Snallygaster Subspecies
M. obscurus, lit. “dark falsehood”
Region: Theavia
Region: Theavia
Physical Traits
Cavern snallygasters are the mimics of darklings, and take after birds such as owls, nightjars, and corvids for their torsos. As with other species of snallygasters, they take after the respective colouring of the species they mimic, being dark in tone with the rare splash of colour from their mimicked bird species.
They feature a rough, shaggy mane of fur down their neck, back, and tail, and a light dusting of fur on their wings as well. Their wings are batlike in nature and do not fray easily. They have six hollow sockets where a darkling’s eyes would normally be. Due to their hunting nature, their talons are incredibly sharp and can easily tear through thick fabrics. It is often noted that darkling snallygasters have stringy and thin feathers, albeit not quite frail.
Cavern snallygasters are crepuscular and have considerably sharp night vision, sense of smell, and hearing to capture prey before they lay to rest for the night.
The average height of a cavern snallygaster is 4’ at the withers
They feature a rough, shaggy mane of fur down their neck, back, and tail, and a light dusting of fur on their wings as well. Their wings are batlike in nature and do not fray easily. They have six hollow sockets where a darkling’s eyes would normally be. Due to their hunting nature, their talons are incredibly sharp and can easily tear through thick fabrics. It is often noted that darkling snallygasters have stringy and thin feathers, albeit not quite frail.
Cavern snallygasters are crepuscular and have considerably sharp night vision, sense of smell, and hearing to capture prey before they lay to rest for the night.
The average height of a cavern snallygaster is 4’ at the withers
Behaviour
Cavern snallygasters can form loose social groups and are observed to show communion with one another. They do not hunt as a pack, preferring to be solitary, yet they will bring fresh kill back to their small community to feed the rest. If the social group has trust in each other, each member will tend to the young hatchlings equally, and take watch in what is assumed to be shifts. Due to this, they are protective of their offspring and the others in their shared dens.
Despite this, it is far more common for them to live on their own or possibly with a partner. Their young are less guarded, but significantly more well-fed without the competition, as are the adults. Snallygasters without a family often leave the remains of their meal wherever they caught it, not bothering to take it home to an empty nest.
Young cavern snallygasters rarely return to their home nest after reaching maturity, instead leaving and making their own home. When they do, they carry recognition for who their parents are and can identify other family members by scent.
Cavern snallygasters are ambush predators, and tend to avoid the common paths of humans and dragons alike. However, they are not against turning one into a meal, should it be something they confidently believe they can take down. They are not quite docile, but it is possible to pass by one without being injured. Interaction, however, will surely get you killed if you are not well prepared.
Despite this, it is far more common for them to live on their own or possibly with a partner. Their young are less guarded, but significantly more well-fed without the competition, as are the adults. Snallygasters without a family often leave the remains of their meal wherever they caught it, not bothering to take it home to an empty nest.
Young cavern snallygasters rarely return to their home nest after reaching maturity, instead leaving and making their own home. When they do, they carry recognition for who their parents are and can identify other family members by scent.
Cavern snallygasters are ambush predators, and tend to avoid the common paths of humans and dragons alike. However, they are not against turning one into a meal, should it be something they confidently believe they can take down. They are not quite docile, but it is possible to pass by one without being injured. Interaction, however, will surely get you killed if you are not well prepared.
Habitat
Cavern snallygasters are omnivorous, and feast of plants and prey. Fruit tends to be smaller meals, as meat is more fulfilling. They are not migratory and do not follow prey when they relocate, and as such their diet adjusts over the seasons. They are resistant to poisons found in nightshade and hemlock and can eat them without issue.
Diet
Dens are usually made in caves or darkened forests and are often guarded by thorns manufactured into walls. Nests are a mixture of twine, branches, and clay packed together with feathers and fur in an expert fashion, and prove to withstand the tests of time and weather.
Ranging from the north eastern territory of the Land of Rivers to darkling and northern sundrake territory, finding remnants of prey left behind is a common occurrence.
Ranging from the north eastern territory of the Land of Rivers to darkling and northern sundrake territory, finding remnants of prey left behind is a common occurrence.
