Icebat
| Icebat | |
|---|---|
| Base Information | |
| Classification | Carnivore/hunter |
| Terrain | Arboreal |
| Locomotion | Flyer |
| Size | 3kg |
| Speed | Slow |
| Strength | Weak |
| Social Structure | Small groups |
| Weapons | Bite & claws |
| Armor | None |
| Source | |
| Homeworld | Izyme |
| Multi-world | Yes |
| Canon | Yes |
| Extinct | Extant |
| Reference | GURPS Traveller: Alien Races 3 |
Icebats -- or more accurately domesticated breeds descended from them -- are as common in Lithkind cities (and some space habitats) as Terran cats or dogs are in Human society.
Physiology & Ecology[edit]
These animals are long, lithe, and limbless serpents with soft crimson-furred bodies (hence the common name for domestic breeds of "Crimson Snakebats"). They have large-eared bat-like heads, and leathery wings sprouting from their necks.
Life Cycle & Reproduction[edit]
Other than playing a crucial role in certain death rituals (see: Hriu), the Icebats, or "Snakebats", tend to keep Lithkind households free of vermin.
Diet & Trophics[edit]
Poikilothermic heterotrophic carnivorous consumers.
History & Background[edit]
Crimson Snakebats are fairly bright (but not sapient) and have a dog's loyalty to their owner and a natural homing instinct, and for that reason are allowed to run wild when not in use. They have the same relationship to the fierce Icebats of the Lithkind prehistory that dogs have to dire wolves.