Dyentgren (Di-ent-gren or Dent-gren)

Also known as Squeakers, Goblin Rats and Purple Shrew, in the common tongue. The Goblin name by which they are often known, Dytengren translates approximately to "Canyon Screamer."
A small dark maroon furred shrew, with excellent hearing. Trained to scream at the sound of anything large or unrecognised approaching in environments where direct vision is of limited use, their frequent domestication by a large variety of goblin clans makes it hard to determine their original native range.


Wherever goblins are found, these little creatures are usually living nearby. When goblins in habit cramped caves or other underground structures they go about taming the little creatures, and then leave them in need little boxes, woven from reeds, with food and water, and bedding. When an unrecognised foot fall occurs within the hearing of such a tame animal, it lets out an awful scream, alerting its owners and every other Dytengren within hearing range.
Even when inhabiting areas where such a creature would be unsuitable, Goblins tend to simply bring them along, and introduce them, letting them live mostly wild within their village, and hunting other creatures, like rats, that might compete with them. This keeps the squeakers familiar with the smell and the presence of goblins, and makes taming them easy should they become useful. Like many animals that live near goblins, when times are good they might find themselves suddenly plump spoiled pets, and then let loose in the cold again once the goblin tribes fortune worsens.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Like all shrews, they breed fast, and throughout the year except in winter. Gestation usually lasts only a few weeks, at the longest 4.

Growth Rate & Stages

Fast growing, Purple Shrew reach full size after 2 months.

Ecology and Habitats

It is very difficult to determine the original habitat of these animals due to their extensive domestication, however their goblin name suggests they were originally canyon dwellers. Dyentgren don't burrow, but nestle into rock cracks and into dense thickets when possible. Outside of rocky terrain, they rarely thrive.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Insectivorous and voracious, they will eat just about any insect, as well as small lizards, snails, carrion, food scraps and just about any other source of protein if they can get it. Goblins usually feed them offal, in particular livers from small game. Apparently this ensures their fur remains healthy.

Biological Cycle

In winter, when food becomes scarcer, Dyentgren enter torpor, a deep sleep from which they are difficult to rouse, but not a true hibernation. They grow a thicker coat in early autumn, and usually shed it during Torpor in winter.

Additional Information

Domestication

The purple variation is likely a selected trait from a few generations of breeding, although it is still relatively uncommon. A purple purple shrew is considered good luck by goblins, although they don't seem to make any particular effort in spreading the trait around. Though you can find wild Dyentgren anywhere, finding a purple one likely indicates a nearby goblin lair.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dyentgren have a surprisingly effective echolocation, using brief high pitched shrieks to navigate unfamiliar environments. As these can be incredibly loud, and are mostly ultrasonic, frequent handlers may experience hearing loss.

Scientific Name

Soricidae uigilias

Lifespan

2 years

Average Height

3-6

Average Weight

<300 grams

Average Length

20 cm from nose to tail.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Fur ranges from black to earth brown to maroon to very dark purple. The dark purple variety is prized by goblins, and is considered lucky.