Snipe

The Snipe, also colloquially named Squeaks for their shrill vocalizations, are a species of small, egg-laying rodents found in the Chain of Fire. They are intelligent critters renown for being as reclusive as they are smart; despite their introverted nature, their affable nature leaves them charming their way out of dangerous situations that would otherwise leave them cornered.

Nature's Alarm

Should you find yourself lost in nature,
Look for the Snipe's squeaking call
They guide travelers away from danger
And far away from maw or claw.

Though introverted creatures, Snipes have a natural inclination towards protecting life. This oddly empathic side is often shown from the shadows, and their loud squeaks and shrill calls are often made when danger is approaching someone -- or something, that they wish to protect. This protective nature has saved many smaller animals from suffering a grisly fate at the hands of greater predators.
It has also served well to the protection of adventurers; Snipes are intelligent enough to understand that Elves and Fianni are a sapient species, and often look to aid them in hopes of earning favor in the form of treats or rewards.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Snipes are tiny, four-legged rodents that sport a broad, flat tail. Their bodies are covered in incredibly dense, thick down that protects them from both harm and the elements. A pair of back facing, sickle-shaped horns curve down the back of their skull.
Snipes have a sharp beak ending with a hooked tip that they use to crack through nuts or thick-shelled fruit.

The Elusive Snipe

So-called 'Snipe Hunts' are a very common means of 'initiating' hunters into following a nigh-impossible task. While their shrill squeaks are easily identifiable, they are incredibly difficult to find if they wish to remain unseen. This is due to the fact that their feathers are capable of shimmering different colours, allowing them to resemble inconspicuous lumps of leaves or foliage found within the jungles they call their home. 
Furthermore, Snipes have very flexible, bending bones that allow them to squeeze or squish through tighter spaces without difficulty. This combination allows them to not just be elusive, but difficult for hunters to snatch or trap.

Genetics and Reproduction

Snipes are very rarely aggressive, and yet the spring season leads to male competition growing fierce. Male Snipes are markedly hostile towards other male Snipes during this season; and are also much more vulnerable to predation due to their methods of attracting prospective mates.
The Snipe performs a dance, causing their feathers to shimmer and ruffle a vibrant, volatile mess of colours whilst warbling out a serenade towards their object of infatuation -- object, because desperate Snipes have been known to often seek the affection of other animals or species during this time of the year. When a Snipe in rut meets another Snipe, the resulting clash is fairly aggressive, but their downy fur is thick enough to prevent them from bringing great harm.
Clashing males will repeatedly ram each other's skulls into each other through a series of headbutts; the first Snipe to be knocked unconscious or lose a horn from this concussing mating ritual is determined as the 'lesser' of the two.

Growth Rate & Stages

Despite being classified as mammals, the Snipe is an avid egg layer. They lay eggs regardless of whether or not they're fertilized, and can consistently lay about one egg every 26~30hours; this depends specifically on the season, with egg laying growing much more rapid during the spring season.
Snipe chicks begin with ruddy, dull shades for their downy feathers, eventually developing visible streaking patterns over their bodies as they learn to better manipulate their camouflage.

Ecology and Habitats

Snipes require a fairly specific habitat; they thrive in forests or jungles, especially when the canopy bears a sufficient amount of tree nuts and insects to help fuel their diet. Despite that, their craftiness and wit allows them to be somewhat adaptive in a unique way -- should a Snipe find itself lost from its habitat, they will often seek the assistance of sapient life, hoping to charm their way into a household so that they can find themselves living alongside a great protector. Preferably an Elf or Fianni

Dietary Needs and Habits

Snipes are omnivorous creatures, but are often found scavenging the treeline for tree nuts or fruit found lofting within the canopy. They are very fond of citrus, but are also very capable insectivores; 
Whilst a Snipe will sometimes be found digging at the ground in search of worms to swallow whole, they often seek out hives or nests of hornets to crack open with their beak. Their thick plumage is incredibly dense, proving to be nigh-invulnerable to stings brought by smaller insects, whilst their beak allows them to safely swallow the creatures whole. As with many bee-eating predators, the Snipe is also fond of honey found within their nests.

Additional Information

Domestication

Snipes make for excellent pets. They're low maintenance, incredibly small, and intelligent enough to be trained tricks far beyond any canine. They're also incredibly loyal to their masters, and will sometimes go out of their way to discover meaningful gifts to show their affection.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Being an egg laying creature, the Snipe's eggs, while smaller compared to a chicken's, serve as a potential substitute. This is generally the only byproduct ever taken from the Snipe; eating Snipes is seen as taboo amidst Fianni and Elven societies due to their amicable and trusting nature. To harm a Snipe is to imply great betrayal, or bringing harm to a loving, helpless beast when there are much, much more satisfying prey to find within the jungles of Kalni.

Lifespan

8~10 years

Average Height

8~9 Inches

Average Weight

Between 1~2 pounds

Average Length

15~20 Inches

Geographic Distribution

• Chain of Fire