Thrive Rules of Nature Competition

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Round 11 - 110 Million Years
Like Earth’s Devonian Period, this planet has witnessed life grow in sophistication and take its first stumbles onto land. For the first time, its children have the eyes and minds to return its gentle gaze. However, these times are not to last. Even now, some species stand on a harrowing precipice…

Species
doomlightning - Fulgurmortis coronafera - LC

  • Tiny Herbivore

  • Habitat: Lowlands

Mutations: Liver, Hearing Organs (+1 Stealth), Chelicerae

Fulgurmortis has developed segmented chelicerae on its face. Like those in harvestmen and horseshoe crabs, they terminate with a pair of digits that ply apart vegetation. This offers more dexterity than the radula and the corona before it. Meanwhile, the sides of its head have what appear to be additional pairs of gill-lungs, only smaller. These tiny slits sense vibrations in the air to provide Fulgurmortis with a sense of hearing.

On the inside, Fulgurmortis has evolved a liver to filter toxins from its water vascular system. This liver also secretes bile into the lower digestive tract in order to aid chemical digestion.

Stats:

  • 3*3 = 9 Stealth

  • 2 Speed (Water), 3 Speed (Land)

  • 3 Strength (Venom-Resistant)

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Ulvopsis digitata, Kisthos, Marchantinella colliosa

Predated By: Minacia armataevigil

Mutation History

  • Rotifer-like Corona

  • Epidermis

  • Pharyngeal Slits

  • Cephalization

  • Silicone Scales (+1 Strength)

  • Water Vascular System

  • Closed Vascular System

  • Branchiostegal Gills

  • Radula

  • Mucus Glands (+1 Strength; counters Venom)

  • Internal Fertilization

  • Hibernation

  • Chemoreception

  • 7 Hydro-Pump Legs (+1 Swimming and Walking Speed)

  • Nephridium (Salt Retention)

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Serial Hermaphroditism

  • Hydrostatic Leg Support (+1 Walking Speed)

  • Liver

  • Hearing Organs (+1 Stealth)

  • Chelicerae

fralegend015 - Legendicus transitorium - LC

  • Tiny Omnivore

  • Habitat: Rivers, Lowlands

Mutations: Terrestrial Legs (-1 Swimming Speed, +1 Walking Speed), Fused Posterior Legs (-1 Swimming Speed, +1 Walking Speed), Bipedalism (-1 Swimming Speed, +1 Walking Speed)

Legendicus has made a dramatic change to its body plan. Almost a hundred years ago, it evolved four pairs of fins along its body. Now, all but the front pair have fused into a single pair of legs optimized for supporting its weight on land. With these legs, its tail for balance, and a patchwork of motor ganglia, Legendicus is the fastest and most stable runner this planet has seen.

More than capable of chasing a Fulgurmortis, Legendicus uses its ever-unmatched speed against a different target. Aclaronomenus have superior eyesight and numbers, in addition to other defenses based on their caste. However, Legendicus are faster in water and over land. With their scant offensive adaptations, Legendicus normally steer clear of Aclaronomenus, especially their missile castes - if their weak eyes see one, there are likely more. However, should watchers ever be absent from the surfaces of spawning pools, Legendicus will readily eat any juveniles or eggs they stumble on. These opportunists are quick to flee at first sight of the missiles, but, due to the mixotroph’s gregarious nature, are sure to make off with a jawless mouthful.

The front legs are also no slouch at supporting this creature’s length. However, they are inefficient to run on, and the hind legs can paddle in the water just fine. They are mostly used for mating nowadays - the male uses them while mounting the female, while the female uses them to support herself and her mate as they eject gametes into still water.

