Erdmens explained:
the Erdmens or earth man is a hunched creature wearing a heavy hooded robe and very baggy trousers that's stained red with dirt with a rope tied around its waist. They are often found in dusty plains though some live on mountains. Its appearance is often likened to a catholic monk and it often carries a lantern in one hand with glowing insects inside giving it light and a staff made from a termite nest with a human skull on the end. With their body completely covered, the only part that's visible is usually what appears to be a long wooden smoking pipe that protrudes out from under the hood that covers their face. The creature often lives in areas of extreme danger, often dangerous wild life which is sometimes magical, though the Erdmens has adapted and found a way to live there. It appears often at a distance to warn humans or other fairies not to enter an area or to leave one they are in. Extremely frail they can die and turn to dust if confronted or grabbed. They have few fingers on their hands and often having long claw-like nails. They are covered in long wiry hair with it often hanging down over the face though long eyelashes are often distinguishable. Sometimes when further persuasion is needed they can whistle to call dogs made of air that prance and make winds. These dogs are usually invisible unless they stir up dirt or debris though they can be heard howling. Capable of being heard like they are close when they are very far away they can throw their voice, though some do this via being psychic and others just by channeling the breeze. Their powers at controlling wind often means that they get confused with The Old Man, who also has elemental powers. However Erdmens are often helpful, kindhearted individuals where as The Old Man is normally a cruel and malicious spirit. It's believed that this creature is a variation of the elemental spirits of Dutch folklore that after being introduced to South Africa got its own African twist on the tale confusing it with aardvarks and their love of termites.
