Chilotaurs

Chilotaurs resemble a cross between an human and a giant centipede. They vary in size but average between 140-290 feet in length. Their human halves have deeply tanned skin, pointed ears, and two long antennae protruding from their foreheads that are always in motion. Their function is to alert the chilotaur to any threat or food source nearby. They are very sensitive to movement to a range of about 60 feet, although males have a somewhat larger range in order to help them locate mates. Their centipede bodies are various shades of color ranging from a very light tan to deep black or red. The number of legs varies but most have around 40 pairs. The first pair of legs are actually a delivery system for a very nasty venom which is why most predators leave chilotaurs alone. The effects of the venom are paralysis followed by difficulty in breathing, and then death in a matter of minutes for human sized victims. Larger predators may escape with severe pain and nausea. However chilotaurs do have their weaknesses. They can’t stand bright light of any kind and prefer to avoid traveling in daylight if they can help it. They prefer dark ,moist environments and are usually found on the forest floor among the leafy litter, or in caves, or in ruined buildings.

Chilotaurs aren’t fussy about their diet. If it's slow enough to catch and small enough to be swallowed, it's lunch! Favorite food items include small mammals, flightless birds, reptiles of all descriptions and various fruits and vegetables. They are particularly fond of small arboreal frogs and don't seem to mind the skin secretions at all from the poisonous varieties. Although rare, it has been known for larger specimens to become man-eaters. These individuals can be a real hazard for adventurers exploring cave systems. Loners by nature, Chilotaurs prefer their own company and enjoy a nomadic existence. They get bored if forced to stay in one place for too long. Chilotaurs leave their parents at around their tenth year and strike out on their own, trusting in luck, their wits, and their strong venom to make their way in life. Chilotaurs are rather neutral by nature and don't favor one race over another. They are just as happy talking to Dridders and Succubi as they are to Humans and Nagas. They have a foot in every camp. ^^ If they have one general character flaw, it's that they often place too high a value on their own experiences and knowledge. Talking to a chilotaur means you will be bombarded with all sorts of advice and have to sort the good from the bad. They mean well of course.