Author: Pirotessa
Date:Jan 3 1997
Now that this person is gone from here, I can write an actual book about it. Many people have asked about this, so rather than explain to each seperately, I'm writing this book. Don't think I'm mean or I don't want to tell you about Piiki, this is just to save my time. GENERAL OVERVIEW Classical/Literature: Henge have a minor role in certain classical literature. If I remember, the main henge myth was about a boy who saved a crane one day. Later, he got married to a girl. She was rather secretive and never wanted him to see her bathe. The boy wondered why, and one day he barged in on her bathing, only to find the white crane he'd rescued before. With her secret revealed, the henge flew away and was never seen again. The boy got very upset. Classically, henge have also been racoons, or foxes, other generally friendly, curious, and generally nonthreatening (to us) animals. Other Myths: Certain other myths about how henge "come to be" exist. They range from possesion to beastiality to "supernatural". These myths are things like that henge are "fearie"/"seelie"/"sidhe"/... changelings, that henge are the product of mating between a human and an appropiate animal, that a child that dies during pregnancy will sometimes become possesed or "inhabited" by an animal spirit (out of sorrow?), that they are the result of radioactive/genetic experiments, and so on. Western Literature: The "were-beast", described by more western literature, has nothing to do with henge, mythically or in reality. Henge tend to be generally domesticated and "lovable"/"cute" animals, such as foxes, domesticated cats, doves. They tend to be rather shy but generally friendly. Why, or how they "become" or change is not known. Their exact lifespan, mating habits, intelligence potential, and such are also not known. In all, not much real information is known. Henge have a stable animal form, but not set nin/human form. They are not classical "shapechangers", however, in that they can imitate a specific human form, it more changes with their feelings/needs. However, children, or childish forms are common. For henge, change is instant. When feeling excesively emotional, they might suddenly transform back to their animal form. They also might become human if attacked in animal form as a means of defense. GENERAL CARE In general, Henge should be treated like children. Though secretive, they are generally well-meaning, and while they do sometimes have a strange sense of values will enjoy the same things children do. They get along very well with non-abusive children. Abuse can cause henge to become introverted and such, and eventually progress toward a total withdrawl from humanity (as in Piiki's case). I will try to discuss the differences now, between how you should treat a child and a henge. Nutrition: Henge should eat what their animal eats normally, even in human form. A cat henge should stay away from vegetables and eat only meat. Also, henge do not drink much water like people do. They also should get a great deal of physical exercise. Identity: Henge should not be encouraged to always change into the same human form. It is best for henge to "exercise" this ability to shift their human forms. Do not encourage them to become (in general) a certain sex/race/... The exception is age, most henge are going to only become younger humans. Physical: Henge are extremely agile, but not quite as strong as humans. Male contact sports are a no-no. Running, rough-housing, tag, hide-and-seek are fine, but no boxing, football (rugby, not soccer), wrestling, or such. Behavior: Henge behavior is generally more survival-driven than human. Henge also have little or no inhibition in general, and are generall self-motivated. They do not perceive things as "gross" or "sick" that ordinary people do. For instance, they will eat whole/live food (birds/fish). Being extremely self-driven and sufficient, they will sometimes leave (and later return) for days on end. Other "strange" or "socially unacceptable" habits include general lack of clothing, strange sleep patterns, ruthlessness/cruelty to certain animals. Intelligence: Though sentient, henge mental capacity is generally below that of a human. Henge have the potential for human-like reasoning, but also have short attention spans, and are overly instinct driven. Their secretive nature also generally inhibits social interaction. Instinct: If startled, they become extremely hostile. Likewise, when becoming emotional, they will sometimes quickly change back to their animal form. Some are natural hunters and predators. Social: Generally quite withdrawn. Some henge can become vicious, and many have a strange and cruel "sense of humor". Entertainment: Henge do not find typical human things very interesting. For instance, watching TV, partying and drinking, smoking, or listening to music is of no fun to them. Tactile toys such as dolls, playpens, building blocks are liked. For physical play, see above.