Csamcsoga

Description

In the central plains of Jégoria roam a variety of mutants, but one species seems strangely resistant to these mutations. The csamcsoga look as if they could be a mutated species, but they are most definitely native according to the stories told by the local residents.
Also nicknamed chompers, they are known for their powerful jaws which can crush even bones. They possess a bulky and densely muscular build and weigh on average about 400 kilograms. Their body length can range from 1.5 to nearly 3 meters, and a height roughly half that. They are protected by a tough leathery hide and a scaly carapace that covers their back. They possess four eyes, two on each side, that afford them good depth perception, and they can see in infrared. Their limbs are short but bulky, affording them stability and decent bursts of speed, but they cannot reach high top speeds.
Their hide is prized because some people say it will protect from the káoszmag, but these claims are dubious at best, and have never been proven. They are tough creatures to kill too, and even tougher to domesticate. There are some people who have succeeded at herding a small group (usually with magical assistance) but only a few, which means there are not many hides (or meat) in circulation.

Intelligence and Behavior

They possess a primitive intelligence like most animals, but their brain size is relatively large compared to their body mass. They are known to use the environment as tools to groom themselves for example, which requires decently advanced cognitive abilities. They are herd animals who usually travel in groups ranging from 5 to 20 individuals, with home ranges of a square kilometer. The primary defensive tactic is herding, where the young animals are protected by the older, larger ones, while the herd runs as a group. If it comes down to it, they are very strong however and can inflict considerable injury to most beasts.
They also take on the role of predator themselves sometimes if food is scarce. But for the most part they are scavengers and herbivores who eat whatever falls on their path, mostly shrubs, berries, lichen and even trees. Their strong jaws allow them to snap through wood and the secondary row of teeth can grind and chip it. They also possess a special gut enzyme that can break down the cellulose to obtain the necessary energy. As a result of their existence, the central plains of Jégoria have less forest cover and more tundra shrubbery.

Statistics

[5th Edition D&D]

Geographic Distribution

• Jégoria