01 Jewel-back

Common Name: Jewel-back

Binomial: Ornatus Tergus. Gemma

Average Height: 6'0 at shoulders

Average lifespan: 30-50 years

Biological rhythm: Crepuscular- most active at dawn, dusk 

Anatomy:

Senses
Vision: Two eyes on the side of its head, giving it 360 degree view. Pupil is a rounded, horizontal rectangle. Good at detecting movement in the distance.

Olfactory/gustatory: Keen, allowing it to detect predators

Auditory: Average, due to absence of external ear.

Touch: Average, slightly impaired due to thick scales.

Armour: Thick keratin scales cover its back and belly. These scales are hard as rock and difficult to penetrate. These scales are segmented to allow movement. They make the creature heavy, creating powerful charges and stomps. The head is adorned with a ceratopsian crest, serving as display, making it look bigger and protection for its neck.

Limbs: plantigrade forelimbs and digitigrade hindlimbs. Prefers to walk quadruped, can rear up on hindlimbs for short periods, to feed and intimidate.

Colours:

Dorsal scales: Various shades of reflective reds

Ventral scales, beak, horns and claws: Various shades of gold and tan, always paler than dorsal scales

Fur on face and legs: Pale, white, off-white, cream and light beige

Eyes: Black pupil, dark brown/grey iris, white sclera. Sclera is almost never seen.

Flesh/blood: dark, desaturated purples, blues and teals.

Habitat: Warm, dry climates. Biomes include rocky canyons, deserts, Savannah’s, mountains and caves.

Diet: Herbivore & Lithophagous – Diet consists of various plant matter, aswell as rocks, bones and tree bark, using its broad strong beak and arms. 

Cognition: Primitive, non-sapient cognition, relying on instincts. It has a below average intelligence.

Social: Solitary, territorial

Temperament: Aggressive and territorial, hostile to anything that gets too close. It will run from a potential threat if it feels it can not fight, otherwise it stands it's ground and even lunges. Intolerant of own kind, unless its the breeding season or its own young.