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Description

The Ammit is a species of reptile that is found upon the arid continent, their range spanning deserts and savannas, with a preference for areas that have water sources nearby. Their main love is rivers, either dwelling in or around them. Though some may find their bodies awkward in appearance, they are actually good both on land and in water. While they do spend a chunk of time hiding in water, they aren't really swimmers. Instead, they actually walk along the bottom of the lake or river, using their legs to push them along or shoot themselves up to the surface for air or prey. On land, their strong legs allow them to move in explosive bursts, suddenly rushing prey and taking them down before they can properly react. Even when not hunting, they can trot along at a decent pace, conserving their energy for when they need to lunge at an opportunity. Their lives both in and out of the water is said to be fitting for a species of their appearance, looking to be a fusion of three different creatures. They are said to have the pride and speed of a lion, the cunning and patience of a crocodile, and the strength and anger of a hippopotamus. While this description makes them two parts mammal and one part reptile, they are just pure reptile. Their body is covered in a variety of scales and colors, which can give the impression of fur sometimes at a distance. The mane they have is not hair, but long tendril-like scales that are more soft and floppy compared to the reptile scales most people are used to. Even the "spots" on them are nothing more than scutes. Their odd appearance have made people ask why they have such distinct sections to their body, looking like three animals stitched together. Currently, no solid answer has been given. Some believe that these different colors break up their silhouette when hiding and hunting. Others think it is meant to confuse prey, making them think they are a species they are not, and thus making them unprepared for the attack. Not the most flawless arguments, but that is what we got so far.

When it comes to diet, meat is what's on their menu. Ammit are carnivores, typically targeting large prey, like ungulates. Their hunting strategy varies when on land or water, but the basics are the same. They prefer to lie in wait and then burst forth with jaws wide open to seize prey in a crushing bite. On land, they hide within tall grass or brush, then charge in at high speed. Theses hunts last only a few seconds, as the Ammit are not meant for long distance sprinting. The point is to get prey down before they can pick up enough speed and distance to leave the hunter in the dust. They strike with tooth and claw, looking to wound the animal enough that they can't run. In some cases, Ammit have been seen simply ramming right into the fleeing prey, using their stocky bodies like battering rams. Anything to keep them from running away! When hunting in water, they take a page from the crocodile's book. They hide in the water, keeping perfectly still as prey approaches for a drink. When food gets close enough, they kick off with their muscular back legs and launch themselves forth. Jaws latch on and bite down hard, usually enough to end the hunt right there. In cases where prey rears back in time, they still aren't safe, as the Ammit may simply run out of the water to catch its meal. When prey is downed, they use their jaws and claws to tear chunks of flesh off to swallow whole. Their potent stomach acid lets them eat pretty much everything off of prey, thus little is left after they finish dining.

While they are powerful carnivores, they do appear to be quite social from time to time. An individual Ammit may spend a good chunk of time alone, focused on hunting for prey, but eventually they will meet up with more of their kind. Typically these hangouts will be around or in water, sticking close as a group. They will vocalize, groom and occasionally do some sparring, using this time to relax and develop relationships. It seems that it is during these meet ups where males and females will begin eyeing one another, getting an idea of who they want to hook up with when mating season comes. When the seasons get rough and food gets scarce, these gatherings may result in team ups where the Ammit will work together to bring down hardier prey. They will use a variety of tactics to go after species they don't normally hunt, all in the hopes of scoring a meal in these trying times. Teamwork also occurs when pairs raise their young, as both the father and mother work to keep their offspring fed and safe. For a species with wicked speed and jaws, they can be surprisingly friendly and sociable. For some folk though, I am stating quite the obvious fact!

