Male Hatchling
Name: unnamed
Species: Calcite Crystalhog
Birthday: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Owner: Syndicate
Element: Neutral 
Crystalhog hatchlings are active immediately after they hatch, wasting no time in exploring their vicinity, looking for tasty insects to eat. They are not particularly fast at this age, but given the species' lack of desire to stay still ever, it's not uncommon for a crystalhog hatchling to wander one way while their parent wanders in a different direction. It is fortunate that they are born with their spiky, tough crystals, since crystalhog parents are not always prompt at finding their offspring, so the hatchling must be able to defend itself properly in the meantime. Magi caring for a crystalhog hatchling generally find it easier to simply place a tracking spell on their companion rather than try to take it along when they must go to class or spend long periods studying, as hatchlings like to explore and are fairly capable of fending for themselves until found and reclaimed by their magi. As they get older, they will usually find their own way home using their pathfinding abilities, meaning very little care is required at all for older crystalhog hatchlings.
Unlike their cousins, the gemhogs, crystalhogs are constantly in motion from the moment they hatch, so much so that there are legends that crystalhogs must stay in motion or their heart will stop. Such legends are easily disproven, though, as crystalhogs also startle easily, and are capable of being perfectly still when rolled up in a protective ball of crystal spikes. Crystalhogs are not particularly affectionate companions, being prickly in both demeanor and looks. They are always slightly grumpy to be called upon, usually requiring tasty bribes if a magi wishes to befriend one, but when startled, the eyes peeking out from the spiky bundle look downright reproachful. Like their gemhog cousins though, crystalhogs are excellent pathfinders - and in the case of calcite crystalhogs, this literal skill also confers metaphorical prowess to those around them. Therefore calcite crystalhogs are often used both to find the shortest route home from a place, and also to help aspiring scholars focus their mental efforts. Oddly, despite this power, they themselves are not the brightest of companions, and it is not an uncommon sight to see a calcite crystalhog attempting to solve some puzzle or other by repeatedly trying the same thing over and over again despite a lack of success.
Sprite art: Munin (hatchling) | Description: Kestrad