Physical Characteristics
Fustornises are tall, bulky creatures covered in armor plates front to back. At an average of 2.8 meters tall, they’re imposing creatures, with spiky backs and downward-facing spikes on their shoulders, thick claws on their hands and even more spikes behind their heads. Their arms and legs are thick, and a thick tail ends in a spiked club.
Fustornises have dark skin, typically with a green or brown tint, thick and almost as tough as their armored plates. They have thick, tall heads, though some have longer and sleeker heads, with dark, sunken eyes that are hard to see. Their long, hooked snout have nostrils at the end and a spiked mouth. Two spikes jutting out the sides of their heads are actually ears; their hearing is much better than the rest of their senses. They make good guards who are able to hear intruders coming.
Fustornises only live about 60 years, fully mature around 20, though they’re often quite short until around 15. Their spikes and plates can break off and never grow back, but they can take a lot of punishment before they do break. They lay tough, durable eggs that can withstand falling over a meter, and are born with their armored plates.
History and Culture
From the swamps and mountains of Berros, Fustornises formed small tribes and villages for many years. They never created a unified culture, and were more likely to push their way into other societies. Once there some would prove themselves through jobs that require hard work and strength, but many were hired as bodyguards, utilizing their strength and a willingness to beat up people.
Though fustornises usually work for others as opposed to being in charge, some are quite intelligent. They don’t work well together naturally, however, and will typically look out for themselves rather than try to lead or work together. This isn’t universal, but it is certainly their reputation.
Despite their rough nature the species is quite religious, with some estimates putting upwards of 99% of the fustornis population ascribing to some form of religion. A large percentage of them ascribe to one of the old religions, too, although given their low numbers compared to most species that doesn’t add up to a lot.
Duth Olec's Cuckoo Cosmos 