Dryk Agnum
Pronounced "Dree'ck Agg-num", with a flicked r.
Believe it or not, I heard them Badlands beasties, what was they, Dreek Agnim or somthin'? Yeah them hunter ones. Heard they were once used like horses, ridin' into battle and whatnots. Not that I'd ever get within a mile of one. They real scary.The closest thing that the Badlands have to a predatory mammal, the Dryk Agnum, henceforth Agnum, has nearly unparralleled hunting prowess.
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"I do not easily name things, this creature is a bringer of death, why should I not name it as such. It is the Last Light they will see before they die."
Her Beloved, Consort to the Empress
"Or you could just come up with some nonsensical name for it, like... Dryk Agnum. Not everything has to have some secret meaning my dear".
Her Majesty, the Empress
Basic Information
Anatomy
Quadruped reptilian, roughly canid in structure. A glowing "eye" imbedded in it's forehead is it's primary form of vision. It's midback has a somewhat natural saddle shape, though no one dares to attempt to ride it, not even drunken teenagers. It's muscle system is incredibly durable, to the point that only under extreme circumstances can an Agnum suffer muscle fatigue.
Genetics and Reproduction
If hunting has produced a surplus of food, an Agnum will search out a mate with which to share. Should they, together, continue to have surplus of food, they will produce an offspring. Once that offspring grows to adulthood, one of the parents stays with it, the other moving to find a new place to call home.
Growth Rate & Stages
Agnum's grow incredibly quickly, reaching functional adulthood at age twelve.
An infant Agnum is one that cannot defend itself, this phase lasts for about one and a half weeks. From then to age three is considered a child, the "eye" of the Agnum is just beginning to form. Age three to twelve are the "teenage" years, with the Agnum switching from visible light to infrared light, courtesy of it's eye. Beyond twelve years, the Agnum is considered an adult, it has fully developed. Despite this, it will not seek out a mate until it reaches at least twenty-four years old.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Agnum will hunt anything it can kill, which is basically everything. It will eat anything it can digest, which is basically everything. It, however, prefers meat, and will only eat plants if no other prey can be found. It hunts during the night, when the temperature drops. It almost prefers to hunt something that will put up a fight, primarily choosing other predators to prey on.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Only found within the Badlands of Nolan'Nurr. Attempts to transplant them elsewhere have not been attempted, likely because capturing one is nigh impossible.
Average Intelligence
Able to set traps, wait out prey, go for weak links (Whether a squishy party member or an exposed muscle like the hamstring), and generally make logical decisions, though mostly limited to better murdering.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Agnum possesses some manner of heat based vision. Torches and flames close to the body, while uncomfortable, have proven to confuse the Agnum enough to leave in search of more fleshy prey.
Lifespan
120 years, if resources available
Average Height
2.2m (7'2")
Average Weight
1200kg (2646lbs)
Average Length
3.2m (10'6")
Geographic Distribution
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