Kraan
In the dark red deserts of Chilacaualco Desert in interior Kalmasa live the kraan. The kraan are flying megarthropods, reminiscent of giant wasps the size of dogs. Their exoskeletons are sky blue in color and the front four of their six legs possess grasping claws used to pick up objects or prey.
Though mistaken for merely large bugs no smarter than any insect, they are known to be very intelligent and trainable animals. Kraan are hunter-scavengers who fly in small packs high above the desert. When they detect prey with their keen eyesight and smell, they dive, abdomen first, plummeting from the sky without a single wing beat as they dive. Because of their coloration, they are nearly undetectable until the last moment, when they rapidly slow their descent seize their prey and plunge their stingers. Humanoid sized creatures are viewed as prey, though they recognize the glint of metal weapons and armor and will usually avoid large or well armed parties. Kraan live in hives of 20 adults and twice as many young in the stages of grub and egg. They communicate by smell, clicks and body movements.
Kraan only attack by ambush unless their hive is attacked. They fight by attempting to first poison their prey. If unsuccessful, they will attack with their mandibles and claws to protect themselves and their young. Some Inokal clans have a tradition of sneaking into kraan hives and stealing grubs, which they raise and use as trained hunters and scouts, as well as for aerial races that are bet on.
Kraan taken in this manner imprint on their owners as hive leaders and can be taught a wide range of hand signals when food is used as motivation. Eggs are also taken and are considered a delicacy. Capturing kraan grubs and eggs is considered to be a sign of cunning and bravery among the Inokal and their flesh is also believed to impart cunning and skill.
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