Higoeg (hih-go-egg)

Melphor is home to several odd creatures. Not all of them are considered good. In ancient times, a number of species were banished to the underworld where Tehaksha is said to have sealed them away for eternity. From time to time, these creatures are spotted and promptly exterminated.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They have a single eye which dominates most of their head. They have a beaked mouth located at the base of their head.
They have four legs that end in sharp points. The backs of their front legs are serrated. They have four wings--two on each side--that are transparent. Higoeg prefer to fly rather than walking.
A higoeg's head and upper back are taken up by a large frill. They have a prehensile tail that is almost always curled up when not in use. They also have a pair of thick whiskers sprouting out from the side of their heads where a human's ears would be. These are used to communicate with their hive mates.

Genetics and Reproduction

These winged insect-like creatures are arguably the least offensive of those sealed away, but what they lack in vileness they make up for in sheer numbers. A single queen can lay up to 100 eggs at a time and can have as many as 4 clutches a year.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Their diet primarily consists of small mamals and other insects, but they are opportunists and will eat larger prey if it's available.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

What makes them such a menace is partly their sheer numbers. Higoeg swarms can strip an area of food in about a week if they aren't stopped. Their main danger, however, is in the disease they spread. There is no known cure--magical or otherwise--for Hive Fever.
Some apothecaries keep stocks of higoeg parts, including their venom, and sell these at a premium. They're expensive due to the rarity of the creatures and the illegality of keeping such things.

Lifespan

2 years

Average Height

50 cm, with the exception of the hive queen, who is a full meter tall.

Geographic Distribution

• Ardren