Haarorah

When Myconid scientists first determined the *Arcane Mushroom’s* potential application for the Kahursa Federation they looked to one of its residents. The Haarorah was a key subject of study for the weapons development on the island given its direct relationship with its key export. Subsequently after the program’s collapse and the slow dissolvement of the development, the Haarorah stands as the last bastion of these plots- an unwilling participant. Despite their involvement the native population largely accepts that this arrangement wasn’t exactly voluntary- though they’re subject to frequent hunting by spiteful tourists and Umbusan forces. These attacks have put Haarorah at odds with the rapid colonization of the island as their populations feel the squeeze.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

An herbivorous marsupial endemic to the Kahursa island, the Haarorah is one of its largest residents. They are most closely related with wombats whom it shares many key traits with. Haarorah patrol the forest floor in search of brush to browse upon, grinding down difficult to digest plant material with batteries of teeth shielded by cheeks. A great big snout assists the Haarorah in identifying the youngest and most nutrient rich growth of the fern and shrub, enabling them to maximize their energy intake. Though they do not burrow like their smaller cousins, their sharp digging claws are useful for unearthing underground plant material. Equally, these can prove lethal weapons as a kick from a Haarorah can strike like a horse and leave puncture wounds through armor like chainmail.

A fatty hump rises above the Haarorah’s back and provides the stage for its titular ability. A symbiotic relationship with the native Arcane Mushrooms. The spores collect upon the fur and grow into the fat, subsisting on the reserves the Haarorah builds. In exchange they act as a defense mechanism. When exercised by the Haarorah they release a noxious cloud of spores. These spores when inhaled cause fatigue and drowsiness, impeding the inhalers ability to run or perform energy taxing abilities whilst they’re within the spore cloud. The range of the spore cloud is relatively small -only able to encompass a few feet around the Haarorah itself- but grants the beast additional time to flee or counterattack.

During the wet season when Arcane Mushrooms are most abundant do the Haarorah have their joeys. A female will have but one joey usually though twins have occurred rarely. At birth, a joey is no larger than a human pinkie finger, growing in size rapidly over the course of two years. Juveniles spend much of their time in their mother’s pouch, collecting the spores that she expels and fostering them along their backs. By the time they’re ready to leave her side they will have already begun to foster a mushroom garden of their own, enabling them to be independent in the unforgiving island they call home.

#### Psychology

Dwelling in modest herds that can grow to hold ten adult individuals, the Haarorah is fairly sociable. They routinely move together and collectively keep a watchful eye out for potential predators. The herd moves to new pastures not out of the direction of a leader but rather the necessity to secure new food. Male Haarorah become more aggressive during the wet season when they challenge each other. Males will ram their heads into one another and may bite to harass them away. Females are protective of their joeys but will not doom themselves to an end to protect them; if they believe they’re doomed they will expel their joey to save themselves. Amicable toward sapient races, they’re docile until provoked.