The Hystrodon is a medium-sized quatraped that features spiked armorplates, a spined tail, a long brown snout and fiecety personality. The hystrodon is a omnivore, using its long snout and clawed feet to plough the ground in search for roots and mushrooms. When threatened, it will either attack with its tail or crawl up into a ball, presenting its foes with a hedge of razorsharp spikes.
The male Hystrodons are highly competative, especially during the mating season. The clash of spined tails smashing against armorplates can be heard from a long distance, often attracting hunters, as the soft hystrodon meat is considered a delicatesse. Early attempts to domesticate the Dearaldian Hystrodon were abandoned, as the creature was deemed too difficult to handle.