Unnamed (ID: Dxq3QX)

It turns out that the pinecone-egg was actually a small mammal, tightly curled up. The plates are part of a shell on its back that grows more slowly than the creature itself; soon, the armor that covers it may only plate its back. It seems to be growing antlers, and is afraid of anything larger than it; this means its handler, as well. It quickly curls up when threatened, but perhaps it can be trained to recognize its handler and accept hand-fed leaves.

Artwork: Keileon