Needletooth dinosaurs , sometimes called needlefang drakes , [1] are carnivorous dinosaurs who live and hunt in large groups, known as needletooth swarms . [2]
Description
Needletooth dinosaurs are vibrantly colored [2] and the size of an average cat [1] —only about 1 foot (30 centimeters) tall and weighing an average of 2 pounds (910 grams)—but they have proportionally very large and sharp fangs, from which they earn their name. [2]
Behavior
Needletooth dinosaurs are almost always encountered in a swarm, which travels along the ground like a brightly colored wave. They emit high-pitched whistling, chirping, and trilling noises, which, combined with their generally inquisitive and brave attitude, can give the impression that they are harmless or even adorable. However, in truth they are deadly and fearless predators who swarm and devour their prey like terrestrial piranhas. Even worse, they are known to be both crafty and patient when hunting their prey. [2]
Combat
A swarm will harass prey until it is time to strike, at which point it surrounds the victim and closes in from all directions. [2] They will swarm all over their target, tearing at the flesh with their teeth and attempting to drag the prey to the ground to eat it alive. [1] The prey quickly starts bleeding profusely, and becomes overwhelmed with distractions as the swarming continues. Humanoid prey struggle to do anything but try to get rid of the biting creatures. [2] If they manage to pull their victim to the ground, a swarm can strip it to the bone in a matter of seconds. [1]
One subspecies of needletooth found in northern Xen'drik also carries the red ache disease. [2]
Ecology
Needletooth dinosaurs are aggressive predators of land animals , although they are neither picky about what they eat nor scared of attacking creatures that are new or strange to them. [2] When hungry, they are utterly fearless and will charge directly at a potential meal, [1] and unfortunately, they are known for always being hungry. They are also territorial, but are known to chase prey for miles. [2]
Multiple swarms of needletooth dinosaurs can be encountered together, with large groups of up to eight distinct swarms known as prides. [2] In some cases, one or more swarms might follow around a black dragon wyrmling . [4]
Habitats
Inhabiting warm forests and jungles, needletooths are endemic to several regions of Eberron, such as northern Xen'drik . [2] In Q'barra , they hunt through the jungles and ruins, especially in Haka'torvhak and its environs. [2] [3] On Aerenal , they live in Dajar Orioth , called the Jungle of Daggers. [2]
Uses
It is not unheard of for swarms to be kept as living traps or—in some cases—as exotic pets. [1]
Appendix
Notes
Appearances
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- Adventures
External Links
- Needletooth article at the Forgotten Realms Wiki , a wiki for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Mike Mearls , Stephen Schubert , and James Wyatt (2008). Monster Manual (4th edition) . ( Wizards of the Coast ), p. 90. ISBN 0-7869-4852-3 .
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 Andrew Finch , Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel , Chris Perkins (August 2004). Monster Manual III . ( Wizards of the Coast ), p. 109. ISBN 0-7869-3430-1 .
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 David Noonan , Rich Burlew , & Frank Brunner (2005). Explorer's Handbook . ( Wizards of the Coast ), p. 148. ISBN 0-7869-3691-6 .
- ↑ Bruce R. Cordell , et al . (November 2008). Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons . Edited by Michele Carter , et al . ( Wizards of the Coast ), p. 180. ISBN 978-0-7869-4980-9 .
Connections
Template:Dinosaurs