The Pukei-Pukei, as first named by Expedition Master Yen Tae-Hyun, is a creature native largely to the transitional border between the
Ajda-Donesh Basin and the Hiatal Mountains in Talaina'Vao,
Tolara- prefering to roam near the tree line most of all, but occasionally venturing further south into the basin. While it has occasionally been sighted in the drier
Donesh portions of the basin, it appears to most favor the
Ajda Forest in regards to the location's high humidity- as well as for the proliferation of
Frilly Trumpet and
Rosary Pea, both of which seem to be the primary components necessary to form the poisonous mucus for which it is known.
Appearance
For all its legendary power and ability, among the beasts as of yet cataloged of its type, the Pukei-Pukei is easily one of the smallest examples that can be encountered. Indeed the beast stands not much taller than some of the largest
Goliaths, with an average height between 10 ft (304.8 cm) and 15 ft (457.2 cm).
Its appearance suggests a Draconian connection; all examples have been winged thus far, and in possession of a sweeping tail. Additional features are much more amphibious in nature- such as a series of reflective Geckoid pads along the wingtips, large rather frog-like pupils, and a long tongue. Their underbellies, too, are coated in osteoderm protrusions in a similar manner as a Dragon's.
Coral Subtype
The little observed Coral Subtype of Pukei-Pukei differs little from its Jungle cousin in regards to appearance. The most distinct differences are in regards to size and particular coloration.
Coral types are far larger than their cousins, frequently well exceeding heights of 15 ft (457.2 cm). Likewise, they come in near blinding hues of coral with orange and yellow ruffling, and have violet underbellies and tail banding. Their feathers show greater iridescent qualities as well, making them highly sought after.
Despite being highly reptilian in nature, however, the Pukei-Pukei has an almost leonine crest of incredibly vibrant feathers located around its neck- and another ruff around the wing bend. Overall most specimens observed appear in green with subtle blue or purple ruffling, with a bright orange underbelly, and purple tail banding. The rest of the skin is unfeathered, and is thick and rough like the hide of an Alligator without the scaling of one.
Limited color-shifting of the feathers has been noted among male specimens in particular- likely as an attracting mechanism for mates. But regardless of sex, the color of feathers around the face, as well as the color of the face itself, can produce subtle changes in color reflective of the creature's mood and health; when enraged, the head will often turn a bright coral or red- and when fatigued, they often take on more of dull or bluish tint.
Diet & Feeding
The Pukei-Pukei is an herbivorous creature that feeds on various nuts and seeds. Common food items appear to be Scatternuts and
Rosary Pea. In nearly all observable cases, the Pukei-Pukei prefers to use its tongue as an additional appendage to grab such foot items directly from the tree canopy as opposed to foraging along the ground; measurements taken from several dead specimens shows an average length of 13 ft (4 m)- or nearly its body length. In some instances, however, they have also been observed eating stones- though it's unknown whether this is intentional, or whether or not they were simply mistaken.
Perhaps the most interesting function of a Pukei-Pukei’s biology in regards to its diet, however, is its ability to convert food into Poison; the base of its throat contains an expandable sack wherein certain foot items are
stored as opposed to being eaten. Here, they are converted to a usable poison the Pukei-Pukei may spit as a defense mechanism when threatened. Similar compounds are likewise stored in the tail- which itself shows a high degree of prehensility and can be aimed to achieve similar- and more powerful- results.
It is unknown whether all food stuffs the creature seeks out are nutritional, or if some- such as the
Frilly Trumpet and
Rosary Pea, both of which are highly poisonous in their own rights- are ingested for the explicit purpose of producing such poison for defense.
Behavior
A rather reclusive creature, the Pukei-Pukei won't attack trespassers on sight. But it is skittish and easily threatened in some regards, and will attack quickly if it feels the response is warranted. Still, observational reports have noticed a propensity towards bullying creatures smaller than itself- especially others of similar Draconic natures. However, it will quickly retreat at the first sign of legitimate danger from a larger or stronger creature.
When moved to attack, favored attacks seem to include erratic tongue and tail swipes in an attempt to push or pull its target off balance- as well as the poisonous globs its capable of producing. As of yet no antidote has been found for the poison it inflicts, and it does not appear as if the condition heals itself with time.
Coral Subtype
Unlike its Jungle cousin, the Coral Pukei-Pukei is much more aggressive with its attacks and doesn’t run away as quickly at the sight of danger. It has also been shown to be much more capable with its tail when attacking- and to utilize powerful kick attacks when especially threatened.
Additionally, where the Jungle Pukei-Pukei uses poison attacks, the Coral type has no such capabilities and utilizes pressurized water sprays instead.
Thankfully, a Pukei-Pukei is relatively easy to damage should one encounter one and need to do so; their head, back, and wings are all susceptible to attack. Additionally, the tail may be severed much like a Gecko's- and it will occasionally do so itself during an escape attempt. Severing the tail preemptively during a confrontation, however, has the benefit of decreasing its range of attack. As with most Legendary Beasts of size, though, the most effective maneuver remains facing the creature from the sides, making several quick attacks at close range before falling back.
I love what you have done with wyverns here, the wyvern is an excellent creature that deserves more time in the spotlight.
A lot of credit goes to the wonderful Amellwind and their work, and to every amazing person curating the Monster Hunter Wikis! I've only adapted it <3
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