Kha'eshan Bestiary- Stridilus

The Stridilus is a medium-sized, bipedal herbivore native to the more arid regions of the Eruth Continent. It is also the larger relative to the diminutive Speedilus. Both reptiles have evolved into bipedal forms to travel long distances faster.

Being reptiles allows these creatures to conserve water better and to find food in arid environments. A mammal of the same size and build would succumb to heat dehydration much faster. These reptiles are also able to extract water from the plants they consume (typically choosing leafy desert plants, if they manage to find them). In particularly dire conditions, they can also find and dig out tubers, which are usually full of water.

The Stridilus most often travel in small groups of anywhere between 4 and 7 individuals. While it increases competition for resources, a gregarious lifestyle also provides one important thing: safety. While less abundant and less diverse than in the coastal grasslands, the arid regions of Eruth also have formidable predators… ones that wouldn't mind snacking on a conveniently-sized meal. While their scales protect them from smaller aggressors, if a larger predator shows itself, the only solution is to run. This is where those extra pairs of eyes can truly make a difference between life and death.