artwork © witherlings, edits by yours truly
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Current GP: 118
368 | Badger
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origin traveler . nature rugged . boundary neighborhood . size squat
nature features white pumpkin, American elm, carved jarrahdale
elemental candleflame
curse cacophony (mountain biome)
original form human
transformed by tbd
available as a creator | all art & writing welcome | may be freely used in others’ stories
Badger’s Tunes (kinda wip)
Eli the Barrow Boy - The Decemberists
Breakfast in Hell - Slaid Cleaves
Rox In The Box - The Decemberists
The Place I Left Behind - Deed Dark Woods
codgery | resilient | hardy | tetchy | sentimental
Badger spend his days overseeing his neighbourhood, adopting the role of self-appointed ghost-mayor as he does rounds about the town to make sure everything and everyone is attended to. He keeps an eye on the inhabitants, dutifully cleans up litter, aids residents when they need it (as best he can), and keeps the local cemetery in tip top shape.
He often comes off as cranky, intolerant, impatient, and pushy, and is quick to give others a hard time. He frequently tells old 'war-like' campfire stories about what he remembers of his previous life and the difficulties he overcame, as well as the town’s history. He is proud of his ability to adapt and survive, his courage and strength, and general ruggedness; he swears he doesn't complain except about those already complaining (whether or not this is true is....well, it's not up for debate in his eyes but...)
Despite the grouchy outer shell, Badger is wholly harmless and has a heart of gold. He loves the humans of his boundary and thrives in his neighborhood where he feels he can help make their lives easier and more peaceful - particularly for the elderly and young (those in the middle ought to be resilient enough to mind themselves, after all). He enjoys the company of other esk, makes a good teacher, and secretly feels quite lonely when left on his own. He can be incredibly sentimental, though he works very hard to hide this under a veil of toughness and would never openly admit to tenderness.
He enjoys the perks of being an esk and is glad he can further serve others in this existence. It can take a while, but once he allows himself to warm up to other esk they will find he is a noble friend full of good campfire stories, and is among the first to lend a hand when they need it.
Badger lives in a coastal town in New England. He spent his previous life fishing, trapping, farming, and being an active community member, back when the area was still a colony.
Coastal Neighborhood
The town that Badger calls home has been around since the late 1600’s. It is surrounded by gentle hills that are forested and has a bustling harbor. There are ample historic landmarks in it including an old cemetery, the original church and town halls, and plenty of vernacular homesteads.
His nature features are the result of his transformation happening in the autumn, and are reflective of the time when his boundary truly shines with the brilliant golds and oranges of the trees glistening off the coast in October. Halloween is a big to-do in his neighborhood!
“What of miniature boats constructed of birch bark and fallen leaves, launched onto cold water clear as air? How many fleets were pushed out toward the middles of ponds or sent down autumn brooks, holding treasures of acorns, or black feathers, or a puzzled mantis? Let those grassy crafts be listed alongside the iron hulls that cleave the sea, for they are all improvisations built from the daydreams of men...”
-Paul Harding, Tinkers
artwork © Nairo-Ryu
Impressions
Badger’s presence is subtle and not obvious. His vibration is steady and assured, but subdued, and neither demanding nor alarming.
His voice is a little rough around the edges and he often uses archaic words, especially when riled up or wanting to make an impression. This lends itself well to storytelling.
He is about the size of a raccoon and bears a hobble in his gait - the remnant of an injury sustained in his previous life. He hasn’t been able to let go of the habit, despite that the injury is long gone and he no longer remembers it
His elm leaves always show in a vibrant orange. When he is sad or downtrodden they are prone to withering and shedding, leaving his branches embarrassingly bare (and they are slow to regrow, to boot.)
He has a carved jarrahdale pumpkin that he displays when telling stories around a campfire or at Halloween.
He also has a candleflame elemental. He often uses this to light his way in the dark, start small bonfires, and also places it in the carved jarrahdale to illuminate it like a jack-o-lantern.
The cacophony curse causes birds to make a loud, noisy ruckus when Badger is in the mountain biome. They screech and shriek in alarm and upset, rather than singing sweet songs. This is much to his annoyance (and likely to those he is with) and so he avoids entering this biome unless absolutely necessary.
As the protective self-appointed mayor of his neighborhood, Badger is quick to subject any new esk who enter his boundary with a barrage of harmless but pointed questions and inspections. He is generally accommodating and never hostile, but it may take a little bit to wear away any suspicions he has (it certainly helps if the visitor shows interest in the town’s history or offers to help him clean up litter.)
Badger visits the conservatory but only rarely - usually after being egged on by others to join them there.
Stories & Relationships
Relationships
Badger can seem a little prickly and grumpy at first, but once his friendship is gained he is a steadfast friend who cares much about others. Though he never leaves his boundary if he can help it (there is always something that needs doing), he will be the first to come to help should you need it.
Origins & Stories
Transformations
Gallery
Click images to view fully. Much of this artwork is not mine but has been gifted or commissioned. Credits and links to these wonderful artists’ profiles are listed - on desktop, hover over the image; on mobile, you will have to hit the white circle in the bottom right corner (I am working on trying to find a different solution to the latter.)
