Marten (creature)

Martens were a species of mustelid or "weasel", a family of small mammals that included ferrets and weasels.
==Description==
These animals were similar in appearance to other mustelids, being small and slender-bodied furry creatures. They measured around in length and weighed around . Much like other mustelids, martens were skilled swimmers.
==Ecology==
===Diet===
These creatures were a carnivorous species.
===Habitats===
Like other mustelids, martens could be found in a wide variety of climates, though they more commonly inhabited cooler ones. They generally preferred to avoid dense settlements.
In north Faerûn, they could be found in parts of the Dalelands, particularly Daggerdale and Deepingdale. In northwest Faerûn they could be found in the Silver Marches.
Beyond Faerûn, martens could be found across much of the continent of Kara-Tur, living in temperate forests and plains as well as tropical and sub-tropical forests.
===Relationships===
Some wizards were known to have martens as familiars.
===Usage===
The hides of these creatures were quite valued, ranking among the most prized pelts of the Silver Marches. They were valued more than the hides of ferrets, stoats, and weasels, while they were typically valued less than those of ermines, minks, and sables, though they could fetch comparable prices.
The marten pelts of the Silver Marches were carried and traded all across the Sword Coast, while those of the Dalelands were traded by the Silverhand House coster to the cities of Arabel and Ordulin. In the trading posts of Everlund and Silverymoon, marten pelts could fetch anywhere from 2 to 8 gold pieces. In the further-off markets of Luskan, Neverwinter, and Waterdeep they were sold for twice those amounts. Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue sold marten hides at a flat rate of 8 gold pieces each.
==Trivia==
In the church of Baervan Wildwanderer, "Marten" was one of the titles for confirmed priests, ranking directly above "Hedgehog" and below "Red Fox".
==Appendix==
===Appearances===
===External Links===
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===References===
Category:Animals
Category:Mammals
Category:Mustelids