LEECH MONSTER TRAITS - NECKS

Trait lore:

Normal - A leech's neck needs to be thick and elastic in order to wolf down large morsels of prey.  This particular model is the standard for the species, and all other neck traits have adapted from it.

Full - A thick layer of padding has developed all the way around the leech's neck and used to store blood or fat.  These leeches are big eaters but can go long times between meals which makes them a favorite pick as mounts for adventurers.  They tend to puff up even more after the leech has fed for a sometimes comical effect.

Collar - Fat and storage space have bunched up towards the top of the head to create a rolly, cushioned look similar to a thick hood.  In the wild this gave a leech extra bulk to help it look intimidating, but owners of pet and mount leeches find its a great trait for thick necked leeches who still need to be fitted with a collar or harness!

Hump - Similar to a camel, the hump on a leech occurs on the back... of the neck.  Its not uncommon to see these leeches draped with bright fabrics and trinkets as the added space makes a great canvas for decoration.  It also makes a comfortable head rest for sleepy riders who need to go long distances.

Rolls - Excess skin has developed and wrinkled at the base of the leech's throat to create this trait.  Similar to the others, they fill out into a puffy flesh collar when the leech has consumed blood, often disappearing in cases when the leech has glutted itself.

Croaker - The leech has developed a thick sac at the front of the neck that can be filled with air or fluid and used to make noise.  Croak sacs are sometimes harvested and turned into satchels and bags, as the superstitious believe that the items stored inside them will never get lost.

Cobra - Popular among collectors and as desert mounts, the cobra neck is often owned by an exquisitely patterned leech.  They are considered a symbol of prosperity in certain circles.

Hamster - Sometimes your cheeks just aren't big enough for all the blood you want to save for later.

Bee (Myth) - A mythical trait where a leech grows a layer of fur over its neck to give it the appearance of having a fluffy collar.  In most occasions the neck is the only place this fur will grow, but there are recorded incidents of furred leeches displaying this trait in the form of a noticeably thicker, extravagant collar or mane.

Container (Myth) - Sometimes pores in a leech's neck will develop a transparent skin over them, expanding and fleshing out into pockets for storage.  Leeches featuring this trait will use them to show and display things that they're fond of collecting, whether it be physical objects, blood, or other foods.