Nakarkos is such an interesting creature, so I opted on another monstie sharing its theme. - KARAKAGAU Title - Fulgurite dragon Monster class - Elder dragon Known locales - Deserts Element/ailment - Paralysis Elemental weakness - Water (3), Dragon (2), Ice (1), Thunder (0), Fire (0) Ailment weakness - Paralysis (3), Poison (2), Blast (2), Stun (1), Sleep (1) Karakagau is an elder dragon endemic to desert regions. Contrary to most of its clade, it has an invertebrate form with a multitude of tentacles and a huge soft body. The relation to Nakarkos is obvious, as is its unique placement among elder dragons. Camouflaged by its brown and gold colours, Karakagau excels at burrowing, its rear tendrils digging out pits whilst breathing tubes and motion-sensitive fins protrude above the sand. Though known to sample fruits from time to time, Karakagau is primarily a lurking predator, creating large pits in the sand and waiting patiently for prey to stumble into its grasp, most of its body hidden save for its breathing tubes and fins. To potentially increases its chances of success, Karakagau will wriggle a tentacle around in the pit, mimicking the motions of a trapped animal to lure in other carnivores. For this reason, field workers are advised to pay extremely close attention to their surroundings when working in desert environments, as Karakagau will not hesitate to take humans as prey. Fortunately, there are subtle clues to indicate Karakagau's presence. The elder dragon exudes a strange paralytic chemical from the spines on its body and tentacles. This chemical will react with sand molecules to create an interesting crystalline form similar to fulgurite, which is often seen surrounding the pits it makes. These crystals are how Karakagau mark their territory against others of their kind, and they may even use larger clusters as weapons, either like knives or throwing them at enemies. Otherwise, if its ambush is foiled, Karakagau relies principally on its lashing limbs. It can also spit the chemical from its beak, paralyzing prey and rivals from a distance. Unlike most elder dragons, Karakagau does not display the capacity to meaningfully influence natural phenomena. It controls no elements nor alters its environment in any significant way. It is not even known to drive out neighbouring monsters through occupation, beyond those directly aware of its presence. Karakagau rarely ventures from the pits it creates, usually only leaving when it wishes to travel to an oasis to gather fruit. The elder dragon also relies on oases to reproduce; while the adult is terrestrial, the eggs its lays and the young that emerge are dependant on water. Interestingly, Karakagau are never seen to gather to mate, implying the species is asexual or parthenogenetic. While certainly a cunning ambush predator, Karakagau's comparative lack of power and influences ranks it lower than most elder dragons (Low Rank - 5, High/Master Rank - 5). The real challenge lies in exposing its ambush site. Sonic bombs are highly recommended to disorientate the elder dragon, and water weapons are useful for diluting and nullifying its paralyzing chemicals. Given its dependance on its environment to be an effective threat, the Guild believes Karakagau could be subject to capture, lacking logistical concerns of significant influence. Only accomplished hunters who have proven their worth in higher ranks should attempt such a feat. As ambush predators, Karakagau rarely directly contends with other monsters in combat, opting to simply paralyze and drag under the sand. It can be concerned by the likes of Monoblos and Diablos, whose armoured bodies and sharp horns can threaten it. As with many elder dragons, Karakagau is terrified of Nergigante and burrows as deep as it can should it sense the presence of the predator. - Thank you for reading and take care.
