Bloodclaw

"I mean yeah, it's a bloodclaw. What else would it be? See the red claws? He's cute, isn't he? Go on, pet him."

— A bloodclaw owner

Perhaps...not

Despite their name, bloodclaws are one of the most timid creatures across the Eight Lands.
They are small, ferret-like creatures with blood red claws and their soft, brown fur is streaked with the same red of their claws. They have a long, snubbed snout, ears that are short and rounded, and their eyes are small and black.
When in the wild forests of the Eight Lands, bloodclaws are friendly critters who live in burrows dug under brush. They go out daily to search for fruit and berries to eat, gently plucking them from plants when they find them. While they hunt every day, they don't require a large amount of food, making it relatively easy for them to feed themselves and their family.

Definitely a Misnomer

Born live, bloodclaws reproduce once or twice a year once they find a mate. When they do find a potential mate, bloodclaws will engage in a faux fight, tumbling, wrestling, and play biting each other until they either separate or begin mating. After they mate, they stay together for the rest of their lives, raising their family until maturity before sending them off into the world.
Bloodclaws are quite intelligent, and are relatively easy to tame should you catch one. However, a mated bloodclaw will fight to be released so it can go back to its family, which makes them a poor choice for a pet. Newly matured or juvenile bloodclaws are best for taming, and as they don't have the same familial attachment as mated bloodclaws, they won't have the drive to try to run away.
Due to their intelligence and their simple needs, bloodclaws are excellent companions and at times are even able to learn to speak a few words. The largest amount of words that a bloodclaw was able to learn was counted at sixteen, none of which should be repeated in polite company.

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Average Height

Approx. 1 foot

Average Weight

5 to 6 lbs