|
(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 and 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.
|
