Armadante

**Armadante** is an amphibian that was introduced in *Monster Hunter: Radiance* and serves as its flagship.

## Physiology

Armadante is a large, aquatic monster closely resembling the crocodilian-like structure of leviathans, however closer inspection of specimens have show that it is infact an amphibian with anatomy not too dissimilar from monster such as Tetsucabra and Zamtrios. It has a large, muscular body on average measured to be about 1923cm. Their back, legs and tail are riddled with membranous fins with a bright blue colouration, these fins are traced with an unknown element, that allows Armadante’s fins to glow very vibrantly and brightly, seeming on queue which can be very alluring to some monsters. Their hide consists of tough, rigid scales that most weapons cannot damage. These are an uncommon trait in discovered amphibians which are more commonly seen with smooth, mucus coated bodies. Even more curious are the much larger modified hard bone-like scales that populate Armadante’s face and back that Armadante uses both offensively and defensively, both as armor, and a blunt weapon.

## Behavior

Armadante is a large, aquatic amphibian native to dark, tropical regions. A natural apex predator, Armadante easily solidifies itself towards the top of an ecosystem’s food chain whenever it is present. As an ambush predator, Armadante typically hides in shallow, muddy water concealing itself in the murk with its dark colouration, altough occasionally it has been observed traveling into deeper waters, behaviour unique among Amphibians.

When hunting, Armadante will shine its fins a brilliant blue, creating a light refraction from the surface to lure curious monsters to the shore, where it then uses its large, muscular body to erupt from the coastline with astonishing speeds, where it uses its body to maul prey into submission. Armadantes maw is said to be inescapable, and it’s large muscle mass allows it to easily overpower almost any creature that dare venture too close to the waters edge.

In the very rare occasion that Armadante are faced with threatening opposition, their face is coated in large, modified scales that act as thick armored plating that protects its most vulnurable area, it’s eyes. Their large, blue eyes are the only part of Armadante’s scaly hide that is soft enough to be damaged by ordinary weaponry, and are also the monster’s prime method sensing its surroundings. without any other method of observation outside of touch and it’s almost non-existent sense of smell, its eyesight is it’s only crutch and if it is damaged Armadante become unable to hunt and will inevitably perish.

As Armadante are a very solitary species, there is very little to report on their breeding habits as such events happen very infrequently. However, documented cases have reported male and female Armadante becoming aggressive towards each other before and after reproduction has occurred. In all observed situations, either the male or female has perished in the battle between the two monsters that ensues after mating has concluded presumably due to their extremely territorial nature and lack of trust. This is solid evidence to support the theory that Armadante are incapable of bonding, and reproduce solely off instinct.

Once born, baby Armadante mature rapidly, reaching a juvenile stage in mere weeks, at which point they will be chased off by their now territorial surviving parent and forced to claim their own. This indicates that Armadante distinguish children of their species by size, and once they grow enough they immediately begin to recognise their children as threats.

## Abilities

Armadantes bite force is enough to kill most of its prey easily, although it has a few other tricks, such as the use of the water element through its tail if needed, or its brute claws for mauling and pinning. Besides its body, Armadantes most dangerous weapon is its rare use of the dragon element, which it may only use if it finds itself enraged.

## Ecological Information

### Habitat

Like most amphibians, Armadante will nest near water, and greatly prefers darkened environments. Because of this preference, a cave near a shore is the most common choice of habitat for Armadante. This dark environment greatly improves its primary hunting method, as its glow will stand out more in a dark environment.

### Ecological Niche

Armadante is hypercarnivorous and primarily an ambush predator, preying on any monsters that stray too close to the waters edge, or fall for its lure. Its brute strength and capability of prevailing over most other apex monsters, such as Rathalos or Diablos has granted it its place around the top of the food chain.