What I described certainly sounds like a dangerous beast, and I imagine there be quite a few people scared of a sprinting pair of reptilian jaws! However, if you were to talk to the locals, they would have a completely different view! For the people here, the Ammit is a beloved and sacred species, to the point where they have domesticated a breed of them. These Ammit can be pets, guards and hunting aids, working alongside the humans. Within the vast empire of this region, the Ammit is seen as a both a guardian and a judge, as they are believed to be able to sniff out wicked hearts. Those with foul intentions or tainted souls are said to enrage the Ammit who protect sacred temples and holy sites. Some Ammit are used to judge offenders, with criminals standing before one of these beasts and seeing if it chooses to kill them or spare them. What decides their fate is known only to this reptilian judge, with some claiming that it is body language and the stench of fear that can determine if it attacks, while others say it is pure luck. I wouldn't know, as I don't exactly plan on being put before that kind of court! Under the care of loving owners, Ammit can live much longer then their wild counterparts, and thus reach incredibly sizes. Ancient Ammit can live up to a century, and typically these larger specimens are the ones who are used in these judging ceremonies or are given offerings. In their religion, one of these beasts is used to judge the souls of the dead, devouring the hearts of those who are rife with sin.

It is an incredible thing to see, I must say, witnessing these great beasts working alongside the humans here. Those that have been domesticated are quite friendly, and can definitely show you some affection! I loved meeting them and getting a chance to see this relationship up close! However, I came off quite crazy to people back home when I talked about how incredible it would be to have one as a pet! I guess outsiders don't get it! Though, I must put in a warning, as these domesticated breeds of Ammit can give the wrong impression at times. Their friendly ways and ease around people is wonderful, but it can make one start attributing these characteristics to wild Ammit. People get it into their heads that all these reptiles are happy little buddies, and then get too close to one in the wild and get chomped. Don't make this mistake. No matter how cute or wonderful some creatures look in the wild, do remember that you are in the wild.

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

---------------------------------------------

Yeah she's still around, I am sure my slew of FOI stuff made some folk worry. Chlora entries do exist, and in the future I will probably do some back and forth more frequently between her stuff and FOI. Here is a personal favorite mythical monster!

Description

The Ammit is a species of reptile that is found upon the arid continent, their range spanning deserts and savannas, with a preference for areas that have water sources nearby. Their main love is rivers, either dwelling in or around them. Though some may find their bodies awkward in appearance, they are actually good both on land and in water. While they do spend a chunk of time hiding in water, they aren't really swimmers. Instead, they actually walk along the bottom of the lake or river, using their legs to push them along or shoot themselves up to the surface for air or prey. On land, their strong legs allow them to move in explosive bursts, suddenly rushing prey and taking them down before they can properly react. Even when not hunting, they can trot along at a decent pace, conserving their energy for when they need to lunge at an opportunity. Their lives both in and out of the water is said to be fitting for a species of their appearance, looking to be a fusion of three different creatures. They are said to have the pride and speed of a lion, the cunning and patience of a crocodile, and the strength and anger of a hippopotamus. While this description makes them two parts mammal and one part reptile, they are just pure reptile. Their body is covered in a variety of scales and colors, which can give the impression of fur sometimes at a distance. The mane they have is not hair, but long tendril-like scales that are more soft and floppy compared to the reptile scales most people are used to. Even the "spots" on them are nothing more than scutes. Their odd appearance have made people ask why they have such distinct sections to their body, looking like three animals stitched together. Currently, no solid answer has been given. Some believe that these different colors break up their silhouette when hiding and hunting. Others think it is meant to confuse prey, making them think they are a species they are not, and thus making them unprepared for the attack. Not the most flawless arguments, but that is what we got so far.

When it comes to diet, meat is what's on their menu. Ammit are carnivores, typically targeting large prey, like ungulates. Their hunting strategy varies when on land or water, but the basics are the same. They prefer to lie in wait and then burst forth with jaws wide open to seize prey in a crushing bite. On land, they hide within tall grass or brush, then charge in at high speed. Theses hunts last only a few seconds, as the Ammit are not meant for long distance sprinting. The point is to get prey down before they can pick up enough speed and distance to leave the hunter in the dust. They strike with tooth and claw, looking to wound the animal enough that they can't run. In some cases, Ammit have been seen simply ramming right into the fleeing prey, using their stocky bodies like battering rams. Anything to keep them from running away! When hunting in water, they take a page from the crocodile's book. They hide in the water, keeping perfectly still as prey approaches for a drink. When food gets close enough, they kick off with their muscular back legs and launch themselves forth. Jaws latch on and bite down hard, usually enough to end the hunt right there. In cases where prey rears back in time, they still aren't safe, as the Ammit may simply run out of the water to catch its meal. When prey is downed, they use their jaws and claws to tear chunks of flesh off to swallow whole. Their potent stomach acid lets them eat pretty much everything off of prey, thus little is left after they finish dining.

While they are powerful carnivores, they do appear to be quite social from time to time. An individual Ammit may spend a good chunk of time alone, focused on hunting for prey, but eventually they will meet up with more of their kind. Typically these hangouts will be around or in water, sticking close as a group. They will vocalize, groom and occasionally do some sparring, using this time to relax and develop relationships. It seems that it is during these meet ups where males and females will begin eyeing one another, getting an idea of who they want to hook up with when mating season comes. When the seasons get rough and food gets scarce, these gatherings may result in team ups where the Ammit will work together to bring down hardier prey. They will use a variety of tactics to go after species they don't normally hunt, all in the hopes of scoring a meal in these trying times. Teamwork also occurs when pairs raise their young, as both the father and mother work to keep their offspring fed and safe. For a species with wicked speed and jaws, they can be surprisingly friendly and sociable. For some folk though, I am stating quite the obvious fact!

What I described certainly sounds like a dangerous beast, and I imagine there be quite a few people scared of a sprinting pair of reptilian jaws! However, if you were to talk to the locals, they would have a completely different view! For the people here, the Ammit is a beloved and sacred species, to the point where they have domesticated a breed of them. These Ammit can be pets, guards and hunting aids, working alongside the humans. Within the vast empire of this region, the Ammit is seen as a both a guardian and a judge, as they are believed to be able to sniff out wicked hearts. Those with foul intentions or tainted souls are said to enrage the Ammit who protect sacred temples and holy sites. Some Ammit are used to judge offenders, with criminals standing before one of these beasts and seeing if it chooses to kill them or spare them. What decides their fate is known only to this reptilian judge, with some claiming that it is body language and the stench of fear that can determine if it attacks, while others say it is pure luck. I wouldn't know, as I don't exactly plan on being put before that kind of court! Under the care of loving owners, Ammit can live much longer then their wild counterparts, and thus reach incredibly sizes. Ancient Ammit can live up to a century, and typically these larger specimens are the ones who are used in these judging ceremonies or are given offerings. In their religion, one of these beasts is used to judge the souls of the dead, devouring the hearts of those who are rife with sin.

It is an incredible thing to see, I must say, witnessing these great beasts working alongside the humans here. Those that have been domesticated are quite friendly, and can definitely show you some affection! I loved meeting them and getting a chance to see this relationship up close! However, I came off quite crazy to people back home when I talked about how incredible it would be to have one as a pet! I guess outsiders don't get it! Though, I must put in a warning, as these domesticated breeds of Ammit can give the wrong impression at times. Their friendly ways and ease around people is wonderful, but it can make one start attributing these characteristics to wild Ammit. People get it into their heads that all these reptiles are happy little buddies, and then get too close to one in the wild and get chomped. Don't make this mistake. No matter how cute or wonderful some creatures look in the wild, do remember that you are in the wild.

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

---------------------------------------------

Yeah she's still around, I am sure my slew of FOI stuff made some folk worry. Chlora entries do exist, and in the future I will probably do some back and forth more frequently between her stuff and FOI. Here is a personal favorite mythical monster!