Jman0623

Giant Crystal Lizard with a blep tongue…. I love it!

NEW UPDATED CONCEPT ART! General Info Common Name: Crystal Skink Species: Tiliqua Frangens Diet: Crystal Temperament: Ambush/Territorial The real-world Tiliqua Frangens was the largest known Skink that lived between the Pliocene and Pleistocene eras. It was believed to have an elaborately armored back, and lived in Australia. Reference articles: https://www.sci.news/paleontology/tiliqua-frangens-12003.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiliqua_frangens The Crystal Skink is a (very) large Skink that has evolved with the Aberrant Ark and become symbiotic with the crystals that litter the deeper caverns, replacing its natural armor with crystals. While not as strong as a Reaper, it can stand its ground against a Rock Drake. The crystals that litter its back react violently to Charge Light, angering the creature and dramatically increasing its aggression. Design Concept: Artwork created by Gucien C (ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/gucien/albums/7032945) ABILITIES & FEATURES Combat/Gatherer hybrid Gathers crystal and gems extremely efficiently Has a significant weight reduction for crystal and gems Between Megalania and Rock Drake agility Climb on all surfaces like a Rock Drake Roll like a Roll Rat! (even up vertical surfaces for a limited time!) Highly territorial near crystals and gems in the wild, less aggressive when not in proximity (think "Megatherium around bugs" when around crystals vs "Chalicotherium" when not) Charge Light Buff!! When exposed to Charge Light, the crystals covering the Crystal Skink's body begin to pulse with inner light, and the Skink roars, increasing aggression (wild), speed, and attack power. Reference for scream: Rajang Enrage (0:08-0:12 in video) Environmental Protector Consumes Crystal, Green, Blue, and Red Gems together to project "Crystal Armor" to nearby allied survivors and tames (wild projects to other Crystal Skinks). Crystal Armor lingers for a few moments after protective aura disappears before breaking apart. Crystal Armor reduces incoming damage slightly while protecting from Radiation and temperature, reducing effects of Lava and Liquid Element, and can even protect from the direct heat of the Sun on Aberration's Surface! Can create a Consumable for an increased up-front cost that can be consumed to give temporary Crystal Armor without the Skink's presence Crystal Skink always has the environmental resistances that Crystal Armor provides COMBAT Bite Claw Swipe Tail Smack (hits with crystal club (can inflict Torpor?)) Gathers resources with Tail Ground Pound (Crystal AoE when Crystal is in inventory) Roll Attack can cause lots of damage, but needs space to activate in combat Can bury similar to Reaper or Purlovia, leaving a Crystal formation above the ground (wild or tamed), taking Survivors by surprise TAMING Enraging a Wild Crystal Skink with Charge Light will cause it to become more aggressive, and eventually tire out after a period of time away from Charge Light. When tired, the Skink will lie down for a short time, allowing the crystals to begin to be harvested from its back. Taking the crystals from the Skink will pacify it, allowing it to be ridden. A pacified Crystal Skink must be used to gather more Crystal to regenerate its natural armor, building its bond with the Survivor. PURPOSE The Crystal Skink is a creature intended to solve the issue of Crystal gathering and transportation (especially on Aberration, where the only creature to reduce Crystal weight is a Ravager). This is meant to be a late-game tame that can cause hazards when encountered in the wild, especially if a Survivor is ambushed by a Crystal Skink disguised as a Crystal formation. While not as powerful as a Reaper, it possesses an "alternate" dynamic to the Reaper - being buffed by Charge Light instead of weakened by it. This creature also allows exploration of the Surface during the day - an ability that is currently impossible, and I've always felt would be a fun addition. (Plus glowing crystal armor on its body and projected onto nearby allies! Who doesn't like glowing stuff?!) Real-world recreation of the Tiliqua Frangens I'm more than happy to incorporate feedback for the idea, these are just my initial thoughts on the design. Thanks for reading!