Xylak

There is a creature that lurks within the jungles of the Ludwagian coast, one with a sinister infamy. This creature carries a reputation of merciless decay, plague and uncertainty. In truth these creatures are far less dangerous that one would let on, simply a poor circumstance for such a remarkable creature. Their infamy arises from a lack of understanding and like all things people do not understand, they have been eradicated from the wider parts of Ludwag. Now the Xylak inhabits only one region amongst the great tree and its neighboring canopy where it is protected from the grasps of extinction.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Xylak are insect-like creatures, sporting a hexapedal frame of limbs. The two major most limbs in the upper torso of the Xylak acts as a dexterous tool to move through the treetops and swing from vine to vine, coupled with its secondary limbs and the Xylak can capably scale almost any surface with relative ease. While only half a foot long, the fan-shaped crest of the Xylak’s head can pack a nasty bite as it snaps shut like a bear trap on anything that touches the sensitive fibers on the outer side of the structure. This also encompasses the entire cranial region of the creature, forcing it to rely solely on this vibratory sense for sustenance. Speaking of which, despite their imposing appearance the Xylak is an obligate herbivore, preferring tree bark and detritus over fresh meat. Since the Xylak is only capable of digesting certain products from this almost exclusive plant-based diet they produce a lot of waste. This waste product is produced and stored in the abdomen of the creature, fermenting in a substance in specialized chambers to create a potent yet addictive chemical known as Xyladew. This substance is then expelled on the fan-like organ on the back of the Xylak, used as a deterrent for hungry predators and as a bribe for defense. This organ also has the secondary purpose of regulating the creature's body temperature in the humid sun.

Xylak are effectively weightless, with little bulk making them very vulnerable. However, no drop can kill them and they can easily fall down the base of a tree without so much as a headache. Their affinity to falling comes from a lack of an internal skeleton, instead held together by a thin membrane-like exoskeleton and an internal cartilage backbone, allowing the Xylak to bend its body and limbs with the flexibility of an elastic band. By curling its back like a spring, the Xylak is capable of launching itself into the air, soaring at heights of almost six feet in the air before coming down onto the ground once again. This gives the Xylak a quick escape if it's caught off guard and gives it ample time to flee from larger and clumsier predators.

#### Psychology

Xylak are less sociable animals than most, they don’t form families nor colonies like other insect-like creatures, instead they merely share territory with each other, relying on group defense for protection. Xylak have little remorse for their fellow creature, ignoring one of their own being eaten as it does not concern them. It is also of note that the Xylak isn’t territorial and can often be found coexisting with several different animals within the biozone. Xylak do appear to show a stark fear towards humanoids however with the exception of Imps and will flee given the chance to do so.

Xylak communicate via their clamp-like scutes on their head, rattling them back and forth to communicate with members of their own species; this can be mimicked by clicking one's fingers together, although this isn’t advised. Since Xylak lack any sort of discernible ears it is difficult to communicate with them via conventional means and the misuse of this bizarre form of communication could prove dangerous to the ill prepared. While not inherently aggressive, Xylak do become agitated when they detect conflicting signals and will quickly become skittish towards adverse stimuli.