Ecological Relations
By human standards, cavern snallygasters would be considered aloof as they have little interaction with civilizations around them. They keep to themselves outside of hunting and are scarcely seen in settlements. Despite this, they may be blamed for disappearances of smaller individuals who wandered into their territory. They are generally elusive, and are not highly territorial.
Rarity
While scattered, cavern snallygasters have a relatively healthy population, and currently show no signs of endangerment. Nests often have two to three eggs per season, and the survival rate is high.
M. fulgur, lit. “false lightning”
Region: Cyr
Region: Cyr
Physical Traits
Dune snallygasters mimic stormheralds, and have the features of birds such as vultures and condors. Much like them, they have primarily dark colours with brighter coloured edging on their scales. They may have splashes of red-orange in their feathers should they take after bearded vultures.
Their wings are feathered and carry the same sharp edging as stormheralds’, though are less durable and wear out sometime after a molt. In terms of scales, they are much weaker compared to the dragon they get them from, and can be pierced with a standard sword or bullet. Their tails are thick and weigh them down, leading to slower flight than the other species of snallygaster present in the realm.
Their talons are sharp, but blunt easily. It is more of a threat if they bite someone as they contain a prominent amount of jaw strength, combined with sharp teeth and a beak, their bites can be lethal without a source of healing. They are heat resistant, though not immune. Unlike their draconic side, they do not conduct, generate, or channel electricity, and would most definitely perish if struck with a high charge of electricity.
Primarily diurnal, though it is not unheard of for some to adapt to a nocturnal lifestyle in light of the desert heat.
Dune snallygasters average about 4’6 in height at the withers. Males are closer to 4’ and less while females are closer to 5’ and have greater bulk
Their wings are feathered and carry the same sharp edging as stormheralds’, though are less durable and wear out sometime after a molt. In terms of scales, they are much weaker compared to the dragon they get them from, and can be pierced with a standard sword or bullet. Their tails are thick and weigh them down, leading to slower flight than the other species of snallygaster present in the realm.
Their talons are sharp, but blunt easily. It is more of a threat if they bite someone as they contain a prominent amount of jaw strength, combined with sharp teeth and a beak, their bites can be lethal without a source of healing. They are heat resistant, though not immune. Unlike their draconic side, they do not conduct, generate, or channel electricity, and would most definitely perish if struck with a high charge of electricity.
Primarily diurnal, though it is not unheard of for some to adapt to a nocturnal lifestyle in light of the desert heat.
Dune snallygasters average about 4’6 in height at the withers. Males are closer to 4’ and less while females are closer to 5’ and have greater bulk
Behaviour
Territorial and aggressive, an average dune snallygaster will not hesitate to attack a passerby that gets too close. They do not form social groups and live on a basis that could very well be considered “every man for himself.” Two snallygasters that wander too close to each other’s territory will fight to the death without any sense of mercy.
During mating season, dune snallygasters will fight a potential partner to submission. Should the male win, the couple will recognize each other as equals and mate. It is very common for some snallygasters to never mate in their life.
Offspring are not taught to hunt, and are instead shoved out of the nest on their own to figure it out for themselves.
During mating season, dune snallygasters will fight a potential partner to submission. Should the male win, the couple will recognize each other as equals and mate. It is very common for some snallygasters to never mate in their life.
Offspring are not taught to hunt, and are instead shoved out of the nest on their own to figure it out for themselves.
Habitat
Nests are typically found in sheltered areas where sandstorms are far less likely to reach them. They are constructed from stones and denser sand or soil the snallygasters dug up.
As their name suggests, dune snallygasters live in the deserts around Hovell and in stormherald territory. It is very rare to find one near the jungle or around the Spire.
As their name suggests, dune snallygasters live in the deserts around Hovell and in stormherald territory. It is very rare to find one near the jungle or around the Spire.
Diet
Dune snallygasters are carnivorous and highly predatory, though they may consume plants such as butterfly cactus should they not be able to otherwise find food. They prey on creatures living within the desert, including plated haskus after breaking through the tough scutes. Similar to some species of vulture, they will break and eat bones as well.
