Avala (Ah-VAH-luh)

Avala (plural: avalae) are medium-sized docile, semi-aquatic mammals with five articulated plates on their backs. Although they prefer spending time in shallow water, they are capable of spending long periods of time without access.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Four-legged mammal with five hard plates covering back and back of neck; feet have four short claws for digging. Short stub of a tail. Narrow, tall ears and narrow snout.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lay two to three thick-shelled eggs (not unlike a platypus) in the Season of Opening in nests built into riverbanks or muddy areas after a one-season gestation period; these hatch within one to two weeks.

Ecology and Habitats

Prefers regular access to fresh water, but many individuals have been seen in woody areas provided there is plenty of rain.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Primary diet of small fish, amphibians, and insects.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Form colonies of ten to thirty individuals.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Shell plates are sometimes used for small ornaments or practical items, such as belt buckles/toggles, but hunting for such a purpose is not usually done deliberately; more often than not they are simply collected from riverbanks.
Although their meat is edible, it tends to be sparse, greasy, and troublesome to clean.
Their skin is valuable as incredibly thin leather, which commonly finds use in glovemaking for Physicias or contraception. If collected and processed properly, it has a surprising degree of elasticity; specialized tanners often boast of their ability to make the leather as near translucent as possible.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

More common in Unenshuut due to its rivers and forests; most populations have pushed south in the wake of the Plague of the Bitter Hand.

Average Intelligence

Low

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Keen sense of smell.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

A subspecies of kekawa often colonizes the shell; although this inhibits some movement, the avalae gain additional camouflage and do not otherwise appear to mind.

Lifespan

5-10 Years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Length

4-5ft

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Grayish-blue small scales and thin leathery skin; shell plates are shades of brown.

Geographic Distribution

• Icalar