On the Natural History of the Cymenophtagus

The cymenophtagus is a large, armored quadruped of great longevity best known for the production of large structures composed of individual rocks. The creatures possess prehensile tongues of great length and strength, used to manipulate boulders and stones into free-standing columns and dolmens of unknown purpose.

Only one zoological park in the west has ever attempted to house a cymenophtagus: Lord Gwennyth Portwine’s Forgotten Eden of Natural Curiosities, a not entirely successful endeavor, as the specimen – known as “Sally” by the public – managed to gain its freedom by demolishing the walls of its enclosure, which were foolishly constructed of stone.

Even now, some 200 years after the beast’s escape, it is not unheard-of for villagers to awake to the presence of miniature stone ziggurats in their town squares, seemingly constructed overnight by forces unknown.