Drydian Weasel

"There's no better creature for weaving through dense undergrowth and up and down trees than the great weasel, friend of our people since time immemorial." -Arccus Deluvius, elven sage, 2nd class 


The Drydian Weasel (Gigamustela erminea) is the largest of all known mustelids, and like horses, was not originally native to Kairegorn. Like horses, it was brought by humanoids to Kairegorn after being domesticated by elves from their native land. Measuring as long as 15 feet nose to tale-tip and weighing 500 pounds, this agile hunter preys on birds, fish, deer, wolves and even bears as well as many dinosaurs and even unicorns when it can catch them, using their hissing squeaks and the "weasel war dance" to paralyze their prey with fear until they are close enough to strike its throat.  

Just like its closest relative, the ferret, the Drydian weasel exists in both wild and domestic forms, and the domestic form is playful, active, alert, protective, and loyal. Where horses cannot go or when they prefer an alternative mount to one they possess, whatever kind it may be, elves will almost always choose Drydian Weasels. Unlike ferrets, which can be smelly, the giant weasel is possessed of a rather pleasant aroma, smelling similar to, as many humans describe it, fresh laundry or spring rain. Dydian Weasels only musk when defending themselves or their riders, and the smell can even stun a dragon for more than an hour. Lithe and stealthy, the weasel is proportionately stronger than a leopard and can carry heavy loads straight up a vertical surface. Carrying an elf or two in full armor in battle is no problem. Tales are often sung of elf lords riding into battle atop mighty weasels, deftly dodging arrows and striking down their enemies with fervor and fury unmatched. Given the weasel's abilities, these tales are likely not untrue.