Shellaxies

== Description ==
Shellaxy is the phonetic pronunciation for "Shell.exe". The name was given to the creature by Anesh, due to the fact that they appear to wear computer cases as shells, much like hermit crabs. One was first encountered by James before Anesh started participating (chapter 3). A significant fraction of cubicles contain shellaxies instead of regular computers, making it important to inspect the cubicle carefully before looting.
== Abilities ==
Shellaxies have teeth made of circuit cards, which can easily go through clothing and flesh. Their mouths can open and unfold at far wider angles than it first seems, allowing them to clamp down on limbs or faces that get too close.
== Behaviour ==
Shellaxies sleep a lot, often keeping to themselves under desks or in corners of cubicles. They are often not hostile unless provoked, but the more awake ones have been surprisingly effective ambush predators. 
They have also been observed being used as command mounts for striders during skirmishes with larger nests, indicating either domestication, or partnership. And as shown in the Order, act similarly to canines.
Several shellaxies have been successfully domesticated, starting with one that was narrowly rescued from a tumblefeed. They appear to feed on software bugs, and can be affectionate when living in a safe space.
== Variations ==
An upgraded version exists, called simply a 2.0. It has more of a white, smooth shell, and takes on the appearance of an Apple product. While these upgrades don't seem to have the same jagged teeth of their more mundane counterparts, they are armed with a rather powerful laser. Capable of burning through cloth, plastic, and human, they don't appear to have any kind of cooldown or other limiter. Thus far, 2.0s have invariably been hostile.
Shellaxies drop size two yellow orbs and multiple size 1 yellow orbs, while the 2.0s drop size one green orbs.