Striped Longclaw

These large creature are native to the Green Vale, though they have spread to the northen areas of the Ancient Kingdom of the Forest. While considered relatively harmless by the elves, the dwarves of Clan Magrannor consider them to be monsters that should be exterminated.
Longclaws are mostly docile and prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible. They do occassionally cause trouble for those fishing in the vale when they go after the day's catch, and sometimes break through fences to get at fruit trees. However, it is the stories of the Beast in the pass that make many dwarves consider them a real threat. If attacked longclaws will defend themselves which only reinforces the dwarven belief in the threat they pose.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These creatures have 4 powerful legs supporting a heavy torse. Their heads have a long snout, and two wide eyes which face slightly to the side giving them a wide field of vision. Their tails are fairly short at about 1ft.
The longclaws are covered in heavy fur which has horizontal stripes of brown and gray. Their name is taken from the single large claw on each forepaw.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The longclaws primary diet is a combination of fish, insects, nuts, and berries. They seem to have a preference for sweet things and will go for food with a high sugar content if presented with equally accessible choices. The long claw is used to dig insects out of their nests and also to tap trees with a sweet sap.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Longclaws have excellent vision at short distances which enables them to pick up the movements of insects with relative ease. However their distance vision is appalling. They also have a keen sense of smell which has led to some residents of the vale developing scent based deterents to keep longclaws away.

Lifespan

40 years

Average Height

5ft

Average Length

7th

Geographic Distribution

• Green Vale

Related Myths

• Beast in the pass