Stonemelter
A flightless subterranean bird, Stonemelters are best known for their acid spray. They stand about the size of an emu, though their stance is more leaned forward. Their wings have become powerful digging implements, tipped with broad, flat claws. Their beaks are also used to dig, though they can deliver a powerful peck with them as well. While these implements help them dig, they must first soften up the stone enough to be carved. This is where their famous acid comes in: they spray stone with acid, then tunnel through it, carving vast networks of tunnels throughout Deephollow. This tunneling ability is highly valued by the dwarves, who have managed to train Stonemelters to aid in excavation.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Stonemelters appear as large birds roughly the size of an emu, with a leaned forward gait. Their wings have turned into a pair of digging arms ending in a hard, pickaxe like tip. Their beaks also have a curve to them reminiscent of a pickaxe, and can be used as such.
Genetics and Reproduction
Stonemelter mating begins with the male carving out a cavern using their acid and claws. They make sure to leave a small stump in the middle for the female to carve into a nest. Once they have a cozy little nook, they decorate it. This often involves bioluminescent fungi and shiny rocks, but some stonemelters are known to carve patterns on the walls. Once they have finished their decoration, they call out to potential mates, their calls echoing through the caverns. Once a female arrives to the male's cavern, they begin a mating display, puffing out the feathers on their tail and arms like peacock tails and singing. If the female is impressed, she will begin carving the central stump into a nest and will eventually lay 1-3 eggs. Each egg is comparable to an ostrich egg, with a stone grey color to help it blend in.
Once the chicks hatch, they will depend on their parents for the first year. During this time, they will stay in the nest cavern as the parents take turns finding food. While one parent finds food, the other stays home to protect and teach the chicks.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Stonemelters usually eat the molluscs, crustaceans and worms what grow in Deephollow pools, using their strong beaks to break shells and get to the delicious meat inside.
Additional Information
Domestication
Dwarves value the quick tunnelling ability of the Stonemelters, and have learned to domesticate them to use as living excavators. The Stonemelters are often used to do the bulk of the tunnelling, spewing acid and softening up enough to dig wide tunnels that the dwarves then follow in (with acid resistant gear) and excavate any revealed mineral veins. A different breed has also been developed that lacks many of the digging implements but has more meat, and these farmable version have become a popular livestock in dwarven cities.
Average Intelligence
Stonemelter intelligence is comparable to a dumb dog. They are not particularly intelligent but can be trained with enough effort.
Comments