Round 63
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
~15.75 million years into the Atroxian~
Pagosian Stage
Season: Northern Spring, Southern Autumn
Time of Day: Afternoon (W), Dawn (E)
Event - 4 (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.
@RoboTrannic
Veroina ericius (EN)
UTEENESSA OCEAN, SOUTH-WEST, DEEP OCEAN
After climbing the slope of the gulley, you leave the area in search of more food. However, you do not get too far before exhaustion and hunger overcome you, and you die. (1 = Sadly, you have died. Your species still exists, so just wait to respawn.)
Status
Health: Dead
Fitness: 10/38 (27%)
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
The strong Spring sun ensures there is plenty of plant growth within your little cove, and you remain here eating until you become an adult, ready to reproduce. Furthermore, you are joined by several more of your own kind, come to feed on the bountiful food in shelter. (6 + 1 = You have earned a bonus +1 or -1 for any player of your choice, including yourself, next round.)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 150/101 (150%)
Maturity: 100%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 19cm
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)
UTEENESSA OCEAN, SOUTH-WEST, TEMPERATE OCEAN SURFACE
As Autumn falls over the Southern Hemisphere, the plankton bloom fades away as the strength of the sun is reduced. The crowd of animals begins to thin, as other animals head off to other areas to find food; some head into the dark depths, others across the ocean surface. Some smaller animals remain, able to sustain themselves on the poor productivity that remains. There is still just about enough to feed you. It is enough to see you become an adult and ready to reproduce. (6 + 1 + 1 = You have earned a bonus +1 or -1 for any player of your choice, including yourself, next round.)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 52/31 (168%)
Maturity: 100%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 7cm
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
The edge of the shallow sea that slopes down towards the continental slope lacks hiding places as it is mostly open stretches of sand. The land around you seems to be quite empty of animals, as they mostly left in search of food. (3)
Status:
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 38/52 (73%)
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 (LC)
WESTERN SHELF, TROPICAL SHALLOW SEA
You hatch out in a gentle, shallow and sandy lagoon, quite empty, with the tropical sun beating down on it. Soon after you are born, you can detect the presence of food; you become plankton at the surface, which drifts you over a large barrier reef. Here, the water is green with food, and you prey on the zooplankton, tracking it down with electroreception and smell. You eat enough here that you are no longer planktonic and can freely swim. (6 + 1 = You have earned a bonus +1 or -1 for any player of your choice, including yourself, next round.)
Status
Health: Alive
Fitness: 26/18 (146%)
Maturity: 56%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 4cm
Asteridermus luminaria
Status: LC
Timespan: R.59 - Present
Habitat: Deep Ocean, Continental Slope (Mid Ocean), Shallow Sea
Distribution: Under Temperate and Tropical Uteenessa Ocean, All Temperate and Tropical Seas
Niche: Apex Predator, 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
@Biologicah
Codowecoi koalazk (LC)
NORTH-WESTERN SHELF, POLAR SHALLOW SEA
Slowly, spotlights of light appear on the seafloor, as the spring sun begins melting away the ice cover. You can now see sufficiently, as the light creeps through the ice. In the gaps between the shrinking ice floes, life proliferates. A bloom of phytoplankton is activated by the sun and the already rich polar sea. You continue your hunt along the floor, now aided by the ability to see. As you patrol, there is not much prey around but you start to feel light-headed and dizzy. The bloom is growing out of control with no pelagic filter-feeders around, and thus it is depleting the sea of oxygen. (1 + 1)
Status
Health: Lack of oxygen
Fitness: 5/6 (85%)
Maturity: 45%
Temp: Cold
Current Size: 2cm
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)
UTEENSESSA OCEAN, SOUTH-WEST, DEEP OCEAN
Luckily, the current continues to pass you by, and you are able to continue feeding. (5)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 14/12 (115%)
Maturity: 25%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 2cm
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)
WESTERN SHELF, TEMPERATE SHALLOW SEA
You head away from the continental slope and back towards the coast. The shallower water here becomes warmer in the Spring, and life flourishes in the fairly rich water. You swim right up to the the coastal cliff where you see bigger plants. When you arrive, you notice that behind these plants is a sheltered cove with even more plants in them. You enter, and it is almost devoid of other animals. You hide amongst the large kelp, whilst at the same time eating them. (5 + 1)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 65/48 (135%)
Maturity: 45%
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)
@PositiveTower
Thanostoma mediossium (LC)
WESTERN SHELF, TEMPERATE SHALLOW SEA
You let the slowly moving tide, take you towards the small, shingle beach at the edge of the bay. There are some boulders at the waters edge, with a lining of moss on them and you eat some of these small patches of vegetation. These are enough to see you become an adult and be ready to reproduce. (2 + 1 + 1)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 166/101 (165%)
Maturity: 100%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 19cm
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)
@louix
Almoskulus caecorum (NT)
WESTERN SHELF, TEMPERATE SHALLOW SEA
You hatch out in cold water, and the light around you is already quite dim. Observing around you, you appear to have been born in the valley of a submarine canyon, several hundred meters underwater. In front of you, stretches the dark, foreboding open abyss. However, on the other sides you are met by steep slopes leading back up to the regular shallow sea that would be a tricky climb. You remain in your spot, but there is not much food here. (2 + 1)
Status
Health: Healthy
Fitness: 0.4/0.7 (55%)
Maturity: 10%
Temp: Ok
Current Size: 0.23cm
Almoskulus caecorum
Status: NT
Timespan: R.57 - Present
Habitat: Continental Slope (Mid Ocean), Shallow Sea
Distribution: Uteenessa Ocean, up to 1000m 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
(it means having babies)
- I wonder how long it will go on for?
Happy Birthday Game 
Also, yay, POTW is nearly a year old. 
