Rooteaters

Across all of Altera, few threats born of The Fracturing have been as significant, or widespread, as the Rooteaters. Emerging from the underground throught the many rifts found across the world, these creatures are universally hostile to all life across Altera, and many believe them to be an extension of the force behind the Fracturing. While the people of Altera have learned to combat these creatures, the Rooteaters remain a constant threat throughout the world, and are the greatest threat plaguing the Broken Band and beyond.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The anatomy of the Rooteaters varies greatly between subspecies, ranging from humanoid, to quadrupedal, to arthropoidal, to avian. Despite this, some physical traits are common across all species, such as root-like "muscles" covered by dark chitin, clawed extremities, and multiple eyes.

Biological Traits

Dregg: The smallest and most numerous species of Rooteater. Possess a humanoid build, but tend to move about on all fours. While individually weak, Dreggs frequently move in large groups.

Scourge: Humanoid Rooteaters equal in height to the average Alteran. Have a robust build, and are intelligent enough to make use of rudimentary weapons.

Prowlers: Tiger/jaguar-like Rooteaters with a bladed tail. Are extremely stealthy, and are most commonly found within the jungles of the Broken Band, or especially dense forests.

Earthshaker: A large, bull-like Rooteater covered in armour-like plating. Typically found in open plains.

Behemoth: A large, bear/lion-like Rooteater known for occupying deserts, savannahs, and arctic fields.

Bane: Large, humanoid Rooteaters. Possess intelligence on par with Scourges.

Shriekers: Small Rooteaters resembling winged serpents. Operate in large swarms.

Dreadwings: Large, wyvern-like Rooteaters. Considered by many to be the apex predators of the skies.

Reapers: Large, mantis-like Rooteaters. Typically found in deep forests and jungles.

Sandstalkers: Large, scorpion-like Rooteaters known for their ambush tactics. Typically found in deserts.

Deepcrawlers: Large, centipede-like Rooteaters. While typically confined to the underground, they have occassionally risen to the surface.

Broodmother: Massive, spider/crab-like Rooteaters. Acting as "hive queens", these Rooteaters exert some form of influence over other Rooteaters, and never seem to leave their lairs.

Titans: Colossal Rooteaters that vary in appearance, and possess immense destructive power. Only a handful of these Rooteaters have ever been seen since the Fracturing.

Nidhir: Humanoid Rooteaters slightly taller than an average Alteran, with a somewhat draconic appearance. Possess high intelligence, as well as a number of abilities similar to the Rootwardens, effectively making them a counter to them.

Genetics and Reproduction

It's unknown how the Rooteaters reproduce, though the most common theory is that they hatch from eggs laid by the Broodmothers.

Growth Rate & Stages

It's believed that some Rooteaters are "evolved" forms of weaker Rooteaters (Dreggs - Scourges - Banes, Shriekers - Dreadwings), though no one knows how these evolutions might be triggered.

Ecology and Habitats

The Rooteaters can be found in nearly every type of environment, particularly those where the influence of the Ygdril is diminished.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Rooteaters can eat almost anything, though they prefer consuming whatever living beings they've killed, or attempting to feed on the magic of the Ygdril through its Amber.

Behaviour

All Rooteaters are universally hostile towards all other life. Strangely, they don't seem to display any such aggression to the Blighted.

Additional Information

Social Structure

All Rooteaters follow a dominance heirarchy, answering to whichever of their kind in the region they consider to be the strongest. Naturally, Broodmothers and Nidhir are universally considered to be leadership figures among the Rooteaters.

Facial characteristics

Rooteater facial structures vary among subspecies, though all Rooteaters possess sharp mandibles and four eyes.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Rooteaters can be found throughout Altera, though they are most common in the underground, the Broken Band, and the Shattered Lands.

Average Intelligence

Most Rooteaters possess animal level intelligence, though some are intelligent enough to make use of rudimentary weapons, while the Nidhir are as intelligent as a typical Alteran, sometimes more so.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Rooteaters have sharp senses of sight, hearing, and smell.

Lifespan

Rooteaters don't seem to have any upper limit to their age.

Average Physique

Despite their varied physical forms, all Rooteaters have strong physiques.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Most Rooteaters a black and dark purple colouration.