HOME | DD

Spitting Grubtail — Description

Animals found upon are farm are typically there for what they can produce. Everyone knows those that are raised for meat or eggs, but there are others who can offer other goods. Fur, antler, silk and more, valuable resources for any, especially during these trying times. Often, the livestock chosen for rearing are those that provide specific materials, or whose lifestyle fits well with the farmer's circumstances. Yet, beasts are not just chosen for what they can make, as some can bring other things to the table. After all, these creatures are valuable and rather tasty, which means they are tempting targets for predators and thieves.
The Spitting Grubtail is a breed that is used for more than just meat and eggs. If one's sole goal is to churn out as much product as possible, there are better breeds out there that can do that. However, Spitting Grubtails can provide something the others cannot: protection. Other Grubtail breeds may drop their tail to distract predators to flee, or use their beaks to fight back if there is no chance for escape. But this breed goes more on the offensive. When danger approaches, the mouth opens up to reveal a bright colored tongue while its yellow tail raises up. This stance is a warning, a defensive posture that is giving the attacker one last chance to back off. If that is ignored, the Grubtail opens fire.
From the tip of its tail and the many pores running along it, streams of foul smelling fluid will shoot forth. The area before it will be doused in the gunk, as the swaying tail and spraying orifices ensure a wide range. The shot from the tail end is far more precise, typically aiming for the predator's face. Those hit with the fluid will find that it reeks more than vulture vomit, the smell alone disorienting and nauseating. Getting it off is no easy task, as it congeals quickly and clings like snot. If you have the misfortune of getting it on your skin, you will feel a burning sensation. The fluid is slightly caustic, which doesn't do a whole lot of damage to skin or hide. Getting it in your eyes, however, is a whole other story. Pain and temporary blindness upon those who get hit in the face with the fluid, which is not a rare thing since the Spitting Grubtail specifically aims for such sensitive areas. Their attacks may not be lethal, but those hit with a spray will certainly be scurrying away with regret.
Spitting Grubtails are a welcomed part of a farm for this defense mechanism, as its very nature means they prefer to stand their ground. This breed is more bold and aggressive, rarely fleeing and choosing to confront those causing trouble. Thus, farmers find them perfect for seeding a flock or farm, having a few "Spitters" to protect the rest of the animals. If a predator tries to sneak in for a bite, one of these will be there to scare them off, and plenty of thieves have found their efforts spoiled and their clothes ruined by these sprayers. The farmers themselves have to be a bit more careful around this breed, as familiarity does not guarantee safety. Yet, this is a risk they happily accept, as it means the creature will not be easily fooled by outsiders.
This breed can still be harvested for meat and eggs, so they do have something to offer in terms of product. The trade-off is that their tails are typically ignored, as they are filled with the nasty spray. However, certain folk may find uses for this piece and its noxious fluid. Some have drained severed Spitter tails to create repellents and defensive sprays, utilizing the defense for themselves. There are also those who use it as a very pungent ingredient in certain recipes, soaking meats and eggs in a special brew to produce some of the strongest smelling foods you will ever encounter. Such pickled "treats" are very much an acquired taste and never seen anywhere near city limits or populated areas. These are "wilds" recipes, and even some of those folk say they originated from the wormfolk, unwilling to be associated with such stomach churning dishes. And of course, there is always the use of this fluid in pranks, dousing victims with this vile stuff for a laugh. Typically this is used on people you hate, because hitting a friend with it is a good way to not have a friend anymore. That stuff does not wash out easily, and the hate they will feel towards you will last longer than the stink.
--------------------------------
Another Grubtail! This one based on the Golden Tailed Gecko!