Flukezak

Feared by children and the flying denizens of the forest alike, the Flukezak is one of the smaller predators amongst the Silvic territories. A common wives tale suggests that the Flukezak was struck by lightning after it ate a metal toy left out by children- though this story seems only to be that. The true origin of the Flukezak’s strange abilities are a mystery though that hasn’t stopped many from looking for the shocking truth. Today, Flukezak are fairly common given many of their predators have been hunted to the brink by sapient races. This disparity-with however many good intentions it may have had-may have certain unintended consequences for those at the Flukezak’s mercy.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Flukezaks are deceiving in many ways. Their scales are lined with chromatophores so that they may change color. Flukezak can shift pigment to a variety of browns, greens, and reds to express emotion or communicate with other Flukezaks. Their typical coat is often an earthy color so that they may hide from predators or set ambushes for prey. Their limbs are ended in zygodactylous feet coupled with a prehensile tail, letting them hold onto branches and hang upside down or from precarious positions. These adaptations make Flukezak hard to spot and varied animals at the cost of not being particularly fast; even a dwarf could reliably outrun one.

Since they cannot chase their prey the Flukezak make use of other tools and weapons. Their eyes are incredibly sensitive to movement and able to function independently of each other. A Flukezak’s aim is second to none. They use this aim to focus their tongue. A Flukezak’s tongue is twice the length of the Flukezak it belongs to and may be fired like a harpoon. Flukezak channel vitor through their tongue to produce **Electromancy** shocks, sinking two prongs into their victims. In non-sapient creatures smaller than humans these shocks will cause intense muscle spasms all over for **three turns**- just enough time for the Flukezak to close the distance. In sapient races or creatures larger than humans these shocks will cause localized painful muscle spasms where the tongue made contact. These spasms can cause limbs to cease up for **two turns**, giving the Flukezak time to flee. These bouts of vitor are taxing on the Flukezak and thus they can only perform these shocks four or so times before they’re completely exhausted and must rest. Given that these shocks are hardly enough to deter some of the larger predators of the Silvic territories, Flukezak also have a series of spikes to dissuade attempts to bite them.

During the wet season, Flukezak prepare to lay their eggs. Males possess large crests which they flush with color to impress females and intimidate rivals. A female can lay up to ten golf ball-sized eggs in a single season. Juvenile Flukezak emerge as miniature adults, perfectly capable of surviving on their own. Flukezak naturally avoid competition between the ages via prey preference; juveniles eat small rodents and insects while mature adults prey largely on flying animals and small game. Cannibalism is rare but briefly spikes just after the season when males, exhausted from the preceding season, attempt to make off with a quick meal.

#### Psychology

Flukezak are solitary predators. They do not hold territory outside of the wet season in which case males will intimidate and occasionally fight each other. Flukezak rely heavily on visual communication to infer each other's intent. For instance, flushing red may indicate hostility or alarm. All Flukezak have unique coloration patterns so that they may distinguish between individuals. Otherwise, Flukezak try to remain as inconspicuous as possible so as to grant better favor while hunting. They don’t naturally view sapient races as food but may become agitated if they intrude upon their hunting spots or attack them. They cannot be tamed or domesticated but are comfortable in captivity provided their needs are met.