Stril

Basic Information

Anatomy

It is a horrifying cross-breed of something resembling a scorpion crossed with a mantid. It is a massive eighteen meters long when stretched out, though its tail is usually curled over its body. It strides atop twelve articulated legs, as opposed to a scorpion’s eight. When motivated, a Stril can achieve astounding land speeds and is capable of kicking up dust storms in its wake. Standing normally, the creature reaches five meters tall, though when preparing to attack prey, the Stril will flatten itself against the ground, leaving only a one and a half meter profile. Like a scorpion, its tail sports a venomous stinger, the tip of which is nearly a full meter long itself and its body is covered in a layered chitinous exoskeleton. However, the similarities with the common scorpion end there. Instead of the scorpion’s claws, Stril have a pair of deathly sharp sickle blades similar to a mantid’s graspers. Each blade is approximately three meters long, giving it a total reach of roughly nine meters and can be swung with enough force to cleave stone. In between these deadly weapons are six gleaming eyes - the namesake of its nickname as they glow ominously, even in the darkest dark. Finally, four enormous wings protrude from nubs behind the creature’s shoulders. These wings resemble the lace-like structure of a dragonfly’s, though only the Gods know if they’re strong enough to support the Stril in true flight. Whether it be Elitu’s foresight or merely an unforeseen ability, Stril are also highly resistant to all forms of magic and its hard shell also turns aside bullets, arrows and blades alike, leaving it protected from all but the most powerful and clever of foes.

Genetics and Reproduction

Unknown.

Growth Rate & Stages

Unknown.

Ecology and Habitats

Unknown.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Unknown, but records exist of it hunting and feeding on Pheranoth.

Biological Cycle

Unknown.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The creature is capable of moving any two of its six eyes independently of the others, enabling it to track prey more efficiently.

Civilization and Culture

History

The origin of the Stril is unknown to most. Few but the gods themselves know that the creatures are the foul creation of the Night Goddess Elitu.

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

5 meters

Average Length

18 meters

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Its layered exoskeleton is as black as night, except for its venomous stinger, the tip of which is tinged a sickly green - possibly from its venom.