Stalgoth

Description

Among the noblest Fanged Koposerans are the Stalgoth, honorably clad in keratinous armor. Adorned in interlocking scutes from head to tail, they form a protective barrier to resist sharp blades and the crushing jaws of larger beasts. Despite its durability, their armor is surprisingly flexible so as to allow them to curl into a ball—not even the Gorr can break them beneath the stalwart bind. This also applies inversely as they can twist around to snap at those that try to grab them. Alas, these scales lose their constitution when they’re shed but their unique structure may be useful in potions…

Feeding upon critters that burrow beneath the ground, they’re just as able to tunnel after them. Sharp claws let them dig both to find prey and create their own burrows. These talons have special hooks which equally serve to hook into prey as much as pull dirt away. If threatened, they’re instead turned on their assailant with vicious laceration to even the thickest-skinned creatures. Interestingly their claws seem linked to their vitality: the better the diet the stronger they become.

Behaviour

Emboldened with remarkable bravery, they find few things worth fleeing from: seen challenging Nightnadders and even Gorr over territory and food. They stake claims to small patches of land where they dig their impressive burrows, tolerating neither tresspasser or rival. If their space is invaded they will warn the interloper of their grave oversight before engaging—knowing a mercy if they respect their claims. In these territories pairs form to raise pups which are raised collectively until weaned. Pairs separate with each dry season but return to restate their vows without fail. 

*While defending clearly marked territory or their pups, Stalgoth are PTK/PTC.