Nent'spika

The desert of Ludwag is by no means a natural one. In its creation, many of the creatures that once dwelled there died. Only the hardiest of generalists survived. In that pre-extinction, the now top predator of the desert was one of the lower order carnivores. Its hardiness is something of a cultural icon, glorified as a symbol of Aridian nationalism. The Nent’spika is keenly adapted to face the challenges of the desert in ways that are often personified by the local inhabitants. Though it is viewed with an endearing gaze, it mustn’t be misunderstood for friendly. A Nent’spika can just as easily rip you to pieces as it can best even the worst ecological disaster.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Nent’spika are a large species of Hyena, one of the largest carnivorans on the south coast. They sport both canid and feline traits. Nent’spika have a strong sense of smell and hearing, letting them track prey even beneath a layer of sediment. They’re built for long distance pursuit, with striding legs and a high pool of stamina to run down prey. They’re not as fast as some of their prey items but by wearing them down through a prolonged chase they can skirt their own shortcomings. Nent’spika have broad feet with sharp claws for added traction on sand and on the uneven rock found around the dunes. Once a chase has started, it’s difficult for one to shake a Nent’spika.

In terms of armament, the Nent’spika employs a curious weapon. Their mane is made of complex hair structures which they can manipulate individually like tendrils. These tendrils can sharpen into fine points to skewer through flesh or form barriers to protect its head. Interestingly, both its head and mane have a thick enough density of hair to stop the stings of Pyrianta, allowing them to feed on them provided they do not sting anywhere else. Though their jaws are not as strong as some of their cousins, they can still rend flesh and digest rancid material otherwise too fetid for other carnivores.

In the wet season the Nent’spika have their pups. They’re about as small as house cats when they first enter the world, joined by up to three other siblings. At first, they’re blind but instinctively know to cling to their mother. A mother Nent’spika can curl their hair to create cocoons for their pups to protect them from both the elements and potential predators. Juveniles have only a crude control over their mane, haphazardly twisting around with little rhyme or reason. As the Nent’spika mature their control over their mane increases, earning proficiency and maturity at the age of one.

#### Psychology

Nent’spika aren’t particularly social but may reside in pairs. Territorial, they will fight other Nent’spika for control over specific hunting grounds. As the desert’s top-order predator, they can pick and choose for any prey item in their domain but they prefer Tahrun and Twoback. On occasion, they may attack sapient races or their livestock but will not go near urban areas on account of their alien nature and lack of food. They’re not keen on humans or elves and thus aren’t able to be tamed but may tolerate their presence provided that food or their pups are not involved. The last thing you want to do is provoke a mother Nent’spika, she will become incredibly aggressive if her pups are put in danger.