AKA: Tsvdigewi; singular: Yvwi Usdi Tribal affiliations: Cherokee Thousands of years ago, several young Cherokee men set out to see what was in the world. They traveled far south, where they met a tribe of little people called the Tsvdigewi. They had strange shaped bodies － very plump and squat, like a child － that barely reached a grown man’s knee. They did not live in houses, but nests dug out of the ground and covered with dried grass. The little people were so weak and tiny that they could not defend themselves; they lived in constant fear of wild geese and other large flocks from the south that preyed on their communities. Just as the Cherokee men arrived, the Tsvdigewi were becoming more antsy; strong winds were blowing from the south, bringing white feathers along with them. The men asked the Tsvdigewi why they did not defend themselves, discovering that they never learned how to. They didn’t have enough time to teach them how to make bows or arrows, so they taught them how to use sticks as clubs and spears－in addition to hitting the birds on the neck to kill them. The wind blew harshly for several days after the Cherokee arrived; at last, the birds came. There were so many of them that they blotted out the sun, looking like a giant, angry cloud. The ground became so saturated with their forms that nothing could walk more than a few steps without bumping into one of them. The little people ran into their homes, but the birds followed, sticking their long beaks into the nests and eating them; but, as the creatures did so, the little people fought back with their clubs, striking the birds on the neck. After several hours, most of the birds had been killed. With disappointment and fear, the last of the birds flew away to safer hunting grounds. Joyfully, the Tsvdigewi thanked the Cherokee for their help and gave them the best food they had, teaching them what they knew about the land and its goods. Leaving amicably, the men went to discover other tribes. Later, the Cherokee heard that the birds returned each year－with ever-increasing numbers; yet, the little people continued to drive them off. Then, one season, a flock of cranes arrived; these bird’s necks were so long that the little beings could not reach high enough to hit and kill them. Most of the Tsvdigewi died fighting these animals, forcing them to hide and change their seasonal ways of life. - the Tsvdigewi: a Cherokee Story A Yvwi Usdi is a small, human-like being with long hair that almost touches the ground and a handsome, pudgy face; they grow no larger than 1.5 ft tall, have dark, sharp eyes, and brown hair that has a green tinge in the light. The being’s voices are high pitched and their words spoken quickly, as if in a hurry. As the Yunwi Tsunsdi' are not very active, most of their bodies are plump; they wear simple, loose garments woven of plant fibers or made of animal hides. During the winter, they don more layers of clothing, but only leave their warm homes when absolutely necessary－keeping stores of food inside, as well as firewood and other provisions. In the past, the Yunwi Tsunsdi’ were able to transform into other creatures, but have lost this powerful magic, mostly due to laziness and disinterest. However, when humans draw near, they turn invisible; this power does not work on animals, who can see through their ruse. The Yunwi Tsunsdi’ may reveal their forms to those that are kind or in need. Homes on the Forest Floor The Yunwi Tsunsdi' love music and dancing, filling most of their time with the sounds of drums, wooden flutes, and singing－frolicking together in a wide range of routines; couples, groups, and individuals careen to steady beats, buoyant melodies, and somber waltzes. These parties are for socializing and romancing other Yvwi Usdi, drinking fermented drinks, eating fatty, rich foods, and playing games, like wrestling or stone tossing. Celebrations occur nightly－under the stars in the summer and indoors during the winter; fall and spring are reserved for work, though fun is still had at least once a week. Work for the Yunwi Tsunsdi’ includes gathering food, upkeeping nests or homes, playing pranks, and enacting revenge on their adversaries. Nests are used in the warm months, while homes are reserved for the cold season. Nests lie in the open, dug out of the sand and covered with grass; late-night celebrations end with the community passing out in these soft beds. Homes are built into the sides of large trees and mountains, or, in rare instances, small caves are converted into spacious abodes. The structures are simple, having a kitchen, pantry, dining table, and mats for sleeping; the little beings also have games stored away for long nights, in addition to books written by their people. Some individuals take up writing or drawing/painting with charcoal and crushed herbs－though most have little patience for such things, preferring more boisterous activities. Yunwi Tsunsdi’ live mostly carefree lives in the forest, though they fear one thing above all else: birds, especially those with long necks. Developing a taste for their sweet meat, the animals often burst through doors and windows to pinch at their flesh. Though the beings do not care much for fighting, they fend them off with clubs made of wood, as well as sharpened sticks. When particularly hated birds return or nest nearby, the Yunwi Tsunsdi' enact revenge for members lost in their community, killing several of the aves, their young, and stealing eggs for celebratory meals. Though small and usually cheery, the little people brutally punish those who are aggressive or disrespectful towards them. They do not have individual families or mates, but raise children together as a community. Children reach maturity at the age of fifteen; on average, the Yunwi Tsunsdi’ live to be 110. Yunwi Tsunsdi' are separated into three clans; each have different temperaments. Dogwood Clan The most serious of the Yunwi Tsunsdi', those of the Dogwood Clan document their race’s history and culture. They are most likely to help lost or hurt humans near their communities, though often in a stern, unfriendly manner. The Dogwood Clan does not like to be around others of their kind－or any other talking species－tolerating the company of only their clan or when information or a story must be gathered. Other Yunwi Tsunsdi' do not like them much either, finding them boring and nit-picky. Laurel Clan The most lighthearted and mischievous of the Yunwi Tsunsdi', the Laurel Clan loves nothing more than playing practical jokes on unwitting travelers, other clans, and each other. Though pranksters at heart, they can also be good-natured, helping other clans, fae, and the occasional human in need. They are the least responsible of the Yunwi Tsunsdi', often borrowing provisions from other clans, or staying over in their homes while theirs are repaired (from neglect or boisterous partying). Though looked at by the other clans as dimwitted, the Laurel Clan is surprisingly creative and ingenious, with a knack for problem solving and quick thinking. Rock Clan The Rock Clan is the most vengeful and aggressive of the Yunwi Tsunsdi'. They are quick to anger and become offended, often rushing off to even the score. They have been known to steal the children of those who wronged them (even from humans), using them as slave labor or to fend off birds; though these youths are not treated as one of the Yunwi Tsunsdi', they are fed, allowed to join in festivities, and learn of their ways; however, if any of the clan’s toes are stepped on, the outsider may find themselves exiled and alone in an unknown part of the woods－or perhaps dead. Other clans tend to avoid the Rock Clan out of fear of starting trouble. The Rock Clan tends to think that they are the best out of all the clans, often acting with arrogance and bravado.