Hangyárova

Description

The hangyárova are a giant, insectoid species found scattered around the Eltórián Bonelands. They are most concentrated around the Rovak Burrows, where several hives have banded together under the 'rule' of a single Over-Queen who has mutated to a set of particularly powerful pheromones through a particular magical influence. They have a segmented body protected by an exoskeleton that provides a protective casing around the body and a point of attachment for muscles. While oxygen and other gases can pass through this exoskeleton for them to 'breathe', it is still quite tough when it comes to blunt force and protects them from the myriad predators here. Their sight is quite poor, but they make up for it by using antennae that detect chemicals, air currents and vibrations which they use to sense prey and predators. When it comes to defending themselves they are not helpless either, their mandibles can snap shut at impressive speeds, and certain classes even possess a poisonous sting that can weaken their adversary. Many tales tell of them being able to spray acid, which is slightly inaccurate. When they miss with their sting they still eject some acid into the air, but the effective range is so small that for it to be effective they need to deliver it by sting. Their legs possess hooked claws which may not be much good for combat, but they allow them to climb, grapple surfaces and burrow decently well. This suits them quite well in their underground hives. There are physically different classes of hangyárova that execute particular roles well-suited to their respective physiques. The smaller males and females function as workers who cannot mate, and are responsible for most of the hive construction and food gathering. Some of them are fed to bursting and function as portable food storage vessels. Their mandibular glands also extend into their gaster, which allows them to burst it in an altruistic suicidal defense strategy that sprays a sticky (sometimes corrosive) secretion on nearby predators. The larger hangyárova are the soldiers which guard the hive and the queen, and also scout around further away from the hive. When travelers have the misfortune of falling prey to a hangyárova, it is usually a soldier. That being said, most of the time the soldiers perform the same functions as workers. Lastly there are the queens, those who have mutated to abnormal size and possess unique pheromones that allow them to direct the hive from longer distances. They are the only females capable of mating, and spend most of their time either doing so of birthing new larvae. They are constantly being cared for and fed by the workers which contributes to them growing to such monstrous sizes. They are however nearly immobile for the same reason, their legs unable to carry their bulk as they slowly drag themselves along the ground.

Intelligence and Behavior

They communicate through pheromones, sounds and touch. These chemical signals vary largely in function (and smell). Alarm pheromones will send nearby hangyárova into a frenzy trying to find (or flee from) any intruder or dangerous predators, while food pheromones can be used to mark a source of food, or home pheromones which calm down and show the way back to the hive. This means they are a very social and well-coordinated species, which explains why they pop up so commonly around the Eltóriások despite its many predators. They build complex nests, move in groups and teach each other to hunt and move. Alone they may not be anything special, but together they are one of the most intelligent and fearsome species of the region.