Gravios are a species that are from the science fantasy videogame Monster Hunter. A species of Flying Wyvern and the adult form of Basarios, Gravios are so large and durable that they possess almost zero predators, allowing them to dominate the ecosystems they're found in. While relatively peaceful, they're still extremely powerful and will contest with humans over mining spots, meaning that hunters are often sent in to settle these disputes.
Physiology[]
Gravios are humongous, rotund Flying Wyverns that are covered in stony gray scutes. They have a single, large horn on their noses, a small frill and a shovel-like chin. A Gravios's back is lined with hollow horns which gradually veer to the sides of their bodies as they travel along their backs, with said horns also being present near their knees. Their tails are large and mace-like, covered in numerous spikes. A Gravios's wings possess two fingers and three wing membranes, with the membrane digit possessing numerous spikes. Despite the small size of its wings and its colossal weight, Gravios can still fly. As ore eaters, Gravios lack the sharp teeth of most Flying Wyverns, instead having blunt molar-like teeth.
Abilities[]
Now a colossal and powerful ore-eater, the Gravios's sheer size allows it possession of numerous impressive physical attributes, such as superhuman strength and stamina. Its armoured scales, while weaker than a Basarios's, are still as tough as stone, allowing most attacks to bounce off except for in specific soft spots. The spikes on a Gravios's tail club make the already massive weapon even more deadly, capable of reducing smaller foes to red stains in a single smash. Like most volcanic monsters, Gravios are nigh-heat proof, allowing them to comfortably rest or swim in lava. This effect is thanks to both their heat resistant armour and sheltered location of their organs deep within their bodies. However, they're not completely fireproof as Gravios that spend too much time in lava get burnt, causing their shells to oxidise and transition them into Black Gravios.
As ore-eaters, Gravios come equipped with powerful jaws to crush minerals for digestion, which is taken care of by special gut bacteria. The byproducts of this digestion are often weaponised by Gravios in curious manners: gaseous chemicals are one of the most abundant waste products, which Gravios can use to put foes to sleep. While they mostly lose the ability to produce poison gases after maturing from a Basarios, Gravios of the Forbidden Lands can still produce toxic gases, implying that ore preference may have an influence in the gases produced. Furthermore, the incredible heat and flammable gases produced by a Gravios's ore digestion can be expelled from its mouth, creating a deadly beam of fire that reduces foes to ashes. Outside of battle, Gravios still use this heat beam regularly to cool down, albeit unleashed in a less violent manner.
Behavior[]
Thanks to their nigh-impenetrable armour and huge sizes, Gravios are confident and bold Flying Wyverns that are relatively peaceful, never attacking humans unless provoked. They are so passive that some humans have successfully tamed them, appeasing them with ores in exchange for protection. Like others of their order, Gravios are rather territorial and will chase off belligerent monsters or parties vying for its mineral caches, making them come in conflict with human miners. Additionally, despite their armours, Gravios face predation from a single species of monster: the massive Flying Wyvern Akantor, whose gigantic jaws can crunch through a Gravios's shell like a biscuit.
Habitat[]
As ore eaters, Gravios inhabit areas with the best forage of minerals, such as swamps and volcanic regions that include the Swamp, Old Swamp, Volcano, Old Volcano, Everwood, Volcanic Hollow, Ingle Isle, and Primal Forest. Interestingly, some Gravios have been found in the Sky Corridor despite its lack of minerals.