Stats:

  • 2*3 = 6 Stealth

  • 6/6 Speed

  • 2 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Fulgurmortis coronafera, * Hexapinna verrucosus *, Testificatus relictus

Predated By: N/A

Mutation History

  • Lateral Muscles (+2 Speed due to gills)

  • Grinding Teeth

  • 8 Fins (+1 Speed)

  • Gills

  • Tail Muscles (+1 Speed)

  • Circulatory System

  • Omnivorism

  • Motor Ganglia (+1 Speed)

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Denser Tail Muscles (+1 Speed)

  • Thicker Skin (+1 Strength)

  • Structural Spine (+1 Speed)

  • Foregut

  • Enzyme Glands

  • Fin Bones (+1 Swimming and Walking Speed)

  • Gill-Lung Spiracles

  • Kidneys (Salt Retention)

  • Leg Bones (+1 Walking Speed)

  • Sexual Reproduction

  • More Motor Ganglia (+1 Walking Speed)

  • Terrestrial Legs (-1 Swimming Speed, +1 Walking Speed)

  • Fused Posterior Legs (-1 Swimming Speed, +1 Walking Speed)

  • Bipedalism (-1 Swimming Speed, +1 Walking Speed)

aah31415 - Hexapinna verrucosus - LC

  • Tiny Herbivore

  • Habitat: Rivers

Mutations: Metachrotic Chromatophores (+1 Stealth), Color Vision (+1 Stealth), Digging Claws (+1 Stealth)

Hexapinna’s scales now host cells that can change its appearance. By expanding and contracting pigment-filled vesicles, this herbivore can blend in with surrounding terrain, be it green algae or brown silt. Its eyes also have the distinct cones needed to perceive color. It has little control over how it expresses color, but now possesses a solid advantage over Minacia, whose sharp monochrome vision and electroreceptors once made it supreme in rooting out prey.

As if these adaptations weren’t enough, Hexapinna’s fins and their claws have become more robust. They now offer the articulation to dig holes in the mud that can fully shelter this creature.

Stats:

  • 7*3 = 21 Stealth

  • 6/1 Speed

  • 3 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Bryodea nodula

Predated By: Legendicus transitorium, Minacia chirodropoides

Mutation History

  • Grinding Teeth

  • Bloodstream

  • Chemoreception

  • Gills

  • Six Fins (+2 Speed due to gills)

  • Freshwater Adaptation

  • Neural Ganglia

  • Simple Heart

  • Basic Jaw

  • Improved Digestive System

  • Nostrils (+1 Stealth)

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Horizontal Tailfin (+1 Speed)

  • Coaxial Spinal Cords

  • Vertebra (+1 Swimming Speed)

  • Lobed Fins (+1 Swimming and Walking Speed)

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Scales (+1 Strength)

  • Sexual Reproduction

  • Fin Claws (+1 Strength)

  • Metachrotic Chromatophores (+1 Stealth)

  • Color Vision (+1 Stealth)

  • Digging Claws (+1 Stealth)

Nonametoseehere - Aclaronomenus ascendilus - LC

  • Tiny Mixotrophic Herbivore

  • Habitat: Global Ocean, Coasts, Rivers, Lowlands

Mutations: Rain Dishes on Producers, 8 Spiked Wings on Producers (+1 Strength), Cerebellum

Aclaronomenus’s producer caste has grown into a vegetative life in the winds. A wide, flat structure on the tongue, modified from the leaves, collects rainwater, allowing descents to be less frequent. In addition, she now bears eight wings compared to the mover caste’s four. While they do provide more surface area for sailing and photosynthesis, their real purpose is to brandish protective spikes. Whenever she does need to descend to waters below, they grant her substantial protection against any Minacia armataevigil that mistake her enlarged but simplified body for a banquet - at least, long enough for the missile castes to arrive.

In addition, the motility of all nervously-complex castes has been greatly improved with a cerebellum. They offer the ability for Aclaronomenus to orient themselves in even turbulent winds. Even the simple-minded mover castes have one to further fulfill their purposes. Conversely, the archivist caste has theirs nestled beneath their enlarged forebrains. Combined with their neural claws, a linked flotilla of Aclaronomenus centered around a mover or archivist can weather heavy windstorms.

