The Hedgehogfolk are a small, bipedal race native to the vast savannas of the world, where survival demands cunning, adaptability, and community. Over generations, they have honed their natural defenses and developed unique techniques to thrive in an environment where they are both hunter and hunted. Originally thought to be simple scavengers, the Hedgehogfolk have proven themselves as fierce warriors and resourceful allies, using their diminutive size and sharp quills to defend their homes and strike back against the many threats that stalk the tall grass.

Physical Appearance
Standing no taller than a goblin, Hedgehogfolk resemble humanoid hedgehogs with quills that extend down their backs, resembling those of a porcupine. Their bodies are covered in coarse fur, varying in color from sandy brown to deep black, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the golden grass of the savanna. Their quills are their defining feature, sharp and sturdy, capable of being used both defensively and offensively. When threatened, a Hedgehogfolk can roll into a spiked ball, extending their quills outward to become an impenetrable fortress of spikes.

Their faces retain a mix of humanoid expressiveness and animal-like features, with small, sharp teeth and bright, keen eyes that glow faintly at night. They have nimble hands and feet, perfect for digging, scavenging, or crafting makeshift weapons from their surroundings. Despite their small stature, their bodies are surprisingly sturdy, a testament to their life in the harsh savanna

Abilities and Combat
Hedgehogfolk are masters of ambush tactics, using the tall, dry grasses of the savanna to hide and launch surprise attacks on their enemies. Their natural quills serve as makeshift spears, which they can detach and throw with deadly accuracy. In moments of desperation, they can even launch their quills outward in all directions, impaling nearby foes. While this ability leaves them temporarily vulnerable as their quills regrow (typically within a single day), it has saved countless Hedgehogfolk lives in dire situations.

Their combat strategy revolves around speed, agility, and teamwork. Hyperactive and nimble, they use hit-and-run tactics to confuse and disorient larger enemies, often working in small groups to overwhelm foes with sheer energy. When partnered with the Lionfolk, they act as scouts and ambushers, softening up enemies or leading them into traps where their larger allies can strike.

Society
Hedgehogfolk live in tightly-knit nomadic groups, known as “prickles,” which typically consist of 10 to 30 individuals. Their nomadic nature is a direct response to the dangers of the savanna; by constantly moving, they avoid becoming easy prey for larger predators. These communities are built on mutual support and cooperation, with every member contributing to the group's survival, whether through hunting, scavenging, or crafting.

Leadership in Hedgehogfolk society is not based on strength but on cleverness and wisdom. Their leaders, often called “Quillmasters,” are the oldest and most experienced members of the prickle, responsible for guiding their group to safety and ensuring they maintain good relations with their allies, particularly the Lionfolk. These alliances are crucial, as Hedgehogfolk rely on the Lionfolk for protection against larger threats, while the Lionfolk value the Hedgehogfolk’s keen senses and ability to detect danger.

Lifestyle
Hedgehogfolk are primarily nocturnal, emerging from their hidden burrows and makeshift camps after sundown to forage and hunt. Their diet consists of grubs, fruits, and edible roots, which they expertly dig out of the ground with their claws. While scavenging, they are ever vigilant, using their heightened night vision and keen sense of smell to detect predators or enemies long before they approach.

During the day, Hedgehogfolk rest in shaded burrows or beneath the tall grass, camouflaged and protected by their quills. They rarely stray from cover, knowing that the savanna is no place for a small creature to wander unguarded. Their nights, however, are full of activity, as they work tirelessly to ensure the survival of their prickle and alert their Lionfolk allies of any impending dangers.

Allies and Enemies
The Hedgehogfolk maintain a strong alliance with the Lionfolk, who see the Hedgehogfolk as invaluable partners in protecting the savanna from common threats, such as Gnolls or marauding bandits. The Hedgehogfolk’s small size and ability to hide in plain sight make them excellent scouts, and their high-pitched calls are often the first warning the Lionfolk receive of an approaching enemy.

However, the Hedgehogfolk are not without their natural enemies. Gnolls are their most frequent adversaries, viewing the small Hedgehogfolk as both a nuisance and a source of food. The Hedgehogfolk have become experts at ambushing Gnoll raiding parties, using their quills and teamwork to take down these larger foes. They also face constant danger from predatory beasts, such as hyenas, leopards, and massive birds of prey, all of which see the Hedgehogfolk as little more than a spiky snack.

Noteworthy Traits
What the Hedgehogfolk lack in size and brute strength, they make up for in cleverness and determination. They are natural problem-solvers, able to adapt quickly to new challenges and find creative solutions to complex problems. Their hyperactive nature can make them seem chaotic or disorganized to outsiders, but this energy is a reflection of their survival instincts and their drive to protect their prickle at all costs.

Despite their small size and relatively unassuming appearance, Hedgehogfolk are not to be underestimated. They are survivors, warriors, and scavengers, perfectly adapted to the harsh realities of life in the savanna. Whether as allies or adversaries, the Hedgehogfolk leave a lasting impression on those who encounter them—a testament to their strength, resilience, and spirit.