Rüsttuelo

Basic Information

Anatomy

The defining characteristic of the Rüsttuelli is the ivory carapace covering their body. These thick overlapping plates cover much of their body betraying little skin, but any exposed skin ranges in color from brown to gray or black. Most Rüsttuelli have small tufts of coarse white hair poking out of the top of their heads, and some males will grow facial hair on their chins. This is often combed into a goatee. Rüsttuelli have two arms that end in short sturdy claws ideal for digging and they also have two stocky legs between which hangs a small tail.

Biological Traits

Burrow: As an full action a Rüstuelo can dig through soil or rock and travel at ½ its movement underground. As an additional full action, it can burst from the ground attacking a target with a +12 modifier on the attack roll. Additional movement actions can move the Rüsttuelo up to half its movement underground or unburrow itself without an attack. Burrowing within an enemy’s zone of control has a chance to provoke an attack of opportunity if the attacker makes a successful Foresight roll against the Rüstuelo’s dodge.
Digger’s Claws: Rüsttuelli have small, sharp claws for digging. They gain a +12 on any check relating to digging. The Rüstuelo also adds an additional +1 weapon rating of crushing damage and a +1 weapon rating of piercing damage to attacks with its natural weapons.
Jungle Dweller: Centuries of living in the harsh conditions of the Jungle have made the Rüstuelli grow accustomed to it. They gain a +12 Survival (Lush).
Ivory Armor: Rüsttuelli are covered in protective ivory plating. They are considered to be always equipped with bone armor However, due to their bulky carapace they triple the ADP of any extra armor worn. This natural armor counts as armor in any effect that requires armor, but does not prevent the casting of spells or any other ability. This armor cannot be removed by spells or abilities that remove armor.
Poor Eyesight: Living on the dark jungle floor and underground has caused a lessened need for good eyesight. Rüsttuelli have a -10 to Sight checks, but have a +25 to Listen checks.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sexual; usually 2-4 offspring, gestation period of 1 year. Females of the species have large breast plates that split open during late pregnancy, giving the young access to two pairs of mammary glands. These plates seal together after young are 2 ½ years old.

Ecology and Habitats

The Rüsttuelli live in the root systems of jungle trees. They create village burrows and fortresses in the roots and ground beneath the behemoth trees of the jungle.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Rüsttuelli cannot digest red meats or fish. Their normal diet consists of fruits, nuts and insects.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have very poor eyesight, but because of this, their sense of hearing and smell has evolved to be very acute. For what vision they do have is seen in grayscale.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Rüsttuelli

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Often times a tribe of Rüsttuelli will form a pact with Ijaapii and create their village burrow underneath the Ijaapii’s tree complex.

Racial Hit Dice: 2d4
Size Category: Little

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

45cm - 1m

Average Weight

30-45 kg

Geographic Distribution

• The Great Jungle

Base Attributes:
Strength: -5
Endurance: +5
Intellect: 0
Perception: -2
Foresight: +4
Magic: 0
Beauty: +2
Rhetoric: +2