Starbound - Frostmaw

Frostmaw
Diabolus glacias ("Ice Devil")
The hells of Tethys have frozen over, unleashing this monster in the aftermath.

Frostmaw are native exclusively to the northern seas of Tethys where the waters have nearly frozen over. A complete opposite from the tropical paradise of the Gillian homeworld south of the north pole. This area is comprised of ice floes and glaciers alike, with temperatures reaching absolute zero. In this harsh climate, Frostmaw have adapted to the cold by developing a thick layer of blubber and fat within 90% of its body. Its skin is covered in a thick oil that causes water to slide off, preventing it from freezing to death. Its head however lacks this, causing it to become covered in ice within a few minutes. This is intentional, however, as Frostmaw often search for materials to place on their heads as armor (e.g. Skulls of the animals they kill). When its head freezes over, the object also freezes as well, providing a near indestructible defense (and a terrifying display).

These creatures are unmatched in terms of speed in the icy waters of Tethys. They feed primarily on ?????, their preferred prey, but will literally attack anything that moves in the water. Their thick body fat allows them to dive to extreme depths to find food, further aided by a Frostmaw's bio-luminescence. Animals attracted to light quickly meet their doom by the dreaded Reaper of the Ice. Should their prey leap onto land, they will pursue their target on land with nearly the same speed as if it was in the water. The oil on its body allows it to slide on the ice with ease, building up momentum in mere seconds. Frostmaw then proceed to overwhelm their prey with powerful blows from its armored head before devouring them whole. The red tinted fangs of a Frostmaw make tearing through flesh a cinche. Despite these obvious predatory advantages, Frostmaw are unable to survive in waters other than the north seas. They are specialists of the cold. Without it, they can be easily outcompeted by rival predators.

The northern waters of Tethys are scarcely populated, making encounters with these monsters rare. Hunts for the Frostmaw's materials are also seldom done, simply due to how powerful a single Frostmaw is. In terms of defense, Gillians living in this area must always be alert, unless they wish to become an easy meal. Bright flashes of light can stun the predator long enough for escape (or for Sharkillians, "An easy slaughter!"). The materials provided from a Frostmaw are excellent for everyday use. The oil from their bodies make an excellent anti-freeze (WARNING! Do not use near fire!), their fangs, breakable for weapon use. Occasionally, chum can be found lodged between the frozen skull pieces adorning their heads. This is a popular dessert among Sharkillians and ?????, eaten raw on the spot. A satisfied Sharkillian resident of the north claims the meat is to die for.

Based off a leopard seal and a viperfish.

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Frostmaw © Dragonith
Starbound © Chucklefish LTD