Ecological Relations
Dune snallygasters very rarely go near civilization, though they do cause problems for nomadic stormheralds and visitors to the Wastes. Their sparse number leaves little ecological impact on most of the desert otherwise.
Rarity
The population appears stable, though is low in number compared to the size of the region they dwell in. Individual dune snallygasters may have never once had contact with their neighbours in their entire life. Nests are single offspring.
M. lunaris, lit. “lunar falsehood”
Region: Theavia
Region: Theavia
Physical Traits
Mimicking moonvipers, illustrus snallygasters carry the same metallic sheen to what scales they have. Whiskers are much shorter and have frayed yet sharp barbs at the ends instead of the frill moonvipers have themselves. Similarly, the frill down their neck and back also feature this barbed texture. The birds they take after are cranes, herons, and other wading birds. They do not, however, have the upright posture typically associated with them, walking more like long-legged eagles.
Overall, they are very long and wiry in comparison to other snallygaster species. They are known to use constricting methods when hunting prey and have jaw structure similar to a snake to swallow them whole. A method to survive an attack is to strike an illustrus snallygaster beneath the jaw as the shock temporarily paralyzes them.
The average illustrus snallygaster is 3’ at the withers
Overall, they are very long and wiry in comparison to other snallygaster species. They are known to use constricting methods when hunting prey and have jaw structure similar to a snake to swallow them whole. A method to survive an attack is to strike an illustrus snallygaster beneath the jaw as the shock temporarily paralyzes them.
The average illustrus snallygaster is 3’ at the withers
Behaviour
Illustrus snallygasters are disinterested in people and dragons, and are passive if not provoked. They will not accept any food that one tries to give them, and when provoked they will attack as a group. They will form groups of anywhere between 5 and 15 other snallygasters, and live a semi-social life. Food is shared evenly between the group and chicks are kept well-fed.
Offspring are carefully raised but must learn to hunt and feed themselves after a few months. At this point, adults will no longer help them, and until they can contribute to the flock they will not be fed.
Offspring are carefully raised but must learn to hunt and feed themselves after a few months. At this point, adults will no longer help them, and until they can contribute to the flock they will not be fed.
Habitat
Illustrus snallygasters live around Padwell, and trail into the southern regions of Tyr and the southern peninsula.
Diet
Illustrus snallygasters are primarily piscivorous, also feeding on snakes and wading birds. They will sit perfectly still and silent to catch their prey, sinking into the marshes and even staying underwater for extended periods of time to strike when the moment is perfect. Some may use their wings to create shade for fish to hide in, in similar fashion to some species of heron.
Ecological Relations
As they are passive creatures, they do little to inhibit nearby human and dragon life. As for fishermen in the area, they will find their resources depleted rather quickly if a flock finds their way over. It is discouraged to attack one due to their nature as groups, but some take the necessary route to protect their food source.
Rarity
Illustrus snallygasters have a low population and their dens are scattered far and wide. Nests typically house 2-4 eggs during mating season and about half of the hatchlings survive to adolescence.
M. polaris, lit. “polar falsehood”
Region: Theavia (Northern), Cyr (Southern
Region: Theavia (Northern), Cyr (Southern
Physical Traits
Saltwater snallygasters are split into two subspecies mimicking northern and southern shipwreckers. Whether they are, in fact, different subspecies is up for debate, as no interaction has been seen between them. Both suspected subspecies take after gulls, albatrosses, and other seabirds. Their horns are less prominent than the dragon they take after, and they lack blowholes. They cannot dive underwater for long periods of time.
Their blood runs incredibly thin and is light in colour. As they have no natural armour, they are incredibly susceptible to wounds.
M. polaris boreas, or the northern saltwater snallygaster, mimics northern shipwreckers as expected. Their narwhal-esque horns appear to take a subtle pronged appearance similar to the spiral of a conch shell. Their colouring is naturally in neutral tones.
M. polaris notos, on the other hand, mimics southern shipwreckers. Their horns are perfectly smooth and lack the characteristic hooks of a normal shipwrecker’s. Their colouring may be diluted but colourful.
