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Description
(Jabberwockiscristatus
saevitia) Sometimes called the nightclaw, or
the fanged death, the Crested Jabberwock is a
medium-sized carnivore native to Kasaan (Vega 0101
A-785757-E) in the Solomani Rim. Only a few members
of the species have been transported offworld.
Fully
grown Jabberwocks mass about 400 kg. They are
bilaterally symmetrical, homeothermic quadrupeds,
standing about 1.2 meters tall at the shoulder and
measuring some 2.6 meters in length. Their anatomy
is unusual in that the animal has four two-chambered
hearts.
The
Crested Jabberwock is noted for its magnificent,
multi-colored crest, which is used in displays of
territorial aggression and courtship. This gorgeous
crest is highly prized by hunters and trophy
collectors throughout the Solomani Rim, and have
made the animal a highly-prized and
much-sought-after target. In as much as the Crested
Jabberwock is one of the most aggressive carnivores
known in modern exobiology (they have been known to
attack prey five times their size), the challenge of
Jabberwock hunting has long been considered the
ultimate proof of courage and skill in some circles.
The
Crested Jabberwock, unfortunately, has not proved a
match for the inevitable march of civilization. Over
the centuries, the inhabitants of Kasaan have sought
to extend the world's agricultural production into
new areas; they have ruthlessly sought to eliminate
the carnivore to protect fields and livestock. This,
even more than the depredations of trophy hunters,
has caused a massive decline in numbers. The species
was recently placed upon the endangered species list
maintained by the Pan-Galactic Friends of Life, an
organization which has set out to protect the
Crested Jabberwock from further decline. Their
efforts have been quite successful to date, with the
establishment of wilderness preserves on Kasaan and
the passage of strict laws against Jabberwock
hunting being among the most important triumphys
achieved.
A solitary
hunter, the Jabberwock stakes out a territorial
claim over an area several kilometers square, and
tolerates others of its kind within that area only
during a relatively brief rutting season each year.
Jabberwocks are ferocious, and kill their prey
through a combination of their long slashing claws
and sharp fangs. A Jabberwock is rarely satisfied;
even when freshly fed, they take great delight in
stalking and killing prey.
Adventures
can easily be built around this unusual and
dangerous creature. Parties might become involved in
illegal hunts for the beast (either they personally
can decide to hunt it, or they may be hired by a
patron who needs an escort for the hunt). They might
be attached to a scientific expedition studying the
rare carnivore in its natural habitat (a very
dangerous task). Finally, an organization such as
the Pan-Galactic Friends of Life may hire the
adventurers to look into violations of the
Jabberwock protection laws. |
