Giant Salamanders

Giant salamanders were originally discovered in the temperate region surrounding Din'Lux by elven tunnel-dwellers. These creatures reside deep in the ground and rarely, if ever, tunnel to the surface. Large families of giant salamanders can be found in underground caves and rivers where they live on a diet of insects, worms, and other subterranean creatures.

These animals were first used to travel through tunnels beneath elven cities. Eventually, they were popularized as a method of surface travel as well. The salamander's speed over land is similar to that of a horse and its keen night vision makes it particularly useful for those wanting to travel by night. And while its stamina prevents it from traveling long distances without rest, the giant salamander can cross a wide variety of terrain.

Though domesticated salamanders have mostly adapted to life on the surface, they do require unique care and attention. Their skin must be regularly oiled in order to maintain its moisture. If not properly oiled, a salamander's skin will begin to dry out and cause a variety of health problems.

Giant salamanders are also not fond of bright sunlight. Though it can not harm them in any way, bright light impairs their vision and can sometimes make them unwilling to travel.

Every few weeks, a salamander must shed their skin, a process which takes several hours. Though it was once discarded as waste material, new applications for the shed skin have been recently discovered by scholars, making it a highly sought after ingredient for potion-makers and healers.