Arkanid

"Beneath the shifting sands of the great desert, there is a whole ecosystem that we cannot see. In the expanse of sand and sun, it is not only the people that should concern you...it's the things you cannot see. Be assured, they can see you."

~ Bertran Ulmandias, 17 High Sun, 1703

The arkanid are a formidable predator in the great ocean of saun and sun. Hidden beneath the rolling plains and scorched earth, the arkanid slumber, waiting for prey to cross their domain. Alerted by hypersensitive sensory organs hidden under their chitinous shell, they will wake to hunt their prey from underground. At the moment of attack, they will burst forth, using their great claws to cut clean through flesh, and eat their victims alive. Their armored shell appears nearly impenetrable by conventional weapons. For many, the only hope of bringing down one of these beasts is to strike at the joints, between plates. Arkanid meat is rich in fats and nutrients, rare to the desert lands, and their blood serves as a powerful alchemical base, and many hunters will take the risk in an attempt to feed their communities. The chitin of their shell is used in the creation of various armors, and constructions.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Arkanids are massive insectoids with four legs, two large mid-body claws, and two smaller front claws used for gripping prey while devouring. Arkanids additionally have several sets of chitinous antennae, used for navigation. While burrowing, they will stick these antennae out from the sand, to feel for changes in air temperature, wind, and resonating sound. Arkanids do not have any eyes but instead have two large nostril-like sensory organs at the peak of the head. These organs are able to detect subtle changes in temperature, movement, vibrations, and sound.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Arkanids are masters at navigating by vibration. Spending most of their time underground, they can sense movement on the surface of the sand and dirt of the desert lands through small nostril-shaped sensory organs on their face and across their body. The tips of their antennae are able to detect changes in temperature and wind through small holes in the chitinous surface.

Geographic Distribution

• Ballock Desert Lands