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Lepidatherion — Description

The Antiquaries dream of the Age of Eitr, obsessed with its dragon rulers and the great beasts that roamed the world. Their research is devoted to it, their inspiration born from it, their creations mimicking it. This primordial time fills them with wonder and curiosity, so many questions of what the world was like before Ichor and man arrived. With the age long gone, it does fill one with regret, as the bones and ancient carcasses they unearth paint a fascinating picture. What it would be like to see such an age with your own eyes. To witness the titans that ruled the world. However, when one hears about these desires, pay close attention to the wording. When Antiquaries wish they could have seen that primordial era, they typically place themselves in the role of an observer. Rarely will you hear anyone say "I wish I could be there" or "imagine living in such a time." Most phrase it in a way that suggests they would like to see that time, but not actually physically be there. Rookie Antiquaries or outside enthusiasts of Eitr may make such claims, but that is because they have not realized the truth. The Age of Eitr was the time of beasts and giants, and being a little human in the middle of it would be an absolute nightmare.
See the titanic corpses buried below, behold the mighty fangs and claws these creatures wielded. It was a wild era, with nature at its most primal. We can muse about it in the safety of our fortified research halls or barricaded cities, but such comforts did not exist back then. It was only the wilderness and the ways of the dragons, which also bowed to nature. Massive herbivores ripped through forests, while great predators hunted them down and feasted upon their flesh. It was not exactly a time of mindless savagery, but it certainly lacked many of the safeguards we are used to today that keep rabid shrews from tearing out our throats. Thus, life was built for the battle of living, ready to survive in chaotic ecosystems filled with rivals and predators. Simply look to the Lepidatherionn to see how seriously the creatures of this time took personal protection.
The Lepidatherion is a long lanky beast, standing out from the usual muscly brutes and giants. A lithe frame with long neck and tail, giving the impression of something that uses speed and stealth to survive. Yet, it did not seem to actually rely on such attributes to avoid predation, as one can see from its true visage. The Lepidatherion is heavily armored, its back covered in thick segmented plates. And even those plates bear hardened scutes, long spikes and plentiful blades. Their digits bear thick claws, and even their snout forms an axe-like weapon. It looks to be a walking armory, and that is exactly the idea. In a time of giant predators, every little bit helps in warding away their hungering jaws. It should be quite obvious how these defenses work, and most likely the Lepidatherion even fought back with razor covered tail strikes and slashing head whips.
Such tools give this species an iconic and deadly look, yet it was a simple forager. It fed upon leaves and fruit, its long neck and blade snout used to pluck food or chop down branches. Its thick claws may have also rooted through the dirt, seeking buried vegetables and tubers. And all this time, while it searched for food, the Lepidatherion was ready for any attack or ambush. Its body would almost instinctively roll up or wrap itself in a defense position, making sure the vulnerable head was in and all the nasty spikes were facing out. It is a wonder what preyed on these beasts, as it seems like a lot of effort yet not a whole lot of meat. But something certainly did feed on them, as you don't develop this insane level of defenses for nothing.
The incredible defenses of the Lepidatherion may have actually come into use once during the Age of Ichor. There is a legend about a village that was under attack by a raiding army, and its people were forced to flee. The ambush was so sudden, that their own guards and warriors never had time to grab their gear. Thus, the population had no choice but run for safety, diving into a cavern in hopes of losing their pursuers. As they desperately tried to find safety, they came upon an ancient corpse that was bristling with blades and shell. The surviving warriors and local forger stripped this massive carcass, and found enough parts to completely suit up and arm the entire village. Now clad in this ancient armor and wielding these crude blades and spears, the people ceased their retreat and instead fought back against the invaders, successfully driving them away. This legend is told as an example of the many blessings the corpses give us, but the Antiquaries believe that it was no god corpse, but the body of an Lepidatherion that allowed this miracle to happen. Even now, some work on designs of a dracomaton based on the species, built to be a walking armory to provide Academy soldiers with weapons and tools at any moment.