The average saltwater snallygaster is about 3’6 at the shoulders
Their blood runs incredibly thin and is light in colour. As they have no natural armour, they are incredibly susceptible to wounds.
M. polaris boreas, or the northern saltwater snallygaster, mimics northern shipwreckers as expected. Their narwhal-esque horns appear to take a subtle pronged appearance similar to the spiral of a conch shell. Their colouring is naturally in neutral tones.
M. polaris notos, on the other hand, mimics southern shipwreckers. Their horns are perfectly smooth and lack the characteristic hooks of a normal shipwrecker’s. Their colouring may be diluted but colourful.
The average saltwater snallygaster is about 3’6 at the shoulders
Behaviour
Saltwater snallygasters are incredibly curious creatures that have a habit of biting every single thing that interests them. Due to this, “attacks” are quite common should they infiltrate civilized areas. This has a chain reaction that often gets the entire flock wiped out as they rush to their companion’s aid. Social groups are close-knit mix-and-matched families not bonded by blood. They are, otherwise, reckless from an outside perspective, though this is the result of a playful nature. Should someone approach them, however, they would be perceived as a threat and attacked.
Northern saltwater snallygasters are notably calmer, but their attitude is still the same.
Chicks are raised by the group and wander out on their own after becoming self-sufficient to join or form their own flocks.
Northern saltwater snallygasters are notably calmer, but their attitude is still the same.
Chicks are raised by the group and wander out on their own after becoming self-sufficient to join or form their own flocks.
Habitat
The northern saltwater snallygaster lives in northern Theavia, notably around Dutoria. They scarcely venture into the chillier regions but can survive several days without food or water in those conditions. Nests are typically made from arranged stone and branches from whichever evergreen they decided to fell.
Southern saltwater snallygasters live in western Cyr, making nests out of stone and sand along the coastline and often venturing too close to civilization.
Southern saltwater snallygasters live in western Cyr, making nests out of stone and sand along the coastline and often venturing too close to civilization.
Diet
Saltwater snallygasters are piscivores and rarely deviate from their diet. Chicks will eat whatever scraps they can find should they be left unattended. They hunt in a similar fashion to seals.
Ecological Relations
Due to their curious nature, they infiltrate small towns and settlements to raid fish storages and otherwise cause problems with their biting habits. Their thinned blood leads to many casualties in fights, and some actively hunt them for their unusually game-like fish taste. They are easy prey but just as vicious predators.
Rarity
Uncommon snallygasters, their nests can be seen scattered across untouched beaches and forests. Nests hold 1-6 eggs at a time, survival rate is questionable at best. Whether they are risking extinction or not is also questionable.
M. incendius, lit. “false fire”
Region: Isle of Fire
Region: Isle of Fire
Physical Traits
Scalding snallygasters take after poultry such as chickens, pheasants, and quail, and mimic fireworms in their appearance. Spines are sharp and hooked, while vents are nonexistent, even false ones. The edging of their wings looks more torn than arched. Horns are often wildly curved and are known to twist into ways that can kill the individual as with goats.
Scalding snallygasters average 4’ in height.
Scalding snallygasters average 4’ in height.
Behaviour
Without means for human interaction, scalding snallygasters are reclusive and avoid what civilization there is. They are not territorial and flee from a conflict, but will fight with dignity when threatened. They do not form social groups.
Offspring are raised and leave the nest on their own.
Offspring are raised and leave the nest on their own.
Habitat
Scalding snallygasters make their nests out of whatever they may find and otherwise live throughout the Isle where they are not slain on the regular.
Diet
Their diet consists of both plants and animals as omnivores, and they eat what they can find with no level of pickiness.
Ecological Relations
Their relationship with the fireworms on the island and whatever visitors they receive varies from brutal and antagonistic to standoffish unless provoked. They avoid civilizations like the plague.
Rarity
Their population is sparse and scattered. Average nest size is 2-3 chicks.
