Porcupine Tribes

There are two families of porcupines in the world; those of South Thiskel and those of Kalesten. Both are large rodents that make use of long quills for protection. The Ochae'nafod bonded with these species in Thiskel are known as the Hystrix, those of North Kalesten are the Erethizon, and those of South Kalesten are the Coendou.

Bonded Species

Species	Region	Notes
(Cape) Porcupine	SE. South Thiskel
Crested Porcupine	NW. and N. South Thiskel and S.SW. North Thiskel
(North American) Porcupine	Forested regions of North Kalesten
Bicolored-spined Porcupine	Mountains of South Kalesten	Prehensile tail
(Brazilian) Porcupine	Tropical forests of South Kalesten	Prehensile tail

Appearance

The porcupine tribes are among the smaller Ochae'nafod, and the Coendou are the smallest of the porcupine tribes. Common shared traits among these tribes include coarse, straight hair, sometimes with permanent spines, or opting to shift in their spines for threats or aesthetic. Their facial structure tends to be squared, vaguely resembling the face of their bonded species in structure. As porcupines tend to have very small ears, the ears of the Ochae'nafod are shortened, but still pointed, and sometimes with tufts of coarse hair at the tips.

Their skin color is similar to humans of the area, while their hair is typically black or dark brown, and quills appear in the natural color of their bonded species. Their eyes are usually brown.

Culture

Porcupines tend to be solitary, or live in pairs, depending on the species, which is at odds to Ochae'nafod tendencies, so the Ochae'nafod live in clans as opposed to their bonded species. The Hystrix are inclined to long-term monogamous bonds, while the Erethizon are more libertine, and the Coendou are somewhere in between with their relationships.

As they are bonded to a prey species, they tend to be wary and cautious, but they also have a streak of defensive aggression.