Stalaakai

In Impish myth, telltale signs of great guardians emerge. For centuries the Imps have looked to beastly emissaries for wisdom. In the case of the Stalaakai, these giants’ rituals are said to be able to predict -or perhaps even control- changes in the weather by Impish lore. Though it would appear that their godhood is something of an overstatement, it doesn’t take away from their utter majesty. They’re still widely respected among Imps and the broader elven community. The superstitious often view Stalaakai as ominous rather than their traditional benign appearance, seeking to eliminate them whenever possible. As these two ideologies rutted, the Stalaakai population suffered. They are considerably rare, only found in the most isolated areas of the Impish home range.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Stalaakai are tall amphibious creatures of unknown taxonomic origin. They share much in common with amphibians, with semi-translucent skin covering their entire bodies. Though by itself it is permeable, a Stalaakai has a mucosal membrane covering their skin to impede the thorns and prickles they may encounter. Their skin forces the Stalaakai to rely on water sources. In this case, the Stalaakai are most proficient. Their long three-digit limbs allow them to climb amongst the humid canopy or wade over large bodies of water without the need to swim. A Stalaakai is exceptionally maneuverable and lightweight, making it fairly easy for them to evade other animals or hunters.

If threatened, Stalaakai can prove to be deadly. Their dexterous fingers can combine into a sharp surface, combined with one of the strongest kicking forces found on Ludwag, Stalaakai can shatter ribs with a strike. Their long legs also keep their vitals raised high enough off the ground that they’re difficult to reach by those upon the earth, further keeping them safe. It’s unwise to leap upon a Stalaakai as their tail and back are littered with sharp quills. These quills can get stuck in skin and cause severe pain once properly embedded. Because of these adaptations adult Stalaakai have few natural predators.

Stalaakai are herbivorous. They feed largely on the fruits of the trees and the vegetation beneath the surface. They use their forelimbs to drag vegetation toward their odd, cephalopod-like maws. These tendrils each function independently to break food down so that it can be swallowed by a small beak at their center. As they are a large animal they eat a lot, requiring them to walk for miles to sate their weekly requirements of food. Given their reliance on water, Stalaakai migration patterns can easily be identified by clearings along the riverbanks and islands.

In the coming of the rain -itself only happening every eight years- Stalaakai pair to have their egg. A mother will only have one football sized egg each season. In some cases, she will only mother one egg in her entire lifetime. Her tail can be curled under her hind legs so she may carry her egg. She will incubate it on her underside for almost nine months. Baby Stalaakai are born barely able to walk, requiring the constant attention of their mothers for the five years it takes for them to reach maturity.

#### Psychology

Despite their enormous size and power, Stalaakai are reclusive and timid. They sleep standing upright, only form small intimate groups of around five adult members, and actively avoid sapient races in high densities whenever possible. The only area where they congregate in the presence of such densities is the Great Tree, who they share a strong bond with alongside the imps. Otherwise, they will not go near urban centers and will not tolerate being held captive in one. For this they’re not possible to domesticate. They are however fairly intelligent and able to reason with sapient beings. Stalaakai remember individuals and symbols from previous events and can associate positive or negative qualities to them. That said, Stalaakai will only protect their own and sacred areas.