Stibora (STIH-bor-uh)

Written by bwallace

The stibora (or stobora, or stobor) is a small, vicious, weasel-like creature that inhabits the high peaks of The Three Daughters in the Kale Mountains. There are three different distinct varieties that can be found on each mountain face, each with their own unique characteristics.

In general, the stibora are app. 2-1/2 to 3 feel long, with flat, clawed feet and a tufted tail. They have a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth that are extremely dangerous. They have large, bulbous, almost comical eyes. They are carnivores, surviving on whatever they can find on the mountainsides.

Many stories have been built up regarding the stibora, including a number used to frighten children and unwary would-be-adventurers who might try their luck exploring the mountains.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Stibora seem to possess the basic characteristics of a large weasel or even a wolverine, based on their temperament and movement, but in reality more closely resemble something like a platypus. All stibora possess long, sharp clawed feet with a slight webbing (although no useful function has been discovered for this, since all stibora are non-aquatic). They also all have a beak-shaped mouth sporting razor-sharp teeth, useful for tearing and shredding their prey.

The differences in the various subvarieties are as follows:

1. Stibora Pyra (Fire Stibora) - These versions are darker in color and tend to have red or orange highlights in their sleek fur, which tends to be very thin. Their tail is much thin and rat-like, with a wispy tuft. They also tend to release puffs of steam or other gases from their pores, which are reported to be related to either respiration or heat-transference, and give them the appearance of smoldering. This makes the Stibora Pyra fairly easy to see from a distance.
2. Stibora Livada (Grassland Stibora) - Their fur tends to be more brown and dun, and more dense. Their noses are longer and flatter, and sport more teeth. Their legs are longer as well, which give them an advantage in jumping. Finally, their tails are long and tufted, and often held fully erect at a 90' angle, to create the effect of many tufts of fur moving across the grassland at one time. These are considered to be the most vicious and therefore the most dangerous of all stibora.
3. Stibora Falak (Bald Stibora) - Their fur is pale to almost white and appears to have no fur at all, although it also tends to be very thick with blue highlights. Their back legs are quite stubby but the forelegs are longer, almost like a komodo dragon, causing it to appear to always be "pushing up". Its tail is stubbier and non-prehensile, with several tufts along the length. Their bite at times will deliver something akin to an electric shock, and as such they always seem to be sparking or shining with a bioluminescence that is visible from quite a distance.

It is an unusual, yet common genetic trait among all stibora for some physical aspect to subtly, or blatantly, prevent them from avoiding detection. Prey almost always are able to see one coming, no matter the variety, but for most it makes little difference and the outcome is usually the same - grim.

Genetics and Reproduction

Stibora reproductive practices have never been witnessed, although there do appear to be distinct genders and in some areas, a gender heirarchy.

Growth Rate & Stages

Stibora tend to live individually from 7-9 years, and mature quickly. They are born in an egg, which are cared for by both parents until they hatch after 10 days or so.

Ecology and Habitats

While the three varieties of stibora inhabit primarily the tall mountains of The Three Daughters, they have been known to make occasional forays onto nearby hills and even encroaching on nearby settlements - usually in search of livestock or other easy prey.

Stibora almost always live and hunt in small packs of usually 6-10 individuals, consisting of mated pairs as well as juveniles and unmated youth. They tend to utilize a sophisticated hunting technique that varies slightly depending on variety as well as terrain, but most basic methodology is the same. A single cow has been known to be attacked by a pack of Grassland Stibora and was killed, devoured and left with a few bones in the span of about 10 minutes.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Stibora are almost exclusively carnivorous. They have never been observed eating plant material.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Stibora are able to hear at great distances, although their eyesight is generally poor. They have good vision and see equally well at night.

Geographic Distribution

• The Three Daughters