Nutiks

Nutiks are a fictional mammal species used in speculative fiction, tabletop games, and world-building. They are described as small, nocturnal animals with dense fur, large eyes, and a curious, agile disposition.

Physical traits: Nutiks typically measure 12–18 cm in body length, with a 6–10 cm tail. They weigh about 60–160 g. Coat colors range from gray to brown and russet, often with lighter underparts.

Habitat and ecology: In most portrayals, Nutiks inhabit boreal and temperate forests, though some settings place them in shrublands or alpine edges. They build communal nests from leaves, moss, and fibrous material.

Diet and behavior: Nutiks are omnivorous, feeding on berries, seeds, fungi, and insects. They are social, living in small family groups with defined roles. They communicate via chirps, squeaks, tail flicks, and scent marking.

Reproduction: Breeding typically occurs in spring. Litters of 2–4 pups are common; maternal care lasts several weeks, and young reach independence within two to three months in most settings.

In fiction and media: Nutiks appear as woodland inhabitants, companions to adventurers, or symbols of adaptability. Some game systems treat them as playable or encounter creatures with modest abilities.

Taxonomy and notes: Because Nutiks are fictional, any taxonomic placement is arbitrary to the world. Writers may assign them to a fictional family or genus, or treat them as an unnamed small mammal.