Solenouses

Solenouses are a group of small mouse-like creatures closely related to solenodons and distantly related to solenopanthers. They have been known colloquially by islanders as "spite mice" due to the venomous bite solenouses use to ward off predators. Solenouses have long served in an ecological niche similar to that of rats, shrews, and anoles elsewhere, but the introduction of invasive brown rats and house mice has caused a severe reduction in almost all solenouse species. While captive breeding projects exist in several institutions both on the Mossfell Islands and in the Continental United States, there remains little hope for the reintroduction of solenouse populations into ecosystems which have been taken over by their rodent competition.

Human settlers to the island have long used the venom of solenouses as both a remedy for certain conditions such as high blood pressure and a offensive weapon. The venom induces hypotension by blocking clotting factors, and can cause respiratory depression and limb paralysis. Administration of solenouse venom in individuals larger than 10 pounds will not prove fatal, but its paralytic effects were used to great effect by the Mossfell Norse and Viardrmen when hunting and waging war.