Ptraej (ᵖtreːʤ)

Also called ptraej-dogs, or ptraej-hounds, these creatures appear to be dog-like reptiles and are endemic to the Ptsannae Desert region and the Black Isles. They are intelligent, social and can be domesticated to an extent, much like wolves or wolf-dog hybrids. They are heat tolerant, cold weather makes ptraej sluggish.
Although mostly wild, feral, ptraej-dogs can be trained and will respond to verbal and somatic cues. The trolls of the Black Isles and southern Ptarshakkians are known to breed and train the creatures.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mammal-like reptiles, paramammals, ptraej-dogs are synapsid creatures resembling hairless, scaly dogs with monitor lizard features. Variance in colouration roughly breaks down regionally, western tending towards tawny, yellowy hues; central yellow to green; southern dark green, and often completely black; northern red-banded and brightly coloured; eastern ptraej-dogs have the most variation of colour and patterns.

Genetics and Reproduction

Many subspecies of ptraej are parthenogenic and exclusively female. It is believed that all species can reproduce parthenogenically. Pups are born live in small litters of 2-8. Parental care is observed in some species; absent in others.

Ecology and Habitats

Ptraej prefer hot dry weather, although there are some species that thrive in the humid jungles of Suvata. The sandy parts where the Chaalai coastline meets the Ptsannae Desert is where the majority of the species are found. Some species migrate seasonally. In the wetter seasons, the ptraej move inland, and more northerly.
The jungle-based subspecies do not migrate, and are the least social of the ptraej, appearing more like leopards or jaguars in their behaviour. Most of the jungle ptraej are solid black.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Ptraej are obligate carnivores. Although plant matter is sometimes consumed it is merely as roughage to aid in digestion: it provides no nutritional value. Some species can subsist as insectivores, but they still prefer to consume the flesh of mammals, birds, smaller lizards, snakes, and occasionally, smaller, younger conspecifics. Coastal species prize sea turtles and their eggs above all else.

Behaviour

Prone to hiss and howl at strangers, wild ptraej will make cooing and yipping noises with members of their packs. Domesticated ptraej will behave this way with their masters. The howling of a ptraej is a deeply unsettling sound. Most humanoids find it, at best, chilling.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like dogs and large carnivorous monitor lizards, ptraej are scent-based hunters. Their vision is limited, but coloured, though they track almost entirely by scent. Unlike dogs, however, their hearing is also limited, likely comparable to a human.

Tawny Gold Ptraej-Dog

Gold Ptraej-Dog by 包德強 + NightCafé

The most common colour of the ptraej-dog is the tawny, yellowy hues of the deserts in which the species predominantly reside.

Scientific Name

Draith qath'thtar

Origin/Ancestry

Ptraej have some variance, but their general body type is of a muscular racing or hunting dog, albeit hairless, and covered with fine scales in hues of tawny yellow. Green, ochre, purple, blue, and/or black are less common.

Geographic Distribution

• Ptsannae Desert
• The Suvata
• Thōurraidt

Related Organizations

• Achwat Dynasty
• Fist of the Black Isles
• The Grand Army of the Ptarshakkian Empire
• The Obsidian Court
• The Tzolgarin Dynasty