The Mountain Creatures

The Cave Spider is a common creature to find in the mountains where the Ardri roam. The common Cave Spider is typically between 3-5 feet in diameter with a thick durable exoskeleton that is intended to protect the Spider should it fall from heights or have rocks fall upon it. They have a bulkier build than most spiders with fangs that can be more than a foot in length. Often in packs of a dozen or more these spiders will seek prey to drag back to a main cave system for feeding. Inside the main cave system awaits the Cave Spider Matron. The Cave Spider matrons are often four to five times larger than their common spawn and are remarkably long lived. Only the matrons can spin silk and they do not use it for webs but rather only for cocoons and such things. In a fight, a Matron will likely rely only upon her neurotoxic venom to neutralize her prey, although the matrons also have stinger located just behind their spinnerets. The matrons carapace is quite strong, the only exploitable weakpoints being at the joints between limbs, in the eyes, and a soft plate just beneath the abdomen that covers the lungs of the creature.

The Cliff Drake is a winged reptilian that relies upon its surroundings to kill its prey. The Cliff Drake dispatches larger prey by attempting to push or otherwise trick it into falling off of cliffs or ledges. Once it's prey is well enough damaged, a few drakes will swarm in for the easy meal. The stakes are very swift and adept fliers with thin bodies. They are equipped with razor sharp teeth and talons as well as impressively keen sight. They typically have a wingspan of about 6 feet and a length of about 8 feet from nose to tail.

The Cavern Recluse is best left avoided, its preferred prey being the Snow Scuttler groups that wander to far into the mountains. The remnants of large beasts can be seen stuck in the incredibly thick webs where they were devoured by the Cavern Recluse. The only person who seems to know anything about them is Garran and all he seems to know about them is how they taste.

The Bristlebear is the second most dangerous creature that stalks the high mountains, with the Raghik being the only creature to naturally prey upon the Bristlebear. The beast typically weighs between 1800-2400 pounds and most specimens stand between 12-14 feet tall on their hind legs. Like any bear, the Bristlebear possesses incredible strength and has powerful jaws and sharp claws at its disposal. The Bristlebear gets its name from the long, thin needle like hairs that protrude from its body. The hairs are typically either black, brown, or grey and are very stiff. The hairs have exceptionally sharp tips allowing them to embed themselves deep into most flesh and hide. The hairs are often between 1-2 feet in length and are tremendously difficult to cut. These hairs serve as both arms and armor, damaging most foes whilst simultaneously protecting the bear. When attempting to kill the Bristlebear it is wisest to use the biggest club possible and to not run, Bristlebears may not be as fast as you are but they can smell you for miles.