Greatsquirrel Fur

An exceptionally soft and supple fur, this exceptionally rare pelt can only ever be found in one part of the world. Fortunately, the beasts carrying the fur in question are exceptionally large and provide an ample amount when harvested. Despite that, pelts from the creatures are worth a small fortune alone. In recent times, Greatsquirrel fur has become a very popular replacement when making ermine cloaks or sable coats, not just due to the size of their coats, but also due to the soft and supple feel they have.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Typically cream or white in colour. The fur is typically harvested during the winter season due to the more favorable properties. (Longer, softer hairs.) Tufts of this fur can also be found shed off, and is suitable for usage, albeit to a lesser degree.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Great squirrels produce a very soft and supple fur that's popular for use among the denizens within the Pit. It is also a very popular export of Llyne due to the city being the only place close enough to conveniently hunt the creatures.

Geology & Geography

It is found within a section of Llyne known as The Pit. The Pit is known for having very specific biomes; the Greatsquirrel in particular has only ever been spotted in one section known as the 'Welcoming Woods'; the very first layer found within it. It is a vast forest where white-barked trees seem to be permanently caught in an autumn season.

Origin & Source

Llyne Greatsquirrels

History & Usage

History

The largest rodent in the world of Veska, the Greatsquirrel was initially feared due to the sheer size of the creature. It is also notably far more aggressive and territorial than other rodents, but has been hunted shortly after its discovery due to the exceptionally soft fur pelts they provide. While these creatures were initially seen as a very valuable source of fur, recent hunting has lead to the creatures beginning to dwindle in population, endangering them. Nowadays, the Church places the creatures under protection, with permits being the only thing allowing the slaying of a Greatsquirrel.
The natives of the Pit, a race of soft-furred humanoids men known as the Velona, are known for taming and breeding the creatures as large beasts of burden, or helpful mounts capable of scaling up vertical surfaces.

Discovery

It was discovered roughly 20 years ago, around the time the Pit had formed. The first Greatsquirrel was hunted and slain by a small band of explorers sent to search the pit for survivors.

Everyday use

The fur is generally fashioned into a substitute for ermine cloaks or other articles of expensive clothing. It is rarely ever seen on commoners outside of the few poachers living within the Pit.

Environmental Impact

Over-hunting the Greatsquirrel has lead to a great dwindling in their population, and subsequently leads to issues with the other fauna that hunt them.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Typically hunters found within the Pit, though the Church is known to commission hunts for royalty. Greatsquirrel cloaks are a great luxury and fetch a very high price in the world outside.

Law & Regulation

While there isn't any law or regulation to owning or purchasing the fur, there are laws that protect the squirrel that produces it. Poaching a Greatsquirrel outside of necessity to survive or from a special permit is grounds for poaching, and can lead to imprisonment for up to five years.

Type

Textile

Value

Expensive; generally for only the affluent. (Roughly 20,000 Crowns for a full pelt.)

Rarity

Being only found in one particular corner of the world, this fur is exceptionally rare.

Color

Bright white/Cream