Monster Ecologies: Kushala Daora
Aliases: Kushala, The Frozen Dictator, Elder Dragon of Steel
Classification: Reptile, Elder Dragon
Biology: Kushala Daora share a similar six-limbed form to the majority of Elder Dragons, being quadrupedal with a separate set of wings on its back. Their wings are among the largest of all monsters when compared to its body size and reach from its back to halfway down its tail. Numerous horns line its head, with the largest just above its eyes. The most notable feature of a Kushala Daora is that its skin is made out of an unknown metal. It is created organically from its body and has been reported to be even stronger than iron and steel. They will periodically shed this skin throughout their lifetime, as it does not grow with the rest of its body and will eventually begin to rust. Unfortunately, it also affects their lives in a both horrific and depressing way. As a Kushala Daora nears the end of its life, its limbs and soft tissue will slowly transform into the same metal as its skin. This eventually kills the Dragon, either by paralysis starving it to death or the process spreading to vital organs such as the heart, lungs and brain.
Behaviour: Like many Elder Dragons, Kushala Daora are highly aggressive and will attack anything that it deems a threat. But as they age, they become more passive. Elderly specimens in the New World have even been noted allowing Hunters to sit right beside them. They are very proud of their metallic sheen and will often groom themselves when given the chance. Some Kushala Daora choose not to succumb to their natural death mentioned above and instead choose to die another way. They will seek out another Elder Dragon such as a fellow Kushala or other species such as Teostra and will engage them in a fight to the death, so that they leave the world in one final moment of glory.
Habitat: Kushala Daora tend to prefer cold habitats and spend most of their lives in the mountains. They have been known to venture through a variety of different locations such as jungles and even deserts. In the New World, Kushala Daora solely inhabit the Elders Recess. Some however were spooked into the Ancient Forest by a Nergigante.
Diet: Kushala Daora have a strange diet when compared to most other Elder Dragons. They donβt eat meat that often, instead being geovores. Along with various stones and gems, they have been known to favour metal ores. This is believed to help keep their coats pristine and durable.
Attack Method: Kushala Daora, like the majority of Elder Dragons, has simplicity in its physical attacks and uses claw swipes, tail whips and charges. It instead has the ability to manipulate strong winds. This is used in a variety of ways such as a wind barrier around its body, blasts of wind from its mouth, and creating miniature tornadoes. At their strongest, they are capable of summoning violent storms. These storms are very powerful and can destroy entire forests, villages and even cities.
Place in the Food Chain: Kushala Daora are separate from the main food chain due to being Elder Dragons. No monster challenges their power and the only thing that they have to fear is a Nergigante hunting them in their old age. Despite the previously mentioned way they die naturally, a Kushala Daora will never willingly fall to a Nergigante as they do not see it as a worthy opponent.
This has been a report on the Kushala Daora. Thank you for reading.
