One of my favorite Gloranthan critters is the fabled Loper, the mount of the Loper People, who once caused havoc from Slontos to Teshnos. They have the ability to teleport to any place they can see and have some strange connections to Mastakos and the Blue Moon. Here’s the original art direction for them:
This fast nocturnal quadruped that vaguely resembles a carnivorous halicothere, has the ability to teleport to any location they can see. Lopers are large creature covered with bright-orange-red or crimson fur, occasionally mottled or banded with dull ochre. They are muscular and large, reaching 1 to 1.8 meters high at the shoulder. Their heads are narrow and deep, with large eyes and a flexible neck. They lack tails. It walks and runs with a long bounding stride (“lope“).
Lopers have a series of eyelid-like organs running down their back on either side of their spine. These lids are open when the loper wishes to teleport, revealing a crimson glowing membrane. Lopers can also communicate with each other and their riders with these organs. By varying the lids opened, a loper can create a row of bright spots, a pattern of seemingly moving spots, or simply expose a single dot.
Lopers are primarily carnivores, though they also dine with relish on melons, eggs, and fresh carrions. They feed upon live prey of almost any size and type.
Note that Lopers are not part of the Survival Covenant. They are not native to Prax and the Wastes.
