Wakzaw
Wakzaws are common gnomish pets that are ultimately characterized by their curiosity and complete lack of self-preservation skills. These colorful smallish lizards often gravitate to gnomes that focus on experimentation and gadgetry, and are often the first to volunteer to be the subject of their owner's experimentation. They often grow no larger than the size of a squirrel, but it is not uncommon to see them in various states of size, color, and general species.
They are hardy and thrive on a diet of insects with the occasional bit of veggies or fruit. It is unknown if Wakzaws have always been so varied in color and pattern, or if this is a result of centuries and centuries of cohabitation with Gnomes. Exceptional gnome engineers and alchemists will sometimes have a few dozen Wakzaws scrabbling for attention to take a crack at the next experiment. They seem to delight in the rush of not knowing what is next and love to experience and learn new tid-bits of information.
It is not uncommon for scholars working together on a project to "exchange" Wakzaw as a means of knowing what their cohort would do with a given bit of information. In spite of their lack of wisdom nearly all gnomes do try to look out for the health of their Wakzaw companions even if the reptiles sometimes get irritated with being left out at the very early stages of some experiments.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The idea of a "standard" morphology or anatomy of a wakzaw is difficult to determine, but newly hatched babies are often a pale grey with four legs and a robust semi-prehensile tail sporting a strong suction pad-like tip that they use to stick themselves to high places. These youngsters have large round eyes and a short but sticky tongue that they use to catch insects that stray too near.
Once a wakzaw has been exposed to a dose of magic their anatomy and morphology begin to change unpredictably. It is uncommon for wakzaw to have the same physical response to stimuli causing those that study them to hypothesize that their appearance, number of limbs, size, etc is a physical manifestation of the sum of their exposures to magic and other such factors.
Genetics and Reproduction
Unless very altered wakzaw tend to lay eggs in sticky bundles in warm dark corners.
Growth Rate & Stages
Varied depending on location, diet, and magical exposure. It is uncommon for a wakzaw to live above 15 years though there are some cases of domestic wakzaw living as long as 30 years.
Ecology and Habitats
Wild wakzaw tend to prefer narrow cramped areas such as tunnels, logs, or other such shelters when they are sleeping. However, it is more typical to find domestic and feral wakzaw within the bounds of gnomish cities and buildings where they take up residence with the gnomish inhabitants whether they are permitted to or not. Wakzaw infestations are common in schools and research areas where they often turn up inside the desks, drawers, trunks, and even shoes of their hosts. Aside from their taking up of space, wakzaw cause very few problems whether they are domestic or feral.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Primarily insectivorous with a smattering of plant matter when they are offered as a treat. They have a special taste for colorful moths.
Biological Cycle
Unlike most reptiles that shed as they grow wakzaw shed their skin after being exposed to high concentrations of magic. In the case of domestic wakzaw this has also shown itself as a tendency to shed following intense chemical or botanic experimentation. It is typical for wakzaw to change dramatically in color and/or pattern from shed to shed.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Wacky Senses- Though their senses of sight and hearing appear to be rather dismal they have an uncanny knack for knowing exactly when and where something will take place if it has to do with experimentation or magic.
Survivor- Wakzaw can survive a surprising number of environments and have proven themselves able to recover from many injuries that would be debilitating to their gnomish friends.
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