Why it evolved

The prolonged drought necessitates adaptations for water conservation. This descendant develops thickened, water-storing tissues, reducing the need for frequent hydration. To further conserve energy and water, its metabolic rate decreases, and it gains the ability to enter a dormant state during the harshest dry periods, similar to how some terrestrial organisms cope with arid conditions on Earth. This adaptation comes at the cost of reduced activity and potential vulnerability if disturbed during dormancy, and it relies on the limited underground moisture sources available in the Scarred Expanse's arid continents.