Fauna Request
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Name: Sakumon
Scientific Name: Sakkaku Momonga
Most Commonly Called: Illusion Squirrels
Habitat: Northern Wilds
Threat: Low
Notable Abilities:
♦ Illusory Dust: It's wings produce a pollen-like substance that can be expelled at will with a gust of its wings.
If ingested through the eyes, nose, or mouth, all affected by it's dust will find themselves at the whim of whatever fantastical illusion the creature decides to bestow upon them. Often times unharmful, these illusions simply re-direct the victims to another path. However, unlucky or cruel predators have not had the same fate, and the Sakumon has been known to lead or terrorize their victims of the ledges of cliffs, or even change the faces of a group of predators to attack each other. But it is not always so cruel. When around its family or those bonded to it, it has been known to use it's dust to create fun visions and mirages. The illusions last for three minutes at a time, and it takes around one hour for the creature to reproduce enough pollen to use this ability again.
Unfortunately, it's illusionary wings have caused a stir as of late. Thrill seekers have found that by grinding it's wings into dust, they can be snorted for a truly intense, hallucinogenic high. The sale of such drugs is of course illegal in most places, and it is highly frowned upon to kill the species for such endeavors.
♦ Madness Saliva: When in dire situations, the Sakumon will bite in defense. It's saliva carries the same effect as the illusory dust, however when injected into the bloodstream this way does not go away as easily. Like a parasite, it travels through the bloodstream and as it multiplies and travels into the brain, its victim becomes permanently blinded by illusions until their eventual death. Most go mad with illusions that change and warp their sanity and eventually kill themselves. The saliva is known to be purged from the body only by high level healing and magical spells (negation), blood-letting, or blood transfusions. Alcohol will make this effect worse. Most who come across these creatures and live to tell the tale are those with pure intentions towards the creatures, and thus not much more is known about ways to counteract the poison-like saliva. However, mid level masquerade-mages or those god-touched are immune to its powers.
Description: Normally harmless, these squirrels live alone or in small groups until they become adults. They live up in the high trees of the northern wilds, and through illusory work have fun twisting travelers and other creatures visions to stray them from their paths for fun. Additionally, this helps conceal their nests from predators. While not naturally aggressive, the abilities listed above act as it's primary defensive strategies it will use to try and escape whatever has tried to capture it.
These creatures primarily eat nuts, herbs, and berries, but have also been known to enjoy cheeses or small crackers left by travelers. They are roughly between 5-7 inches tall when standing on their hind legs and weigh no more than 2 lbs at their heaviest. It helps that most of their mass is furr. Their wings represent that of a lunar moth, and when unfolded allow the squirrel the ability to glide or fly wherever they desire. Though their flight speed is fairly slow for a creature with wings, and at it's fastest can only travel about 15mph. For this reason they also have three sets of paws. Each one with retractable claws that help the Sakumon grip onto larger beasts to travel at faster speeds when necessary. As harmless herbivores, most other fauna including wolves and bears allow the creatures to hitch rides- or perhaps don't even notice due to their light weight and small size.
The Illusion Squirrel is one of the more intelligent non-speaking creatures in Ransera and if tamed or befriended can learn tricks or tasks and have been rumored to be quite the companion to those with a sense of humor. Their personalities are considered silly, tricky, and hyper, and if one is lucky enough to bond with a Sakumon will find lifelong friendship. However, they only tend to bond to one person at a time and are wary of other people or creatures. Bonding with the Sakumon is quite difficult, however. One must possess both no ill intent towards them as well as patience, as their flighty nature even if you do end up seeing one means they are not likely to interact with you without many weeks of food offerings, shiny gifts (like tiny bells to play with, ribbon, etc) and respect of their territory.
Their lifespan is between 7-9 years long, though if they become a bonded pair with another Sakumon or a person and they die, the other too will willingly perish from loneliness.
