Mantledon

"Although full-fledged mantledons are rarely seen due to their reclusive nature, an untreated skip infestation is sure to give rise. Once a mantledon is on a ship, the ship is all but doomed to sink."
-Ferdinand Hertalson

The mantledon is a humanoid molluscan which live in the warmer waters off the northeast coast of Vorthal. They pose little danger to most seafarers and seem to be disinterested in ships themselves, however skip infestations may give rise to a mantledon.
Despite being rarely seen, many seafarers are terrified by mantledon. When travelling through waters with known mantledon, many sailors claim to have terrible nightmares where they are suffocated by tentacles. Because of this, it is not uncommon for sailors to refuse to sleep when travelling through infested waters.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The mantledon is so named because of the large "mantle" or "hood" that forms the larger portion of its head. While its mouth and the tentacles it feeds with are under the mantle, its eyes are actually on top.
Mantledon can grow up to 10 feet tall, standing, however its tentacles can reach lengths of over 20 feet. Their upper-body resembles that of a human, having a shape similar to a torso and two arms, but is slightly translucent. Given sufficient lighting, it is possible to see through their body completely. Mantledon have no bones with the exception of their mantle allowing them to fit into relatively small places.

Growth Rate & Stages

A mantledon is a fully grown skip, however the conditions under which a skip will transition are specific. First, a small group of skip will need to settle in a secluded area. Then the largest skip will start the metamorphosis with all the other skip laying on top to provide protection. The process takes weeks with the skip shedding several times.

Origin/Ancestry

Vorthali

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

~10 feet

Average Weight

~250 pounds

Average Length

~20 feet

Mantledon

Skip