Knight Hermits

Dekarti Knight Hermits are a species of crab that are typically found along the coast of Dekarth; they are a semi-aquatic species of hermit crab that ventures back and forth from the ocean.

Scrappy Scavengers

Knight Hermits earn their names from their tendency to make use of armour as their new home. Midling Knight Hermits are frequently found using either helmets or breastplates as a makeshift shell; despite that, they are capable of housing even larger shells if they're given time to grow. Knight Hermits can reach massive sizes.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Knight Hermits are gigantic hermit crabs; they gain their name from their ability to use discarded armour pieces as a make-shift shell, and have been known to be repurposing breastplates as effective homes. They are covered in a thick, hard shell that makes up the front half of their body; this shell molts very frequently at the exchange of being very durable. Their lower half is softer and almost worm-like, with a long, lengthy tail that can curl and bend; this allows them to fit into most 'homes' that they renovate. Knight crabs possess four massive, sharp legs that they can actually use to stab into prey. A pair of massive, crushing claws flank the sides of their head.

Growth Rate & Stages

Throughout the Knight Hermit's life; it seeks a new shell. This continues as they grow in size, but they also molt at the beginning of each year. Their heavier, dense shells are discarded from their softer body, which then takes about three days to harden. These shells are left littering the ground whilst they scurry for safety, typically in the form of a small mud pit that they dredge out at the bottom of seawater.

Ecology and Habitats

Knight Hermits require an environment that helps sustain both their massive size and amphibious lifestyle. They are found only in parts of The Smiling Isles and the beachsides of Dekarth.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Knight hermits, like many crustaceans, are very opportunistic omnivores. They will graze on kelp or vegetation if they must, but typically prefer to hunt and seize prey. It's not too uncommon for a Knight Hermit to make a small hoard of discarded shells that they then create a den out of, littering a small locale with the countless slain snails -- and sometimes adventurers, with the empty husks of their armour or captured shells.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Knight Hermits are typically left alone due to their slow and sedentary lifestyle; they are typically not a problem to adventurers unless they either pose a threat or were caught off guard from a large crab. Despite that, they provide a lot of unique meat and are large enough to create a full feast with just one massive claw if the sufficient size is fished up. Adventurers beware, however. Knight Hermits are very 'territorial' when it comes to different prospective homes; thus, a fully armoured knight is likely a potential new home for a particularly large crab.

Average Height

Around 3~5 Feet

Average Length

7~10 feet from tail to claw tip.

Geographic Distribution