Z'Tal

A herd of small, bipedal lizards gives off a constant chirping as the nervous creatures hop about.

Description
These small, upright lizards hop in shepherded leaps. They are not very bright and have been known to stampede when panicked.

Z'tal make a series of chirps, squeaks, and squawks to communicate with each other. When threatened, z'tal scream and run.

Combat
In desperate situations, the z'tal uses its slam attack to defend itself by rapidly bouncing or rubbing against its adversary, scraping its razor sharp scales against opponents.

Habitat/Society
Z’tals are well suited for life in the desert. They require little water and can sustain themselves through foraging. Z’tal travel in groups called leaps and are acknowledged as perhaps the most stupid and timid of creatures on Athas. They sometimes accidentally die by running off cliffs or into the Sea of Silt if chased.

About once a month the female digs a small hole and lays a clutch of 1-3 eggs. The eggs are immediately forgotten and left to fend for themselves. The eggs are not edible by any known creature because z’tals’ scales develop almost immediately after conception.

The rear talons of z’tal are used to dig out small insects and seedlings, which the z’tal crushes with its beak. Docile creatures except when frightened, one screaming z’tal will soon stampede the entire leap of lizards.

Ecology
Z’tal meat is dense and coarse, though the hind quarters (drumsticks) and tail of an adult z’tal make excellent eating (once the scales have been carefully removed). Roasted, the three pieces will feed six hungry individuals or one half-giant. Z’tal meat makes an excellent base for soup; a single z’tal cooked this way will easily feed a dozen hungry, man-sized creatures. The sharp, flexible feather-scales are frequently used as small knives and razors. The scales dull after a week of regular use and can not be resharpened.