M. apricus, lit. “sunny falsehood”
Region: Theavia
Region: Theavia
Physical Traits
- Mimic sundrakes
- Fins wear out and turn into barren spines over time
- Lack iridescence but keep the bright colours
- Fins wear out and turn into barren spines over time
- Take after songbirds
- Average 4’ tall at the withers
Behaviour
- Highly territorial
- Do not form social groups
- Raise their hatchlings and then kick them out of the nest
Habitat
- In the less lived-in regions of Tyr, particularly forests
- Nests are woven branches
Diet
- Carnivorous
- Will actively hunt caffeinated haskus during coffee season
Ecological Relations
- Very poor response to infiltrators and will attack on sight
- Get into territorial disputes with cavern snallygasters and illustrus snallygasters
Rarity
- Considerably rare, endangerment unknown
- Nests are only 1 or 2 chicks with low survival rates
M. ventus, lit. “false wind”
Region: Cyr
Region: Cyr
Physical Traits
- Takes after hawks, falcons, and eagles, and mimics windwyrms
- Looks like an oversized sharp-toothed bird
- Unlike other snallygasters, they mimic the bird 1:1 in patterns
- Average 5’6 in height
Behaviour
- Highly aggressive and territorial
- Fight to the death similarly to dune snallygasters
- Cruel parents, raise a chick just old enough so they can hunt on their own and then scare them off for good
Habitat
- Northern ironbrook and partially into windwyrm territory
Diet
- Strictly carnivorous and will scavenge
Ecological Relations
- Regularly avoided by ironbrookians as they will maim on sight
- Windwyrms have a confusing relationship with them as they mimic birds
- Still often hunted and even seen as a trophy in some areas
- Occasionally perceived as a wayward spirit that they try to scare off
- Still often hunted and even seen as a trophy in some areas
Rarity
- Rare and low population, but long lifespan
- One egg nests
M. profundum, lit. “abyss falsehood”
Region: Theavia, Cyr
Region: Theavia, Cyr
Physical Traits
- Mimic tidekeepers but lack glowing markings
- Penguins are the bird they take after
- Can dive underwater for extended periods of time; gills are functional
- Average 3’ in height
Behaviour
- Have the attitude of abyssal tidekeepers with wanting to consume everything in sight
- Scientific name echoes this fact
- Scientific name echoes this fact
- Do not form social groups or lasting bonds
- Chicks hatch and grow on their own more like snakes than bird
Habitat
- Coasts of Theavia and Cyr
- No nests have been found
Diet
- Carnivorous
- Will eat plants if they need sustenance
- Will eat plants if they need sustenance
Ecological Relations
- Actively hunted by several nations as they attack every living being in sight
- Fall prey to leviathans and wraiths often
Rarity
- Uncommonly found inland, very rarely found at sea
- Unknown nest size
M. saltu, lit. “jungle falsehood”
Region: Cyr
Region: Cyr
Physical Traits
- Mimic springsingers and tropical birds
- Very colourful as a result
- Very colourful as a result
- Lack springsinger scales and instead have shimmery smooth skin
- Have retractable fangs and a venomous bite
- Not lethal in the slightest, similar to a bug bite
- Not lethal in the slightest, similar to a bug bite
- Extremely sensitive hearing
- Only average 1’ in height at the withers
Behaviour
- Not hostile but on the defensive
- Will attack if one wrong move is made
- Will also scatter like roaches if a loud noise is made
- Will attack if one wrong move is made
- Form large flocks
- Care for their chicks and raise them alongside the flock
- Chicks rarely leave the flock after entering adulthood
- Chicks rarely leave the flock after entering adulthood
Habitat
- The jungle, especially in the Overgrown Mountains
- Nests have not been found
Diet
- Contrary to other types of snallygaster, they are vegetarian
- Mainly lives off of fruit and poisonous plants with resistance to the toxin
- Mainly lives off of fruit and poisonous plants with resistance to the toxin
Ecological Relations
- Avoid population and loud noises
- Will follow a traveler through their territory to assess the threat
- Will leave without harming if they are not deemed one
- Will otherwise corner and attack the threat ruthlessly
- Will leave without harming if they are not deemed one
Rarity
- Very common
- Population is dense in the southern parts of the jungle
- Nest size unknown; predicted to be around 5-7
