Carnithorn (Karn-uh-thorn)
Carnithorns are a vicious flying species originating on the home planet of the Tortilians, Tortilia. They reproduce very quickly and for many many years we’re the largest threat to the Tortilian race before their technological revolutions. In addition, Carnithorns are thought to be the main reason for Tortilians’ shells, allowing them to lay on their bellies to protect themselves from the incoming talons from the sky. Unfortunatly, they came with the Tortilians when they achieved space travel and colonized other planets, stowing away on their ships and infesting the new planets as well. To this day they thrive on Tortilian worlds, although are now much less of a threat considering the advance in technology and are even sometimes hunted for extreme sport.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Carnithorns possess long slender bodies with 2 sets of wings, the first large and powerful (used for the main source of thrust as well as for gliding) and the second smaller further back, used mainly for steering the creature. Their tails are long and very flexible on their own, lined with ridges to help even more with aerodynamics. They also possess two legs in the back, preceded by two arms in the front equipped with long, razor sharp, blade-like bone growths which they use to swoop down and skewer their prey with. Lastly, their heads are relatively extended, starting with 4 sharp, opposable tearing mandibles for ripping off pieces of food for consumption. Above the teeth their heads are lined with 9 eyes, 4 on each side with 1 larger central eye on the front that possess much greater viewing distance for spotting distant prey on the ground.
Genetics and Reproduction
Carnithorns reproduce very rapidly, hatching from eggs and growing to adults in only a few months. Their eggs are laid in sticky clumps of usually 10-20, often in crevices or other nooks and crannies to keep them away from harm.
Growth Rate & Stages
Due to Carnithorn eggs being only the size of a marble and their tendency to lay them in very hidden places on any surface, they are very hard to find and thus Carnithorns can quickly become an invasive species.
Ecology and Habitats
Virtually the same as Tortilians.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Carnithorns eat mostly meat, specifically that of Tortilians, but can also subsist off of berries or other fruits.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Carithorn meat is known as quite delirious as well as nutritious. In addition, in the earlier days of the Tortilian race, Carnithorn talons and bones were used as everything from weapons, to armor, to decoration.
Average Intelligence
These creatures are sentient, though not quite capable of complex speech. They are however smart enough to communicate with each other as well as too use improvised tools and the like.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
A large central eye is in charge of absorbing finer details at great distances, while 4 eyes to either side of the head allow for catching motion on the edges of vision for both hunting and protection purposes. All of these eyes possess thick, clear eyelids that protect them from wind and debris when the creature is moving at high speed through the air. It also serves the dual purpose of allowing them to observe and react to motion from approaching threats when sleeping. In addition, Carithorn hearing is functionally non existent, the creatures relying instead on their impeccable vision as well as their complex pheromone production as a form of communication.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
65 years
Average Height
6-8 ft
Average Weight
200-500 lbs
Average Length
11-16 ft
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
To blend in with their native planet of Tortilia, Carnithorns are typically grey, black, or some shade of green.
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