Grungit

"Take three portion of Grungit bile and combine with one portion powdered Grungit shell. Stir vigorously with a rod made of Bone with a Soapstone core. The addition of Mercury or other gems with medicinal properties is not discouraged, but avoid the use of Ruby. Ruby encourages greed within patients. When the mixture turns to fine Gel, apply liberally to the neck wound until fully sealed. A thin layer of gold leaf is encouraged to beautify the spot, but is ultimately not necessary if the patient can not afford it."
-Collected Nostrums, Recipe for Tyrant's Embrocation

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Grungit is a small carapaced mammalian. It's body is ovaloid, covered in a thick exoskeleton. Protruding underneath the body is large pseudopod, covered in thick mats of wiry fur. Along it's back one can find the ridges of the Grungit, either one along the center or two in a V shaped. The front of it's body lays host to a flat face, with a gaping mouth of gnashing, flat teeth and a single row of 4 eyes.

Genetics and Reproduction

When the weather cools and spawning season begins, the Grungit release mating pulses in order to attract their mates. When two the two hermaphroditic Grungits near each other, contact pheromones are released into the air, not only allowing the pair to meet but also priming each other for mating. The pheromones are also highly acidic. The tiny amount released softens the exoskeleton of Grungit, allowing for them to eat through their partner's shell. Upon reaching flesh, they release eggs into the wound, sealing them back up with quickly hardening vomited chitin. The wound being sealed, the eggs gestate within their host for a period of 5 months. While the Grungit is halfway through it's dormant period, the spawn emerge.

Growth Rate & Stages

When a Grungit is born, they begin as shell-less, hairy spawn. The wormlike spawn immediently begin eating the nesting material of the parent. If not enough material is present, the Grungit itself is partially eaten by the spawn. When the dormant period ends, the spawn will have grown a thin shell and moves from the nest out into the world. As the Grungit makes it's way to maturity, that thin shell thickens and expands. When the ridge of the shell has formed, the Grungit has reached maturity. The average lifespan of the Grungit is 10-12 Cycles.

Ecology and Habitats

The Grungit requires a humid environment with lots of shelter and vegetation. It's ideal home is Lemuria. The shadeless wetlands provide a perfect place for the Grungit to flourish. Examples of the creature can also be found in the Belch and in the eastern tropic islands.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Grungits are vegetarian by nature, devouring 1.5 times their own body weight in vegetation every day. However, they are not opposed to eating small insects when food gets scarce. A recent discovery has found that on rare occasions the psionic pulses are occasionally utilized to stun insect prey. As the cool season winds down, the Grungits will slow down eating and deliver a large portion of vegetation to small holes in the ground to create thickly padded nests.

Biological Cycle

Lemurian Grungits are able to enjoy two seasons, a hot period and a cool period. The latter season is when the Grungit is the most active, the cool weather priming the hunt for a partner. During this period one can find a myriad of the creatures devouring vegetation, mating, and moving material into a nesting space. As the season shifts, the Grungits retreat into safe nests under the earth. This damp environment doesn't last long. As the soil dries out, the Grungit enter a state of dormancy. When the rains return in the cool season, the Grungit awakes once more.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The eyes of the Grungit are low functioning, only able to see movement. It's main form of perception is through Psionic Echolocation. The ridge of the Grungit are packed with Chryme, allowing it to emit a low intensity burst of magic. By detecting the thoughts of the surrounding plant life, the Grungit can find the food it desires.

Origin/Ancestry

Single Ridge, Double Ridge