Catoblepas
When it looked at me with those damn, flickering, red eyes it was like pure ice in my veins. I felt that chill run up my spine and into my head. It felt like my skull was coming apart at the seams. I was lucky my head stayed together. Some of Aelfric's Frostmerites weren't as fortunate.
If bogs, swamps and mires were not already treacherous enough the presence of a Catoblepas can make certain water-logged areas absolutely fatal to travelers. This large, bovine-like, beast is known to wanders flooded areas looking for rotted vegetation or dead flesh to consume or to feed to its young. They are fiercely territorial, incredibly powerful and relentless in their pursuit of those that endanger their young.
While the bludgeoning bony knob at the end of their tail or their large goring tusks are certainly threat enough to ward away most predators the most iconic feature of the Catoblepas is their stare. Their eyes are able to channel a powerful psychic shockwave into nearby targets that cause death through cerebral hemorrhage and skull fracture. This feature is always proceeded by an intense red flickering from their otherwise black eyes.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Genetics and Reproduction
Sexual reproduction and live birth
Ecology and Habitats
Flooded areas such as bogs, old ruins and the coasts of lakes are some of their preferred habitats. Most Catoblepas sightings occur either in the region around Lake Bask or in the Butcher Yards of the Dougal clan.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Rotted organic matter. The more putrefied the meal the more enticing it is to the Catoblepas
Additional Information
Social Structure
Matriarchal family grounds generally consisting of two parents and one to three young
Domestication
There are no known occurrences of domestication though the twisted Dougals are known to value Catoblepas meat as a rare delicacy
Average Intelligence
Catoblepas are known to have a highly developed family/social structure that is generally matriarchal. They are fairly aware and intelligent when compared to other animals though their personality is generally one or irritability, defensiveness and brutish challenges of dominance.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Catoblepas have an exceptional sense of smell and are able to locate decaying organic matter miles from miles away. They are also able to pick up the scents of their own kind from equally far. Catoblepas seem to be particularly offended by the smell of most Fae
Origin/Ancestry
Native to Tairos
Lifespan
40 years
Average Height
9-11 meters
Average Weight
5-7 tons fully grown
Average Length
12-14 meters from tail to tusk
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Shaggy dark brown to green/brown hair. Their coat is often home to different molds and fungus that their young are prone to feeding on.
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