Lindwurm

Believed to have gone extinct during the D-R extinction, the Lindwurm was shrouded in mystery. During a series of recent revelations, a handful of Lindwurm were returned to their native ranges by the denizens of Azura. Having made the return to the Amaran forests, they’ve begun to repair their waning numbers. Alas, widespread hunting has made them elusive and shy while the sapient races seek the coveted parts the Pyrosi butchered them for so long ago. They can only be found in reclusive areas and prove exceptionally popular for their bones and crystalline eggs. An alchemist's delight at what cost?

#### Physiology and Anatomy

The largest extant species of true dragon, Lindwurm are truly titanic predators. The majority of their bulk is made in their muscular tail lined with fatty reserves. The tail of a Lindwurm serves many purposes; for one, a strike can fell trees and break bone. Exceptionally powerful, the tail is used like a rudder to propel at extreme speed through water- able to close the distance between even Gillians in the water. In contrast, their land locomotion is far slower as they must drag this great weight along with their powerful yet strained forelimbs. Each forelimb has a set of webbing and claws for added traction on uneven terrain and to secure prey in a deadly grip.

Carnivores, Lindwurm are the top predators of their region. Their powerful, bone crushing jaws are lined with crocodile-like teeth. Teeth at the end of the snout stick outward to trap prey attempting to escape the maw, little can free itself from a Lindwurm once its grip is closed. With a bite they can snap bone to feed on the succulent marrow within. They feed largely on coastal or freshwater marine animals but may occasionally prey on land or scavenge. They have a hearty immune system and potent stomach acid to digest even the most rancid flesh without fear of growing ill.

Lindwurm sport two anomalous abilities above other organisms. The first is more mundane. When provoked a Lindwurm may call upon a truly bizarre weapon. A dewlap beneath the jaw houses a reserve of water sheltered between two specialized muscle columns. When exercised, these muscles vibrate back and forth to generate heat- bringing the water to the boil before it can be spat out. Mixed with the saliva of the Lindwurm, this jet of superheated water can leave third degree burns and warp metal. Such a devastating move can only be performed so many times as a Lindwurm has to drink to restore its reserve.

The second and more grand of the Lindwurms abilities occurs after it dies- rather its apparent ability to avoid it. Typically, a Lindwurm will ‘die’ about a thousand years into their existence and begin to decay. Their flesh and muscles will erode before their skeleton will reanimate on its own vitoric accord. The purpose for this is obvious; the protection of their brood. Lindwurms lay crystalline eggs at the tail-end of their lives which often need protection even after the Lindwurm ‘dies’, so the skeleton of the Lindwurm will continue to persist and behave as a normal Lindwurm does until the hatchlings are born. Once its job is done the Lindwurm will disintegrate into a dust- a powerful alchemical catalyst.

#### Psychology

Like all true dragons, Lindwurm have a higher level of intellect over typical beasts. They are able to learn and use crude tools. Individual Lindwurms may have varying methods to collecting prey and differing personalities toward sapient races. All Lindwurms show an aversion to sapient races as they are largely responsible for their first extinction; this may manifest in varying degrees of aggression between individuals but is unanimously negative. Winning the trust of a Lindwurm is arduous for those involved and often detrimental for the Lindwurm. Most naturally don’t view sapient races as food but may just as easily take their cattle as they do marine prey.