Aleanki ('Allan-Kee')
The Aleanki are a species of insectoids native to the vast jungles of the Golgelen. They're predatory creatures that prey almost exclusively on other insects or arachnids; and are particularly skilled at hunting the massive spiders that lurk within their forest.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Aleanki consist of a menagerie of different features. They're mostly insectoid, sporting a pronounced abdomen and thorax with legs tipped with sharp points that are capable of slicing or rending. Two massive, prominent arms rest at their upper body and end in large pincers that act as shears designed to tear and shred through flesh. These pincers and legs are specially adapted to cutting through dense greenery -- and more importantly, webbing.
Their heads have a broad mouth and powerful jaws that make up for their lack of grasping features; they are filled with serrated teeth that hook into flesh or capture anything unlucky enough to be trapped within their clamping bite. Stranger still; their wings are a membranous, bat-like set of limbs that permit them to flap and glide their way through the skies. The edges of these wings end with a three-pronged set of digits that double as grippers.
They are roughly the size of a small horse; which leads to them being as much of a danger to people as they are to the prey they hunt. While they vastly prefer to crunch through the exoskeletons of spiders and insects, they are not above feasting upon anything unlucky enough to cross their sights whilst they're hungry.
Genetics and Reproduction
Perhaps a horrifying feature is the stinger that the Aleanki carry; it is not a traditional stinger, but a syringe-like injector designed to implant their eggs into their victims. This parasitic injector causes snared prey to serve as an incubator for their young, which tear their way free from their bodies shortly after gestating.
Ecology and Habitats
The Aleanki specialize in hunting massive spiders, which the Golgelen is rife with. This is thanks to their needle-lined legs and sharp, shear-like claws that are designed to tear, shred, and rip through the webbing and protective shells of their desired prey. Their sharp jaws crunch through bone, let alone exoskeleton, and their pincers are perfect for dismantling their oversized prey at the joints.
The Aleanki require hot, humid climates to thrive. Should that requirement be fulfilled however, they are large and more than capable of wreaking havoc upon any ecosystem that houses sufficient prey for them, with later generations easily finding themselves adapting to their new hunting grounds.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The Aleanki's vile appearance incites fear and disgust upon any who view it, leading to their reviled status atop the food chain within the steamy jungles of the Golgelen. However, their preference for hunting spiders and carnivorous nature actually makes them relatively easy to tame by sapient standards. The Dekarti tame Aleanki to serve as both fierce, masterful trackers or capable guard dogs to both safeguard their homes and accompany them on their treks into the dense, deepest reaches of the Golgelen.
Aleanki aren't viewed as a food source due to the fierce, loyal bonds forged between tamer and beast. Whilst cold and near emotionless, they are still capable of adoring displays of affection that contrast their horrendous looks, so long as they're nurtured properly.
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