Badger Tribes
The tribes Meles, Taxidea, and Mellivora are Ochae'nafod bonded to species of badger in North Thiskel, South Thiskel, and North Kalesten.
Bonded Species
| Tribe Name | Species | Region | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meles | (European) Badger | W. North Thiskel | Extra small | |
| (Asian) Badger | E. North Thiskel; Qao-Baiji | Extra small | ||
| (Japanese) Badger | E. North Thiskel; Ourem | Extra small | ||
| Mellivora | Honey Badger | South Thiskel; Grasslands and forests | Extra small | Platinum blonde hair |
| Taxidea | (American) Badger | North & Central Kalesten | Extra small |
Appearance
The Meles, Mellivora, and Taxidea tribes are short and mostly quite sturdy people. Most are in the range of 4'-4'6" (122-137cm) in height with a rather square and squat build, though Mellivoras tend to be a bit more slender and lanky. Their facial structure is oval, with a pointed chin and narrow, pointed nose with a slight upward turn. Their ears are about half the length of other elemental races, adjusted for their size.
Most Meles have gray hair, with the exception of the clans bonded to the Ouremian species, which have a light brown/sandy blonde hair color. The Mellivora have platinum blonde or white hair, matching the broad white stripe that covers the honey badger's back. Taxidea have black or dark grey hair. All tribes have dark brown eyes. Their skin color and some of their facial structure mimic local human traits.
Culture
Badgers are known to be temperamental creatures, and despite their small size, most of the badger-bound tribes have an aggressively defensive attitude. While they don't seek out conflict, if it comes to them, they will fight back fiercely. Once you get on their good side, they're a good friend to count on. They tend to admire and respect strong and confident people. They also make good drinking buddies and have an affinity for alcoholic beverages. They often brew their own wines from local fruit. Badgers are omnivorous, eating insects, small animals, and anything else. The badger-bound tribes likewise are omnivorous and have a great fondness for food, on par with the Ursus tribes. Most of their meat sources are small animals, and sometimes even large insects like grasshoppers and grubs, which are cooked. They include local fruits, nuts, fungus, and vegetation in their diet as well.
Clans live together in secluded communities, often in low-laying homes that are partially underground. Meles tribes prefer a single share structure, but Mellivora and Taxidea prefer single small homes for a little personal solitude. Most badger-bound tribes do not form long-term romantic relationships, instead preferring flings. Children are raised by the mother and her family with little influence from the father, who is typically of another clan.
