Aptonoth

Gray, four-legged saurians that graze on grass. They can be seen both in the wild and in captivity, where humans, wyverians, and even felynes have employed them as beasts of burden.

Aptonoth were first introduced in the original Monster Hunter (PS2, 2004) and have consistently appeared in *almost* every title since, so far having been absent only from Monster Hunter Rise/Sunbreak.

**The following information is all non-canonical and presented in the context of *Monster Hunter Verge*.** To learn about this monster's portrayal in the *official canon* please refer to materials published by Capcom or visit the **Monster Hunter Wiki**!

## Ecology

Aptonoth are large, docile herbivores best known for their worldwide distribution and dense population. Thriving both in captivity and the wild, they appear on every known continent and are the most abundant of all megafaunal herbivores, outnumbering smaller grazers like Kelbi 10 to 1 and constituting more than half of the terrestrial vertebrate biomass. They have a strong presence in the fossil record everywhere they're found (including the Verge) and are thought to have originated in the Old World some several hundreds of millions of years ago. A truly prehistoric species, they are actually much older than mammals and true wyverns, and of all the extant Herd Wyverns only Larinoth are thought to be older.

Having occupied their niche for so long and in such great numbers, it's hard to argue that Aptonoth aren't one of the most successful herbivore species alive today. Even in the face of shifting climates and continents, overhunting, domestication, and predation from large monsters of the land, sea, and sky, Aptonoth continue to thrive virtually everywhere they exist. There are likely multiple causes for this, such as the length and quality of their parental care, their reproductive rate, generalized diets, and tolerance to sudden changes in temperature. In short: they are a very well adapted and flexible species!

All of that said, it's quite ironic that Aptonoth are known by so many as "steaks with legs" and "Mother Nature's punching bag"!

While able to live in a surprising variety of habitats, Aptonoth are most at home on grassy plains or in sparse forests. They are able to process and digest a wide variety of plants, fungi, fruits, and nuts, but are obligate herbivores and low grazers by nature. They prefer to live in wide open spaces due to their instinctual drive to form herds and roam while they feed; Aptonoth that stay in one place for too long are likely to run out of food sources, and without the safety of numbers they are easy pickings for predators like Rathalos. This strong inborn need is retained even by domesticated Aptonoth, who are said to become restless and claustrophobic if kept in cities for too long.

## Range

Historically speaking the Primordial Garden and Ancient Eden have always been the two main hunting grounds where Aptonoth can be found in the Verge all year-round, though perhaps they are better known for their presence at the Lost Cerrado.

Aptonoth are one of several megafaunal herbivores known to use the Lost Cerrado's famous and expansive game trail and migrate across it in staggering numbers each year. Appearing mainly in the spring and fall, hundreds of thousands of individuals cluster together to form loosely organized "mega-herds" that can cover several miles at a time. They aggregate this way to increase the likelihood of each individual surviving the crossing and instinctively put the most experienced elders at the front of the herd. While they lead the way younger, fitter adults of both sexes clump around the most vulnerable members of the group, usually infants or Aptonoth that have been weakened by sickness or injury; they can be surprisingly protective of one another, even of individuals from different herds who have never met before, and turn quite fierce when defending their offspring from small carnivores.

Aptonoth are not altruistic, however, and if pressed by larger or more consistent threats often choose to sacrifice their weakest members to ensure the rest of the herd's survival. It is not uncommon to see very old Aptonoths or young calves with wounds being intentionally left behind or even attacked by their herdmates in the presence of threats like Rathalos and Glavenus.

The recent (and almost certainly unnatural) formation of the Lost Cerrado's river-ravine has undoubtedly changed the herbivore migration forever. The Aptonoths' historical migration route has been severed in twain by the creation of insurmountable cliffs and swift white water rapids, forcing the once-concentrated mega-herd to spread out in search of alternate solutions. The most popular so far has become an arching path through the northeast, which takes the Aptonoth through patches of sparse woodland, shallow water, and a short ground-level cavern. This is a much riskier and more convoluted path than the one they took in years past, as well as one which funnels their numbers through significantly narrower spaces. This slows the progress of the entire herd and leaves clusters of backed-up individuals behind each major chokepoint... Mortality rates have skyrocketed as a result and may well decide whether or not Aptonoth continue to visit the Cerrado at all.

Though *monster hunters* know Aptonoth mainly from the Lost Cerrado, Primordial Garden, and Ancient Eden, most of their population is actually gathered in a handful of grassy plains not targeted by the Guild. These verdant and hilly lands are much better suited to the overall needs of large Aptonoth herds, but only seasonally, and at different times of the year: hence the need for their yearly migration.

Finally, there is also a small but healthy population of Aptonoth living in the Veya Ruins. Virtually all of these animals were captive bred or had captive parents or grandparents. They have become self-sustaining and "wild" in at least some sense, but are not afraid of people and seem perfectly at ease in their urban surroundings.

## Attacks

Aptonoth are passive creatures that can usually be approached without any concern. They're also used to being threatened by predators many times their own size and so have a propensity for fleeing rather than fighting. That being said, an adult Aptonoth is still a powerful animal in its own right that can throw around much more body weight than a hunter. Large individuals can temporarily turn aggressive if provoked, either by a direct attack on them or by threatening their young, and may even pursue players over short distances if not immediately slain!

Aptonoth have only three attacks, all of which are easy to avoid compared to the moves of more advanced monsters.

* Headbutt. A quick, forward facing attack that does almost no damage at all. Knocks hunters on their butts.
* Tail Swing. Telegraphed by an Aptonoth stopping and swaying its tail high in the air. This move can be avoided simply by backing away, but if the Aptonoth's bluff is called it will swing its tail in whichever direction its head is facing. This swing is actually *very* powerful by "small monster" standards and can send players flying!
* Stomp. A situational attack which may be performed against players who are stunned or knocked down. The angry Aptonoth rears up on its hind legs and stomps its front feet down, sending the unlucky player tumbling a short distance. Average damage for a "small monster" attack.

## Trivia

* Full grown Aptonoth now drop medium monster bones instead of smalls, but small bones can still be obtained by carving juveniles.
* While still weak and more likely to flee than fight, Aptonoth are more capable of defending themselves than in past titles.
* Aptonoth can sometimes be seen crossing shallow bodies of water but are very vulnerable and clumsy while doing so. They cannot defend themselves while swimming and actively avoid deep water.