Stoneshell Krelk

The quiet lakes and ponds of Isturoth sometimes harbour dark secrets and hidden dangers. The still, mirror-like surface of the water is broken only by round, smooth stones sticking out like tiny islands. Most of these are just rocks, but some are something worse.
The Stoneshell Krelk is often indistinguishable from a normal stone. Many clamber across them to stay out of the water, only realising too late that it moves beneath their weight. Tendrils explode out of the water in a flurry of activity as the creature attempts to get a firm hold on its prey, and drag it below the surface where it can feast.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Stoneshell Krelk is a cephalopod with 8 arms and 2 smaller, feathered appendages. It comfortably nestles the back half of its body inside the spiral of a natural shell (made from hardened calcium) and can somewhat retreat into it.
Fully-grown adults can reach lengths of 3 - 4 metres with their tentacles extended, and their shells can be up to 2 metres high.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Krelks are carnivorous, seen feasting on fish and other aquatic creatures that will provide a large enough meal. On occasion, they have even been seen to ensnare birds that were foolish enough to land on their shells, thinking them nothing more than a wet rock.
Isturians are by no means off the menu, and while a full person would be too much of a meal for one on its own, a large number of krelks would make short work of an unlucky fisherman, leaving behind only bones picked clean.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Krelks have 2 large eyes with dumbell-shaped pupils. However, it is thought that krelks rely on other sensory abilities to detect and capture food. One theory is that the feathered tendrils are able to detect minute changes in the water, including movement and temperature.

Average Height

1.5 - 2.3 metres

Average Length

3.8 - 4.5 metres

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Shells of krelks usually have limited variation, ranging between different shades of grey and speckled, stone-like textures. The cephalopod bodies will usually fluctuate between pale, fleshy tones and deep browns or blue-greens. These skins can have any number of different textures and patterns on them.