It seems to be a giant turtle with a long neck. One expects it to be slow. However, it is one of the most effective predators in the rivers, deltas, and swamps of Vireland.
Full Description
Karnan are large semi-aquatic creatures that favor river deltas, but can be found in swamps and rivers.
The Body covered by its 'shell' (which is actually a thick hide rather than a hard shell) is usually a meter to a meter and a half in length (three to five feet), with the width being two thirds the length. Its long flexible neck is normally about a meter long. Its four long flexible legs, ending in strong webbed claws, are normally half a meter in length. The weight averages around 200kgs (450 lbs).
Because it looks something like a turtle, people expect it to be slow. On land, it can 'sprint' for short distances faster than a buck or other forest herd creature. It is faster than an alligator or hippo in the water (in the sprint). Its general speed is a bit slow in comparison to its prey or other animals (but still faster than a human). They are known for suprise strikes with their long necks from under the water.
The long neck and large rows of teeth make a Karnan bite quite dangerous. It's flexible neck allows it to hold its prey in its strong claws, then take bites out of it. Its dietary habits are much like a bears, meat when it can get it, plants when it can't.
The shell of dense hide, rather than a thin bonelike shell, is a good thumb length in thickness. It is used as armor for some native peoples who do not use metal, and cookwear by others (waterproof and such).
Additional Information
A good use for Karnan is eating them before they eat you, your horse, or your dog.
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This article links to 1
- A Dash of Salt ScorpionJinx linked by MoonHunter
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This is my comment. I need to remember to link this to the Dash of Salt
Turtle with attitude. :)
Rolling on Floor Laughing My Ass Off
Like a big snapping turle (only faster and with teeth instead of a beak). I like the idea of using it as cookware.
Updated: took out odd characters
Well, I have heard that turtle has something like seven different kinds of meat, since eating turtles is a bit of a popular thing in rural Tennessee. Seeing as the biggest turtle I have seen around here is about a one to one and a half pounder that seems like too much work. Now seeing that karnan is a bit larger, I could very well see some people going out to gig themselves a few karns for dinner.
Yep, but unlike Turtles, these critters can hunt you back. So it is like hunting Gator or Bear. Sure, if you're careful and know the drill, you can get one, but... not something the inexeperienced or overly drunk should do.
Actually, it's a turtle on steroids. :)
Nice reminder of how deceptive can nature be. I can imagine that if noticed from afar, this turtle would be just _very slow_ ('Hey! Look at that big one! Walk carefully, and we have dinner.'), then suddenly drop the weed she had been mechanically chewing on, revealing a row of sharp teeth...
Turtle Soup, etc with the possibility of grevious personal injury. Whats not to love :)