Gutta

The Silvic territories are enriched with great vegetation but such abundance poses risk. Should the undergrowth be kindled, the fires razed could be devastating. This issue became increasingly apparent after the disaster at the volcano which scorched the lands dearly. The local spirit-worshiping clans appealed to their icons for assistance. So, it is said they made the Gutta. The Gutta are an ancient species that seems to predate this disaster but curiously have attained magical properties. As if the disaster awakened something within. Today, they’re vital in ensuring that the forests do not have a build up of underbrush to burn.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

A far removed cousin of the Nemegral, Gutta are a species of Ludwagian-endemic Koala. Much of their physiology mirrors their close relatives. They feed largely on a very particular food source; wild Asero trees. Their leaves which are normally too thick to eat make for light work for the Gutta’s shearing jaws. This diet limits the Guttas’ activity as their low nutrient diet grants them an inescapably slow metabolism. When they’re not eating, Gutta spend the majority of their time at rest. Unlike their cousins, Guttas regularly venture to the ground to supplement their diet with important minerals. They ingest a combination of fallen seeds and nuts to build a reserve of copper. Copper is important to a Gutta’s life processes, indicated by healthy blue inner ears.

Lining the back of the Gutta is a pad of skin. This pad acts as a point where vitor can be channeled. Gutta use copper as a means to ignite their vitoric properties through a conductive surge, allowing them to expel vitor in form. Gutta can generate blue flames at heats identical to **Expert Pyromancers** at will, though it is often involuntarily done based on emotions. Should a Gutta be alarmed or enraged, it is likely that their back shall be engulfed in the blaze. Naturally, **Gutta are immune to their *own fire’s effects* and are noticeably tolerant of natural fires on their fur**. This defense mechanism keeps predators at bay when they venture down from the trees to collect supplements, often by burning away the scrubland atop it.

Marsupials, Guttas contain their single joey in a pouch. They have their joeys when there’s a large seed cascade to capitalize on copper. At birth, Gutta are no larger than a human thumb. Gutta joeys are coal black and can totally engulf themselves in blazes should they be ousted from their mother’s pouch. Joeys will progressively turn gray as they mature until they properly control their fire. A joey’s last moment of direct parenting from their mothers is when she exchanges a dosage of her own copper supply to them; a head start against the world so they’re not at the mercy of what lies beneath their trees.

#### Psychology

Gutta are reserved creatures who prefer to be left alone. They will tolerate other organisms nearby but do not appreciate being startled or touched. If provoked, it is in all likelihood that they will ignite. Gutta prefer to flee rather than fight but if pushed to do so they’ll bite and claw all the same. If provided comfortable living space they can dwell in captivity- though they dislike loud sounds interrupting their rest. Normally, Gutta are fairly solitary but may congregate at points of abundance without direct competition- that is except for males who often wrestle for control of ideal feeding spots or particularly large Asero trees.