Weasel

Basic Information

Anatomy

The least weasel has a thin, greatly elongated and extremely flexible body with a small, yet elongated, blunt-muzzled head which is no thicker than the neck. The eyes are small in relation to their head size and are bulging and dark colored. The legs and tail are relatively short, the latter constituting less than half the body length. The feet have sharp, dark-coloured claws, and the soles are heavily haired.

Ecology and Habitats

Least weasels use pre-existing holes to sleep, store food and raise their young. Breeding takes place in the spring and summer, and there is a single litter of about six kits which are reared exclusively by the female. Due to its small size and fierce nature, the least weasel plays an important part in the mythology and legend of various cultures.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Small rodents form the largest part of the least weasel's diet, but it also kills and eats rabbits, other mammals, and occasionally birds, birds' eggs, fish and frogs.

Civilization and Culture

History

Dwelling on the southwestern border of the Territories in a land known as Darkheather, weasels possess language, culture and technology. They are also natural enemies to mice. They will kill (and eat) mice without provocation or hesitation. Only three years ago, the weasels made incursions into the Territories and a great war was fought. The mice prevailed, but only narrowly. Many mice were lost.
During the struggle, the weasels managed to capture a handful of border towns.
There’s no telling when they will muster again and attempt to wipe out the Territories once and for all.
Weasels are long, slender creatures growing two to four times the size of a mouse. Their sinuous bodies allow them to follow their prey into burrows and narrow places.
Weasels are ruled by an Overlord and a series of lesser Tunnel Lords. Titles are achieved either by slaying the weasel currently occupying the position, or by being appointed and supported by another more powerful weasel. Lords are well-off, never lacking for wealth or comfort. However, they are rarely at ease. There is always fear, political struggle and danger within a weasel community.

Nature

Weasel Nature is quite different from Mouse Nature. Their Nature does not encourage them to hide and flee. Instead, it drives them to trick their prey, kill them, take their stuff and gloat about it. Their Nature descriptors are: Bullying, Gloating and Burrow Stealing.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Part Animal, Part Enemy

When guardmice battle weasels, both Fighter and Hunter can be used

Weasel Allies

Ferret, Marten, Mink and Sable

by David Petersen

Scientific Name

Mustela nivalis