Rompo Skunk

This species of skunk is native across Alkelbulan but only this subspecies makes its home in desert habitats of Shamsi, Arabiyyah and Birit Narim. Because this creature is so rarely spotted, making use of color magic to conceal themselves, its become something of a local myth. All manner of descriptions portray the rompo as possessing body parts of other animals and local peoples believe they dig up corpses! But much like other mustelids, they are obligate carnivores with 34 sharp teeth designed for shearing live flesh! Most of their diet consists of Qafz Jerboa, Isk or Asp Viper, Marqat Sandgrouse, Ramil Lark, Agru Frog and invertebrates like al-Mawt Scorpion and Shab'lul Snail. Often they fall back on their clawed paws to dig out subterranean prey in their burrows or hidden beneath the sand. Because rompo have small stomachs, they need to feed almost constantly, roaming as solitary hunters so long as the sun is down. Tertiary Predator Carnivore Nocturnal Mammalivore Herpetovore Avivore Invertivore

Kaithur

First Ability Rithaldis' Skin Rompo with Rithaldis's Skin are able to sweat layers of photons so intense, it superheats the surrounding gases into plasma (seemingly sweating plasma) or are able to lace their bodily fluids with ionizing radiation. For rompo, this manifestation allows them to lace ionizing radiation into their anal spray and to salivate solar plasma. Those sprayed may receive intense burns and develop radiation poisoning. The rompo is also immune to damage from radiant energy. Rithaldis' Aura Those with Rithaldis Aura are able to generate or summon radiant energy from Rithaldis' Plane, whether this is sunlight, solar plasma or ionizing radiation. Usually, they infuse their anal spray with ionizing radiation or solar plasma. They are also immune to damage from radiant energy in their environment. Anything summoned disappears once they cease using their ability. Second Ability Ilnid's Manipulation Using Ilnid's Manipulation, these skunk are able to manipulate, repel, reshape and control sand, quartz and glass present in their environment. Mostly used to unearth prey beneath the sand, dig burrows or sling about sand or glass in self defense. Ilnid's Sense Using Ilnid Sense, rompo skunk are able to sense sand, glass and quartz in their environment and feel anything interacting with these materials. This works over long distances and despite barriers. Most rompo use this to detect prey burrowed in the sand or the approach of potential threats. Kalitho's Manipulation Those with Kalitho Manipulation are able to manipulate and reshape light present in their environment. This can be used to craft intricate illusions, change the appearance of the world around them and even fool those around them by altering their visual perceptions. Mostly used to conceal themselves from prey or aggressors. Kalitho's Skin Rompo with Kalitho Skin can emit light of various kinds from their skin, controlling what kind of light, what color and in what patterns. Can also imitate the appearance of their environment. Mostly used to conceal or camoflage themselves if not to give warning flashes before spraying. Might also initiate a bright flash before fleeing.

Anatomy

Original Ancestor Lifespan Ictonyx striatus Striped Polecat 4-14 years Length Height Weight 24-28 in 60-70 cm 4-6 in 10-15 cm 1-3 lbs 450-1300 g Coloration Generally black underside with white on their tail and alternating stripes running from head to tail. Legs and feet are black. They have a face-mask which inlucdes a white spot on their head and white ears.

Life Cycle

Behavior

Solitary Viviparous Maternal While reclusive, rompo are surprisingly verbal. Growls are used as a warning while high pitch screams indicate aggression. Most unique is their call of submission or surrender, their voice undulating between high and low pitches, but a quieter version is used as a friendly greeting! Each rompo even has a special, individual call they develop for attracting a mate. Rompo only interact with others of its kind for breeding, otherwise solitary. In fact, they become surprsingly aggressive when they encounter each other, especially males. It seems they only tolerate each other amid mating season, running from early spring to late summer. Their mating habits are not known but during the day, Rompo will burrow underneath brush or steal the burrows of their prey. Females in particular prepare a special nest when nursing young. Pregnancy lasts for 6 weeks before their mother gives birth to vulnerable and dependant young, litters numbering from 1-5. Newborns are blind, deaf and furless and weigh in at 15 grams (.5 oz). Their fur comes in around 21 days but their eyes won't open until 35-42 days. While they can kill prey at 9 weeks old, they aren't totally weaned until 18 weeks or sexually mature at 20-40 weeks. Their mother will protect them until they can live independantly.

Communication Territorial Agonistic Despite being reclusive and shy, a rompo will quickly turn aggressive and territorial when evasion fails. And their warnings shouldn't be taken lightly! It marks its territory carefully using feces and anal spray, a spray which can also be used defensively much like other skunks. Special stink glands release this spray which can temporarily blind foes and irritates all mucous membranes, burning intensely. Far worse is the ionizing radiation or solar plasma laced into this spray which can cause terrible burns and even radiation sickness! They will give a warning before spraying, arching their back with their rear pointed at the threat, raising their tail straight up. They may even flash bright, strobing lights with their magic--the final warning!

Myth

In legend, rompo are described as having the head of a hare, ears of a human, a horse's mane, a slender body, a long bushy tail, front feet of a badger and the rear legs of a bear! Many also believe they only consume corspes especially those of humans, likely spotted digging up insects and rodents. Their timidity is exaggerated as bordering on paranoia, avoiding traps, fleeing from larger animals and refusing to eat until they know they are safe. In fact, the undulating cry characteristic of a rompo has been labeled a tool for scaring away other creatures while it feeds. Poeple believe that because the rompo feeds on corpses, earning the title of man-eater, that their mouth carries disease and rot. Illnesses are sometimes attributed to their bites, rather than their spray, meaning stray or unexplained sickness are superstitiously blamed on these elusive carnivores!