Round 61
Extra Stuff
Music: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T1_wnREGllg
Chat: https://discord.gg/weGdxFB
Eztan Extant Ecosystems: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ramXIxwYwggWj1bVH3zmZT-tlZSbQvW4PUZAEiVWYB8
Book of the Dead: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JOwzI4ZHorn8nrqEr62v2_uXXlbs7qSCudHc476qLMY
~15.25 million years into the Atroxian~
Pagosian Stage
Season: Northern Winter, Southern Summer
Time of Day: Morning (W), Dusk (E)
Event - 3 (No Disaster)
Global Climate: The general climate of Ezta is warm, with an average global temperature of 20 degrees, and fairly wet and tropical. This is because greenhouse gases are at a decent level, but oxygen levels are now also climbing. However, many deserts stretch across the continent of Uteeno, as they are too far from the coast to recover rain. The sea levels are quite high, and there are no ice caps.
@louix, since this is the second round in a row you have missed, I’m going to have to open your spot to @infinitewisdom. Whichever one of you responds first gets the place.
@RoboTrannic
Veroina ericius (EN)
DEEP SOUTH-WEST UTEENESSA OCEAN
You try to rest in the gulley, but a Thanostoma minor arrives, and approaches you with interest. You stand your ground, and the Thanostoma decides your spikes are not worth the trouble. It leaves in peace, although you have not been able to rest. When it goes, you are once again left alone, with nothing but the gulley disrupting the abyssal plain. (3)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 24/38 (62%)
Maturity: 95%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 16cm
Veroina ericius
Status: EN
Timespan: R.52 - Present
Habitat: Deep Ocean, Continental Slope (Mid Ocean)
Distribution: Under Temperate and Tropical Uteenessa Ocean, below thermocline
Niche: Benthic Filter-Feeder
Nutritional Value: 38
Size: 16.5cm (length - although this includes spines, the body itself is 6.5cm)
Predecessor: Kapnosta limus
Classification: Veroinidae, Kardiaskulidea, Tubulosa
Latest Mutations: Fix Smell = 3, Sense of Smell = 5, Spikes = 6
Description: With the abundance of predators in these dangerous waters, it only makes sense for species to evolve extra defences. Veroina ericius have developed defences that are almost impenetrable; they have spiky spines sticking out all over their tubular body, with an average length of about 5cm. These spines are also toxic. Predators are unlikely to be able to get to the flesh underneath the spines without causing great damage to themselves. Therefore, areas that were once off-limits because of predators are now open, and Veroina ericius would be able to colonise the shallow seas, in addition to their previous range, if they were adapted to deal with the warmer temperatures. They also use these spines to walk across the seafloor but can no longer swim. Furthermore, they have lost the slime on their scales that gave them a strong smell, but have gained an olfactory sense with the appearance of olfactory receptors studded around the body. With this ability, Veroina ericius can track the smell of chemicals to hydrothermal vents and brine pools, making food easier to find in the deep ocean. All of this makes Veroina ericius the most common animal in the ocean - the only downside is that the spines make mating an awkward tangle.
Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Open Circulatory System, Tubular Heart, Web of Capillaries Over Muscles, Axochord, Notochord, Four Gill Slits, Two Gill Frills, Pharynx, Large Pinhole Eyes With Lenses (2 on top of head, one on front), Heat-Proof Scales, Cartilage Vertebrae
@agenttine
Thanostoma mediossium (LC)
NORTH-WESTERN SHELF
You head back towards the light and the exits of the cave, and decide to take the one that leads slightly off to the side. Once again, you end up in the enclosed, circular area full of vegetation, bathed in the morning sunlight. You being feeding on the plants, now joined by numerous members of your species, and little filter-feeders on the sandy floor. (5)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 40/53 (75%)
Maturity: 10%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 9cm
Thanostoma mediossium
Status: LC
Timespan: R.50 - Present
Habitat: Shallow Sea
Distribution: All Temperate Seas
Niche: Herbivore
Nutritional Value: 101
Size: 19cm
Predecessor: Thanostoma aquaprinceps
Classification: Makouradae, Spinacheliforme, Caudara
Latest Mutations: Digestive Enzymes = 1, Plant-Eating Teeth = 5, Bony Body = 4
Description: This is the first bony animal of Ezta, with the vertebra and jaw now being formed of bone rather than cartilage, so it is stiffer but stronger. The tail has remained cartilaginous to maintain its flexibility . At the front of the jaw is a group of very square teeth, which are the prime shape for biting off bits of vegetation. The venomous canines are now only for defence, as this animal is a complete herbivore. The bacteria in its gut are only able to break down plant matter; they require the bits of food to be even tinier and without better ways of mechanical digestion, they often regurgitate the food if it is too large. There is an abundance of food, and they are quite capable of defending themselves, which means they have a fairly stable population.
Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Electroreceptors, Open Circulatory System, Axochord, Whip Tail, Three Gill Slits, Notochord, Cartilage Vertebrae, Digestive Carnivorous Bacteria, Two Poisonous Spikes on Tail, Dentine Teeth, Venomous Canines, Jaw, Two Swiveling Pinhole Eyes (1 on each side of head)
@immortaldragon
Achmachelus etalas (LC)
SOUTH-WEST UTEENESSA OCEAN, OCEAN SURFACE
As the predator heads towards you, you turn and flee, swimming upwards and outwards. Fortunately, it does not target you and you are not pursued. It catches an Almsokulus, then leaves soon after it finishes eating, disappearing into the gloom. You are free to return to the now life-filled seamount. (4 + 1)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 5.5/11 (50%)
Maturity: 35%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 2.5cm
Achmachelus etalas
Status: LC
Timespan: R.43 - Present
Habitat: Deep Ocean, Mid Ocean, Ocean Surface, Shallow Sea
Distribution: Temperate and Under Tropical Uteenessa Ocean, All Temperate Seas
Niche: Pelagic Filter-Feeder
Nutritional Value: 31
Size: 7cm
Predecessor: Achmachelus subitamortis
Classification: Makryostusidae, Spinacheliforme, Caudara
Latest Mutations: N/A
Description: This filter-feeder has a liver full of oils and fats, substances lighter than water and allowing them to float. This means that they can comfortably inhabit areas of open ocean. The depth doesn’t bother them, because they have oils rather than a swim bladder and so are safe from pressure. However, they have wide ungainly fins which make for slow swimming. Cup eyes help them sense the direction of the surface and tell between daylight and nighttime.
Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Electroreceptors, Open Circulatory System, Axochord, Whip Tail, Three Gill Slits, Notochord, Cartilage Vertebrae, Digestive Carnivorous Bacteria, Two Poisonous Spikes on Tail
@soundwave
Thanostoma aquaprinceps (NT)
MANAURAI SEA
As you make your way back over the edge of the continental slope and onto the shallow sea proper, you suddenly run into an Asteridermus luminaria, which you see in the morning light. As such, you react first as swish out your weaponised tail and catch the other animal. The toxins take effect and your opponents killed. You consume the corpse, leaving behind the cartilage vertebrae that you cannot eat. (4 + 1)
Status:
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 56/52 (108%)
Maturity: 66%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 11cm
Thanostoma aquaprinceps
Status: LC
Timespan: R.41 - Present
Habitat: Deep Ocean, Continental Slope (Mid Ocean), Shallow Sea
Distribution: Under Temperate and Tropical Uteenessa Ocean, All Temperate Seas
Niche: Apex Predator
Nutritional Value: 80
Size: 17cm
Predecessor: Makoura jousteri
Classification: Makouradae, Spinacheliforme, Caudara
Latest Mutations: Blue Pigmentation = 3, Pinhole eyes = 6, Jaw = 5
Description: The outwards-jutting tusks of their ancestors have morphed into long, dangerous and venomous canines which are a deadly contribution to the new jaw. Two large pinhole eyes, that the animal is able to swivel slightly for increased range of sight, on the side of the head scan the ocean for prey. Few animals can withstand an attack from this mouth. All of this makes this species the top predator of its time, as well as also being able to occupy shallow water thanks to its blue pigment. It is only restricted by its lack of buoyancy.
Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Electroreceptors, Open Circulatory System, Axochord, Whip Tail, Three Gill Slits, Notochord, Cartilage Vertebrae, Digestive Carnivorous Bacteria, Two Poisonous Spikes on Tail, Dentine Teeth, Venomous Canines, Cup Eyes
@blackink
Asteridermus luminaria (VU)
DEEP SOUTH-WESTERN UTEENESSA OCEAN
You switch on your bioluminescent spots, hoping for some small animals to take an interest. You carefully detect their approach with your electroreception, but suddenly they all scatter as you receive a much larger signal. An adult Thanostoma minor has arrived near the hydrothermal vent, and all the inhabitants flee. You are now starving. (1 + 1)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 1/14 (9%)
Maturity: 43%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 3cm
Asteridermus luminaria
Status: VU
Timespan: R.59 - Present
Habitat: Deep Ocean, Continental Slope (Mid Ocean), Shallow Sea
Distribution: Under Temperate and Tropical Uteenessa Ocean, All Temperate Seas
Niche: Minor Predator
Nutritional Value: 33
Size: 7cm
Predecessor: Asteridermus gibbosi
Classification: Makryostusidae, Spinacheliforme, Caudara
Latest Mutations: Olfaction = 4, Temperature Tolerance = 6, Control Bioluminescence = 3
Description: This species very closely resembles its ancestor, owning a long tapering body with flashing bioluminescent lights, except it is now black. The other differences are much more difficult to spot; above the mouth, invisible to the naked eye are olfactory receptors, which provide a rudimentary way of tracking prey and mapping its surroundings. Electrolocation is still much more useful and precise. A development in the area of the brain allows Asteridermus luminaria to have more control over its bioluminescence. It can turn them on and off at will, but does so all at once with all of them. The spots cannot be controlled individually but as a group. Internally, this animal has adapted its body’s chemistry to cope with the temperatures of shallower water, including temperate and tropical seas. It is therefore much more widespread then it’s predecessor, and slightly more successful. It would live in tropical seas too, except there is no sustainable food source there for this species.
Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Electroreceptors, Open Circulatory System, Axochord, Whip Tail, Three Gill Slits, Notochord, Cartilage Vertebrae, Digestive Carnivorous Bacteria, Two Poisonous Spikes on Tail, Dentine Teeth, Cup Eyes, Jaw, Fins (two vertical near head), Hump, Bioluminescent Lights
@louix
Almoskulus caecorum (NT)
DEEP SOUTHERN POLAR OCEAN
ON HOLD
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 90%
Nutrition: 3/4
Maturity: 50%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 1.15cm
Almoskulus caecorum
Status: NT
Timespan: R.57 - Present
Habitat: Continental Slope (Mid Ocean), Shallow Sea
Distribution: Uteenessa Ocean, up to 2000m below sea level, All Temperate & Polar Seas
Niche: Benthic Filter-Feeder
Nutritional Value: 7
Size: 2.3cm
Predecessor: Argoskulus rubrumi
Classification: Almoskulusidae, Squickidea, Tubulosa
Latest Mutations: Eyes = 6, Fins = 5, Defense = 1
Description: Blank, white eyeballs hang off the edge of short, protruding eyestalks that stick out straight to the sides of the head. These are the most complex eyes on Ezta. This gives them much increased coverage in terms of sight, and can see pretty much all around them, although it comes at a fairly hefty nutritional price. In order to have eyes on stalks, Almoskulus caecorum evolved a white sclera to contain the compartments of the eye, and a vitreous humour to hold its shape. There eyes are blank looking because they have no iris or pupil to control the amount of the light that reaches them. Another adaptation of this animal is the emergence of a pair of pectoral fins, close to the head. This do not aid in swimming much, but rather can be used to walk quicker across the seafloor, where the spend most of their time. They also position the head upwards and improve filtration a little. This fins are short but sturdy and curve underneath the tubular body, which varies between red and transparent. In a pinch, these fins can be used to spring upwards and utilise their membranes to glide. To avoid predators is even more crucial for this species, because their skin is especially weak and easy to cut. They thrive best on upper continental slopes, where light still reaches, but also are found commonly in open, relatively deep areas of shallow temperate and polar seas. Below the light level, their eyes becomes useless, and their weakness has no defence.
