Shifty for carocarnis
An adopted tossed COS design i had spruced up and 3d modeled.
Some lore:
Carocarnis is a large parasitoid dragon. It's species is considered a keystone species that predates dragons forcing the population to decline. These dragons only live about 20 years compared to a typical 500 years of other dragons.
Carocarnis once infected typically targets other dragons trying to infect them as quickly as possible. It uses its claws and teeth to create open wounds it can then lay eggs in. Once laid the dragon will tightly coil around its prey for typically a day or two until the the eggs form a hard enamel like casing against the open air. While it creates this casing they also fuse to the host and begin attacking its immune system.
The carocarnis will then typically fly off when it is able to smell specific pheromones from its eggs in the dragons breath indicating a strong fusion. The onset of the parasitoid typically takes around 2 weeks showing rabies like symptoms and the dragon's body morphing. Typically growing longer claws, sharper longer teeth for deeper penetration of scales, and rough thick keratin scutes to provide armor.
The parasitoid dragon will also become immensely hungry while this transformation takes place forcing the animal to be much bolder and risk taking than it typically would be. About 21% of observed hosts fail to thrive during this stage due to starvation. Still in a weakened state but not being fully formed the parasitoid is prone to injury and death.
