Bonehunters

Bonehunters are deadly lizard-like beasts that roam the Death Plains of Denironia's largest continent. They have black blood, which is the source of the only black dye on Denirona, making it very precious.

That's a Bonehunter. Little bigger than a hydra, huh?

— Drago

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Bonehunters are huge white lizard-like creatures with long tails, four legs, and rows of sharp teeth. They have heads like skulls that protect their brains in a way similar to armor. Their tongues are long and forked in two very far into their mouths, with teeth that curve in to prevent food from escaping. They appear to be very thin and almost skeletal, however, this is because they are made up of mostly muscle and bones, with their muscle storing large amounts of strength in a smaller volume.
The visual appearance of Bonehunters barely changes between sexes. The only clear indication of sex is eye color. Males have yellow eyes and females have red. It is also easy to tell the difference between a male and a female if the female in question is pregnant.

Genetics and Reproduction

Female Bonehunters cycle every three months after they reach seven years old and continue until they are about twenty-five years. They are fertile for about two weeks.
Bonehunters do not mate for life and breeding seasons take place four times a year. The females carry eggs for three months and then lay them in a protected place before leaving. The hatchlings emerge three months later and depend on each other for five years before they leave on their own.

Growth Rate & Stages

Newborn Bonehunters are very small, but they grow four feet a year until age twenty-five when their growth slows to two inches a year. Bonehunters reach mental maturity at age six and are capable of reproduction at age seven. They are fully mature at age ten.

Ecology and Habitats

The ancient habitats of Bonehunters have always been the open plains. Nalunn roam the plains in herds, and carcasses are easy to spot and defend. The current habitat for most Bonehunters is the Death Plains on Denironia’s largest continent, but some live in dark tunnels hollowed out in mountain ranges, similar to dragons.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Bonehunters are carnivores and eat mostly large animals that roam the plains. Their main source of food is herds of Nalunn that cross the plains searching for food, and any Denironians foolish enough to enter their territory who are too weak to survive. In years past, Bonehunters would scavenge flesh off the bones of deceased dragons, which inspired the Ancients to call them Bonehunters.

Sensory Capabilities

Bonehunters are extremely good predators, with superior senses of smell, sight, and hearing. They are very fast and can run long distances at great speed without getting tired. They are also quite strong and can toss up to ten Denironians against a wall with just a few swipes of their tail.
Size is their greatest asset, although their ability to think and plan better than other animals allows them to capture their prey and fight off attackers much quicker and more thoroughly than some dragons. They are large enough to eat an adult Denironian in a few bites at the most and a small group of them can easily take down and devour a couple of Nalunn in less than half an hour.

by Lilliana Casper

Scientific Name

Ossaa Per Venandi

Origin/Ancestry

Unknown, possibly related to Denironian dragons

Lifespan

Females live for about 27-33 years while males live for 28-34.

Conservation Status

The hunting and killing of Bonehunters is permitted by law and encouraged culturally.

Average Height

105 ft by age 30

Average Weight

Good question. No one's tried weighing them. Would you like to?

Average Length

Bonehunters are about 2.1 times as long as they are tall, making the average length for a 30-year-old about 220 feet and 6 inches.

Uses And Exploitations

Bonehunters are used for their blood, which is the only substance on Denronia that can make a black dye. Despite how dangerous they are, many Denironians hunt them for it.

Intelligence And Structure

Bonehunters are animals (but classified as monsters because they are unique to Denironia and are slightly resistant to magic) and have very low intelligence. They are slightly better at planning than other predators. Bonehunters hunt in packs led by queens and reside in nests. A group of about ten nests is ruled by a king. There are legends and rumors of a much stronger Bonehunter known as the Bonehunter Empress, but few have seen her.