Mudels

Mudels are a fictional class of small, burrowing mammal-like creatures that appear in speculative fiction, role-playing settings, and related media. They are not real-world species, and there is no single, authoritative description; authors adapt mudels to fit their worlds, often treating them as common inhabitants of temperate wetlands and woodlands.

Mudels typically measure 12–20 centimeters in body length with compact bodies, short limbs, and dense, water-repellent fur. They commonly possess strong forepaws with curved claws suited for digging. Coloration ranges from brown and gray to mottled patterns that blend with leaf litter.

They inhabit damp forests, marsh edges, and riverbanks, where they construct networked burrows. Mudels are usually nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on roots, tubers, insects, fungi, and seeds. They are often described as social animals that share burrows and care for young cooperatively.

In fiction, mudels are portrayed as ecosystem engineers that aerate soil and influence plant communities. They may serve as companions to protagonists, subjects of scientific study, or symbols of resilience in challenging environments. Some works depict variations in behavior, such as more solitary lines or larger sizes in other regions.

As a fictional construct, mudels lack real-world conservation status or scientific literature. Their portrayal reflects authorial choices and world-building needs, and fan communities sometimes develop fanon detailing their ecology and lore.