While adult Aclaronomenus are at less risk in the sky than ever, a new annoyance is plaguing their eggs and young. Inland fleets know to spawn away from the rivers Minacia frequent, but lowland lakes and ponds are falling victim to Legendicus. Both thanks to and in spite of their bipedalism, these opportunists are faster in water and over land than wind-reliant Aclaronomenus. No match for missiles, Legendicus that slip beneath their notice may seize an unborn or undeveloped juvenile. These raids are unintentional, only taking place when they do not see any Aclaronomenus hovering over water - the moment their shallow vision glimpses a missile, they retreat. A more subdued threat faces seaside coves - though Legendicus are rare along the coasts, M. armataevigil test the vigilance of missiles both in air and under water in lean times. Colonies in open waters, whose archivists absorb and pass down manipulators’ knowledge of abandoned Salixelysia nests, do not face nearly the same threat to their offspring. However, even the seafaring archivists find these visions troubling.

Stats:

  • 3*3 = 9 Stealth

  • 3 Speed (Water), 3 Speed (Air)

  • 3 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa

Predated By: Legendicus transitorium, Minacia armataevigil

Mutation History

  • Swim Bladder

  • Tail (+2 Speed due to Algae Assimilation)

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Grinding Teeth

  • Adhesive Tongue

  • Algae Habitation

  • Algae Assimilation

  • Simple Brain

  • Hydrogen Sack (+1 Flight Speed)

  • Neural Claws

  • Water-Storing Stem

  • Mover Caste (+2 Flight Speed due to cerebellum)

  • Salt Retention

  • Manipulatory Caste

  • Bioluminescent Communication

  • Archive Caste (has Intermediate Brain)

  • Blanket-Forming Caste

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Sexual Reproduction

  • Missile Cast (+1 Strength)

  • Rain Dishes on Producers

  • 8 Spiked Wings on Producers (+1 Strength)

  • Cerebellum

TeaKing - Evolumia analysia - LC

  • Tiny Omnivore

  • Habitat: Coasts

Mutations: Thicker Skin (+1 Strength), Efficient Gills, Bony Pectoral Fins (+2 Speed from efficient gills)

In the coasts’ endless fight for survival, Evolumia has toughened its skin against its rivals’ attacks. Its serrated fins are also now complemented by fins near the front. Unlike the fins, they are stiffened and strengthened with bony joints attached to the vertebra. Their performance is bolstered by Evolumia’s overclocked gills. They radiate out from the front of its serpentine body, giving it an unmistakable silhouette.

… Come to think of it, do the fins come out horizontally or vertically? Does Evolumia more like an elongated lionfish or sea robin?

For once, Evolumia has the upper hand over its offshoot Minacia and is enjoying a stronbelgium as the premier predator. It has even begun to hunt adult Signumeris, now that it outpaces it - even with this rival’s resistance to electricity and brevetoxins, Evolumia’s matches it in internal and external toughness, and takes the literal edge with its serrated fins.

Stats:

  • 5*3 = 15 Stealth (Electric Organ)

  • 6 Speed

  • 6 Strength (Toxin Glands)

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Bryopsis digitata, Minacia chirodropoides, Signumeris rugosus

Predated By: Signumeris rugosus

Mutation History

  • Elongation (+1 Speed)

  • Chemoreception

  • Grinding Teeth

  • Tail (+1 Speed)

  • Simple Brain

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Gills

  • Efficient Muscles (+1 Speed from gills)

  • Notochord

  • Open Circulatory System

  • Serrated Fins (+1 Strength)

  • Disruptive Camouflage (+1 Stealth)

  • Omnivorism

  • Jaws

  • Neurotoxin Glands (+1 Strength)

  • Nostrils (+1 Stealth)

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Electric Organ (+1 Strength, counters Electroreceptors)

  • Sexual Reproduction

  • Vertebra (+1 Strength)

  • Thicker Skin (+1 Strength)

  • Efficient Gills

  • Bony Pectoral Fins (+2 Speed from efficient gills)

UndyingHazard - Minacia chirodropoides - EN/LC

  • Tiny Omnivore

  • Habitat: Coasts, Rivers

Mutations: Notochord (+1 Speed), Trisexual Reproduction

The original Minacia is the latest species to adopt an internal spine. While not bony, it offers this creature a stiffer posture. In addition, it now practices a form of reproduction that incorporates male, female, and hermaphroditic sexes. This arrangement is almost unheard of on Earth, and unraveling the genetic triggers involved would keep a fervent xenobiologist awake for days. What matters is that Minacia can evolve at a more rapid pace.

