Despite the fact that Rafters are generally considered to be roaming beasts they possess living root like appendages that burrow deep into the very ground of the Shadowlands when the creatures sleep or rest. Recent JOBE research papers on these beasts discuss the belief held by the Yuttos that these roots are capable of absorbing the very essence of the other creatures that inhabit the Shadowlands. Various Yuttos lore apparently claims that all living creatures produce a spiritual residue that is shed just like skin or hair, and this spiritual energy is taken into the ground and then in turn absorbed by the Rafter's roots.

The roots of the Crystal Rafter are said to be particularly susceptible to absorbing the spiritual essence of the other animal life of the Shadowlands. The recovered records of ancient Xan hunters tells that one should always be extra vigilant around Crystal rafters as they may have developed any number of survival instincts from other species.