Diet: Omnivore
Danger Level: 8
Social Ability: 9
Observation: The first thing that struck me as funny about this creature was its name. It’s a pun on several different levels. The first and most obvious is the rat part due to the rodent-like appearance of this creature. The second is the full name alluding to the mineral pyrite, more commonly known as Fool’s Gold. The third is its behavior habits being similar to a pirate in that the file reports seeing it stealing other creatures’ food supply.
There are several things odd about this creature as well. The most immediate being the yellow crystals growing out of its back buried among its quills. The file reports that they are nothing more than growths produced from dead protein cells similar to the rest of the hair covering its furry body. But can hair really form crystals? I’ve heard of humans growing horns with doctors claiming that it was the result of a mutation in what originally was a mole or the fusing of several hair follicles, so it’s not entirely improbable.
Another interesting oddity is a third eye that is strategically positioned on the back of its head. It also appears to be disguised as an antenna. According to the report, the eye stays closed unless the creature hears something that startles it. It will then open the third eye and scan the area. While scanning, the third eye ensures that no predator will advance on this creature while it is facing away. It also says in the report that should the creature feel unsafe, it will keep this third eye open as it walks! It must take amazing coordination to be able to walk forward while still being able to see what’s behind you. It would be like driving to work while still being able to look out the rear view mirror at the same time for the entire length of the trip!
This is one of the few files that includes anatomical drawings of the creature, and it appears to have no knees. The limbs are a single bone that connect from its pelvis and shoulder directly to its ankles. This must lead to some very strange implications on how it moves around. The notes written along side the drawings report that this creature scuttles similar to a crab, only with the speed of a squirrel. This should come at no surprise to anyone due to the behavioral habit of stealing food. One would expect this creature to be able to get away and fast before the rightful owners showed up.
Much like the rats we know, it’s reported that they live in large social nests in dark secluded places. Due to the crystals growing out of its back, they prefer caves rather than tree holes. And the scary part is that their family groups are reported to be five times as large as any rat colony you would normally find!
~Zeek Slider
