Desert Fox

Within the sun-dappled deserts lives a small, but clever creature, barely the size of cat. A wisp of sand-kissed fur ,this clever trickster dances through the shifting sands. From the towering dunes of the Great Desert to the endless grasslands of the east, the desert fox, or Tha'ril as the people call it, has made its humble home everywhere.    

Appearance

  The desert fox is a stunning sight, its coat a shimmering tapestry of golden hues the color of the dawning sun. Its oversized ears, almost as long as its body, swivel constantly, catching the slightest whisper of the wind - or of its prey. Its eyes, pools of glowing amber, pierce the darkness of night. Sharp fangs, not unlike those of a cat, glint under the moon's light, while its small body belies its speed and ferocity.  

Behavior

  These creatures are solitary hunters, their slender bodies perfectly adapted to the harsh desert environment. They prowl the dunes under the cloak of night, their silent footfalls leaving not a single trace. Their diet consists of insects, rodents, and the occasional bird, all hunted with the precision of a seasoned warrior. It can leap incredible distances, pouncing on its prey with deadly accuracy. Almost completely fearless, it has been seen to tackle even Sand Stalker or small Great Desert Scorpion's's, without showing any effects to their posionous touch. But while they hunt alone, the do not live alone - each burrow holds up to half a dozen foxes, all with their own area. And if one is very lucky, they might even see their offspring frolicking around in the sands.  

Habitat

  The desert foxes home is the vast, unforgiving desert. It burrows deep into the sand, creating intricate lairs that offer refuge from the scorching sun and frigid nights. It stalks the dunes with ease, hunting for bugs, small rodents or berries. Its burrows are are easy to spot: small, dark holes in the ground that lead to an extensive tunnel system - and if a desert fox ever finds itself outmatched, it will dart there with the speed of greased lightning.  

Importance to the People

  While the desert fox is a common sight, there is little value for people in it. Its not big enough for pelts and hunting this elusive creature for meat is certainly not worth the effort. It is adored by children and the subject of many a tale where the desert fox outwits a much bigger creature.
A few animal trainers claim to have tamed one, but these are dubious rumours - because while a desert fox is certainly curious, it is also fiercely independent. Amongst the Kalu'ui, the mousefolk of the hills, the desert fox holds a much more special and revered place. In their belief the desert fox is often inhabited by the spirits of their ancestors, watching over them - and spotting one watching onto the living is considered a great blessing among them. Many people may doubt there is much truth to this, but everyone who has seen a desert fox stare at oneself with softly glowing amber eyes cannot help but wonder if there isn't a glimmer of truth to the belief.