Minacia in the rivers continue to face minimal competition. They are strong enough to take down the odd Hexapinna they can get the drop on, and their senses are their most reliable weapon against the strong and unsubtle Testificatus. However, Minacia in the ocean have fallen on hard times. Their cousin, Evolumia, has not only surpassed them in strength and speed, but take the initiative as well thanks to their bioelectric interference. Unlike Signumeris, they do not have a broadened diet to fall back on, and are beginning to disappear.

Stats:

  • 5*3 = 15 Stealth

  • 5 Speed

  • 5 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, * Hexapinna verrucosus *, Testificatus relictus, Signumeris rugosus

Predated By: Evolumia analysia, Signumeris rugosus

Mutation History

  • Elongation (+2 Speed due to gills)

  • Chemoreception

  • Nematocysts (+1 Strength)

  • Sharp Teeth

  • Paired Single-Chambered Hearts

  • Gills

  • Undulating Flaps (+1 Speed)

  • Venomous Tentacles (+1 Strength)

  • Thicker Skin (+1 Strength)

  • Compartmentalized Gut

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Grinding Teeth

  • Nostrils (+1 Stealth)

  • Neural Ganglia

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Electroreceptors (+1 Stealth)

  • Freshwater Tolerance

  • Simple Brain

  • Tentacle Teeth (+1 Strength)

  • Tentacle Jaws

  • Notochord (+1 Speed)

  • Trisexual Reproduction

Chiori - Nomenchiori echinoides - LC

  • Small Herbivore

  • Habitat: Coasts

Mutations: Two-Chambered Heart, Increase Size (Small), Enhanced Respiratory System

Nomenchiori’s bloodstream is now mustered by a two-chambered heart. In addition, its gills now have oxygen-rich water driven into them by a pair of opercula. Now that its vessels carry more oxygen faster, the eight fins - a memento of the original Legendicus - give Nomenchiori even more speed in the water (some things never change).

Both of these new features are vital to Nomenchiori sustaining its most striking adaptation - its body has more than doubled in size. Thanks to the square-cube law amplifying its defenses in turn, this fierce herbivore has become a living redoubt against its predators.

Stats:

  • 4*2.5 = 10 Stealth

  • 5 Speed

  • 7*1.5 = 10.5 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Ulvopsis digitata

Predated By: N/A

Mutation History

  • Lateral Muscles (+2 Speed due to gills)

  • Grinding Teeth

  • 8 Fins (+2 Speed due to Enhanced Respiratory System)

  • Spines (+1 Strength)

  • Digestive System

  • Bloodstream

  • Gills

  • Thicker Skin (+1 Strength)

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Defensive Pincers (+1 Strength)

  • Simple Brain

  • Auditory System (+1 Stealth)

  • Vertebra (+1 Strength)

  • Notochord

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Chitinous Exoskeleton (+1 Strength)

  • Chemoreceptor

  • Intermediate Brain

  • Sexual Reproduction

  • Sharper Pincers (+1 Strength)

  • Two-Chambered Heart

  • Increased Size (Small)

  • Enhanced Respiratory System

willow - Salixelysia aurata - LC

  • Tiny Mixotrophic Herbivore

  • Habitat: Global Ocean, Coasts

Mutations: Dual Hydrogen Bladders (+1 Flight Speed), Color Vision (+1 Stealth), Stored Stem Cells (+1 Strength)

Much like its offshoot, Salixelysia aurata now gets its buoyancy from hydrogen, making it lighter than air. However, this main lineage has two hydrogen bladders rather than one, situated along the back. Its eyes have also improved to the point that they can distinguish wavelengths of visible light from each other, giving this species color vision.

