Basaltfoot (ba-sawlt-fut)

The Basaltfoot (Arc. Ignimandra Silicespes) is an amphibian belonging to the Firewalker family. It is native to the ashlands of the Rong Volcano in easternmost Chrysocora.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This unique creature has a rather similar external anatomy to one of its salamander cousins. It has a heavy body with short limbs projecting at right angles to the body with a short tail. Their limbs and underbelly are covered in rock-like armor which allows them to swim in lava pools, which is what firewalkers are most famous for. Their eyes are on the top of their head with brown horns sticking out of the said top.
Underneath the sides of their jaw are a bunch of axolotl-like gills which help them absorb oxygen in volcanic areas by blocking out ash particles that are present in the air. Those gills can flare up when threatened.

Growth Rate & Stages

Since water is a rare sight around the ashlands, the basaltfeet have adapted their eggs to be laid on the surface. The mother covers her eggs with ash to hide them from predators.
Upon hatching, the larva, referred to as a "magmaling" are incredibly vulnerable and are not yet adapted to interact with lava.
The juvenile stage is when they start growing the armor coat, the process being complete when they reach the adult stage.

Ecology and Habitats

map of the wild basaltfoot habitat range.

While wild basaltfeet are found around the Rong ashlands, domesticated basaltfeet are spread across entire Chrysocora.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The basaltfoot is a fungivore. They feed on any mushrooms they can find, even those belonging to the megafungi family, like the ashcaps which are bountiful in the ashlands they naturally thrive in. Though evidence confirms that they will eat plants and small animals to balance their vitamins and iron.

Additional Information

Domestication

The basaltfoot is used as a mount or caravan animal by the Chrysocorans. It's sheer strength allows it to carry many resources and travel far across the land. It can also be used as a way of crossing lava pools, as they can interact with flame unharmed. They're often used in expeditions for retrieving resources from recent Rong volcano eruptions; they can aid in collecting bloodstone, royal sand, gold, glowstone, and ferrignis. They're also used to rescue missing folk who may get lost in the ashlands, and retrieving bodies from under the ash.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

From time to time, basaltfeet may shed some pieces of armor. Those pieces are traded or sold to collectors and tourists.

Scientific Name

Ignimandra Silicespes

Lifespan

70 years

Conservation Status

Least concern

Average Weight

800kg / 1760lbs

Average Length

10ft / 3m

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

desaturated red skin with yellow dots on the sides with dark-brown armor on the limbs

Geographic Distribution

• Rong Volcano