Shredder

Quicksand is an issue in many parts of the world, but that's not the only reason to be wary of a patch of loose dirt or sand. A large, fearsome, insect-like creature known as a Shredder will often burrow into loose soil or mud and wait for its unsuspecting prey to walk over it. Capable of holding its breath for extended periods of time, it will sit silently just beneath the surface, allowing caravans and convoys to pass over before snatching up a solitary creature or traveler. It would rather not have to fight its food, so it will only attack a group if it is desperate.

When a Shredder strikes, it will leap from beneath the dirt, mud, or sand and grab onto its prey with both its claws. Once secured, it will bight down with its multiple mandibles and tear its victim apart, quickly ending the fight. If able to do so, it will retreat into its hiding place and burrow away to consume its meal. If forced to remain and fight, it will make as quick work of its attackers as possible, but would prefer to go hungry than be slain, potentially leaving its first victim behind and retreating. Even if its initial target is lucky enough to survive the attack, it is unlikely they are still in one piece and will never look at a barren patch of earth the same.