### Biological Adaptations

Armadantes clearest and most advantageous adaptations are bioluminescence, helping to lure its prey and its hard, bony armor, for protection and blunt attacks. Besides these, Armadantes additional fins on the forelimbs help it pierce through water more easily despite its size and bulk, and its eyes, arguably the weak spots, are protected by three reinforced eyelids, both to help water from getting in them and to protect them from aggressors.

However, Armadantes most curious adaptation is an internal organ of some kind that helps it regulate and control dragon energy. This is only rarely ever used, as dragon energy is volatile and can be harmful to its user. As such, Armadante will only unveil this secret weapon during harsh combat situations. When its body begins handling this dragon energy, most of its bioluminescent glow will turn from a brilliant blue to an ominous red, a clear warning sign.

## Game Data

### Rage and Tired States

* Rage State: The monsters glow turns from blue to red. The monster will now use dragon element attacks.
* Tired State: The monsters glow turns a darker shade of blue. Attacks become slightly more sluggish.

It should be noted that in underwater combat, Armadante will enter its rage state more often.

### Breakable parts

Head (x2)

Tail (Severable) Water attacks weaken. Dragon attacks weaken slightly.

Back (x1)

Legs (x2) Claw attacks weaken.

### Physical Damage Effectiveness

 Tail
 Back
 Legs

## Quests

 **Client:** Exploration leader
 **Notes:**
*Unlock Conditions: HR15 or higher.*

## Attacks

Armadante may be fought both above and underwater, and the battle may change between these two several times.

* Surface
* Underwater

### Regular

Armadante will attack with:

* **Forward charge:** Armadante will charge towards the hunter.
* **Bite:** Armadante will attempt snatch the hunter in its vicious bite.
* **Lunging bite:** Armadante will suddenly charge forward at the hunter with a wide open mouth, snapping shut.
* **Slam:** Armadante will lift its body up to slam its claw into the ground.
* **Tail Swipe:** Armadante will turn around as fast as it can manage to swipe its tail at the hunter.
* **Pin:** Armadante will slam its claw at the hunter, pinning them down. If not distracted, it will snatch the hunter in it's jaws and throw them, causing severe damage.
* **Rampage:** Armadante will begin to charge at the hunter with ravenous speed, ending with a direct pounce.

### Enraged

In addition to regular attacks, an enraged Armadante may use:

* **Snap:** Armadante lunges at the hunter with short bursts of speed, up to three times.
* **DragonBite:** Armadantes jaw will glow dark red, followed by a bite attack.
* **Volatile Beam:** Armadante opens its jaw wide as it begins to fire a beam of concentrated dragon energy. The open mouth takes extra damage during this attack if shot.
* **Toxic slime:** Armadante will puke out mucus afflicted with dragon energy, leaving a puddle that inflicts dragonblight for around 30 seconds.
* **Tail slam:** Armadante will turn around quickly and slam its tail on the ground, releasing small sparks of dragon element in an area of effect.

### Regular

Armadante will attack with:

* **Forward charge:** Armadante will charge towards the hunter.
* **Bite:** Armadante will attempt snatch the hunter in its vicious bite.
* **Lunging bite:** Armadante will suddenly charge forward at the hunter with a wide open mouth, snapping shut.
* **Tail Whip:** Armadante will roll to whip its tail at the hunter.
* **Maul:** Armadante charges towards the hunter as its glow briefly turns a pink color. If it succeeds in snatching the hunter, it will begin shaking the hunter with its jaws before finally letting go. This attack can be interrupted.

### Enraged

In addition to regular attacks, an enraged Armadante may use:

* **Snap:** Armadante lunges at the hunter with short bursts of speed, up to four times.
* **DragonBite:** Armadantes jaw will glow dark red, followed by a bite attack.
* **Volatile Beam:** Armadante opens its jaw wide as it begins to fire a beam of concentrated dragon energy. The open mouth takes extra damage during this attack if shot.
* **Dragon Tail Whip:** Armadante will whip its tail, releasing sparks of dragon element in an area of effect.