The Xlorlane
The Xlorlane or pod-headed terror beast is one of the most feared creatures known to roam the land. This massive creature is capable of destruction on a wide scale, most do not know of it's existence, and those that do utter it's name in hushed tones. The Xlorlane is a member of a once powerful race of warriors. Over the eons, they have declined into small pockets of civilization that have survived in the darkest and most dangerous places in the known lands.
One of these creatures is threat enough, the Xlorlane are usually encountered in small bands of 3-12 creatures. Xlorlane are warriors and usually will attack other groups of warriors on sight unless they are obviously out-matched. Xlorlane tend to inhabit abandoned castles and dungeons-they like walls and structure, Seldom will any Xlorlane be encountered in a cave or other natural underground lair. The Xlorlane are not on friendly terms with any race, even other subterranean races reputed for their evil ways do not like the Xlorlane. The Xlorlane hate all other life and will seek to destroy it when ever it is encountered. The Xlorlane are fierce fighters and prefer a straight fight. They are skilled in weapon craft and use, for they will employ heavy swords and axes ideal for cleaving and chopping attacks. Xlorlane do not take captives nor do they expect any mercy from their enemies-they fight all out to the death.
Battle tactics:
The Xlorlane have many weapons at their disposal and they use them all for deadly effect. The Xlorlane will attack with an ax or sword and then strike the same opponent with their pod heads, if they survive this onslaught then they will bite their opponent with their huge maw. Xlorlane are organized in their conflicts, they will gang-up on a opponent 2 or 3 on one in an effort to destroy then a quickly as possible. They will adapt to the battle at hand, developing fresh tactics as the need arises. If one opponent is notably more dangerous than others they are singled out to be put down as quickly as they can.
Habitat:
Xlorlane will tend to inhabit underground lairs. They are not skilled in construction themselves, so it will usually be a ruin or other abandoned structure that has an extensive underground complex. They have no aversion to light, subterranean dwellings are just preferred over others. Xorlane have be known to move into a place by force to claim it as their own. They tend to inhabit temperate climes, Xlorlane are never found in desert or snow.
Life Cycle:
Xlorlane live for a very long time, usually for several hundred years before they die of old age. Due to their life style however they seldom live very long at all, most of them die in combat. Xlorlane live in small bands of 10-50 members equal numbers of males and females in the group. Both males and females are equal fighters and an equal number of them will be encountered in their patrols as well as in their lair. The females give birth in the spring to a clutch of eggs. several eggs are laid (about 50-100) but only a few will survive to adulthood. The Young are protected by the whole group until they reach the age of 50 when they mature.
Description:
Xlorlane are large and muscular humanoids that range from 7-9 ft tall. They are broad chested and covered in scales that range in brown to deep green in color. The Xlorlane have long arms that are covered in thicker scales and small spikey protrusions. The Xlorlane have a very large head, on the top are three mouth pods that writhe about on the Xlorlane's head on flexible stalks. The Xlorlane also has a large central mouth that has several rows of teeth much like a lizard. The eyes of the Xlorlane are located on the forward flanks of it's head, it has eyes similar to a snake and can see well in the dark. The Xlorlane are densely packed with scaly hide and powerful muscle, the average Xlorlane being 8 ft tall and weighing around 800 pounds.