The purussaurus is found in the River Vasta between Solunarium Proper and Tertium. It occasionally, but extremely rarely, comes on land. When it does, it is easy to see where they have been, as their sheer sizes makes giant slides on the sandy banks of the Vasta. Rarely seen, it is thought that they lurk in the darkened depths of the river.
Description
The purussaurus is a gargantuan crocodilian. They have thickened skulls, monstrous jaws that can extend wide enough to swallow a human whole, and tough, leathery armour-like skin that lightens as they age from almost black as a hatchling to a mottled green-brown. Their powerful tails make up almost half of their body length, and they have relatively short legs for their size. Clawed, webbed feet help with swimming in their aquatic home. Their thick, strong teeth range in size as an adult from between 6”-12”.
Biome Role
While Solunarium is filled with many deadly predators, the purussaurus rules the waters of the Vasta between Tertium and the capital. Its very presence and ravenous appetite means other predators and beasts are kept in check. It has no problem feasting on corpses, helping reduce the spread of disease, vermin, and pollution in the waters.
Diet
A consummate carnivore, the purussarus will eat whatever prey it can get its jaws on as an adult. It is not above cannibalism- smaller Solunarian crocodilians, even younger purussaurs, are on its menu. Whales, dolphins, sharks, fish, camels, water buffalo, people, antelope, young Cyclopes… whatever it can catch, it will eat. Juveniles tend to be more limited to smaller prey, such as fish, birds, camels, and antelope.
Aging and Reproduction
Purussaurs mate in the water in early Searing and after approximately a month, the female will dig out a shallow, pit-like nest a short distance from the edge of the water on the beach. There, she will deposit between 30 and 45 eggs, each of them nearly 12” long. The nest is sealed back up, and the female returns to the water. The mother will lurk nearby, and after a time, once the eggs hatch, she can use her tail to crack the nest open to help her hatchlings out. They considered hatchlings for the first year, after which until they are deemed juveniles until they are three years old. From ages 3-6 years, they are considered young adults, but once they hit 7, they are considered mature. It is rare for purussaurs to breed before age ten, simply due to the size of the larger adults in the water, and males tend to have to fight to lay claim to territory and the breeding rights to the females within it.
Size
As an adult, the purussaurus averages out at about 12.5 metres long and weighs approximately 8.4 tonnes. Males tend to be slightly bigger at about 13 metres and 8.6 tonnes, while the females are closer to the average - 12.4 metres and 8.3 tonnes.
As newborns, purussaurs are around 30” long, and tend to grow quite rapidly over the next few years until they reach maturity. They are about half of their adult size by the time they are 4 years old.
Abilities and Features
The purussaurus has the strongest bite of any non-mythical beast in Solunarium, and it can be argued that its jaws are more powerful than many of the mythic-ranked creatures of the kingdom. Along with a tail that can destroy unwarded barges, the purussaurus is a master of destruction. A powerful swimmer, this reptile can stay submerged for nearly 24 hours without coming up for air. It will use its tail for steering, along with extra propulsion and speed. Its olfactory senses are the strongest, but it has excellent hearing. Its vision is said to be better underwater than on at the surface, but few have ever lived to tell the tale as to whether or not that is true.
Cultural Significance
One of the native giant reptiles of Solunarium, the purussaurus is highly respected and admired to by the local populace. It is forbidden to harm one, except in self-defense, and they are not seen very often. It is considered an omen if one does - if the jaws are open, good luck is expected. If the jaws are closed, ill tidings are foretold.
Reasons to Interact
There are precious few reasons to interact with a purussaurus. It is forbidden to harm them, but sailing on the Vasta in smaller crafts runs the risk of attracting their attention and whetting their appetite. Their hides are extremely durable, but difficult to work with due to the thickness and toughness.
Recommended Stats
The sheer size of this beast demands caution and well-honed skills. Animal Handling - Master is required to survive the encounter if caught in water by one. Offensive ranged magic requires journeyman level, and offensive ranged weapons at expert, to kill if needed.
