Otyugh*

Basic Information

Anatomy

One Mouth, One Hole

The Otyugh is truly a remarkably bizarre species. Not being naturally of this world, but instead an Abberation created through the works of magic gone wrong, they are the finest example of how alien the anatomy of abberations can be.

When one encounters an Otyugh, several things may stand out. But above all others, is the gaping maw of the beast. But more importantly, this mouth is the only orifice the Otyugh possess. Every bodily function that enters or exits the Otyugh is done through this opening, very similar to a hyper specialized version of a cloaca, possessed by reptiles, amphibians and birds. Defecation, consumption, and even birth (refer to the ___) all occur from its "mouth".

Tendrils Three

Once more emphasizing the strangeness of the Otyugh, the next noteworthy physical attribute are a pair of three tendrils resting atop its back, with two positioned near the shoulder blades of the front limbs, one on either side. With an additional tendril located between these two, atop the back.

Ignoring the third, the two tendrils at either side of the Otyugh have a reach of ten feet*, and possess tooth filled pads on the ends of either tendril. With these tendrils, the Otyugh is able to interact with its surroundings in several way, but will most often use them to shovel more refuse into their open maw. Other uses, however, include enhanced locomotion, using their tendrils and momentum to swing around corners, or as additional "legs" to make up for the single back leg (refer to Tripedal section). They can also use these tendrils to manipulate objects, such as grabbing hold of struggling prey, examining something of intrest, and even as clubs. It has even been noted that, when facing multiple, smaller, opponents, the Otyugh will attempt to grasp and use one as a shield.

Between the shoulder blades, a singular third tendril rests atop the Otyugh. This tendril also possess a length of 10ft, and can also interact with the enviroment, to a much more limited degree. But where the other two possess a tooth lined pad at the end, this main tendril houses the Otyugh's eyes, and is referred to as its "eye stalk" (even if "tendril" is much more fitting, this helps with differentiating the tendrils). The Otyugh will use this extended "Eye Stalk" by covering everything but the stalk in some kind of rubbish, keeping a close lookout while it feeds.

Tripedal

The last physical feature of note of the Otyugh, are its three stout legs. Possessing two front limbs and a singular back limb, it is entirely unknown what, if any, purpose this serves. However, despite their odd gate, the Otyugh can move with surprising a surprising amount of agility, should they find the need to. With a "gallop" being a very apt description for the movement, the Otyugh will use its tendrils to latch onto structures and the ground for tighter turns, with younger specimens even being noted to "swing" by these tendrils. But due to the Otyughs weight of 500ibs, the Otyugh is entirely reliant on it trunk like legs to support its weight.

Genetics and Reproduction

Regurgatory Reproduction & Gastral Gestation

As stated previously, the only hole the Otyugh possess is its mouth. Therefore, the Otyugh has developed a highly unique form of breeding/birthing. This process has been dubbed as "Regurgatory Reproduction", refering to their method of fertilization. And "Gastral Gestation", which refers to their means of birth giving/gestation.

Once every 7 years, an Otyugh colony will gather together in a special chamber of their home, usually where the most filth resides. In the case of Otyughs who are alone, however, they will either forgo the process entirely, or will migrate to their place of birth. Once gathered, they will begin to "vomit", or "regurgitate", a gelatinous sac containing biological material in a "goop" like form. A secondary Otyugh will then consume the inert material, careful not to pierce the membrane, although this membrane is surprisingly resilient, it is susceptible to piercing. Once fully consumed, a process known as "Gastral Gestation" will take place, with the previously inert gelatinous sac will travel through the Otyughs digestive tract, and will settle within a special chamber within the gut of the Otyugh, where it will then become fertilized. This chamber prevents harm coming to the protective membrane from foreign items consumed, while still allowing the much needed stomach acids to enter. From this point, for simplicities sake, the fertilized material will henceforth be reffered to as an "embryo".

Expulsion of the Embryo

While the embryo grows, it will continue to reside within the protective membrane. This membrane not only serves to protect the embryo from the acids within the gut of the parent Otyugh, but will also passively absorb the broken down nutrients within the acid. After an indeterminate amount of time, believed to be directly related to the availability of food, the parent Otyugh will regurgitate the full formed infant, which will quickly chew through the sac and latch onto the parents back, living a parasitic like lifestyle for the next 4 months, or until the infant becomes to large and the parent forcibly removes it. After this, the now adult Otyugh will either join the colony, or seek out a new one, during which it will continue to grow for the next 3 months.

Ecology and Habitats

Light Aversion

With highly sensitive eyesight

Where There's Food...

Sewer Dweller

Scientific Name

quisquiliae porcus