In an unusual measure against predation, Salixelysia has developed reserves of stem cells in its epithelial tissues. As difficult as it is for a paralyzed Salixelyisa to struggle free as a Minacia armataevigil mauls it, it is not impossible, especially not if it can use its floating bladders. If its circumstantial predator is ever forced to relinquish its grip, the wounded Salixelysia can recover from even severe injuries using its stem cells. A dripping blue gash can heal back to black at a phenomenal rate.

Stats:

  • 4*3 = 12 Stealth

  • 5 Speed (Water), 3 Speed (Air)

  • 3 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa Kisthos thalassena

Predated By: Minacia armataevigil

Mutation History

  • Swim Bladder

  • Tail (+1 Speed)

  • Algae Assimilation

  • Metallic Teeth

  • One-Way Heart

  • 10 Fins (+2 Speed due to Algae Assimilation)

  • Algae Absorption

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Chloroplast Assimilation

  • Simple Brain

  • Gliding Wings (+1 Flight Speed)

  • Hemocyanin

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Ovoviviparity

  • Glass Pincers (+1 Strength)

  • Wing Muscles (+1 Swimming and Flight Speed)

  • 4 Legs

  • Black Chloroplasts

  • Hermaphroditism

  • Natural Selection Awareness (Salixelysia Nests)

  • Dual Hydrogen Bladders (+1 Flight Speed)

  • Color Vision (+1 Stealth)

  • Stored Stem Cells (+1 Strength)

zenzonegaming - Iocusis myriadus - VU

  • Tiny Omnivore

  • Habitat: Coasts

Mutations: Improved Digestion System, Intermediate Brain, Social Swarming

Iocusis has evolved a variety of internal improvements. Its digestive tract, able to break down the metals in sand, now has a gut divided into two structures. The one just after the stomach resembles a small intestine, while the second shares characteristics with both a vertebrate’s large intestine and a mollusk’s cecum. It forms a loop, wringing out not only water and salts from food, but also minerals for its exoskeleton. Meanwhile, the brain in its tentacled head has swelled at the front. This swelling is Iocusis’s limbic system, and it has greatly expanded interactions within this species. Rather than mindless swarms, Iocusis can assemble as thinking individuals into cooperative units. Communication in this eyeless species relies on pheromones and touch, and its purpose has expanded from hunting to mating and mutual defense. This is a far cry from self-awareness or even theory of mind - an individual Iocusis does not intuit what its peers sense or think - but it remains a remarkable display of sophistication.

Unfortunately, in spite of its recent innovations, this species is starting to face competition with Evolumia, who breaks the stalemate between both species with its keener senses. Iocusis only holds the edge in its ability to absorb its rival’s toxin clouds while fighting in numbers. To make matters worse, its other rival, Signumeris, has developed a resistance to its poisonous flesh. Before, Iocusis could depend on its reproductive rate to see it through hard times. Now, juveniles are being killed and eaten for the first time in millions of years. If something happens to its source of ciguatoxins again, Iocusis may not cling to life this time.

Stats:

  • 2*3 = 6 Stealth

  • 6 Speed

  • 4*1.5 = 6 Strength (Poisonous, Venom-Resistant)

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Signumeris rugosus

Predated By: Signumeris rugosus

Mutation History

  • Grinding Teeth

  • Bloodstream

  • Chemoreception

  • Gills

  • Fecundity

  • Movement Tentacles (+2 Speed due to gills)

  • Ciguatera Poisoning

  • Improved Digestive Tract

  • Simple Brain

  • Simple Heart

  • Corrosive Stomach Acids

  • Silicate Exoskeleton (+1 Strength)

  • Hooked Tentacles (+1 Strength)

  • Tailfin (+1 Speed)

  • Nostrils (+1 Stealth)

  • Venom Absorption (counters Venom)

  • Two Sexes

  • Swarming (*1.5 Strength)

  • Absorption Stings (+1 Strength)

  • Improved Muscles (+2 Speed due to cerebellum)

