These creatures are often found in the possession of spacers,
despite the fact that they aren't nearly as sociable or
entertaining as many other species. The reason that they make such
popular pets is that they can get all the energy they need from
photosynthesis, and the only waste-products that they produce are
water and oxygen. Another factor that makes them popular is that
when in their rest state they appear to be nothing more than some
sort of ornamental plant, allowing them to act as watch creatures
of great effectiveness.
In form, the Grunnin have two states. In their active state,
they appear as a four legged creature, around a meter long, with a
series of protrusions along their backs, and a blunt, eyeless head.
The legs of this form are tipped with long, slightly curved claws
that are capable of causing massive wounds. The second state they
exhibit is their rest state, where the legs are drawn in, and a
large number of leaves and tendrils rise out of the protrusions on
their backs. The Grunnin are a pale green in color, which turns to
a dull brown or brilliant yellow when they are ill.
The Grunnin reproduce through the action of a pollinating
avian species that carries pollen produced by male grunnin to the
flowers of the female. Grunnin will only flower in open areas,
where the ambient conditions match those of their homeworld. The
females can autofertilize their flowers if there are no Ytut (the
avian pollinators) in the area, but then their fruits will develop
into only females. Grunnin do form attachments to humans, but they
are nowhere near as close as those formed by animals that rely on
their masters for food.
Dexterity: 1D+2
Brawling parry 4D+1
Perception: 3D+2
Search 3D+1, Sneak 4D, Hide 6D (see below)
Strength: 2D
Brawling 5D
Move: 8
Average Size: 1 meter long, 10 cm. at shoulder.
Special Abilities:
Natural Weapons. Claws: STR+2D+2.
All around vision: Their entire bodies are
photoreceptive, allowing them to see with any part of their bodies.
Hiding: When the appearance of a strange plant will go
unnoticed, their hide ability is raised to 14D.
Weaknesses:
Cold: Temperatures below 0ø Centigrade will force them
into hibernation. Their bodies will become brown and stiff, and
they will not thaw out for at least a week.