Previous Mutations: Muscles, Fleshy Membrane (along back and underside), Chemoreceptors, Basic Instincts, Three Gill Slits, Yellow Pigmentation, Dentine Teeth, Open Circulatory System, Pinhole Eye With Lens (one on top of head), Notochord, Anti-freeze Proteins, Slow Reactions, Red-Transparent Colour Shifting, Small Tentacles
@Biologicah
Codowecoi koalazk (LC)
DEEP NORTHERN POLAR OCEAN
You hatch out in the bright sunlight of the shallow sea, in a small bay on the coast. You are not the only inhabitants of the bay; a capsule of young Almoskulus has also recently hatched. You charge towards the other hatchlings and stab and eat one. The others flee the bay or are eaten by your siblings. (6 + 1 = You get a bonus + or - 1 for any player, including yourself, next round.)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 5/4 (115%)
Maturity: 25%
Temp: Cold
Current Size: 1.2cm
NEW SPECIES!
Codowecoi koalazk
Status: LC
Timespan: R.61 - Present
Habitat: Shallow Sea
Distribution: All Temperate & Polar Seas
Niche: Apex Predator, Minor Predator
Nutritional Value: 11
Size: 4.65cm
Predecessor: Codowecoi fyuxuul
Classification: Codowecoidae, Codowecoidea, Aquamusculida
Latest Mutations: Improve Eyes = 6 - pinhole eyes, Lengthen Body = 4, Limbs = 2 - lose fins
Description: With four pinhole eyes (two at the front, and one on either side) giving Codowecoi koalazk a good advantage, as it can now vaguely see, it has usurped its predecessor as predator of very small animals in the shallow seas. However, it has lost its fins and thus is slightly slower than Codowecoi fyuxuul, which wins in areas without light. Therefore, it exists in the deep ocean, while Codowecoi koalazk lives in shallow seas. The new species also has a slightly longer hydrostatic body and retains the trademark sharp beak.
Previous Mutations: Bitter Chemicals, Chemoreceptors, Proboscis, Hydrostatic Muscle Fins (2 vertical near centre of body), Sharp Beak, Digestive Carnivorous Enzymes, Bigger, Blue Pigmentation, Open Circulatory System, Glittery Scales, Anti-Freeze Proteins, Water Propulsion, Cup Eyes, Hydrostatic Skeleton
@svrangite
Kapnosta eremitus (NT)
SOUTH-WEST UTEENSESSA OCEAN, DEEP OCEAN
You continue to filter these desolate waters but virtually no food comes by your spot. (3)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 2/5 (40%)
Maturity: 10%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 0.85cm
Kapnosta eremitus
Status: NT
Timespan: R.43 - Present
Habitat: Hydrothermal Vents (Deep Ocean)
Distribution: Under Temperate and Tropical Uteenessa Ocean
Niche: Benthic Filter-Feeder
Nutritional Value: 50
Size: 8.5cm
Predecessor: Kapnosta limus
Classification: Kardiaskulidae, Kardiaskulidea, Tubulosa
Latest Mutations: Calcium Carbonate Shell, Heat Resistance, Tentacles
Description: Stuck to the chimneys of hydrothermal vents and the surrounding areas are hardy Kapnosta. They hide inside a limestone shell that they build around themselves which sticks to a surface permanently. They have evolved increased resistance to heat to survive such constant exposure to high temperatures. The only problem is that whilst they are safe inside their shells, they have tentacles used for catching particles of food hanging out, exposed.
Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Open Circulatory System, Tubular Heart, Web of Capillaries Over Muscles, Axochord, Notochord, Four Gill Slits, Two Gill Frills, Pharynx, Large Pinhole Eyes With Lenses (2 on top of head, one on front), Heat-Proof Scales, Cartilage Vertebrae
@jellyfishmon
Thanostoma mediossium (LC)
NORTH-WESTERN SHELF
Look for food = 3 (5)
As the current carries you around, you start to notice more and more green specks of phytoplankton emerging. It’s not quite a bloom, but you are able to feed quite well. You are, though, still part of the plankton over the shallow sea. (3 + 1)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 7.5/10 (75%)
Maturity: 10%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 1.9cm
Thanostoma mediossium
Status: LC
Timespan: R.50 - Present
Habitat: Shallow Sea
Distribution: All Temperate Seas
Niche: Herbivore
Nutritional Value: 101
Size: 19cm
Predecessor: Thanostoma aquaprinceps
Classification: Makouradae, Spinacheliforme, Caudara
Latest Mutations: Digestive Enzymes = 1, Plant-Eating Teeth = 5, Bony Body = 4
Description: This is the first bony animal of Ezta, with the vertebra and jaw now being formed of bone rather than cartilage, so it is stiffer but stronger. The tail has remained cartilaginous to maintain its flexibility . At the front of the jaw is a group of very square teeth, which are the prime shape for biting off bits of vegetation. The venomous canines are now only for defence, as this animal is a complete herbivore. The bacteria in its gut are only able to break down plant matter; they require the bits of food to be even tinier and without better ways of mechanical digestion, they often regurgitate the food if it is too large. There is an abundance of food, and they are quite capable of defending themselves, which means they have a fairly stable population.
Previous Mutations: Extra-Efficient Muscles, Electroreceptors, Open Circulatory System, Axochord, Whip Tail, Three Gill Slits, Notochord, Cartilage Vertebrae, Digestive Carnivorous Bacteria, Two Poisonous Spikes on Tail, Dentine Teeth, Venomous Canines, Jaw, Two Swiveling Pinhole Eyes (1 on each side of head)
@PositiveTower
Megalognathus dankoma (EN)
NORTHERN UTEENESSA POLAR OCEAN, DEEP OCEAN
You try to leave the area, but your siblings have crowded around the dead animal that you killed, and block your exit. After a while, however, they start to disperse and you are once again free. (3)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 0.5/2.5 (20%)
Maturity: 35%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 0.8cm
Megalognathus dankoma
Status: EN
Timespan: R.45 - Present
Habitat: Deep Ocean, Continental Slope (Mid Ocean), Shallow Sea
Distribution: Uteenessa North Pole
Niche: Minor Predator
Nutritional Value: 8
Size: 2.3cm
Predecessor: Glistroskulus louixi
Classification: Megalognathusidae, Squickidea, Tubulosa
Latest Mutations: Digestive Acid = 3, Teeth = 5, Jaw = 1
Description: This species can easily be told apart from, it’s descendants by a much wider head, although it still has a small body. This head houses a jaw of razor-sharp, slicing teeth that are perfect for cutting into flesh. This flesh can be digested by the new stomach acids. But it’s jaws are proportionally very large and the jaw muscles weak; this makes both movement more tiresome, as well as the use of the jaws more difficult. Luckily, in the deep, it’s slow moving doesn’t hinder it too much as its prey struggle to detect its approach, but energy can be a problem.
Behaviour Set
- This species has basic awareness as well as the ability to pair simple instincts with stimuli.
- After reproducing, the mated adults fight each other to the death, and leave the corpse behind.
- When they detect light, they will move to darkness.
- Open.
Previous Mutations: Muscles, Fleshy Membrane (along back and underside), Chemoreceptors, Basic Instincts, Three Gill Slits, Yellow Pigmentation, Dentine Teeth, Open Circulatory System, Pinhole Eye With Lens (one on top of head), Notochord, Anti-freeze Proteins
Thanks for the round Stealth.
