INFORMATION

Hostiden Hidee-Hoo, or also referred to as, “Hidee-Hoo (Maple)” are a species of the camoidae family. They’re native to Hostiden’s western hardwood forest. They are usually found in groups of 3 - 7. They camouflage into its surroundings with its bush-like body, using its Hostiden Maple Tree-like leaves to blend in. The Hidee-Hoo has glands which produce actual Hostiden Maple Tree leaves. Occasionally, they’ll produce sweet red sap that is completely safe for human consumption. They’re very peaceful creatures. Their leaves change color throughout the year to match the color of the trees in the area. Being a beautiful golden color in the fall and a pastel green color in the spring. During the winter, their leaves go dark brown and grow thicker to protect the Hidee-Hoo from the harsh winters. If the Hidee-Hoo loses its leaves, then they’ll be left with a spherical body with two legs. Their body is mostly black with a few branch-like attachments on their back. The older Hidee-Hoo will also have more branches compared to younger ones. The sweet red sap they produce also attracts small forest pollinators, which in turn help spread seeds from the Hostiden Maple Trees. In winter, the sap hardens into a protective shell, keeping the Hidee-Hoo insulated from the cold. When threatened, Hidee-Hoos will curl into a tight ball and have their branch-like limbs extend past their body to damage and cause predators a harder time. They can also release a quick burst of sap, which has a mild numbing effect on some creature that tries to bite them.

“Me and my papa would go out and hang out in his cabin during the summer when we were younger. During the mornings, Hidee-Hoo would march near the lake behind the cabin. I would try to lead some into the cabin and get them to watch cartoons with me. I did do it once… my papa wasn’t very happy since they left a lot of sticks, dirt, and leaves inside the house. Their sap is really tasty too. We use it in the crostatas that we bake up in the bakery!”

- Chloe Monela