Oundat (OON-dat)

Overview

Large, reptilian quadruped Gendirl with smooth sky blue scales and black stripes. Lives in the southern coastal grasslands, primarily south of the Sythen River.

Characteristics

Oundats inhabit southern Dosjorya between the ocean and the forests. Their range extends as far north as the Sythen River Region , though before human habitation Oundats roamed as far north as the Great Achton River . Populations of Oundats can be found as far south as the end of the grasslands, where the coastline curves eastward and the forest meets the ocean. Any further populations that lay in other grasslands have never been reached by humans, though learned and adventurous Oundats confirm they exist.
Oundats stand on four moderately long legs that are built for bursts of speed. A long neck, balanced by an equally long tail, allows them to peer over tall, wild grasses in search for prey. Their smooth scales offer little in the way of protection except against the sun, as Oundats are at the top of the food chain.
Carnivorous in nature, Oundats rarely, if ever, ingest plant matter. Prey normally consists of any non-Gendirl animal that they manage to catch, no matter the size.
Oundat clans mainly consist of sedentary adults, elderly individuals, and breeding females. Males and non-breeding females provide food for those too old to hunt, and two or three females usually are picked by a nesting Oundat to help her guard and feed her young. As with most Gendirl species, Oundats do not have an overall leader, but they often pick the strongest individuals from open clans to serve as representatives to the Innena and Dosjoryan government.

History

Oundats have long been in a feud with fellow grassland inhabitants the Faus. In time Oundats have evolved to resist the effects of Fau venom.