Nera'nak

Often confused for the far superior ‘Lindwurm’, the Nera’nak is a species of draconomorph which inhabits the coastal regions of North Ludwag. Sullied only by the riches of the sea, the Nera’nak acts as the mischievous monster of the tides, annoying both the titanic creatures of the deep and the tormented sailors of the waves alike. It exists only as a sickened ploy by the Lord of Chaos Cherog. Crafted in his image as the ideal ravager of the tides. While this reputation has stricken it with a harsh stigma, many have simply taken to enjoying the pitiful and petty acts of terror these creatures emit.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

The Nera’nak is distantly related to the other reptilian beasts of the Ludwagian landscape but is less visually grand or impressive. Beyond scale, it differs from either the red-headed Urgunth or the poisonous Drudfill is in its hardiness. It is the extremophile of the crushing depths. Using a specialized flexible inner-skeleton, the Nera’nak may sink to depths not unlike that of toothed whales, allowing it direct access to the untapped resources of squid and small game. This uses a process of slowly decreasing the pressure of the animal's internal structure, allowing it to sink without being crushed. The process also works in the opposite manner, allowing the creature to venture into either region of the ocean.

Helping the Nera’nak move through the water is its long paddle-like tail, allowing it to cruise along the current without too much issue. This is supported by the lack of any hind-limbs, letting the Nera’nak use the full motion of its lower torso to move. When swimming the Nera’nak resembles that of a serpent, having its limbs tucked into grooves on the side of the chest to reduce drag. This system allows the Nera’nak to maintain its swimming proficiency without sacrificing all of its land-based locomotion. Nera’nak are rather sluggish on land as they haul themselves across the sands but may sprint off in short spurts of speed when threatened.

Across the spine of the Nera’nak lines a length of thickened scales and sharpened spines, shielding it from attacks which would seek to pierce it. Acting like hardened leather this substance may resist the bites of larger predators, giving it precious moments to react to a likely ambush. These scales continuously grow but seem to grow faster over the brows of the head. This hypergrowth takes the form of antler-like horns, used in display and competed against by rival males. The head of the Nera’nak has also adapted to this venture alongside a more aerodynamic frame, sharpening like an arrowhead at the snout with nostrils facing upwards to help it breath half-submerged. This has changed the jaw and tooth arrangement on the inside of the head as well, with sharp needle-like fangs jutting out of the jaw to help ensnare fish.

Like most reptiles, the Nera’nak cannot lay its eggs upon the sea and must come to shore to bury its young. This practice is slow and may take the entire course of a night to complete, leaving the beaches that they nest upon riddled with mounds. Unlike sea-turtles, the Nera’nak do not abandon their nests, remaining there until their young have hatched. Infant Nera’nak lack the armor plating of their adult variants, with the armor slowly growing over the course of their maturity. A seasoned Nera’nak is easily identified by great scale-antlers and a fattened tail.

#### Psychology

Nera’nak are a rather inquisitive species, becoming one of the more cognitively aware creatures to inhabit the region. Their fishing behavior and their relatively docile nature has allowed them to be integrated into some fisheries and naval industries. With that said the Nera’nak is often untrusting and selfish when given the opportunity to be so, stealing fish from its own master. For this reason the Nera’nak prove to be a creature of high regard among Cherogites and traveling bandits, giving them the reputation of a ‘criminals animal’. For this reason alone they have been routinely tamed by the wider populace and have been used for countless generations. With that said the Nera’nak shows an innate fear of both flame and the constructs that the humanoid races have procured, fleeing and avoiding large constructs if and when possible.