an area in circuits in caravans of carriages and boats within a larger region, although only rarely venturing outside of it.  

Poupiquet are omnivorous, capable of eating most foods and processing Foyson. They are especially fond of overripe blackberries.   Poulpiquet are scavengers by nature, living off of what they find or the charity of others, to the extent that food left in the fields after Kalan-Goanv is referred to as the "Poulpiquet's Share" as it's foyson is often claimed by them.

Poulpiquet Society

Poulpiquet typically shun the established hierarchies of other faerie peoples, operating in small families and as individuals, or casually joining the social structures of other groups rather than forming their own.   Individualism and independence are both highly prized traits among the Poulpiquet, which reflects on their society at large. Poulpiquet are among the most likely of the Korrigan to become Solitary Fae.

Poulpiquet typically do not identify as gendered, although they may have clearly defined biological sexes in their true form. Their incomplete understanding of genders can lead to unexpected consequences for the targets of their magical pranks, leaving the target as the opposite sex during or even after a particular prank is done.

Customs and Taboos

- If addressed directly, or it becomes confused enough, a poulpiquet will typically respond and identify its true nature.

-  A gift given to a poulpiquet must be reciprocated in spirit.   Poulpiquet prefer to cause their mischief on those they feel deserve it, especially the self-important or arrogant. They do not try to cause permanent harm, although this can result. The poulpiquet will often use their magic to help or hinder others depending on its mood and the situation. Usually some lesson is intended, although not always clear to the victim. There are not many rules limiting what constitutes a "fair prank" save for no intentional killing. Poulpiquet are excpetionally powerful magik-users, albeit with a carefree and undirected approach that prevents them from mounting a truely dangerous threat. Illusions and transformations of the victim or targets around them are common examples. A rich miser finding that the gold they have stolen is a cauldron of acorns or a chauvinistic knight finding himself now a damsel in distress give these tricksters great joy.

History

The Poulpiquet were persecuted heavily during the reign of Conan Meriadoc and quickly sided with Ker-Ya during the War of the Two Brothers, becoming a key part of the Kingdom of Kernev. Their home, the great plain of Are was destroyed during the Battle of Meneziou Are and they settled along the Aon River.   Having already lost their homes along the North Coast of the Dreger Plateau, they defended their valleys with great fervour, allying with other Korrigan peoples against invaders or settlers. When the Kriores retreated into their mountains, the Poulpiquet bore the brunt of Bediz agression, driven back from their lust river valley to the Yeun Elez swamp. Angered at their treatment, they found an ally in Conomor the Cursed, joining his forces to destroy their mutual enemies, especially in the Northwest.   Defeated at the Battle of Relec, they took advantage of the chaos sown during Conomor's rule to repopulate the Aon River Valley and spread outwards to other regions, finding homes in Akitania and Anjev.

Marie's Personal Notes:

The Poulpiquet are found throughout the realms, including near my home near the Sena River, arrving in Melun for the market, bringing with them sweet honey, flowers and most importantly, stories. The Poulpiquet are great storytellers, often embellishing their tales with minor illusions and glamour.

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Val's Notes: Poulpiquet, also known as Púca or Pwca, are a common faerie creature found throughout many Celtic cultures, both malevolent and benificent, but almost always prone to mischief.  The Poulpiquet are rare among Fae in that they don't seem to mind being identified and will often announce themselves if pressed.  I also enjoy that the traditional folkloric weakness of the Poulpiquet is "sharp things."  In Brittany, they are often associated with marshlands and and viewed as some of the more aggressive Korrigan, known for their trickster nature, and exploitation of mortal greed). 

Her outfit is based on the traditional costume of the city of Chateaulin, France, to give an idea of "everyday wear" in the Letha region of Alvez. 

You may be wondering if you have seen Poulpiquet (and their bestiary entry) before and you have!  This type of Korrigan was introduced with the https://www.deviantart.com/kathalia/art/Kroashent-Commission-The-Coppertune-Sisters-876884204 , but I wanted to create an entry for them more in the format of the others as well, and add in some new information. 

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Learn more about Kroashent on the wiki: whttps://www.worldanvil.com/w/alvez-kroashent

Read the full article on the Poulpiquet here: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/alvez-kroashent/a/poulpiquet-species?preview=true

Kroashent on Discord: discord.gg/MZjc3Gg