Mirehook (Palustrichelus aculeatus)

Alias: None
Origin: Berinu/Coastal Thazvaar (marshes and deltas)

The Mirehook is a semi-aquatic, crustacean-like creature native to the marshlands and deltas of Berinu and Coastal Thazvaar. Characterized by hooked, claw-like appendages and an ability to thrive in brackish waters, it is a keystone predator in wetland ecosystems. Its presence indicates healthy marsh environments rich in organic material, where it ambushes small fauna and contributes to nutrient cycling.

Terrain

Mirehooks inhabit the muddy, brackish waters of Berinu’s deltas and Coastal Thazvaar’s marshes, favoring areas with dense vegetation like Saltroot Mangrove and Brineth Herb. They are absent in open ocean or arid biomes.

Lifespan

Mirehooks live 10–15 years, reaching maturity at 2 years and reproducing during tidal flooding seasons.

Size

Mature Mirehooks measure 0.8–1.2 m in length, with a low, flattened body and hooked claws extending up to 0.5 m. Juveniles (under 2 years) are 0.3–0.6 m long.

Uses

• Ecological Role: Controls populations of smaller aquatic fauna, preventing overgrazing of vegetation and maintaining marsh balance.
• Cultural Use: Harvested by Berinese communities for durable exoskeletons used in crafting lightweight tools and armor; regarded as a symbol of adaptability.
• Guidance: Avoid disturbing during tidal shifts, as they become aggressive; use nets to study or harvest safely.

Notes

Documented during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 years before modern Geba), Mirehooks were noted in the Comprehensive Field Codex for their role in stabilizing marsh ecosystems. Their hooked claws, adapted for ambushing prey in murky waters, make them a hazard during expeditions but valuable for ecological studies. They remain extant in Berinu and Coastal Thazvaar’s wetlands.