Lumberheg (/ˈləmbərhəg/)

*stomp* *stomp* *stomp*

Hunøks continues to trudge ever deeper into the woods north of Litenåsby in search of ripe prey, her finely honed axe in hand. At last she finds it. A peculiar tree stands before her - a monsterous beast 3 m (10 ft) in diameter and surrounded by smaller secondary trunks - many of which extend to support its massive canopy.

"Wut the heck is this!?" she pondered as she rapped on the nearest small trunk, its hearty sound filling the air.

Hunøks raised her axe above her head and with a mighty cry, the first blow struck the base of one of the many trunks surrounding the trees main section. Blow-by-blow she struck at the first section, the vibrations of each strike pulsing into the earth.

A few moments later an eerie whoosh filled the forest shortly followed by an explosion of dirt and the click clacking of chitinous limbs.

A large insectoid creature clawed its way to the surface mere feet from Hunøks. Its ant-like form preceeded by large, multipronged pincers. Two large mandibles drip greenish ooze as its hulking form extends from the abyss.

*ppt* *ppt* *ppt*

Three blobs of acidic spit into the trunk overhead, turning the wood into mishapen black ichor, before the beast disappears back underground.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lumberhegs are multi-limbed insectoids covered in chitin.

Ecology and Habitats

Subterranean Boreal forest

Additional Information

Social Structure

Lumberheg colonies have a three-tiered caste system based on the individual physiology/role of the Lumberheg:

1. Reproductives: The king and queen of the colony are the progeniators of all the members of the colony.
2. Soldiers: Defend the colony from invaders using strong, sawtoothed shaped mandibles and acidic spit.
3. Workers: Manual labour for the colony. Some workers assist with laying, fertilization, and storage of eggs, and the feeding/nurturing of larvae, and others feed the Reproductives and Soldiers. The most basic workers dig and maintain the colony tunnels, or gather and store food.

Domestication

Lumberheg removed from their natural environment are domesticated for industrial purposes (Forestry Sector).
Lumberheg eggs must be taken from their native colonies (a dangerous expedition), or laid in a captive environment. Eggs and larvae are cared for by workers until the state at which the role of juvenille Lumberheg can be determined.
Reproductives are typically killed unless a new king or queen is needed by the Lumberheg farm. Workers and Soldiers are trained by Dwarves for most of the Lumberheg's developmental period. A semi-complicated regieme using a combination of scent, moisture, and vibration train Soldier Lumberhegs to fall trees using their acidic spit, while Workers are trained to stack fallen timber or haul it via a sledge (once trained, the Worker Lumberheg will follow signals along a predetermined route, typically to the nearest river).
Solder Lumberhegs are given additonal training to ensure their docility. Rigourous exercises in self-discipline ensure the Solider Lumberhegs will never attack a Human, Dwarf, Elf, or Halfling while still retaining their industrial training.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Lumberhegs are found in the boreal forests of Seclora.

Average Intelligence

Despite their size, Lumberhegs are capable of "limited animalistic intelligence" similar to that of a common dog or horse.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lumberhegs locate each other and prey by detecting vibrations and a keen sense of smell.

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Table of Contents

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

1.5 m (5 ft)

Average Weight

360 kg (800 lb)

Average Length

3 m (10 ft)

Geographic Distribution

• Seclora