Sandsnare
This fearsome lizard is the result of a species that was magically affected during the First Sundering and underwent further evolution in the wastelands of Kandar. As one of the biggest creatures of the Wasteland and one of the strongest, it dominates the area it lives in. The toughness of its scales and its resistance to magic make it even more dangerous for any who stumble into one's path.
Basic Information
Anatomy
It has 6 legs and a long, spiked tail. One of the most dangerous aspects is its tongue, which can reach almost ten feet in front of it and detach easily. Once detached it continues to wrap around prey and squeeze it to death, ensuring any that escape won't get too far before succumbing. It can regrow its tongue in its entirety in a matter of seconds, something that has been speculated to be due to magical mutation of an already existing ability.
Genetics and Reproduction
Luckily for everyone in Kandar, Sandsnares reproduce infrequently, about once a decade, and only lay small clutches of 2-4 eggs. Gestation takes a full year and the surviving hatchlings have to be reared for 5 years before they leave to find territories of their own, so it is a large investment that can only be undertaken when in a resource-rich environment.
Growth Rate & Stages
It will grow from a hatchling to it's full size within 5 years, spending most of that time at a smaller size to learn how to hunt effectively.
Ecology and Habitats
Being evolved from a desert creature, it needs heat to survive like any other reptile. Due to its general hunting nature it likes areas with shallow rock outcroppings, though some have been observed using areas with particularly hard sand to dig out their own hides. The territory of a single Sandsnare is usually rather large to avoid over overhunting.
Dietary Needs and Habits
It hunts by lying in wait under whatever cover it can find and waiting for something to go past, though it is not unheard of for them to eat fresh carrion that they find. Once their prey is within reach they will attempt to restrain it with their long, strong tongue. Their dexterous tail is also often used to assist in their endeavour. It will crush any captured prey to death, making it easier to tear apart and consume. Anything that it cannot eat at the time is simply left to rot as it moves to another area to sleep or hunt in. Once full it can survive over a week without eating again, though it is best for it to eat once every five days.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
While usually avoided rather than hunted, any Sandsnare killed is skinned for its incredibly tough scales and large quantity of edible meat.
Lifespan
60 years
Average Height
6 feet
Average Length
15 feet, not including the tail that usually averages 8 feet
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Like many other creatures that managed to survive in Kandar, it has dusty coloured scales, tinged slightly yellow.
Geographic Distribution
