Tarzak

The billowing smoke of the volcano shrouds a monster of unmistakably odd origin. In Silvic texts, word of a beast forged from the misdeeds upon the rocks holds credence. They’re the consequence of atrocities held within the beating center of the fire mountain. Tarzak, as they’re called, are well-suited to embody both the magma and the themes often attributed to them. While the Tarzak may appear horrific, the truth of their existence remains a mystery. Today, Tarzak are an annoying thorn in the side of volcanic activity- though they may be of service to sapient races if they can win them over.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Despite an otherwise otherworldly appearance, Tarzak are a species of canid. A distant cousin of domestic dogs, they share a number of their traits. A Tarzak is largely a hairless, pink-skinned beast with atrophied limbs and senses. All but its eyes and ears have been rendered inert. By all means they should not be able to function- yet they do. Tarzak generate a vitoric field to pull a tar-like substance around themselves. This tar forms sturdy limbs, powerful jaws, and an exterior armor to shield their vulnerable organic insides. A Tarzak’s covering is reasonably durable, able to impede the strikes of daggers or arrows and sticky to the touch. The covering often holds other objects like obsidian shards to function as makeshift weapons. All these traits combined grant the Tarzak defense and armament against threats to protect their otherwise hopeless bodies.

Tarzak generates passive heat as vitor radiates off their organic dermis. This heat escapes from openings like the mouth in the form of smoke. Tarzak must remain warm in order to keep up their tar-exterior. They are best in volcanic conditions but can equally keep active in modest climates. However, should a Tarzak enter the taiga or mountains their exterior will harden and break, leaving them vulnerable and helpless. Their speed is dependent on the heat too. In volcanic or extremely hot conditions, Tarzak are able to match the speed of horses. In typical conditions, they can match the speed of dogs. Finally, they’re rendered totally immobile in taiga or mountain environments. These factors limit the Tarzak’s range but allow it to capitalize on ideal living conditions.

During the dry season lie ideal conditions for Tazark to have their pups. Tarzak have but one or two pups who emerge as tiny forms of their parents- less than the mass of a human fist. Until they’re six months old they won’t be able to produce their tar exterior. Female Tarzak form a special pouch on their underside to carry their brood around as they grow. Younger Tarzak have red or maroon-colored tar exteriors whereas older individuals have more blackened ones. An exterior being discolored is a symptom of sickness amongst Tarzak, conveying to others that it is diseased.

#### Psychology

Tarzak are pack predators. In the wild they can form groups of up to eight adult members. They’re led by a dominant pair and their adult offspring. Together they can hunt game of all sizes, among their favorites are Pine Stag and Magmopelta. They are exceptionally territorial and may attack anything that gets too close to their den. Naturally they do not view sapient races as prey but may attack in times of desperation. Domestic Tarzak can be in groups of up to six adult members and behave much like proper dogs. They have a stronger attachment to Helivians and Forghdrim Dwarves but may equally bond to other races. Generally, they’re loyal and will follow their masters into battle.