Tuskux

Tuskux are huge mammals - up to 4 meters long, and weighing over 10x the weight of a human. They live in many places along the shores of the Scorched Plains by The Scalding Sea, but their preferred home is amidst the thick mists that curl up where water meets lava. They have thick matted black hair and long pale tusks. Their bodies are streamlined and muscular with large flippers which they use to swim and walk. They are fast and agile in the water. Their thick hair protects them from attacks from other creatures and the heat of the water. They are deadly on both land and sea. However, their size and strength is thought to be largely for defense against other unknown predators. The Tuskux feed largely on crustaceans such as the Basalt Crab that live in the shallows. Silverfins are another large component of their diet, although they are fast, small, and hard to catch. The Tuskux prey is not a readily available food source, since survival in the Scalding Sea requires their prey to have tough skin and scales. This protective layer makes their prey hard to digest. To get around this the Tuskux have developed the ability to excrete a flammable liquid into their stomachs which they set aflame from within in order to break down their tough prey. This trait has given them the nickname “Firebellies” by the locals.

During the mating season, males can be seen fighting - often to the death - in brutal displays of strength in an attempt to win a mate. These bouts can last from a few minutes to over an hour. Each Tuskux tries to overpower their opponent by penetrating their thick matted hair with their tusks. Whilst some such contests end in death, most end with one injured and accepting defeat.

The The Sundered Clans of the Scorched Plains the Tuskux are essential, and they hunt them often, yet they suffer many casualties from the dangerous beasts.