Land Urchin

The Land Urchin is believed to be descended from the sea urchin, but this has not yet been conclusively proven. In favor of this hypothesis is the fact that both do share pentamerism (fivefold symmetry). The Urchin’s exterior is a hard, dark shell covered with spines. This shell protects it from casual blows – a strong arm is needed to break through it.

Although at first glance it may appear that the Urchin does not move, attempting to touch one will provoke an immediate reaction as the spines converge towards the motion. The spines also serve to protect the urchin from predators and can inflict a painful wound (as many an Adventuous has discovered). Although an Urchin has no visible eyes or limbs it can move freely by means of hundreds of tiny ‘tube feet.’ To one unfamiliar with this mode of locomotion it can appear almost magical as it is first one place and then another without much discernable motion.

The Urchin’s mouth is located on its underside, enabling it to scour the sand for the organisms it eats. It is made up of five teeth with a fleshy tongue-like structure within.

The Land Urchin, like the Sand Viper is well-adapted to the hot sands of Kilican Island. Whether it is really related to the sea urchin truly or just by appearance, no cases of eating Land Urchin have yet been reported. If it is closely enough related to the sea urchin, the Land Urchin may soon be a delicacy on many tables.

Ermin Appleblossom: “With my staff, it's easier to get to them without making contact. Though they do come at you pretty fast... All I can suggest is try not to make any contact with them. I ended up bleeding many times because I was too careless.”