Skorpan

Skorpan is a fictional small, nocturnal mammal native to the temperate forests of the Skorpan Realm, a fantasy setting used in speculative fiction and world-building exercises. The species is described as widespread within suitable woodland habitats and is often featured in in-universe folklore and illustrative materials.

Physically, skorpan individuals are compact and agile, with a body length of roughly 22 to 28 centimeters and a tail of 22 to 38 centimeters. They typically weigh between 200 and 350 grams. Their fur is dense and variable in color, commonly brown with a silver or light-colored crest along the spine. They have large rounded ears, a pointed snout, amber eyes, and semi-prehensile tails with sharp retractile claws that aid in climbing and grasping branches.

Ecologically, skorpan is omnivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, berries, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. It forages mainly during the night and relies on stealth and camouflage to avoid predators. Nests are built in tree forks from moss, bark strips, and leaves, providing shelter and a microclimate for offspring. Socially, skorpan tends to be solitary, though bonded pairs may form during the breeding season, and individuals communicate through vocalizations and scent marking.

Reproduction occurs in spring, with litters of one to three young. The gestation period is approximately 36 to 42 days, and the young are altricial, remaining in the nest for several weeks before weaning. In the fictional Skorpan Realm, the species is not considered endangered and is commonly depicted as a forest guardian in folklore and art, reinforcing its role as a benign symbol of resilience.