Snowfolk

Snowfolk are a species of sapient, anthropomorphic root vegetables who survive and thrive by encasing themselves in thick layers of magical snow. Though it is theoretically possible for an individual snowfolk to exist without their frosty outer shells, they understand how horrifying a walking carrot might look to the average Edenian. And so, all but the most outlandish and provocative of snowfolk stay covered from the moment of their awakening.

As with many other species indigenous to Eden, snowfolk were originally conceived in a Reekian laboratory. Developed by subjecting mundane carrots to the process of Genetic Elevation and Manipulation, snowfolk’s sentience is centered in the taproot. Once “awakened,” the snowfolk grows a complex nervous system and four-limbed skeleton from its stem and leaves. This rather odd-looking being then seeks out snow (or, in warmer climates, mud) to surround itself with.

Perhaps the strangest aspect of the snowfolk for most other Edenians to grasp is the fact that, despite the shaping of their appearance to mimic humanoid species, they do not vocalize (communicating via signed languages instead) and their “eyes” are only for show. Snowfolk do not have a sense of hearing, taste, or smell either, relying instead on a preternatural sense of touch to help them navigate the world. Tiny fibers on the taproot are sensitive to microscopic changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and more.

And so, if a snowfolk lets you touch their carrot, they like you. They really, really like you.