[✓] [Creature Lore] Stilt Strider

[Islamadon 9158]

STILT STRIDER

Physiology

Stilt Striders, named such due to their stilt-like legs, are large carapaced arthropods which loom proudly at a height ranging from 15-20 meters and weighing 1 ton. Possessing six spindly and crab-like legs, these creatures are able to traverse rough terrain with relative ease as they are able to stabilize themselves upon unforgiving footing. Beneath their mouth, two pincers are adorned which can aid the creature in consuming food. A Stilt Strider's carapace appears ash black in hue due to their volcanic origins and can be carved into without causing the creature pain due to the lack of nerve bundles. The primary organs and tissues of the creature reside within the stretch of its underbelly, too protected by carapace similar to that of a tortoise. Unfortunately for the creature, fungus and mosses tend to build up upon  their underbelly and carapace; it is for this reason that Stilts are welcoming to domestication as the symbiotic relationship with their jockey allows them to be well manicured. Stilt Strider meat tastes comparable to poultry. 

 

When reproducing, a Stilt Strider will lay a cluster of approximately 20 eggs the size of a watermelon once a year [1 OOC week], most if not all of the embryos perishing before hatching. Should an embryo hatch, a Stilt Strider would find itself maturing after two years [2 OOC weeks]. These eggs are usually steaming hot, and are thusly laid in a field of mud in order to cool them down. The eggs themselves are soft-shelled and dense with fat. Those experienced enough with alchemical processes could extract the fatty liquid from the white of the eggs; this can be used as a substitute for lard or butter. Aspiring chefs would find that the eggs themselves, due to their high fat content, make a delicious delicacy. The yolk, green in hue, hardens into a savory solid substance similar to bone marrow. When scrambled, a single egg could feed at least five people.

 

Habitat

Stilt Striders are most often found within the fire lands and other arid regions. However, some have since found themselves roaming about the continent in search of precious hog flesh and carrion. It is noted that frigid environments are deadly to the Stilt Strider, for the frost bites at their legs and will eventually drain Stilt Striders of their energy. A Stilt Strider will, when it is ready to lay eggs, establish a muddy nest whereby they can cool themselves and their eggs. It is for this reason that a Stilt Jockey must provide their partner an adequate nest where they can rest after a long day of ferrying. 

 

Behavior

Personality wise, Stilt Striders are extraordinarily timid and skittish creatures, yet trusting of those who offer them an easy life. Those who discover a Stilt Strider may find them easy to tame with a steady supply of meats from which they can devour. Stilt Striders take an extraordinary liking to hog flesh and can often times be found chasing a pack of boars (though they will never catch them). This creature also finds itself inexplicably prone to Siliti rites of restraint, perhaps allured by the scent of pork. If accosted, the Stilt Strider would instead opt to flee from the scene rather than fighting as significant damage to any one of their legs could prove fatal for the creature in the long term. Occasionally, they will release audible howls which are often interpreted as soothing or highly irritating to the common descendant.

 

 

Abilities

The carapace of a Stilt Strider is extraordinarily dense and will shield them from most natural elements, primarily that of extreme heat and dust storms. The legs of a Stilt Strider are rather powerful and are able to penetrate into the soft ground in order to provide them with an anchor point when scaling steep terrain. If frightened, Stilt Striders can spit a stench-ridden bile towards would be accosters in attempt to dissuade them from further attacks. Tamable, Stilt Striders can be used for ferrying across unforgiving terrain by those who can keep them well nourished. Druids would be able to commune with the Stilt Strider, but would find that they are of remarkably low intellect. 

 

 

 

Red Lines

• Cannot be weaponized in any capacity; combat would make them terrified.

• Carapace can be used for transporting goods and passengers within reason.

• Unable to haul carts due to their height and unpredictable pathing.

• Legs can be harmed through blunt or heavy piercing weaponry.

• Stilt Striders cannot be used to sniff out Siliti.

• Stench Bile cannot be weaponized or harvested ; it would lose its potency a minute following expulsion.

 

Change Log:

• Added reproduction cycle, egg quantities, and uses for eggs.
• Added preferred nesting habitat.
• Added a desire for hog flesh.
• Added symbiotic reasoning for domestication.
• Added stench bile defense system.
• Added druidic communing.

Edited December 11, 2021 by Letharian

[Tentoa 3160]

I beg of you, accept this.

[Nooblius 7965]

/sound entity_ghast_scream -r 100

[Zarsies 6795]

stop, before kincaid catches wind, I beg of thee

[EdenCringe 181]

15 minutes ago, Nooblius said:

/sound entity_ghast_scream -r 100

 

/sound entity_ghast_scream -a

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

-1, he's RACIST

[AnimeWolf0080 1509]

+1 I love this so much. Good job!

[helldiving 5793]

please i need one of these +1

[Shorsand 2006]

Why walk when you can /ss claim?

[Lord of Boars 556]

Wow! A big plus one from me, for sure!

harold.jpg

[JoanOfArc 4604]

based and dunmerpilled

[King_Kunuk 3022]

Morrowind.jpeg lore plz gib

[Samson Option 9652]

I know this response from me is purely subjective, but I wouldn't even mind seeing this in-game.

[Slorbin 2932]

/ss stands for /silt strider

[VoidandNull 355]

Please accept I need bug mount please dear god please.