Kaukariki

Kaukariki

(Creature)

Type

Magical beast

CR

1

Environment

Warm forests (Castrovel)

Alignment

LG	NG	CG
LN	N	CN
LE	NE	CE

Source: Temple of the Twelve, pg(s). 56

Kaukarikis, also called stingbats, are arboreal, inquisitive simian pests native to Castrovel.

Appearance

Kaukarikis have a small sac near the tip of their tail, where they store the toxins that they separated from their poisonous food.

Ecology

Kaukarikis glide from tree to tree on the canopy, migrating across their territory wherever food is available. Primarily frugivores, they are also opportunistic eaters and are willing to consume insects, leaves, bark and meat if available. Particularly large troops, especially those led by a new alpha female, usually hunt modestly-sized prey and share the meat to reinforce the bond between individual members.

When threatened, kaukarikis often rally themselves and swarm the attacker with their stinger tail. Since few predators are willing to risk the venom, kaukarikis often incite each other to boldly harass others to establish a pecking order within the troop. This venom is not produced by the kaukarikis themselves, but by the toxic fruits that they eat; the kaukarikis' digestive system separates the venom so it could be stored near their tail.

Female kaukarikis choose mates during a massive feast: the more a male eats, the more desirable he is in the eyes of the females. The alpha female is allowed to choose her mate first, followed by those that she allows to. Mating without permission often causes a female to be attacked, driven off and left to fend for herself.

Society

Kaukarikis are most common on Ukulam, and have also adapted to the urban environment of Asana. The lashuntas usually prefer to disperse kaukarikis back to the wild, but are willing to take more drastic measures if their number grows out of hand, especially in the famous orchards of southern Asana where kaukarikis can be a massive pest.