Cave Venator

Venators are typically the thing that comes to mind when one thinks of dinosaurs. They are all the most dangerous of all their kin, easily often serving as the apex predators of their respective ecosystems. As dominant predators, there is little that will deter or frighten a Venator except for the presence of a creature of its strength and prowess. Venators tend to be solitary hunters; however, it is not uncommon for mated pairs to hunt together. Because of their predatory nature, they pose a great threat to any settlement that resides within their hunting grounds. As a result, many Venators are only found deep within the untamed wilderness of Rhymorra because any that venture too close to civilization are often killed due to the threat they pose. 

As their name suggests, Venators have a wide array of natural tools at their disposal to make them one of the best hunters in the animal kingdom of Rhymorra. Although some species use claws or poison to debilitate their prey, their most potent weapons are their powerful jaws, which are filled with dozens of teeth the size of swords. These teeth not only allow them to pierce through the toughest of hides but also locks down on their quarry, preventing its escape. 

Cave Venator. The Cave Venator is a rare and elusive Venator only found in the deep caverns of Rhymorra. Its adaptation to living underground has caused it to adapt in a number of ways. Firstly, it has developed a natural resistance to different forms of attacks common in the deep caverns such as poison and psychic energy. Although its eyesight has evolved to see in perpetual darkness, its feathers have evolved into sensitive quills that allow it to sense the movement of nearby creatures. This is particularly useful for tracking prey through the labyrinthine tunnels of the deep caverns of Rhymorra as well as hinting the arrival of the deep cavern’s deadlier inhabitants, such as Shadowtouched Rezakiri’s Vicious Ant forces. Another biological adaptation of the Cave Venator is bioluminescent skin which dampens the effects of magic. It also gives off an eerie glow that allows it to stun its prey or disorient dangerous predators, allowing it to make an escape. 

Cave Venator Tactics. Cave Venators almost always hunt in pairs as they mate for life. In fact, this tactic is almost a necessity for the deep caverns, as they aren’t the dominant predators as there are many hidden dangers lurking in the subterranean caverns. When hunting prey, Cave Venators communicate with one another using bioluminescent pulses. While signaling their prey, one attempts to distract or draw the attention of its prey using bioluminescent scales while its partner stalks in the shadows, completely hidden from view as its scales obscure it from the view of creatures even accustomed to seeing in the dark. When the Venators attack, the first of the pair typically sends a bright pulse of light to blind its prey while its partner rushes in to lock its jaws on the prey, running off with it if it is small enough. Before their prey can regain its senses, the first Venator rushes in to grab its prey while the other uses bioluminescence to blind any creatures that may have recovered. Once both Venators have their prey, they flee into the caverns to find a safe space to feast on their quarry safe from the threat of any other predators that would attempt to steal their prey or in some cases even hunt them.