By the Prickiling of my thumbs, The mana-eating hedgepig of the UK Options

[BRodda]

Hedgepig

Hedgepigs are a quasi-paranormal version of the common European hedgehog. They are only slightly larger than a standard hedgehog and are primarily insectivores (30-40cm in length and weighing 2kg). They are unusual because of their ability to effectively raise the background count around them by drawing it into themselves in a manner similar to photosynthesis. Many biologists believe that this is adaptation is linked to the higher than average magical activity and as a defense against the many paranormal predators in the British Isles; similar to the evolution of the Fomori offshoot of the common troll. This combined with there natural territoriality and relatively small foraging area can lead to large swaths of land being “destroyed” when a large colony takes root.

This feature has lead to a unique situation where many mundane people welcome them and feed them to help insure that they remain close to their homes. By contrast those who use magic find them to be extremely annoying and try to trap and kill as many as possible before they can warp the astral space in an area. This can often lead to conflict between Mundane and Awakened individuals over their habitat.

Several corporations that specialize in technology have started to use them around there facilities as a cheap form of astral security and pest control, but the hindrance that they provide is not generally worth it.

Stats:
Hedgepig.aka “F’ing Prick”, “Manapig” or “Magebane”
Body: 1
Agility: 2
Reaction: 3
Strength: 1
Char: 3
Instinct: 3
Logic: 1
Will: 5
EDG:1
ESS:6
Init: 5
IP: 1


Frequency: Uncommon in the British Isles only
Movement: 5/20
Skills: Perception 2, Tracking 2, Unarmed Combat 1
Powers: Low-Light Vision, Digging claws, Quills, Astral Hazing
Weaknesses: Fragile 1
Note: Reach –1

Availability: 8R
Cost: 2,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif)
Lifestyle/Cost per month: Low/ 40 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif)