fogdwellers

Fogdwellers is a term used in folklore, speculative fiction, and game design to describe humanoid or semi-humanoid beings reputedly adapted to living in areas where fog is persistent or thick. The concept is not a single canonical tradition but a flexible trope that appears in various cultures and media, often with regional variations.

Typical settings describe fogdwellers inhabiting fog-bound landscapes such as coastal marshes, river deltas, highland moors, or cloud forests. They may live in networks of sheltered hollows, reed huts, or cliffside ledges, and rely on moisture from the fog as a practical resource.

Physiology and perception are commonly depicted as specialized for low visibility. Fogdwellers are often shown with keen hearing and scent, enhanced night vision, or even reflective or translucent skin that camouflages in mist. Some accounts describe physiological adaptations to humid air, such as efficient respiration or moisture storage.

Social organization varies; some portray them as solitary wanderers, others as tight-knit communities with rituals tied to fog cycles and weather patterns. Their economies are typically framed around fog harvesting, foraging in damp ecosystems, and craftsmanship suited to misty environments, such as waterproof clothing or rope work.

In literature and media, fogdwellers function as a narrative element that reflects liminality and adaptation to harsh environments. Related topics include fog, mist, fog harvesting, cloud forests, folklore, and fantasy creature tropes.