Caiman

"I'd get into a fist-fight with a gwueblu before I intentionally got near to a caiman..."
-Beedle Wanderstone

The impartially-aggressive caiman has been the bane of many adventurers in the Vorthali Forest; its scales are infused with raw arcane energy that erupts erratically resulting in unpredictable effects.

Basic Information

Anatomy

"It wasn't two days we had abandoned the water route when we stumbled across a large crocodile. We approached in hopes of killing it for sustenance, but a bright flash blinded me, and when I could finally see, one of my men was on fire, and another was ensnared in vines. The crocodile was nowhere to be seen."
-Maximus Dovat

Caiman are a type of large crocodile, growing up to 30 feet in length and weighing between 1500 and 2000 pounds. Their scales are typically dark brown or jet black with slight iridescence. Their snouts are narrower than similar crocodilians, and their skulls are much larger. They also have much larger eyes, which often appear bloodshot. Caiman scales generate raw arcane energy and as a caiman moves, the rubbing of its scales releases the magic resulting in chaotic effects. Small movements often result in nothing more than sparks or small flames, giving the appearance of a faint glow. Big movements, however, can result in anything from huge fireballs or lightning bolts to a dimensional portal.

Ecology and Habitats

Caiman mostly inhabit slow-moving rivers or flooded savannas and is considered to be key in maintaining ecological balance in the region.

Dietary Needs and Habits

"I've explored the possibility the caiman I have come across have been rabid, or infected by some other disease, but I've come to suspect a different reason for their inherently violent nature; caiman are just very tempermental."
-Ferdinand Hertalson

The most aggressive predator in the jungle, caiman will engage with almost any creature, the exception being the anaconda and the Vorthali turtle, due to their massive size. They are mostly nocturnal creatures, however they have been seen wandering during the day, especially during mating season, which takes place during the dry months. Caiman are also extremely unpredictable animals, and as such are considered to be the most dangerous creature to adventurers, both inexperienced and veteran.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The caiman's large eyes give the creature incredible night vision. It is also believed to have very good hearing.

Origin/Ancestry

Vorthali

Lifespan

~40 years

Average Weight

1500-2000 pounds

Average Length

~30 feet