Crested Land Crocodiles

Hjapic: A-garrhlek /a karːl̥ɛːk^h/
Gjúmic: Krúnnjórk /k^hrunːjouːrk^h/
Zóntic: Glo /ɡ͜ʟ̝ɔː/

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The crested land crocodile¹ is the largest of its kind in Örkraz and one of the most well known animals from that continent, both due to its fearsome appearance and significance in many local cultures. Like other Land Crocodiles, they are adapted to terrestrial lifestyle to the point of being poor swimmers, and though not as agile as smaller species, can sprint surprisingly quickly to catch its prey off-guard.

Basic Information

Anatomy

At around 5.8 meters and weighing some 700 kg, these crocodiles are among the largest animals on Örkraz, only beaten by a few large snake species. Their most distinctive feature are the twin crests located right above the eyes, which emit arcane energy as a form of courtship. The creatures bellow to drive other members of the species off their territory, but are otherwise silent.
They have poor eyesight, though able to see magic similarly to Lindworms, and instead rely on their keen sense of smell and hearing to hunt and find mates.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Crested land crocodiles feed mostly on Palm Fowl, smaller land crocodiles as well as aquatic ones, along with carrion and people. While they are known to eat giant snakes, the latter also one of the few animals able to kill them as well.
While their teeth are sharp and serrated, the crocodiles have a relatively weak bite and thus only eat the flesh and organs, leaving plenty of scraps for scavengers. For this reason, the animals are often nicknamed picky eaters by the local Orcs, whose traditional cuisines commonly include bones, tough tubers and nuts.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Crested land crocodiles are native to the Gjóm Highlands of central Örkraz, the western lowlands and -to lesser extent- to the southwest, though their numbers have declined in the highlands due to loss of habitat and subsequent hunting as they've prey on locals and livestock. To counter this, certain countries -most notably Gjokró in western Gjóm- have created national parks to protect the remaining populations, with varying success.

Cultural Significance

In many western- and central örkrazic cultures, the crested land crocodile is considered ruler of the animals, and a number of ceremonies and objects meant to imbue orcish chiefs with animal's power exist throughout the region, including wearing talismans made from its claws, teeth and -particularly in the Gjóm Highlands- hide, or a crown imitating the creature's crests. However, chiefs are generally forbidden from actually killing a crested land crocodile as this would be an act of war against the species and the natural world in general, and while those who slay one cannot become chiefs afterwards, they are guaranteed a position among the most honoured dead.
In the country of Zónt, the head of a slain crested land crocodile is removed and buried nearby in a similar manner as a chief's remains, while in neighbouring Agg-Ahlún, the bones are collected and interred instead.

Origin/Ancestry

Örkraz

Average Weight

700 kg

Average Length

5.8m

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their scales are mottled green and dark grey