Ralin/Scalepounders

Anyone having a run-in with a wild Ralin would struggle to imagine them bridled and tamed, but at the same time, there is nothing that can beat a warhorse except for a 500-pound bipedal lizard with knives for teeth and an attitude to match. And that's just the kind of handy companion for somewhere like Vongaro.

Basic Information

Anatomy

4 limbs, stands with 2 but runs with all 4. Scaled skin and lean muscles. Curled talons.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sexual reproduction, 8 months gestation and further 2-3 months incubation before the eggs hatch. Lay cutches of 4-6.

Growth Rate & Stages

Ralin go through three periods of rapid growth: one immediately after hatching; second two years after hatching; a third six years after hatching. This is mostly denoted by a large increased in mass, though they also herald some behaviour shifts as they grow into adulthood.

Ecology and Habitats

The optimal environment is a hot, humid and thick jungle. It can move very rapidly around obstacles in the jungle, being capable of jumping rather high and running fast.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Needs high levels of meat. Like many carnivores, not the most energy efficient being. Speed predator, little reliance on active stealth.

Additional Information

Domestication

Ralin are domesticated from hatching. They are fed and weaned by their trainer and start to be trained in specific actions from their second growth. This is also when the rider will begin to be introduced as a friendly and commanding being if the Ralin is meant for a particular person. This process makes Ralin far less likely to attack random people as they are no longer viewed as prey, though they will still react to aggression or obvious submission with violence.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Exclusively found and bred in Vongaro

Average Intelligence

They're sharp creatures and able to be trained to follow a number of commands and occasionally slip their bonds. The saying "they can smell fear" originated with Ralin trainers, which really tells you all you need to know.

Lifespan

40 years

Average Height

2 meters

Average Weight

500 pounds

Average Length

3 metres