Illinorgg
Also known as: the Bone Spider
A fierce, smaller predatory omnivore of the Greylands. Much like the Gebharik, the moniker gives the wrong classification to the species. It is in fact more closely like a cephalopod than an arachnid.
The "bone spider" name arises from the Illinorgg’s use of a secreted resin to create tools and shelter for itself, but most specifically a constructed, skeletal frame which it wraps around in order to gain better movement on land. This is a necessary trait as inland freshwater areas can be quite distant from sources of food or only temporary in their placement, a similar need arising as that of the Moving Groves.
On average the species is about the size of a large dog, with some added height depending on how it uses its fabricated leg struts. Coloration varies, but tends to match their surroundings, with captured Illinorgg developing more exotic pigmentation. Their skin is rather tough and leathery; the meat is quite slimy but flavorful. Some species have venomous bites, but this seems rare.
Despite the apparent ingenuity of the Illinorgg, the species lacks true sentience even as it shows remarkable problem-solving skills. The species ability to secrete a resin also suggests many grisly tales of Bone Spiders walking in the freshly pulled skeleton of a victim are false, though the species has been seen to use other materials in the construction of its frame, either to create a stronger core or to aid as camouflage.
Numerous varieties of Illinorgg exist, with some using their 'bones' as simple decoys or lures and ambushing their prey, while others hunt for prey more actively. Some carry rocks and shards to hurl at prey, others carry extra bone struts to throw like javelins or thin spikes, or to stab and slash. Some even use their resin to craft primitive traps or alarm systems for their lairs by weaving thin threads of their secretion. The look of this woven resin has very little in common with a spider’s web and more in common with tripwires and snares, lacking the sticky nature of webbing. It is unclear with such ingenuity at their disposal how the Illinorgg has not yet gained sentience; perhaps it is only a matter of time.
Male Illinorggs tend to decorate their face plates as a means to promote their dominance and attract females. The glittering rocks and extra spikes are likely another reason for their spider moniker. Males engage in elaborate dances and posturing when seeking a mate, partially to demonstrate its physical prowess, but also to show off the craftsmanship of its 'bones.' Sexually dimorphic, the males tend to be the smaller and more mobile of the genders in most breeds.
The designs of the skeleton, the tools, and techniques among the Illinorgg seems to be passed down through genetic memory. The genealogy of an Illinorgg can be reliably traced through its creations. A Bone Spider can also be trained and learn to create new things, and such knowledge is passed down to their offspring.
Some of the more enterprising groups in the Greylands actually domesticate Illinorgg and raise their captive young to craft the various tools they need. One has to be careful adopting the livelihood, as some breeds are more aggressive than others and the Illinorgg are quite adept at escaping captivity.
