Rock Snapper

In the mountains there is not a single rock that you can trust. The reason for this are the Rock Snappers. You never now if casually walking by will be the last thing you do.

— Yamaderis

Rock Snappers are a tortoise like predator living in mountainous regions. It is most common on the northern continent of Idravil but can also be found in several mountain ranges of Farlis and Pavanor. They are among the most dangerous creatures living there. The Aina Elves have learned how to avoid them but those who are not familiar with their hunting tactics are destined for an early grave.

Extra Information

Scientific Name

axeta . doroa (Atheta Doroa)

Name

Rock Snapper

Origin

Most can be found in Idravil but they also live in various mountain ranges of Farlis and Pavanor.

Lifespan

300-500

Size

5m height, 6m length

Biology

Physiology

At first view they appear to look like a gigantic tortoise but their are some key differences. First is the fact that they really prefer cold environments and are seldom seen outside of them. Their shell is also quite different as it's main purpose is to camouflage the Rock Snapper. To the untrained eye it is very difficult to tell the shell apart from the surrounding rocks when the Rock Snapper is hiding itself. The shell has an additional layer on top which is made of icy rocks. It is extremely cold and can even be used to freeze victims to it.
Another defining aspect of the Rock Snapper are their horns. They are used to pierce prey but also serve a secondary use. While a Rock Snapper burries its head in the snow for an ambush its horns are used to sense any nearby movements and disturbances to the snow.

Food

The Rock Snapper eats smaller creatures most of the time because they are the ones most commonly passing by. It burrows itself in the snow with only the shell sticking out. When a creature comes closer the Rock Snapper either waits for it to come closer or melts part of its outer shell layer to create a small water stream. Once the creature is close it snaps at the unsuspecting victim with great speed.
From time to time it also takes down larger prey and even other predators. For these creatures it does not snap them directly but tries to pierce them with its horns first. It then throws them against its shell in order to freeze and kill them. Once they are dead the Rock Snapper can eat its victim in peace.

by kefkejaco with midjourney

by kefkejaco with midjourney

Climate

The Rock Snapper is so far only been found in cold climates. This is also logical as its hunting tactics require it to blend in with that kind of environment.

Reproduction

Rock Snappers are known to not reproduce very frequently. However once every few years they make an attempt to find a partner. They do this with a very specific call during the mating season. For those living in the mountains it is a very eery sound especially since it echoes through the mountain valleys. Once mating is done the female Rock Snapper tries to find a good place to lay eggs. On average they have about 6 years to do so. The female therefore has plenty of time to wait for optimal conditions.
The eggs are often laid near the top of a mountain in a large hole created by the mother. A layer of snow is then placed over them. It is believed the mother lays about 20 eggs on average of which only half a believed to hatch. Once hatched the children have a hard time and need to be supported by their mother as they cant yet hunt themselves. Once large enough they move to an ice lake or river to feed on fish until they are large enough to catch bigger prey.

History

Aina Elves

The Aina Elves were the first to mention these creatures in their records and study them. They have learned to recognise the patterns of their shells and know when to stay away. However, when one comes very close to a settlement they are known to hunt them down. This is something very hard to do and often requires a lot of prior planning. It often involves decoy prey to trigger the Rock Snapper to emerge.
The shell of the Rock Snapper is often used as a form of armor by the Aina Elves. Sometimes the whole shell is kept intact and used as a sort of freezing as the shell doesn't lose its cold property if kept in one piece.

by Kefkejaco with midjourney

Further Reading