  • Cerebellum

  • Improved Digestive System

  • Intermediate Brain

  • Social Swarming

Cha - Testificatus relictus - LC

  • Small Herbivore

  • Habitat: Rivers

Mutations: Improved Leg Muscles (+1 Walking Speed), Retractable Lower Mandibles (+1 Strength), Venom Glands (+1 Strength)

Testificatus has expanded the improvements in its exoskeletal muscles. Its legs are more than capable of supporting its weight on land, enough to rival the smaller Fulgurmortis’s strengthened tube-feet. With competition for Bryodea returning as both this species and Hexapinna adapt to the threat Minacia poses, some adventurous Testificatus use their newfound strength to graze Marchantinella at the water’s edge, though they cannot leave water for long.

Testificatus’s more dramatic adaptation of late is an additional pair of mandibles below the first. Possessing minimal dexterity, they are more like retractable fangs meant to puncture Minacia’s thick skin. The size of this animal alone would make a direct hit lethal for its predator. However, this species has one more new weapon that makes even its adolescents formidable quarry - venom glands at the base of the secondary mandibles. Much like Minacia’s, this venom consists of simple peptides, but is designed to kill tissues rather than disable them. Its new defenses are so thorough, adults of this species are practically invincible to Minacia.

Stats:

  • 3*2.5 = 7.5 Stealth

  • 4/2 Speed

  • 4*1.5 = 6 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Bryodea nodula, Marchantinella colliosa

Predated By: Legendicus vigorosus, Minacia chirodropoides

Mutation History

  • Symbiotic Camouflage

  • Elongated Mouth

  • Freshwater Adaptation

  • Cephalization

  • Hairy Tongue

  • 10 Crawling Legs (+2 Speed due to Gills)

  • Open Circulatory System

  • Book Gills

  • Chitinous Exoskeleton (+1 Strength)

  • Fecundity

  • Simple Brain

  • Mandibles

  • Compound Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Exoskeletal Muscles (+1 Swimming and Walking Speed)

  • Increase Size (Small)

  • Increased Clutch Size (Sexual Reproduction substitute)

  • Improved Leg Muscles (+1 Walking Speed)

  • Retractable Lower Mandibles (+1 Strength)

  • Venom Glands (+1 Strength)

sci0927 - Signumeris rugosus - VU

  • Tiny Omnivore

  • Habitat: Coasts

Mutations: Polyether Toxin Resistance, Serial Hermaphroditism, Desiccation Resistance

Signumeris has evolved three adaptations that modify its bodily functions. One is resistance to algae-derived polycyclic polyethers such as ciguatoxin and brevetoxin, which Signumeris’s rivals Iocusis and Evolumia weaponize. Another is serial hermaphroditism - individual Signumeris can change between male and female at any point in their lives. The third is a resistance to drying out, courtesy of the sugar trehalose, which is employed by tardigrades and unhatched brine shrimp. As such, Signumeris and its eggs mirror certain African killifish in their ability to survive outside of water.

However, Signumeris’s current threat is Evolumia’s recent success. Nowadays, even adult Signumeris have no advantage in senses, mobility, or fighting against it. Unlike mainline Minacia, Signumeris is not vanishing from the seas for one reason: its ability to safely digest Iocusis meat. Being able to process and expel the ciguatoxin its rival used as a crutch for so long gives Signumeris a formerly untapped food source. By passing the buck to Iocusis, Signumeris narrowly hovers above endangerment.

Stats:

  • 5*3 = 15 Stealth

  • 5 Speed

  • 3 Strength (Electricity Resistance, Polycyclic Toxin Resistance)

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Ulvopsis digitata, Iocisus myriadus

Predated By: Minacia chirodropoides, Evolumia analysia, Iocusis myriada

Mutation History

  • Grinding Teeth

  • Bloodstream

  • Chemoreception

  • Gills

  • Four Fins (+2 Speed due to gills)

  • Rough Skin (+1 Strength)

  • Notochord

  • Improved Digestive System

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Tail (+1 Speed)

  • Simple Brain

  • Skeleton (+1 Strength)

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Jaws

  • Omnivorism

  • Dorsal Fin (+1 Speed)

