Pukks

Pukks are a fictional term used in the fantasy setting of Eldara to denote a species of small, burrowing herbivores that inhabit temperate forests and damp meadows. They are commonly described as social animals that form extensive underground tunnel networks connected to communal burrows. In most depictions, Pukks are perceived as a keystone species due to their role in soil aeration and plant seed dispersal.

Biology and ecology: An adult Pukk measures roughly 20 to 25 centimeters in length and weighs between 0.3 and 0.7 kilograms. They have soft fur that is typically russet-brown with a lighter underfur, and they possess ear tufts and dark eyes. Their forelimbs are strong and well adapted for digging, while their short tails aid in balance. Pukks feed on a diet of roots, tubers, and fungi, and their digging activity helps create microhabitats for other forest organisms. They are described as diurnal or crepuscular, living in stable social groups that maintain the burrow complex together.

Behavior and reproduction: Pukks exhibit cooperative care, with group members assisting in burrow maintenance and nursing of the young. Breeding is usually seasonal, with litters generally consisting of two to four offspring. Offspring remain in the burrow for several weeks under the protection of the group before exploring the surrounding habitat.

In culture and media: Pukks appear in the fantasy novel The Verdant Pact as a keystone forest species and feature in the video game Pukk Run, where they can be collected as companions with various color morphs that influence gameplay. They are also depicted in in-world bestiaries and fan art across Eldaran media, contributing to their status as recognizable forest creatures within the setting.

Etymology and classification: The name Pukk derives from an in-world Eldaran term meaning “earth dweller,” with the plural form Pukks used in texts and fan usage. In-universe taxonomy places Pukks within a fictional family Pukkidae.