Tirawen
← Bestiary
Beast

Weasel & Giant Weasel

Habitat
Temperate forests, burrows and underground passages
Biomes
temp-broadleaf, +underground
Spawn
solo, any
Temper
Wild weasel is shy; the giant breed is relentlessly aggressive
Threat
Low
Rarity
Uncommon–Rare
Move
run.
Special
Blood drain: once the giant weasel bites it locks its jaws and the wound bleeds steadily until it is pried loose
VariantSTRDEXCONINTHealthDamageArmor
Weasel71792931616
Giant Weasel18171621523516

The common weasel is a small, sinuous hunter, all neck and supple spine, with a wedge-shaped head and a mouth of needle teeth. Brown above and pale beneath, the colder breeds turn winter-white. Quick and darting, it bites once and flees unless cornered, mostly preying on rodents and raiding hen-roosts.

Its giant cousin is a different danger entirely: a man-long pack predator that hunts people as readily as game. When it bites it locks its jaws and will not release, its saliva keeping the wound flowing so its victim bleeds out fast. Their lustrous pelts, like the small breed's, fetch high prices.

Behavior

  • Moves in fast, weaving darts that are hard to strike
  • Common weasel bites and retreats; rarely presses an attack
  • Giant weasels hunt in packs and stalk larger prey, including travelers
  • A giant weasel clamps its jaws and hangs on, draining blood
  • Dens hold young; some giant pups can be taken and trained

Abilities

  • Darting Bite. A swift snap delivered while weaving out of reach.
  • Locked Jaws (giant). Once it bites, it holds fast and cannot easily be shaken off.
  • Blood Drain (giant). Anticoagulant saliva keeps the wound bleeding for steady damage over time.
  • Evasive Speed. Rapid, unpredictable movement makes it a slippery target.

Drops & Crafting

  • Prized pelt (fine fur, white winter coats most valuable)
  • Giant weasel hide (durable leather)
  • Sharp teeth (awls, fish-hooks)
  • Sinew (cordage, bowstrings)
  • Lean meat
  • Musk gland (lure or trap bait)