Knucker

The Knucker was a kind of Wyrm that bored massive tunnels below the ground, leaving behind a twisting complex of corridors.

## Background

### Appearance and Origin

To those who have seen it, the Knucker is a type of water dragon, with reddish-pink scales and a serpentine body. It possesses four short legs with webbed digits, and an amphibious body adapted to living in damp, wet tunnels. Two small, vestigial wings are set on their backs between their foremost legs. Knuckers are not capable of flight, and it is believed these wings are leftover from a time when they didn't inhabit subterranean mazes. Like all dragons, Knuckers are probably children of Tiamat. Shrewd and cowardly, the dragons that would become Knuckers fled below the surface in an attempt to preserve their lives. The name comes from the old Guilish word 'Näkineiu', meaning water monster.

### Habitat

Knuckers prefer to reside close to human settlements, often making their homes beneath wells. From here, they will slither out of their lairs at night to feed on livestock, and the occasional human that crosses them. They are likely capable of speech, but choose not to out of preference for brevity. Over time, a Knuckerhole will expand and become more complex, with hidden chambers, pits, and hallways. It is believed that caves in areas without flowing water were once formed by these beasts, as they carved their way through the earth. Despite the inherent danger, these mazes attract an array of fauna that take up residence in the damp, cool of the caverns. Bats, rats, and even other monsters will cohabit here, creating a unique ecosystem.

### Abilities and Weaknesses

Knuckers are rather weak as far as dragons go. They lack flight or a deadly breath weapon. They have soft scales, and lack defense. Their strongest means of attack is their sharp teeth, but more often than not this beast will flee if it feels threatened. Knuckers also have night vision, being able to see better in darkness than other creatures. This, coupled with its amphibious qualities makes it adept at navigating flooded areas of its tunnels, as will result from groundwater pouring in. This makes it harder for other creatures to navigate its home as well, increasing its chances of escape if hunted by a vengeful party. Knuckers further stand out among dragons in that they don't seem interested in riches and wealth, only focusing on securing food. It is possible that their pride in their architectural skills takes the place of a need for hoarding treasure.

### Relationship with Humans and Lore

Knuckers have been reported to reside across Kelemere and Guiles in the past. Sightings have become fewer with time, as human populations dwindle. In times passed, tales were spun of unlikely heroes risking their lives for their village by trying to locate and destroy the wyrm for good. One particular story is that of Sufel, a baker's apprentice who devises a scheme to kill the Knucker that has been stealing his master's hens. He bakes the beast a poisoned pie, and brings it to the dragon on a horse-drawn cart. Unable to refuse the offering, the Knucker consumes the pie, along with the horse and cart as well, only to succumb to the poison.