Magmopelta

Stomping along the charred banks of the great Silvic Volcano, one may find a peculiar beast. A creature so strange that its very existence is in the midst of the ponderings of countless academics; its nature unknown. Its origin uncanny. In myth, it’s said that by cruel dwarven engineering did the Magmopelta first draw breath- though the methods of such are disputed by historians. While the Magmopelta does not strike fear into the hearts of children everywhere it makes up for the ferocity it lacks with its practical use just about anywhere. Though its numbers are few, it and its products may be found across the entire eastern flank of Northern Ludwag, coveted from its precious supply of alchemical marvels.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Magmopelta, otherwise known as the Magma-Skinned Amphibian hails to no particular taxonomy, suggesting that it either is the last of a dying lineage or is not inherently native to the region. Its closest relatives seem to only resemble frogs and newts, followed by the late Podasuchadae family and possibly early pseudo-draconids like the Nera’nak. It shares much of its build and appearance with that of a frog or newt, stout outward-facing legs for added support flanked with strong back muscles for short bursts of speed. Its skin seems to have a similar consistency with leather or regular animal skins, noticeably groves or wrinkles spanning the entire body to allow for a larger surface area.

Where the Magmopelta differs from its cousin lineages is in its habitat and way of life, sprouting several adaptations to survive in such harsh environments. Magmopelta is considered an extremophile, ***capable of surviving temperatures generated by natural or Expert level sources and exposure to raw magma***. This is caused and predominantly allowed by a thick exterior mucus which insulates the body from external burns. The contents of this mucus is currently undescribed but seems to be linked to some relative of fire-orientated magic. The Magmopelta’s mucus seeps out of two points on the body: the bands located running down the tail, and tear ducts underneath the eyes giving the animal a regal orange striped appearance. To shield its eyes from possible damage when wallowing in such a substance the Magmopelta employs the use of wide-brows to keep liquid out of their eyes, allowing them to wade through lava almost like a crocodile lumbering along marshland.

Magmopeltas are extremely energy conservant to survive their environment with a comically slow metabolism, reducing their stamina and endurance to effectively null as they sluggishly wander their domain. While technically omnivorous the Magmopelta typically feeds on a particularly abundant plant Magmareed, using it as a core staple of its diet. Beyond Magmareed they can typically be found scrounging what little nutrition can be siphoned from the lingering dead trees surrounding the volcano and whatever is unfortunate enough to end up within its domain.

Due to the nature of their home, reproduction via conventional means is practically impossible. As such all Magmopeltas are biologically hermaphroditic and reproduce via asexual means. To keep their young safe from the elements they won’t lay their eggs but instead keep them stored inside the valves on their tails, releasing them once they’ve hatched internally. Infant Magmopeltas resemble that of large tadpoles, sporting a pure orange coloration with a long slender finned tail. These babies will survive inside their lava-borne home by feeding off the mineral vents which litter the region until they are old enough to mature into full grown adults, returning to the land to walk upon their newly formed legs.

#### Psychology

Magmopeltas are easy going gentle natured animals who rarely see any reason to engage other beings, only squabbling meekly over food between each other. Since most predators find it difficult to hunt them, they've developed a surprisingly friendly sense about them, being comfortable with both other animals and humanoids within their presence. If provoked they typically won't retaliate unless they have no other option, instead choosing to flee to the safety of their magmatic homeland. Although it is entirely possible to tame a Magmopelta they cannot survive outside of their volcanic territory, leading to this friendly sight going often unseen by many.