Sandrunner Beast

Sandrunner Beasts are renowned for their impressive bursts of speed, making them excellent hunters. Their agility and strength make them valuable assets for nomadic tribes and desert settlements. These beasts can be used as mounts for short-distance travel and as guard animals to protect against intruders.

Uses and Training

Mounts:

Though not as commonly used as Strixia or Riding Lizards, Sandrunner Beasts can be trained as mounts for quick, short-distance travel across the desert. Training these beasts requires patience and a firm hand, as they are naturally cautious and wary of strangers.

Guard Animals:

Due to their speed and agility, Sandrunner Beasts are often kept by nomadic tribes and desert outposts as guard animals. Their keen senses and protective nature make them excellent at warding off intruders and alerting their handlers to danger.

Hunting Companions:

Their keen sense of smell and speed make Sandrunner Beasts excellent companions for hunting game in the desert. They can track and chase down prey with remarkable efficiency.

Training:

Training Sandrunner Beasts requires patience and skill. Handlers must earn the trust of these cautious creatures, but once bonded, the beasts are loyal and protective. Training typically involves a combination of positive reinforcement and establishing a clear leadership role.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sandrunner Beasts are large, muscular quadrupeds with sandy-colored fur that provides natural camouflage in the desert environment. They have elongated limbs with webbed toes, which help them move swiftly over loose sand. Their large eyes are adapted to see in low light, and they possess a row of sharp teeth for catching and consuming prey.

Ecology and Habitats

Sandrunner Beasts are commonly found in the open desert plains and rocky outcrops of Dhuma. These areas provide ample space for them to utilize their impressive speed. They often form small packs and are territorial, marking their territory with scent and claw marks on rocks.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Carnivorous. Sandrunner Beasts primarily hunt small mammals and reptiles, using their speed to catch prey. They are also known to scavenge when necessary.

Behaviour

Sandrunner Beasts are generally cautious and elusive, preferring to avoid human contact. However, they can be trained as mounts and guard animals with patience and skill. Once trained, they form strong bonds with their handlers and can be fiercely protective.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

According to local legends, Sandrunner Beasts were created by the desert gods to serve as guardians of the sands. They are believed to possess a spiritual connection to the desert, and harming them without cause is considered bad luck.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

In Dhuma, Sandrunner Beasts are respected for their strength and agility. They are often featured in local art and folklore, symbolizing speed and resilience. They are also used in various ceremonies and rituals, particularly those related to hunting and protection.

| Type: Beast
| Environment: Desert Plains, Rocky Outcrops

Lifespan

20-25 years

Average Height

5 feet
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Average Length

Up to 10 feet, including their long, whip-like tails