Suru
Suru are a species of bipedal lizards, who are found in underwater caverns, jungles and swamps -- any moist surrounding that also offers them refuge. Suru thrive at any temperature, which is why they can be found in both the northern jungles of Zhai and in the caverns lining the cold waters of the Ice Sea.
Territorial and primitive, Suru are not often seen outside of the territories they deem to be their hunting grounds. They engage in trade to obtain metallic weaponry, for which they offer seafood, treasure or other items they forage from their environment. Even unarmed, however, Suru are impressive foes. Their muscular build and razor-sharp teeth, as well as their powerful tails make them a force to be reckoned with. Fortunately, Suru are not kown to be aggressive unless threatened. Some elven scholars have even referred to them as 'diplomats of the sea', as their lack of interest in expansion has allowed them to mediate conflicts that involved underwater species. This description, however, overstates their intellectual abilities.
Suru are known to sometimes assist land species who get into trouble on the water, helping them to get to shore if their ships are wrecked. According to human legends, however, such rescues come at a cost: Suru can always knock on your door to collect the debt that any survivor owes them.
Basic Information
Growth Rate & Stages
Suru females lay eggs in clutches of variable size, with an average of seven eggs ( 2d6 ). The eggs are kept in humid soil, preferably within territory that is well-guarded by the community. Protecting the eggs is a communal affair, although the mother has a special role in making sure her eggs survive through the 2 months that are necessary before hatching.
Hatchlings can immediately swim and hunt for appropriate food, but lack the limb development that is necessary to walk or manipulate objects. It takes about three months for them to develop these skills, at which point their diet starts to include larger fish and small animals. The young Suru will increasingly move onto land for hunting, accompanied by older Suru. In about three years, Suru grow to the size of humans or elves and they develop the capacity to speak with each other. Between three and fifteen years, the Suru become adept hunters and around age sixteen they start seeking a mate. In principle, female Suru can lay eggs each spring, but in practice their reproductive frequency decreases througout the years. Suru reach an age of about 60 before they die of natural causes.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Fresh Suru eggs are priced alchemical and spell components.
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