  • Color Vision (+1 Stealth)

  • Nostrils (+1 Stealth)

  • Sexual Reproduction

  • Electricity Resistance

  • Toxin Resistance (counters Polyether Toxins)

  • Serial Hermaphroditism

  • Desiccation Resistance

TwilightWings21 - Minacia armataevigil - LC

  • Tiny Omnivore

  • Habitat: Coasts

Mutations: Lateral Eyespots (+1 Stealth), Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth), Lightweight Abrasive Scales (+1 Strength)

Minacia armataevigil’s most visible difference from its ancestor is the array of lensed eyes down its body, just above the gliding flaps. These allow this predator to both target prey from a greater distance and avoid its rivals getting the drop on it. Much less obvious are the sharp, fine scales that are an organic match for Fulgurmortis’s own silicone bulwark, durable enough to rebuke the mandibles of a struggling Salixelyisa. They also protect M. armataevigil from the sun’s glare and retain moisture, though they do not cover the air-gills.

In lean times, when many Fulgurmortis fall into hibernation, M. armataevigil relies on these new adaptations to take on more risky prey. True to its name, its armor and vigilance are vital in daring raids on Aclaronomenus’s coastal nesting sites. If this predator can slip through the gaze of watchful guards and their bioluminescent alarm signals, their eggs and juveniles fall quickly to its lethal sting. The missile castes can detonate like minute underwater mines, but the risk of a scalding blast outweighs a slow death to starvation.

Stats:

  • 5*3 = 15 Stealth

  • 5/2 Speed

  • 5 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa, Fulgurmortis coronafera, Aclaronomenus ascendilus, Salixelysia aurata, Salixelysia radicatus

Predated By: N/A

Mutation History

  • Elongation (+2 Speed due to gills)

  • Chemoreception

  • Nematocysts (+1 Strength)

  • Sharp Teeth

  • Paired Single-Chambered Hearts

  • Gills

  • Undulating Flaps (+1 Speed)

  • Venomous Tentacles (+1 Strength)

  • Thicker Skin (+1 Strength)

  • Compartmentalized Gut

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Grinding Teeth

  • Nostrils (+1 Stealth)

  • Neural Ganglia

  • Low Mucus Adhesion (counters Mucus Glands)

  • Closed Cardiovascular System

  • Air Gills

  • Gliding Flaps (+1 Swimming and Flight Speed)

  • Sexual Reproduction

  • Spinal Cord (+1 Flight Speed)

  • Lateral Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Lightweight Abrasive Scales (+1 Strength)

willow - Salixelysia radicatus - LC

  • Small Mixotrophic Herbivore

  • Habitat: Global Ocean, Coasts

Mutations: Gamete Genetic Reshuffling (Sexual Reproduction substitute), Active Water Retention

Salixelysia radicatus now practices an enhanced form of meiosis in its reproductive organs. Thanks to this, beneficial mutations can occur more often and work their way into the general population more quickly.

This mixotroph has also put a new spin on the internal channels it once transported Chlorogyra symbionts with. Now the cells lining these channels form a water-storing pulp just beneath the skin. S. radicata can go for longer without descending to the ocean surface, and can even survive being blown inland for over a week.

Stats:

  • 3*2.5 = 7.5 Stealth

  • 5 Speed (Water), 3 Speed (Air)

  • 2*1.5 = 3 Strength

Preys On: Chlorogyra filamentosa Kisthos thalassena

Predated By: Minacia armataevigil

Mutation History

  • Swim Bladder

  • Tail (+1 Speed)

  • Algae Assimilation

  • Metallic Teeth

  • One-Way Heart

  • 10 Fins (+2 Speed due to Algae Assimilation)

  • Algae Absorption

  • Enhanced Eyespots (+1 Stealth)

  • Chloroplast Assimilation

  • Simple Brain

  • Gliding Wings (+1 Flight Speed)

  • Hemocyanin

  • Lensed Eyes (+1 Stealth)

  • Ovoviviparity

  • Glass Pincers (+1 Strength)

  • Wing Muscles (+1 Swimming and Flight Speed)

