Notiosaurus

## Description

Giant flesh-ripping lizards that dwell in dark, humid places. Originally from Kharnham, they had actually gone totally extinct on the surface and survived into the Age of Fire only by taking to the Makilek tunnels; there they had become the reptilian equivalent of wolves, sneaking in the shadows and frustrating ranchers by taking their livestock (Propappus). The Great Conjoining provided them with an unprecedented opportunity, and so now a massive population is growing in the south, back in the sun and eager to feast on hapless foreign game.

## Behavior & Combat

As cold blooded animals, Notiosaurus aren't particularly active during most of the day. They're typically found laying down, either sunbathing on raised ledges or curled up asleep, and are as easy to underestimate as they are to avoid. Even when awake they move very slowly and sluggishly and tend to keep to themselves, prowling the outskirts of large areas and trying to stay out of sight. Fights with Notiosaurs don't tend to happen by accident.

If one of these lizards *does* become incensed then the player should be very careful. They only look cumbersome because they're choosing to conserve energy- when the time comes, Notiosaurs can be downright frenetic. Their running speed is higher than that of any of the Age of Fire's playable races and obstacles like walls and deep water barely do anything to slow them down. They don't typically give chase for very long, but as ferocious as they are they rarely need to.

Notiosaurs have almost as much health as Belodon and can strike in very rapid succession, raking flesh with their sharp claws and sharper teeth. Their bite inflicts a dangerous poison status that saps health slowly but for a very long period of time, and if given the opportunity to wind up for it they can also unleash a 360° tail swipe that can easily throw players off cliffs or into corners.

## Strategy

While the best way to deal with a Notiosaurus is undoubtedly not to deal with it at all, sometimes players may find themselves in situations where they have no other choice or are in desperate need of the LG health pickups they drop. If rousing such a beast is absolutely necessary then there a few universal precautions that would benefit players of any Race: before the battle begins familiarize yourself with the surrounding area, make special note of fall hazards like pits and cliffs, and clear the area of all other enemies.

Direct close quarters combat is not recommended for any Race other than the Makilek, and even then only because they have no other option. Burnpowder is not especially effective on them, but Deepblood is and is strongly recommended. Brightpowder is also vital, but can only be relied on one time- it doesn't take long for Notiosaurs to grow resistant to it.

For every other Race it's best to use the longest reaching weapon possible. The strongest option for Ubaan players is the spear, though it can only be thrown once before it has to be retrieved and also serves as the best hand to hand option due to its long reach, thus it's better left as a last resort or finishing blow. The bow is an all around better choice for most of the fight, even if it doesn't do as much damage. Throwing axes aren't a great idea mostly because of how close the player has to be to use them.

Dryll players will want to gather ingredients to power up their status effect weapons before thinking about a fight. Narcotic-imbued smoke bombs and paralytic blow darts can both be extremely useful here, but like the Makilek's Brightpowder they are only guaranteed to provide one useful opening each. The otherwise ill-advised throwing bombs and club can deal significant damage while the lizard's incapacitated.

Rith will also want to prepare. The ideal setup is Bileberries and Muckwigglers, which when used in conjunction will allow for a rapid stream of projectiles while temporarily being untouchable. Using one without the other is doable but less effective. Floatstingers are not even worth collecting as Notiosaurs are naturally immune to their noxious effect.

## Trivia

* The name *Notiosaurus* is a defunct synonym of *Megalania*.