Geargnaw

Welcome to Eldergrove, Researcher. You were sent by the Academy to research and document the magical creatures in and around Eldergrove: #116 GEARGNAW Type: Beast / Mystic Habitat: Eldertown Workshops & Wild Canyons Size: 1.4–1.7 feet (Height) Rarity: Rare APPEARANCE: A stout, bipedal creature resembling a marmot or beaver with velvety brown fur and a cream-colored underbelly. It is almost always found wearing its signature brass goggles and a leather tool belt. Its broad, flat tail is its most distinct trait, serving as a living mechanical chassis studded with rotating iron gears. BEHAVIOR: Highly focused and obsessively productive. A Geargnaw is never seen without a project in its paws. It has a natural, instinctive understanding of physics and mechanics, often "improving" local machinery without being prompted. ABILITY: Master Crafter. The Geargnaw can intuitively sense the weak points in any structure or machine. By channelling its magic through its tools, it can fuse wood and metal together with perfect precision, bypassing the need for glue or nails. HABITAT & DIET: Commonly found nesting in the rafters of Eldertown’s smithies and workshops. In the wild, they live in "Clockwork Huts"—perfectly circular, multi-story structures made of stone and timber that are resistant to the most violent storms. They "feed" on the rhythmic vibrations of industry and occasionally consume copper or iron shavings to keep their tail-gears reinforced. LORE: "If your gate stops squeaking and your clock starts ticking in perfect time, a Geargnaw has moved into your cellar. Don't chase it away—just leave out a bowl of oil and a handful of nails." — Eldertown Proverb TEMPERAMENT: Serious and studious. It is not aggressive, but it will grow visibly annoyed if interrupted during a "Design Phase." It shows affection by presenting its favorite people with perfectly crafted, tiny mechanical trinkets. ACTIVITY: Diurnal