Myrill
Myrill are small, rat-like creatures with bushy tails that originally inhabit the forests and mountains of Caramiza. They are incredibly adaptable and can be found inhabiting many different areas, especially in close vicinity to settlements, though they have a generally consistent body type and coloration.
This small rodent is very quick to climb trees, columns and houses and steadily jumps across alleys. It often gathers nuts and seeds from all over town and brings it back to their nest.
Appearance and Abillities
Myrill have an average body length of 10-15cm, with a long, bushy tail usually measuring around 15cm in length. Their fur is usually gray or reddish-brown in color, though some individuals may have patches of white or other colors. The most distinctive feature of the Myrill is the stripe running down the length of their tail. The color and intensity of this stripe can vary drastically depending on their environment and the amount of magical energy present in the area. Common colors are yellow, red, green, blue, purple, cyan and silver, though yellow stripes are the most common in areas where Myrill thrive. Myrill have a number of natural abilities, such as superhuman speed and agility, as well as heightened senses. As with most creatures in nature, these abilities can be further enhanced by exposure to magical energy, allowing them to perform feats that would be impossible for a normal specimen.Habitat
Myrill can be found in a variety of habitats, from the deepest forests to wide grasslands. They are most commonly found in areas with plenty of trees or tall growing fauna, and a moderate climate, though some individuals have been found in more extreme environments. They are also quite adaptable, and can survive in environments with both high and low levels of magical energy. In the past centuries, it started to migrate more towards civilization, where it could more easily gather food. Unfortunately, living in dense populated areas causes the Myrill to lose their stripe's bright color with each generation. The diet of Myrill mainly consists mostly of fruits and berries as well as small insects, such as beetles, ants, and spiders. They will also rarely eat other small creatures, such as lizards and mice.Culinary and Alchemical Uses
Myrill can be used in cooking, as their tail-fur and flesh can be eaten. The dried and smoked fur of the tail is occasionally used as a garnish for salads and other dishes, while the flesh can be cooked in a variety of ways. While eating meals with Myrill meat is considered a poor-man's dish, using smoked Myrill Fur Flakes in meals has become a current trend in the more exclusive culinary circles. Myrill are also used in the creation of magical potions, as their fur and flesh can be used as ingredients. They primarily can be used to increase the potency of potions and tools with the focus to increase abilities related to agility, such as climbing and balancing. The fur of a yellow-striped Myrill can be particularly effective ingredient in this regard, but other colors and well prepared meat can often also suffice.Further Details
Myrill's tail's color is different in the various regions of the nation. In Bealuki Myrill tend to have a blue stripe, while in the area of Walkust their stripes are bright red.
A Myrill's tail color has an effect on their abilities. While yellow-striped Myrill are best in climbing and jumping, a cyan-striped Myrill is naturally gifted in hiding, and green-striped Myrill mature much faster than other Myrill.
There are very rare Divine Myrill, which have a silver stripe. While they are not interpreted as messenger from the gods, they are extrordinarily gifted in all their abillities.
They appear most in the area of Selversheyn and are highly sought after by alchemists.
The avdenturer, hero and scoundrel Harrad the Brown is known to have had a loyal pet Myrill accompaniying him on his travels.
Funny idea - eventhough I am not very fond of the "Smoked Fur Flakes" sounds a bit "hairy" ^^