The Grovelhogs are the oldest inhabitants of Laxaria. They only happen to look like hedgehogs, they are actually one of the tenrec people who came from Lemuria. They had figured out how to live off the land here long before humans ever settled the region. Their spines were only the last line of protection from the apes, bears, hogs and trolls that dominated the woods and hills. They lived underground in small towns that usually consisted of four or five families. They had a well at the center and above ground they cultivated stealthy gardens that provided them with food, materials, and medicine.

These gardens were walled off from the surrounding forest with thick hedges of brambles, nettles, and thorny trees. This disguised the settlement and deterred predators. Pungent plants even hid their smell from the wild beasts. They were also well skilled at using poison darts and arrows. The entrances to their shelters were sealed with circular stones that could be mechanically rolled shut.

They knew the real key to survival was making it through the harsh winters. To this they learned how to preserve the food they grew for long periods of time. The made jams and jellies from the fruit. Vegetables and eggs were pickled. Turnips provided starch and beets made sugar. The also raised pidgins, partridges, wood duck and blackbirds in stone cotes. They trapped pigs, rabbits, and giant snails only for feasting though it should be said that they invented plenty of occasions for such celebrations.


They also became adept at brewing alcohol. Not just as libations but as a necessary way to preserve medical tinctures and to serialize water that could become stagnant in confined conditions. They seldom had the luxury of grains so most often they fermented starches into vodkas or fruits into wine or schnapps.


_____________________________________

More artwork depicting Cyan Haven. I wonder why no one on Deviant art caught the absurd Easter egg I placed in this drawing. Maybe someone will here. Christmas will come sooner than you think.