Crocodiety

Crocodiety is a monstrous supernatural crocodile believed to exist by the sewer dwellers in the region of the Star Mound.

Summary

Crocodiety is a terrible creature that inhabits the old water treatment facility, but could swim up any of the nearby tunnels at any time. It wrecks sewer skiffs and eats the people who were on board. It skulks into settlements at night and takes people away. The descriptions of Crocodiety can vary, but there are some things upon which they can all agree. It is gigantic - up to twice the size of a normal crocodile, and proportionally strong. Its eyes glow red in the darkness, and sometimes be seen under the water. The hide on its back is covered in sharp spikes, and it is heavily armored on its entire body. Its teeth are long, sharp and made of metal that does not rust. It has either a hatred of life, an insatiable appetite for meat, or both. Using its powerful tail and six legs, it can swim faster than any of the vehicles that exist in the dark tunnels. The most unique ability it is always believed to have is the power to freeze the water and change its flow, or even create whirlpools. There are other characteristics sometimes associated with it, as well. Some say it can breathe fire, or a cloud of toxic gas that can paralyze or kill entire groups of people. In some of the stories, it can leap out of the water and run around on land like an enormous horse.

Historical Basis

There have been credible sightings of a giant creature many times in the last 15 years, and the water in the sewers does sometimes act in unusual and seemingly unnatural ways.

Spread

The stories about Crocodiety have spread to other underground communities with connections to the sewer network, but not above ground or to other regions.

Variations & Mutation

Different versions of the story give Crocodiety different powers and abilities, like the power to control fish and reptiles with his mind.

In Literature

The sewer folk are not big writers, due to the scarcity of paper in the sewer, but they sometimes sing songs about Crocodiety.

In Art

A few sewer ditties have been sung about Crocodiety, but artistic expressions of it are typically paintings or murals on the sewer walls. Some show people battling it from boats, some show people fleeing or being eaten, and some just show the beast.