Crestback Rillsloth

If you're next to the river at dusk, look for 'em. They'll be there, half-submerged and grazing. Slow as sin and harmless as a dream, they are, but they keep a good river."

— Orven Wain, itinerant river guide

 

In the Shallows

  Crestback rillsloths are creatures of quiet rivers and shallow streams, its hulking, stone-like form blending seamlessly into the aquatic landscapes it calls home. Standing at the height of a stout dwarf and spanning twice as long, these gentle beasts possess a ridge of bony, moss covered plates along their backs, reminiscent of worn river stones. The crestback's hide, thick and textured like bark, is a mottled grey-green that shifts hues subtly with the seasons, allowing it to disappear into the riverbeds whether the waters run high or shallow.   Despite their formidable appearance, rillsloths are resolutely peaceful. They subsist on aquatic plants and algae, using their broad, scoop-like jaws to strip riverbanks of overgrown weeds. Their six sturdy limbs, each ending in webbed, claws toes, churn the soil as they move, aerating the riverbed and encouraging the growth of vibrant ecosystems. This unassuming labour makes them beloved by farmers who cultivate waterside crops; many consider the presence of a rillsloth a blessing, though it is said they cannot be tamed or bound to one place.   Their habits are as unhurried as their movements. A rillsloth will graze for hours in one spot, only shifting when the water grows stagnant or a deeper pool beckons. Yet their sluggishness is not born of sloth, but of care, their deliberate steps avoid crushing smaller creatures, and their placid demeanour inspires calm in those who observe them.  

In the Streams

  Stories among riverside folk tell of rillsloths standing sentinel over drowning victims, their broad backs providing rafts in dire moments. While these tales may be embroidered, many a traveler swears they owe their lives to the creatures' unexpected presence.   Scholars debate the nature of the crestback's intelligence, some argue that their methodical behaviour is instinctual, while others claim they exhibit signs of problem-solving, particularly in evading nets or predators. Their gaze, from eyes sunken deep beneath craggy ridges is undeniably watchful.   Though they leave no trails and make no nests, crestback rillsloths are etched into the lives of the riverside communities around them.