Anakbyt
Anakbyts are the ones that got away. Originally an Old Order creation during the Dungeon Wars, the anakbyts were waist-high insects that served as low-level infantry. The "nodes" on their backs give them a keen awareness of virtually everything around them, making them good as scouts and look-outs. They were placed on the edge of an army or other formation, giving early warnings of approaching enemies.
There were unforeseen side effects of the nodes, however. The anakbyts learned to use these to communicate with each other with radio waves, and an anakbyt revolt took place. The nodes were also used to somehow disrupt the magic that kept them in line; the Old Order could no longer control them. Almost all of the anakbyts stayed loyal, but the Old Order did not take any chances; the wizards discontinued the use of the creatures and killed any that still existed. But this was after the revolt -- hundreds had already escaped.
These surprisingly intelligent creatures formed packs and found their way into what would become Rineport, Messaria and Croppell. The majority of anakbyts today can be found in Croppell and are a tasty treat for Sand Dragons. The anakbyts hide in the sand with the top of their nodes sticking out, sensing and waiting for something to come by. They attack and operate as a group and divide their kill evenly. There is no pack leader, but more of a collective hive-like mind. They are the main threat to anyone crossing the so-called Wasteland between Sefina and Croppell, but anakbyts are mostly found in the Southern Sands. |
