Weasels are a small, aggressive, fur-bearing animal found in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is related to the mink and ferret. The weasel has a small, flat, triangular head with short, rounded ears. It has short legs and a long, slender neck. Weasels range in length from 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm), including the tail. The animal has a strong musky odor. The fur is brown above and white or yellowish below. In cold regions, the fur turns white in winter, though in some species the tip of the tail remains dark. A white weasel is sometimes called an ermine.
The weasel is swift and energetic. If it feels threatened, it may attack animals many times its size—including humans. Animals that prey on weasels include hawks, owls, foxes, and rattlesnakes. Weasels feed chiefly on rabbits, shrews, and various rodents. In many instances weasels kill more animals than they can eat. Weasels hunt chiefly at night.
Weasels commonly nest in the burrows of animals they have killed, or in hollows under rocks or trees. Both the weasel and ferret are polygamous with pregnancy occurring directly after mating, with no induced ovulation. The females ordinarily bear four to six young, which they rear without assistance from the males and which become independent at the age of two to three months.
Ferrets are a carnivorous mammal related to the weasel. It has a slender body, short legs, and a flat, triangular head. It is yellowish white, sometimes brown. They have an average length of 20 inches (51 cm) including a 5 inch (13 cm) tail, weigh about 1.5–4 pounds (0.7–2 kg), and have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Ferrets are sexually dimorphic predators with males being substantially larger than females.
Ferrets are crepuscular, which means they spend 14–18 hours a day asleep and are most active around the hours of dawn and dusk. Unlike their polecat ancestors, which are solitary animals, most ferrets will live happily in social groups. A group of ferrets is commonly referred to as a "business". They are territorial, like to burrow, and prefer to sleep in an enclosed area.
Ferrets are obligate carnivores. Their natural diet consists of whole small prey, i.e., meat, organs, bones, skin, feathers, and fur. Ferrets have short digestive systems and quick metabolism, so they need to eat frequently.
Species DescriptionsThe wily weasel and the mischievous ferret. One is sneered at, their very name synonymous with dishonesty and cowardice, while the other is considered to be amusing and endearing. Why is this? Because noble ferrets are masters of public relations, while noble weasels are masters of skullduggery. Noble weasels often find employment as assassins for some noble animal leaders, or even for the occasional humanoid master (elves and kobolds both have been known to use noble weasels in this manner). Their reputation for cowardice is completely undeserved; even a non-noble weasel will take on a bear to defend his family. Of course, noble weasels don’t believe in a “fair fight.” They believe that if the fight is fair, it’s already lost. Noble ferrets, on the other hand, are flighty and easily distracted. They like to play almost as much as otters, and they like shiny things almost as much as ravens. In fact, an adventuring party that included a noble ferret, a noble otter, and a noble raven would have a lot of fun, but they would end up accomplishing very little. With a more level head to guide them, however, a noble ferret is an invaluable addition to any team. | Noble Weasel Species Traits
Noble Weasel, Ferret Sub-Species Traits
In all other ways, the noble ferret shares the same species traits as the noble weasel. Racial FeatsThe following feats are available to a noble weasel character who meets the prerequisites.
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