Krowler

## Physiology

Krowler are small, rat-like mammals typically averaging at 5 lbs, 6 inches long, and 4 inches tall; however, upon reaching maturity within a prosperous habitat, some may grow to be as large as 15 lbs and spanning a foot in length. Their fleshy grey bodies are coated with a thin and coarse black pelt, and it is not uncommon for them to have various balding spots. They possess no tails, and walk on four short and small hairless legs capable of agile scurrying, climbing, and digging. Krowler paws are rather unique in that their frontal paws bear two small, clawed and curled thumb-like toes on each side, with three clawed toes between. With that, their hind paws possess no thumbs, simply five clawed toes.​

They bear thin, boney, and additionally hairless faces with elongated snouts that curve downward somewhat, vaguely taking the shape of a beak when seen from the side. Their ears are the crest of their height, thin and pointed with small tufts of fur at the ends. Their large eyes bulge, taking the clouded colors of grey or pale blue. Krowler are incapable of sight, leaving them to rely on sharp scent and hearing.

## Sexual Dimorphism

Male Krowler tend to possess greater mass and height than females, longer and sharper snouts, and small tusks curving slightly upwards in contrast with the snout, growing from the lower jaw. Females, bearing smaller weight and slightly higher lengths, tend to be more nimble than male Krowler. The pelts of females grow thicker and slightly longer for the sake of warmer nursing for young, making balding less common compared to males.

## Climate

Krowler are most prosperous in temperate climates; the perfect “not too hot, not too cold” weather. They are sensitive to severe temperatures, dying easily to heat or freezing. They do not tend to travel far into the north, but have been found further south.

## Habitat

Krowler scavenge and collect to build large nests made of sticks and disposed waste, taking a chaotic mound shape similar to a beaver dam. Nests are typically made to be a permanent home for Krowler colonies, large enough to house the average 20-30 Krowler in a colony. They are not particularly picky in deciding an environment to build. Ideal locations for a nest are dark, isolated, and quiet places, and it is most common to discover a nest within a cave; however, there is always possibility to stumble upon a nest within a sewer or forest.

## Migration

Krowler show little migration patterns, preferring to reside in a single nest within a suitable habitat until they die.

## Diet

Krowler are omnivorous scavengers, consuming seeds, berries, any form of meat (including carrion), greens, and insects.

## Behavior

Krowler keep together in colonies of 20-30, following a single “Alpha.” An Alpha is determined by loudness of the clicking sounds Krowler make to communicate; the louder the click, the stronger, more dominant the Krowler. So long as the average 20-30 size remains, the colony holds closely-knit as inseparable pack creatures. On the contrary, should the colony overpopulate, Krowler will become drastically territorial, killing and eating their young or wreaking disownment; in such a scenario, the young are left to natural selection.

Outside of the colony, Krowler are extremely secluded, territorial, and hostile. Those who trespass near the nest will first be alerted by signature clicking, serving as a warning and defense mechanism. When provoked, the Krowler will let out a shrill, high-pitched screech before the intruder is swarmed by the entire nest hoard. These hoards move swift and tightly together, almost taking an individual shape as though they are a hivemind.

## Lifespan

Krowler untainted by disease will typically live 2-3 years; those carrying disease and parasites live no longer than a year on average.

## Aging

Krowler reach maturity and their maximum size at 3 months old. Diseased Krowler quickly grow frail and weak as they age near the end of their lifespan.

## Other

Krowler hold a very distinct, rhythmic clicking pattern used to warn and ward off intruders and as means of communication throughout the colony. In addition to this, it is possible for man to mimic the clicking of a Krowler, though the chance of matching the exact pattern is substantially low. But, if someone may be able to mimic effectively, the naturally higher intensity of the voice would surpass that of a Krowler, and that someone would be seen as the Alpha of a Krowler hoard. With that, the hoard would strictly follow and fall subservient to the new Alpha.

Physical contact with a Krowler would result in considerable bacteria exposure, granting possibility of contracting viruses such as the flu; severity of its case would vary from person to person, and of course when considering influenza, hygiene is always a dire necessity. Bites and/or scratches received from Krowler are highly likely to develop infections if not thoroughly treated, possibly risking chances of nerve damage. Additionally, affected areas will develop a severe rash 10-15 minutes following the initial wound, wreaking intense inflammation in the surrounding skin as well as giving a rough, scaley texture to the skin. The rash will bring affected skin to be itchy and considerably sensitive, bringing pain with the slightest touch.