slæmum

Slæmum is a fictional creature described in the world-building setting of Ardent Vale. The term is used in in-universe texts to name a small nocturnal mammal found in temperate forest regions. The article summarizes the creature as it appears in these fictional sources.

Etymology and description: The word slæmum is constructed for the setting, drawing on Old Norse phonology to evoke a sense of antiquity. In-world depictions describe the animal as about 25 to 40 cm in body length, with a dense, silver-gray coat and a bushy tail.

Liminal features: The most distinctive feature is bioluminescent markings along the shoulders and flanks that glow blue-green at night. These markings are used in social signaling and mate attraction. Slæmum are omnivorous, feeding on berries, seeds, fungi, and small invertebrates; they forage on the forest floor and in low branches.

Behavior and reproduction: Slæmum are generally solitary by day and emerge at dusk. They build simple nests from moss, bark fibers, and leaves in hollow trees or dense brush. Breeding occurs once a year, with litters of two to four; gestation lasts about six weeks. In the wild they typically live six to eight years.

In culture: Folklore associates the slæmum with guiding travelers and warning of danger. Some tales hold that the color of the glow foretells events in a journey. In-world texts, slæmum appear as symbols of resilience and mystery.