Badgerfolk

We look cuddly, but don't ever cross badgerfolk. We don't forget wrongs done to us. Granted, if there's a true 180 and heartfelt apologies made, we'll probably forgive. But if you don't make it right by us, watch out! We also remember kindness and will do our best to return more than we received.

— Garth, Meles badgerfolk sentry

  Badgerfolk, also called badgerkin, are anthropomorphic badgers. Unlike Werebadgers, they do not shapeshift. But it can be hard to tell a Werebadger in humanoid form from a badgerfolk. Most of the known badgerkin tend to reside in the Meles Protectorate.    

Temperament

Badgerfolk are "known" for being grouchy. But this often isn't a fair assessment. Just because a badgerfolk is a little terse, doesn't mean they're grumpy. They just prefer to use fewer words. Much more for them is expressed through physical signs—gestures, posture, doing thoughtful things for another (such as bringing tea to someone that just came in from the cold), or refusing to help (a sign that you're in hot water). Once you study the language of action, then you'll more easily understand badgerfolk, and you'll likely make lifelong friends.   Many badgerkin are actually easy going and playful. They love to joke and when they tease you, you'll know you're accepted. It's only when they're provoked, that you'll see their fierce side. When tempers flare, other badgerfolk will remove little ones and non-badgerfolk from the area for their protection.   It is true that badgerkin can be stubborn, but this also means they are determined and focused on whatever their task is. But on the flip-side, they tend to be generous with their time and money. Time is usually the more precious commodity.   Most badgerfolk are strongly introverted. They're often quiet and don't bring much attention to themselves, unless the situation calls for it. For example, sports fans are loud and boisterous at games!    

Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Badger is their preferred language and English is the common tongue for most badgerkin. But they adapt fairly quickly to the language being spoken where they live. Perhaps this is because they choose to use fewer words than many other sapient species, especially humans.  

Codes and Values

 

For kith and kin!

— a common Badgerfolk saying

 

Etiquette

 

Culture and Cultural Heritage

 

Customs, Traditions, and Ideals

Rites

 

Beauty and Style Ideals

Badgerkin don't generally dress very flashy. They prefer muted, neutral, or soft pastel tones. They may sport piercings, usually in the form of earrings. Keeping themselves clean and well groomed (unless at or returning from work) is important.  

Courtship Traditions

They tend to have large networks of friends. Courtship will most often start from within that circle. One badgerfolk will ask another if they'd consider getting to know each other better. If they hit it off, courting will begin, shortly followed by telling their families. It's rare for a family to reject a potential mate or mates. But if they do, the families won't be on speaking terms anymore.  

Relationships

Bonds formed with friends and family run deep and are the most important relationships in a badgerkin's life. If one takes a mate it's expected to be for life. So badgerfolk make sure they know the character (plusses and defects) before they take a mate or mates. (Children may be born before the badgerkin opts to take a mate and the children they have may not be from that mate or mates. See note in coming of age rites.)   To take a mate is to become a lifelong, equal partner. It's the point a badgerfolk is ready to settle down and focus on family. Separation (the equivalent of divorce) is rare, and will likely cause the families of each side to not be on speaking terms unless amends (though, not the renewal of the relationship) are made.    

Overview

Badgerfolk are a quiet, humble, playful people that value their friends and family first. Though watch out for their grudges and be ready to make amends if you offend!