Thorny Devils
Thorny Devils are horse sized reptiles found in the deserts of Alqara. Slow and resilient, they are often used as pack animals by the natives for crossing the vast stretches of burning sand that make up most of the southern continent.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The size of a large warhorse, Thorny Devils are covered in a thick, scaly hide. This hide provides extra protection in the form of large spines that grow from it, making it incredibly difficult to grab or even attack the creature without injuring oneself.
Growth Rate & Stages
The young of the Thorny Devil are actually incredibly small, often being less than a finger length in size, a state in which they stay for years at a time until they are able to find a suitable source of food, at which point they can grow to full size in weeks.
Ecology and Habitats
Living in the red sands of the Dragon Blood Desert, they are capable of going without food or water for months at a time. They simply slowly walk across the desert in search of prey and water.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They mostly eat insects and carrion, though have also been known to consume creatures that have annoyed or harassed them for too long, usually swallowing them in a single bite.
Behaviour
Contrary to most denizens of the Dragon Blood Desert, Thorny Devils are mostly non-aggressive, only attacking when absolutely necessary or aggravated beyond their legendary tolerance. This being said, they are seldom attacked themselves, due to their thick and spiny hides.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Often used as pack animals by the natives of the Dragon Blood Desert, their blood and meat is considered a delicacy by Orc tribes.
Image of a juvenile Thorny Devil
Conservation Status
Thorny Devils are relatively abundant. They show no signs of becoming endangered any time soon.
