The Riccio is a small rodent which is covered with sharp, spiny
quills. The common Tharian name, "Pricklypig" derives from the
way it roots into the ground with its snout, hunting for
mushrooms, grubs or other tasty treats. It is also known as
"yilthrog" in Styrásh (lit. "spear animal") to the elves,
"JiiHok" (lit. "spike animal") to the Thergerim, and
"Porkprickle" to the hobbits. It is a fairly common little
creature, and frequently seen all across Southern Sarvonia,
generally in the forests and wooded areas. There are three known
varieties of Riccio in Sarvonia - the common Southern, a
Northern Sarvonian variant that is considerably larger - which
the Kuglimz people call the "Curi'sar" (lit. "arrow pig") - and
the rare Desert Riccio, found in the Ráhaz-Dáth Desert, between
Bardavos and Strata. An adult Riccio measures approximately 10
nailsbreadths or 2 palmspans from snout to tail. Males and
females are not discernibly different to the casual glance,
though the males are very slightly bigger. Riccios have