Hilde of Garnesmy

Greater Erwan foxcat are an uncommon sight around Eastern North Erwa - their presence is felt or heard along the main trails, but the animals themselves are generally shy and almost never approach cities.

Hilde, a three-year old Greater Foxcat vixen, appeared in the city of Garnesmy during the hyxæchoric plague in 5.919, and set up a den in the park district. In the absence of other foxcats and with an abundance of prey in the form of the plague-carrying lapris, she claimed the city as her hunting ground. Without her hunting the lapris, it is speculated that the plague may have taken another six to eight months to clear and may have claimed thousands more lives. Consequentially, Hilde has become a local celebrity and was formally granted the freedom of the city (assuming she continues to refrain from eating its residents) in 5.920.

She has become a local icon associated with healing: her likeness and shed fur is used by apothecaries in diseases prevention charms and potions, and the city hospital has erected a statue of her.

Although initially curious about the statue, Hilde is, presumably, otherwise unaware of her celebrity status. She still lives in the park district and appears content to continue to do so. In the harvest of 5.920, she left the city for several months. In the spring, she dug a birthing den in a secluded area of the park and have a litter of cubs (now grown and dispersed).

Hilde's tolerance for city life many be explained by what appears to be a congenital deformity: a club-like front paw and a pronounced deafness, both of which will have had an effect on her ability to hunt. She is unfazed by the sound of electrical wiring which normally keeps mega- and gigafauna away from cities and seems curious about her neighbours, especially motor vehicles. Hilde's presence in the city is supported by the Friends of Hilde , a local campaign group that promotes Hilde and Hilde-related tourism.