Krakussion

Sifting along the shorelines and sea floor, one might find a particularly sizable beast. They remain present across coastal cultures as either obstacles or delicacies, though they don’t feel particularly grand about the latter. Though they’re rarely at odds with sapient races, their day to day life can often impede maritime work to such an extent that conflict is inevitable. Since rapid urbanization began, Krakussion have begun a slow decline across their range. Still, enclaves of Krakussion can be found along the north and eastern coast, continuing the legacy of their ancestors.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Krakussion, as the name suggests, are crabs of great size. Their enormous bodies are heavy set and layered with armor akin to that of lowly plate. (*This armor would decay after the Krakussion dies, though it can be worn it would only allot the user protection akin to **Studded Leather***) This extensive armor only gives way at the eyes and joints where it is instead covered in a cartilaginous film. Because it is so well-armored it cannot move very quickly, even in water it is only able to manage a stroke akin to a racewalk in sapient races. It’s not uncommon for Krakussion to face predation due to its slow movement and some creatures are undeterred by such thick armor; so how then does the Krakussion escape the jaws of death?

Situated on the right arm is a truly enormous claw, wide enough to envelop the front half of a grown man. This claw is fairly strong -able to break wood- but it isn't used for such in defense. Instead it functions as a percussion device. By repeatedly slamming the claw together, Krakussion can produce a sonic blast which can temporarily deafen and disorientate other organisms. The more developed and sensitive the ear of the one on the receiving end the more painful this method will be. In most predators, this move will stop their advance for a few moments so the Krakussion can escape.

Anything goes on the beach. Anything and everything that washes ashore is fair game for a Krakussion. They feed largely on shallow vegetation and the beached carcasses of other animals. They’re not above eating eachother, juveniles, and the eggs of other animals either. As infants, Krakussion will remain in the water to feed on detritus and avoid their adult forms. Adult Krakussion do very little to ensure the survival of their young beyond producing countless eggs with hope that a small fraction of them make it to adulthood.

#### Psychology

Krakussion aren’t particularly intelligent or resourceful. They can’t distinguish between their own offspring and are just as likely to eat some of their own brood as their rivals. They don’t so much as plan as they do act upon the stimuli directly engaging with them. This roundabout way to adaptability does allow Krakussion to dominate areas with little to nothing in common. Their ranges can vary from the shallow ocean of the Emerald Sea to the freshwater rivers of the Flumen. Krakussion simply react to whatever food and pairing opportunities are present with no real consistent plan.

Adult Krakussion rarely quarrel with each other unless food is involved and don’t cannibalize unless they’re already dead or small. Sapient races are much the same with Krakussion rarely seeing them as prey, though smaller races may be subject to assault by these enormous crustaceans.