Frostfury

Commonly referred to as the dire weasel, frostfuries have long been companions to Halflings, especially the northern Caronorn clans. They are valued not only for their speed and climbing abilities, but also for their soft fur, and most importantly their combat capabilities.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Frostfuries have long, slender bodies with four short but well-muscled legs. A medium length bushy tail extends from the back of the creature, but it is not attached to the spine. Like a lizard, the frostfury has the ability to drop it's tail as a distraction. The skeleton of a frostfury is plated and hinged, allowing it to squeeze through narrow spaces. While the rest of the teeth are similar to smaller mustelids, the four fangs of a frostfury contain deposits of biological iron, making a bite every bit as lethal as a dagger.

Genetics and Reproduction

Frostfuries are polyandrous and capable of producing litters containing kits sired by mulitple fathers. Frostfury gestation lasts about seventy days, and the litter will most usually contain five kits, but anywhere from one to seven has been known. In the wild, only the strongest kit is allowed to survive and it cannibalizes it's siblings. In captivity, frostfury breeders will separate all but one kit from their mother as soon as they are able to walk to prevent this.

Growth Rate & Stages

Frostfuries take about four years to reach full maturity. While they are born blind and helpless, it takes less than a week for a frostfury kit to be twice as big as the standard weasel.

Ecology and Habitats

Frostfuries originate from the frozen reaches of what is now Ter Eira, but have since migrated as far south as the Watching Mountains of eastern Lancaster. They excel in snowy forests, but can do just fine in mountainous regions.

Dietary Needs and Habits

While mostly carnivorous, frostfuries will eat anything they can if the opportunity presents itself. In times of famine, they have even been known to eat trees.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Frostfury fur is harvested for use in textiles. While difficult to work with, it is widely considered to be a luxurious material. Frostfury tails are occasionally taken for mass fur production. They are more popularly known for their use as combat beasts.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

In addition to excellent senses of smell and hearing, a frostfury's whiskers are sensitive to electrical currents.

Lifespan

40 years

Average Height

3-4 feet

Average Weight

400 pounds

Average Length

6-8 feet