User:Spartan G-23/Verrocht

The Verrocht (Loricatus Barrus) are a species of mammal from the Precursor homeworld of Īweriū.

Information
The Verrocht are a species of vegetarian herd mammal from the Precursor homeworld of Īweriū. Seemingly docile, these creatures were very easily provoked and became very lethal. By allowing their armoured bodies and horns to face out, protecting the weak, and having faster members of the herd then charge into the attacking predators, they proved to be very dangerous creatures to be around. The fed primarily on local grasses out in the plains, or low shrubs at the edges of tropical forests.

Physiology
Standing at an awe-inspiring 7 metres, and weighing at an amazing 6.3 tonnes, the Verrocht were immense creatures. Covered across its back, collar, and stomach, like the Kiore and many other species of animal on the planet, are armoured plates made out of dense bone capable of resisting Yangorak venom, as well as basic stone weapons and animal claws. It was also covered in horns made of the same substance as the plates that can be used to impale other animals, as well as protect the neck from predators. Inside of its mouth are powerful teeth capable of not only tearing vegetation out from the ground to chew it, but breaking down tree bark. This has the simultaneous effect of both allowing the Verrocht to eat a wide variety of vegetation, and preventing the natural forests of spreading into the nearby grasslands.

Cultural Value and History
Due to their immense size and strength, the Verrocht were revered by the ancient Precursors. The ancient Precursors, and the Saito tribesmen in particular, viewed killing a Verrocht as a great honour worthy of celebration. The meat of the Verrocht was capable of feeding an entire clan, and the armoured plate could be turned into armour and weapons for several warriors. By the time the Precursors reached Tier 4, only three herds, and approximately forty-five of the species was left in existence. As this was happening to many other animals, the Precursors declared it illegal to hunt them, and they ended up having a rebound in population, becoming an "exotic" species for combat in the gladiatorial arena. It is believed that the Verrocht still populate the long lost plains of Īweriū.