Drithërat

Drithërat are a fictional mammalian species described in the fantasy setting of Eldaryn. The name combines the imagined Elthari root drith, meaning twilight, with the pluralizing suffix -ërat. In most accounts, drithërat are interpreted as forest-dwelling creatures that emerge at dawn and dusk.

Physical characteristics: Adults measure about 40 to 60 cm in body length with a short tail, and typically weigh between 5 and 8 kilograms. They possess a dense, iridescent coat that shifts color with temperature and light, large forward-facing eyes adapted to dim forest light, rounded ears, and soft, padded hooves suited to uneven terrain. Sexual dimorphism is minimal in most depictions.

Habitat and diet: Drithërat inhabit temperate rainforests and montane cloud forests of Eldaryn, often on mossy slopes and in dense understory. They are crepuscular, feeding mainly on lichen, moss, sprouts, and berries. They move quietly and leave faint scent markers; vocalizations consist of soft chirps and low calls used to maintain contact with kin.

Reproduction and social structure: The species is described as solitary or living in small family groups. Breeding occurs seasonally, with one to two offspring per birth. Mothers care for the young for several months, teaching foraging techniques and danger avoidance.

Ecology and cultural significance: In fiction, drithërat are often portrayed as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration. They appear in folklore as forest guardians or omens of seasonal change, and their sightings are sometimes treated as signs of ecological balance or imbalance.

Taxonomy and status: In the fictional taxonomy of Eldaryn, drithërat are placed in a provisional genus Drithora within the family Dritheritidae. They are not a real-world taxon, and there is no official conservation status outside the narrative universe.