Tunghat

Tunghat are one of the kith of the nunnehi, changelings native to North America.

Overview
These goblin-like Nunnehi are known to the tribes of the plains, plateau, and basin regions as the masters of animals. They were messengers between human and animalkind, and ceremonies would be performed before a hunt to warn the tunghat so they could select the animals that most needed to be culled, and choose which were to be sacrificed so that their human “cousins” may live. Today, ceremonies such as this are rare, but the tunghat still watch over the animals, punish hunters who are disrespectful or wasteful, and sometimes aid those who are honor the old ways. Tunghat have become increasingly embittered by the failure of most tribes and hunters to acknowledge their roles in the life cycle. Some among the tunghat have begun to urge the entire tribe to arise and lead their animal charges on assaults against encroaching towns and businesses. However, others seek to work with the tribes, encouraging them to become more active in the protection of animals.

Similar to the pooka, all tunghat share a special kinship with a particular type of animal. Each tunghat undergoes a special ceremony, after which the first wild animal he sees is the one he is bonded with. Common animals include deer, rabbits, pronghorns, coyotes, birds, foxes, and bears.

Traditionally, tunghat lived in woven grass tipis in the territory frequented by their chosen animal companion. However, in recent times tunghat can be found living in cabins or trailers in wilderness areas and sometimes, though rarely, even in towns or cities. They are a gregarious people, and a  number of those who have the same animal companion can often be found living in tight-knit communities; in areas where wildlife is abundant, several different types can be found living together.

Tunghat are small of build and have green skin with even darker green hair, nails, and teeth. They have large, wide mouths with sharp teeth and a somewhat “goblinish” appearance. They dress in green and wear woven grass ponchos that they sometimes use for shelter or to hide.

Affinity: Nature

Birthrights
Animal Illusion — The tunghat can create an illusion that causes him to be perceived as the animal with which he is bonded. The illusion is always a little bit flawed; the markings may be wrong, color slightly off, or it might be too large or too small. A tunghat can use this power at will.

Summon Herd — A tunghat must choose a particularanimal with which she has a special bond. She may summon animals of this kind who are within a half day’s travel. She may then appeal to them to aid her, even asking the old or infirm to sacrifice themselves on her behalf.