The Last Harvest

Observations on the Droxa

Notes by:  Benjamin Hopkins

The New Worlde has been a land of great surprise and marvel, one which never ceases to produce wonders. Though many wonders could be discussed about the native peoples, the abundance of resource, or the nature of history and government, one of the first and greatest wonders are the native fauna. Amongst these numerous beasts, none commands more fear and respect than the mighty droxa, a creature unlike any before observed in the Olde Worlde.

Droxa are large, bipedal retiles of approximate body mass to cocodrilles, but of distinctly different build. Their heads are box-shaped and they are short jawed, being well enforced with powerful muscle and many teethe. There are two pair of large teethe in the front of the jaw of roughly 6 inch size, and otherwise both jaws are lined with shorter teethe of rouhgly 3 inch size. They have large eyes which are quite alert and allow for more decent vision than usually considered of other reptiles, and the eyes are surronded by bony, scaly protrusions. The head is large, and a droxa could likely eat a small dog whole, or in two bites.

One of two great curiosities of the beast is the posture of the droxa, which while not fully erect like those of the Council, is far from stooping and bellydragging like an cocodrilles. The legs are well tucked along side the body instead of protruding like other reptiles. Thus, the creature does not lazily drag about, but instead it as before mentions moves about on its hind legs in a semi-hunched fashion, balancing the weight of its forebody with its large, thick tail. This allows the droxa a considerable degree of speed and agility, and also opens up its forearms as formidable killing toops. The foot is four-toed, and the stride is made by splitting the toes into two groups of two and moving like a Y in the common language. There is a fifth toe attached to what is seemingly the ankle of the beast.

The other marvel is indeed these forearms, which are not used for motion but instead as wreapons. Muscular and lithe, the arms are about the length of a grown mans, but considerably stronger. Even more remarkable are the large claws on each hand. Used for rending its prey, the droxa uses its jaws and forearms to attack its prey, and the beast is quite capable of tearing the limb off of any living beast. Furthermore, the creature is also known to pin its prey with its mouth, and using its thick tail as support, kick and slash at the underbelly with one of its hind legs.

Droxa are of course flesh-eaters, and are some of the most dominant and populous predators in the area of Corsotha. They are frequently found alone or in small groups of two or three, and unique among reptiles, hen they hunt in groups theyare capable of coordinating themselves, though not as well as a pack of wolves. They do however possess a pack nstinct, and will not attack one another if they are working together.

It takes an extremely competent armsmen to fight one of these creatures alone, and more often, a group is required to safely bring the beast down. Sheilds are a strong defense against the beast. Though they are not nearly as intelligent as more sentient creatures, they possess a wholly different mentality than animals common to the Olde Worlde,and clerics of the Mistress have a difficult time taming the droxa. Theyare of considerable fortitude,and the thick scaly hide which covers all of their body affords considerable protection to an already hearty beast. If found alone, it is advisable to seek shelter in a building, though they are strong enough to force an unlocked door. Though not certain, they seem incapable to climbing trees, but they are persistent hunters and it is likely one would die of thirst trying to wait out the beast.

The name droxa comes from the native elves of this land, and no Olde Worlde equivalent has been put forth, finding the name ample enough and not wishing to create casualties due to a miscommunication.