Finnkes

**Finnkes** were an uncommon creature found throughout primarily in the Bakard Isles.

## Description

Finnkes were a hedgehog like creature native to the Bakard Isles. Finnkes possesses the body of a hedgehog with an elongated tube like nose, antenna, and brush like tail. In addition to this, they have brown scales that are angled slightly up. Their underbellies were softer variety of scales that were of a lighter complexion. Commonly, Finnkes had large bushels of plants, particularly clovers and flowers growing from their back.

## Abilities

Just like hedgehogs, Finnkes tended to be a bit shy, avoiding confrontations when possible. This was made easier by the large amount of flora on their backs, which allowed them to flawlessly camouflage into their home environments. Finnkes angled scales could be angled at will to allow plant matter they rolled in to grow there or to squeeze out old dead plants. This allowed Finnkes to use their ability more effectively, especially in places with flora new to them. Finnkes were able to sustain these plants for a longer than normal time and they often grew with less mutations by directly supplying their own nutrients to the plants.

Finnkes were capable burrowers as well, able to claw out large amounts of dirt quickly, and brush it away using their tail. These burrows were usually highly defensible, the Finnkes were able to choke out predators with spores of plants they adapted to, these effects were only limited to what FInnkes could find, making them a bit of a gamble for predators to fight.

Finnkes in the Bakard Isles would often attract Featherwyrms to sip the nectar from flowers they grew.

## Behavior

Finnkes would often spend their time finding plants to incorporate into their body, often preferring clovers and flowers as their leaves and petals provided better cover. They usually only took 3 bushels of plants within their lifetime, so they made the effort to make theirs look as nice as to attract mates.

Finnkes were incredibly prone to being frightened or intimidated. Often they could be scared by imposing creatures that were half their size, but this was rare as most creatures respect Finnkes for an unknown reason. They seem to be quite friendly to creatures that offer them gifts or show no harm.

## Combat

Finnkes prefer to hide when threatened. They find the nearest place to blend into and burrow into the ground if needed. They will remain there until the predator has passed. However, in their burrows, Finnkes will secrete spores from plants on their bodies to choke out intruders.

## Ecology

Finnkes were omnivores. Their primary diet was sustained by insects, but would often eat plant material when lacking in certain nutrients.

### Habitats

Finnkes prefer lush and heavily covered flora areas, particular forests and meadows.

### Relationships

Finnkes relationships with their plants were symbiotic, using the plants as cover and to attract mates, while the plants themselves got to spread their seeds, and get free nutrients.

The Finnkes relationship with Featherwyrms was akin to a form of commensalism, where the Featherwyrm would take the nectar of the flowers on Finnkes, but this would neither harm or benefit the Finnkes.

### Usages

Since the Plants on the Finnkes back were in better condition than most natural flowers, potion makers and botanists often gave Finnkes seedlings they would like to study, which allowed a longer period to observe the plant or more potent potion effects from fresher ingredients.