Gnangleork

The fossil record of Ludwag suggests that at one point it was dominated exclusively by titanic reptiles. For reasons uncertain that previous biota is all but gone. There are some hold-outs however, the Gnangleork chiefly among them. Efficient predatory reptiles, they serve as an ancient bastion of a world that once was- though they’re often viewed as a pest by local farmers. Gnangleork have a reputation for killing livestock, though their importance to the stability of the region far exceeds the damage they may cause. Because of their reputation they’re often culled, leading to the gradual decline of these ancient predators.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

First thing recognizable about a Gnangleork is their long legs. They have one of the longest strides of any animal on Ludwag and the musculature to best use them. In a dead sprint nothing is faster than the Gnangleork, allowing it to close the distance between even Nerbles should it get the jump on them. Their forward momentum and weight make it difficult for them to turn while at top speed though, requiring the Gnangleork to slow down to alter their course. These adaptations make Gnangleork best suited to hunt prey on open landscapes where they can run effectively. Gnangleork in forests are comparatively rare.

Gnangleork hunt primarily through their head, leading to their hands becoming all but useless. Their heads are armored to the point where they can resist collisions with solid objects like trees- though this does daze them for a brief moment. On the end of the snout lies a single horn; should it be used in conjunction with a charge the resulting impact can puncture through armor plating with explosive results. It’s no question what a Gnangleork’s favored method of killing is, opting to use its jaws instead for feeding over killing.

Gnangleork have poor eyesight but canid-like hearing and sense of smell. To best utilize these senses, they produce booming calls from an enlarged larynx to communicate over the flat, distant landscape. They also produce rather pungent scent markers to distinguish territory, easily identified by their caramelly odor. On occasion this marker has been turned into perfumes but wearing such around Gnangleork may prove unwise. As Gnangleork rely heavily on scent and sound, they may mistake the perfume for a potential rival.

#### Psychology

Gnangleork are social creatures that can form groups of up to six individuals. These groups are helmed by a single male and his orbiting females. Male Gnangleork are extremely competitive and will defend their clans and territory with ferocity unmatched. Should two males meet -particularly in summer when the females begin to lay- they may joust by charging directly into each other. The impact isn’t the worry here but the horn certainly is, whoever gets theirs beneath the other will almost certainly gore them. In these jousts injuries are exceptionally common with wounded males often falling prey to disease or other predators.

Though the females are good parents and will defend their brood, males are not. In fact, males will kill and eat any hatchlings they cannot identify as their own. Should a male usurp an established one, he will almost certainly kill his remaining offspring to ensure that he alone has access to the benefits of the pasture.