Rockslider Geckos

Basic Information

Anatomy

Rockslider Geckos are quadrupedal. Contrary to most of their parents and cousin species, those have a short tail for their stature.

Genetics and Reproduction

Rocksliders are oviparian and reproduce sexually. Healthy females produces one egg every 4 months. Gestation takes around two months and the gemale usually reach for a safe cavern spot when she develops cramps. Egg hatches about 4 days in average conditions. However, it is possible the female will eat the egg's content before hatching if food becomes scarce, especially in winter season.

Growth Rate & Stages

A rockslider gecko reaches sexual maturity in 3 years, altough full body growth finishes around 6 or 7.The main stage is the growth of their front horn. Because of the high sensitivy, they will over time bathe their face and horn in mud baths. Over time, through solidification, part of the mud will turn to hardened rock. The gecko will continue to layer their horn until the horn become a a sturdy helmet perfect for rock pushing and protection.

Ecology and Habitats

Rockslidder geckos are usually found in Mountain areas where they live most of the time. They can be found in boreal zones, but they need some months or hot sources to gather mud for their horn. They usually search for hot sources hot maybe swamp areas at mountain's base. Because of this, they usually don't travel much outside of their territory. If the rockslidder geckos doesn't have a too heavy front, they can travel on walls pretty easily. Bigger and heavier ones tend to go climb more "normally".

Dietary Needs and Habits

The rockslidder geckos usually eat insects but can eat meat. Their usual tactic is to wait for preys on land or to spot burrows where subterreans insect may live.With their ramming front, they create rockslides headed toward heir target, hoping to crush them or provoque burrow collapse, forcing their target to reach for the land. When done so, they then collect the insect or start bludgeoning their prey to mush and tender the meat. When provoqued or cornered, they will try to wait for their ennemy to fatigue and block with their hard mud front. When possible, they will then charge their opponent hoping they are too tired to dodge. They are however not too reckless and if they think they can escape by climbing the mountain faster, they will.They can also headbuut the ground to create sismic reactions.

Biological Cycle

Geckos hibernate for some months when the temperature is too cold, liking to keep their heat in caves. When they reach and high age, whenever they can, they rest until death in soft earth places as their front start to brittle. A lot of corpses and skeleton can be found in bogs and damp caverns.

Additional Information

Domestication

When domesticated, rockslider geckos are used as scouting beasts in the mountains. They are also used as beasts of burden to clean paths from rocks by moving them with their lever effect. The ones using them most for their needs are the citizens of Eistreicheln, which the very height-based architecture make them perfect for scouting both outside and in the depths of the Underdark.
Most domesticated ones have a smaller average mud helmet due to the less frequents mud baths they use, but are usually well fed and keep a similar body shape, as well as a bigger life expectancy due to the care they get provided. The fact they live in the wilderness also helps their body.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Their flesh is normally too harsh to try and cook it, but their scales can be used for components. However, their most hidden secret is the really small spikes in their paws which help them stick on mountain stone. these appendanges can be used to make climbing equipment.

Facial characteristics

What makes the rockslider geckos unique in their kind is the triangular shaped horn front they have. Over time, it can be used to move heavy object or as a ramming weapon.this also protect them from a lot of projectiles and contact ailment since the hardened mud doesn't let substances pass to the main body.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Rockslider Geckos can be found everywhere you can find softened earth or mud. Even a specific sub-genre lives in the boreal mountains as they say nearby the more temperate base, or close to thermal sources.

Average Intelligence

Average saurian animal intelligence

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Rockslidder geckos have sensible claws which help them notice some tremors. Aside from that, they are a fine low light vision and limited scent.

Scientific Name

Petram Migale

Lifespan

18 years

Average Weight

2000 pounds

Average Length

2 meters

Average Physique

They ressemble mostly oversized quadrupedals lizards expect for their front and the smaller tail. Most of the time is rash and hard to the touch, leaving only softer spots in their paws and orifices. the frontal lobe, protected usually by the hardened mud front, is however very sensitive and weak if something manages to reach it, but the opening is slim.
They also have an extreme muscular explosion capacity and endurance, which make them endure their heavy weight while climbing. No mortal humanoid could endure a hit of a Rockslider gecko's ramming head and tell the tale unless they had magical or supernatural resistance.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Temperature climates rocklider geckos are naturally brown with some shades of dark green and grey. Boreal rockslider geckos trade the brown and green for white and light blue to fit their environment better.
For all variations, the mud front is usually of a lesser saturation than the rest of the body.