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Description
"Whatever you do, stay away from the deep water."
"Why?"
"There are beasts in here that even the dragons fear. You don't want to end up on the menu? Stay out of the water." -Two fisherman mentioning Chimaerasuchus

There are many species of crocodiles in Kairegorn, ranging from the strange and harmless to the monstrous and deadly. Of these, Chimaerasuchus dracophagus, known as the Dragon-Eater, is the largest and most powerful. Living up to 300 years and growing up to 150 feet long in the largest individuals, this massive crocodile is one of the most iconic reptiles in Kairegorn. Unlike other crocodiles, Chimaerasuchus walks with its legs directly under its body rather than with sprawling gaits found in other crocodilians.
Found in the largest and deepest areas of water in the vast rivers and lakes across Kairegorn as well as the open sea, this gigantic predator will eat anything it can subdue and kill, from large mammals like elephants and rhinos to dinosaurs and even dragons or the occasional human, elf or dragon when it can catch them as well as fish, sharks, and even small sea serpents. It also adds fruits, grains and legumes to its diet as well, spreading the seeds through its dung. Its broad, powerful jaws are built for crushing bone and it is capable of exerting nearly 25 tons of force when biting. Though slow on land, it is capable of launching from the water at great speed; a perfect method for an ambush hunter.
This crocodile breeds in early summer just after the rainy season, attracting mates by way of vibrating bellows so powerful that it causes water to dance of its back, as well as blowing bubbles and jaw slapping on the water. Chimaerasuchus are passionate lovers, and are the only crocodiles that mate for life, choosing a new partner only when their mate dies. The male is larger and stronger than the female; often up to twice her length, and helps her to both build and guard the nest after she lays a clutch of up to 300 eggs, each as large as a kickball. Additionally, the male also helps to guard the young. This behavior is only seen elsewhere in the gharial, a much smaller crocodile that is much more common than Chimaerasuchus. When the young are born, they are roughly 24 inches long, and spend most of their first few months in shallow nursery areas guarded by their parents. Only when they reach a year old do they become leave their parents' sides. Few yearlings survive, mostly due to cannibalism from others of their own kind as well as other large predators. They also do not reach maturity until about 50 years old. As such, they are relatively low in numbers and slow to recover if their populations drop.
During the early years after the end of the Dragon-Humanoid War, large numbers of these crocodiles were killed for their meat and hides as well as to protect livestock. By the time an intervention was staged, only about 500 adults remained across Kairegorn. Ironically, the lack of adults allowed the juveniles of the species to grow up without fear of predation by their elders, allowing them to bounce back within a span of 400 years to near their original numbers. Currently, an estimated 30,000 of these crocodiles are believed to thrive across Kairegorn. Subsistence hunts with strict quotas are allowed for this species, as their meat is exceedingly tasty and long-lasting. Properly preserved, it can be stored for years in refrigerators without spoiling or suffering freezer burn and still be fit for consumption. Due to its size, this species cannot be farmed and it is far too large and strong to remain in any crocodile farm. Currently, only three zoos across Kairegorn house these giants, all of which require Iilbrithin enclosures to withstand their immense strength. For most, seeing a Chimaerasuchus remains a rare and sometimes deadly event, as this animal prefers to dwell away from settlements due to its requirements for space.

Kairegorn's biggest crocodile makes its debut. I spent more than a week drawing this monster. I'm particularly proud of it as a result.

Description
"Whatever you do, stay away from the deep water."
"Why?"
"There are beasts in here that even the dragons fear. You don't want to end up on the menu? Stay out of the water." -Two fisherman mentioning Chimaerasuchus

There are many species of crocodiles in Kairegorn, ranging from the strange and harmless to the monstrous and deadly. Of these, Chimaerasuchus dracophagus, known as the Dragon-Eater, is the largest and most powerful. Living up to 300 years and growing up to 150 feet long in the largest individuals, this massive crocodile is one of the most iconic reptiles in Kairegorn. Unlike other crocodiles, Chimaerasuchus walks with its legs directly under its body rather than with sprawling gaits found in other crocodilians.
Found in the largest and deepest areas of water in the vast rivers and lakes across Kairegorn as well as the open sea, this gigantic predator will eat anything it can subdue and kill, from large mammals like elephants and rhinos to dinosaurs and even dragons or the occasional human, elf or dragon when it can catch them as well as fish, sharks, and even small sea serpents. It also adds fruits, grains and legumes to its diet as well, spreading the seeds through its dung. Its broad, powerful jaws are built for crushing bone and it is capable of exerting nearly 25 tons of force when biting. Though slow on land, it is capable of launching from the water at great speed; a perfect method for an ambush hunter.
This crocodile breeds in early summer just after the rainy season, attracting mates by way of vibrating bellows so powerful that it causes water to dance of its back, as well as blowing bubbles and jaw slapping on the water. Chimaerasuchus are passionate lovers, and are the only crocodiles that mate for life, choosing a new partner only when their mate dies. The male is larger and stronger than the female; often up to twice her length, and helps her to both build and guard the nest after she lays a clutch of up to 300 eggs, each as large as a kickball. Additionally, the male also helps to guard the young. This behavior is only seen elsewhere in the gharial, a much smaller crocodile that is much more common than Chimaerasuchus. When the young are born, they are roughly 24 inches long, and spend most of their first few months in shallow nursery areas guarded by their parents. Only when they reach a year old do they become leave their parents' sides. Few yearlings survive, mostly due to cannibalism from others of their own kind as well as other large predators. They also do not reach maturity until about 50 years old. As such, they are relatively low in numbers and slow to recover if their populations drop.
During the early years after the end of the Dragon-Humanoid War, large numbers of these crocodiles were killed for their meat and hides as well as to protect livestock. By the time an intervention was staged, only about 500 adults remained across Kairegorn. Ironically, the lack of adults allowed the juveniles of the species to grow up without fear of predation by their elders, allowing them to bounce back within a span of 400 years to near their original numbers. Currently, an estimated 30,000 of these crocodiles are believed to thrive across Kairegorn. Subsistence hunts with strict quotas are allowed for this species, as their meat is exceedingly tasty and long-lasting. Properly preserved, it can be stored for years in refrigerators without spoiling or suffering freezer burn and still be fit for consumption. Due to its size, this species cannot be farmed and it is far too large and strong to remain in any crocodile farm. Currently, only three zoos across Kairegorn house these giants, all of which require Iilbrithin enclosures to withstand their immense strength. For most, seeing a Chimaerasuchus remains a rare and sometimes deadly event, as this animal prefers to dwell away from settlements due to its requirements for space.

Kairegorn's biggest crocodile makes its debut. I spent more than a week drawing this monster. I'm particularly proud of it as a result.