  • Pectoral Gill-Strainers

  • Hydrogen Bladder (+1 Flight Speed)

  • Fin-Leaf Bladders

  • Heart-Facilitated Size Increase (Small)

…

NPC Plants

NPC - Chlorogyra filamentosa - LC

  • Tiny Producer

  • Habitat: Coasts, Rivers

Chlorogyra grows in fresh and salt water with plenty of sunlight. Its box-shaped cells line up in long filaments, their chloroplasts forming distinctive spirals. While colonies can survive anywhere in the water column, they form clusters at the surface and floor when undisturbed. In still waters, Chlorogyra can form a green carpet over rock and silt alike.

NPC - Ulvopsis digitata - LC

  • Small Producer

  • Habitat: Coasts

Ulvopsis is a marine alga that forms a thin, vertical sheet. It sprouts from well-lit sands swept by gentle currents, where entire fields of it sway. Its stern structure protects it from herbivores that lack jaws or mandibles.

NPC - Bryodea nodula - LC

  • Small Producer

  • Habitat: Rivers

Bryodea is a freshwater alga that grows in long, thin strands. It grows near the edges of rivers and lakes, where more sunlight can reach the bottom. If allowed to grow, its colonies weave together into tangled messes that are difficult to pull apart.

NPC - Kisthos thalassena - LC

  • Small Producer

  • Habitat: Global Ocean

Kisthos is a free-floating relative of Ulvopsis. Its “leaves” are much smaller and grow in chains. With the aid of minute air bladders, this alga resembling green Sargassum can maintain buoyancy at the ocean surface. This has allowed it to expand into the global ocean, where the seafloor is too deep for light to reach. Great mats of it can form wherever the currents converge.

NPC - Marchantinella colliosa - LC

  • Tiny Producer

  • Habitat: Rivers (Shoreline), Badlands

Marchantinella grows in thin, fine strands. This plant is adapted to survive outside of water, and individuals coil together into a soft bed wherever they grow. Dense masses are able to cover the ground beneath them from the sun, slowing down the evaporation of water. However, they still need water to transfer gametes, so they can only grow on soils regularly saturated with water.

NPC - Porcusetum convolutus - LC

  • Small Producer

  • Habitat: Badlands

The stalk of Porcusetum houses vessels of xylem and phloem, allowing it to grow taller. About as thick as a grass stalk, individuals grow in wide curves that readily coil together. Their specialized roots are shallow and weak, so individual Porcusetum use this curving growth pattern to support one another. Hip-high thickets of this plant form in much less strict conditions than Marchantinella, even on hilltops whose soil collects little rain. Porcusetum allows its leaves to grow longer at the top when it finds support, but its stalk always has a spore-bearing head.

Habitats

Global Ocean: A vast ocean spanning the entire world.

  • Flora: Chlorogyra, Kisthos

  • Fauna: Salixelysia, Aclaronomenus, S. radicatus

Coasts: Warm, saline waters surrounding the supercontinent. The floor lies as deep as 150 meters beneath the surface.

  • Flora: Chlorogyra, Ulvopsis, Kisthos

  • Fauna: Aclaronomenus, Chemorecepta, Minacia, Nomenchiori, Salixelysa, Iocusis, Signumeris, M. armataevigil, S. radicatus

Rivers: A network of waterways found all over the supercontinent, but especially the West and South.

  • Flora: Chlorogyra, Bryodea

  • Fauna: Hexapinna, Testificatus, Aclaronomenus, Legendicus, Minacia

Lowlands: Flat plains and rolling hills spanning much of the supercontinent.

  • Flora: Marchantinella, Porcusetum

  • Fauna: Fulgurmortis, Legendicus, Aclaronomenus

Great Mountains: A jagged wall of mountains at the heart of the supercontinent.

Eastern Desert: A vast rain shadow desert on the eastern half of the supercontinent.

Here’s the food web for this round. You might need it more than ever!

[Removed]

The second event will take place on next round. This time, the biosphere is much more competitive. Will any species be the first to fall?

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