#wompogo

[evolutionsvoid]

I think it is safe to say that swamps, to most people, are one of the "spookiest" ecosystems out there. You very rarely hear any happy tales set in one, and any legends attached to them tend to be dark and grim. It's a place that outsiders never want to visit, and if you tried inviting them to a swamp, they would instantly assume the worst. Don't you know what lives in those things?! Ghosts, eerie lights, shapeless mud creatures, foul witches, alluring voices spoken from slimy throats, the clawing rotting arms of the drowned! The stories and monstrosities are endless! Which I find kind of funny for a few reasons. One is that swamps are like any other biome, but gets a bad reputation because it is slightly soggier and the vegetation doesn't look as pretty. The other reason I find this all amusing is because swamps do hold dangers and beasts, yet the scary stories don't bother with them! You have real living breathing creatures that could star in many a cautionary tale, but instead we shove them aside to make up our own monsters! It's almost insulting! The wompogo work hard to be stealthy haunting predators of the cypress swamps, only to be ignored in favor of imaginary spirits and seductive leech women! If you want some real scary encounters in the swamps, then talk to folk who live in them. They will tell you of places in the muck and weeds where few dare travel. Is it because of strange disappearances? Odd lights and whispering voices? No, it is because of the hulking mud-covered beasts who are capable of biting a canoe in half. 

Is this dangerous brute I speak of some kind of swamp dragon, or magic-born monstrosity weaved from mud, reeds and corpses? No, it's a mammal, but one that is big and very irritable. The creature I am talking about is the hippalus, a relative of the hippopotamus who lives exclusively in swamps and marshes. They like it wet and muddy, where they are surrounding by soggy vegetation and soft earth. Though they share their love of water with their hippo cousins, one can clearly see that there are some physical differences between the two. One that really stands out is a long flattened tail, often announcing its presence with a loud slap against the water and muck. Then there is the massive hump on their back, which is pure muscle meant to help power its large head. The hippalus has the same impressive maw as other hippos, but its teeth jut out in different ways. Its lower incisors emerge straight out of the jaw, while a curved set of tusks are brandished like deadly blades. There is a pair of hardened growths upon their snout, which some like to call "horns" (even though they are very much not). Their head also has a bowed part on the upper jaw, almost like a horse saddle. Take all this, and then consider their sheer size! A height of over seven feet at the hump, and a length of eighteen to twenty! There is no denying who the powerhouse of the swamp is!

The hippalus are absolute behemoths, and their power is openly flaunted. While other creatures of the swamp may swim or slither through the water and muck, the hippalus plows through anything in its path. When it comes to identifying their tracks, you aren't looking for footprints, but rather deep ruts carving straight through the whole ecosystem. Their sheer size and weight is part of the reason, because you can't exactly walk on top of mud when you weigh over four thousand pounds. So they sink in deep and simply tear their way through the swampy gunk in front of them. Their strangely shaped head and powerful muscles is what comes into play here! Their whole skull is like an organic shovel and plow, designed for cutting through the mud and flinging it away with a whip of their neck. Their lower teeth help dig through and move earth, while their scooped skull is able to collect a whole load of mud and reeds and send it all flying! The muscular flat tail behind them also aids in propelling them forward, undulating as their powerful legs push them forwards. It should be mentioned that while it looks like hippalus swim through the swamps, they can't actually swim. They don't float, they sink. What you see is instead them walking or "galloping" underwater, only sticking their snouts out to breathe from time to time. What helps with the illusion of them floating or swimming is the fact that they are so big, that they tend to stick out of the water without any real effort. They just stand there in the swampy gunk, and it looks like they are floating with ease. 

All of these powerful adaptations, however, are not just for traveling! As any local would know, hippalus are famed for their construction work (and a lot of destruction work as well). This species is a solitary one, not living in herds or "bloats" like their cousins. A single hippalus will claim a large chunk of territory and make sure no one ever forgets it. Their powerful jaws and scooping heads tear up mud and vegetation, dropping dead trees and ripping sunken stumps from the murky bottom. Tangles of torn weeds and branches are left near the edges of their territory and given a musky coating of urine and feces to let people know who lives here. In the heart of their realm is their home, a lair built from mud, vegetation and woody parts, like the world's biggest beaver lodge. This construction is possible with the help of their strong jaws and head to carry materials, while their flattened tail pats it all into place. The lodges of these beasts are half sunken, and less like a roomy mud cave and more like a sopping wet burrow for them to park their massive bodies. Part of the support for these dwellings is their own bodies, wedging themselves inside and holding it all upon their backs. These lairs are important for when they have young, as it is where their babies hide during their vulnerable stages. If their mother has to leave them behind to forage or defend her territory, they will remain hidden in this den. When they venture outside to learn the ropes, she will be close by to make sure no predators get any funny ideas. Young hippalus can indeed be on the menu for the likes of wompogo or swamp basilisks, but a full grown adult is avoided by all. I don't think you need me to explain why. Lets just say that a healthy adult hippalus is a creature that does what it wants wherever it wants, and woe be to any who try to say different. 

As for diet, hippalus are herbivores, dining upon the various water-logged plants found in the swamp. Like many plant eaters, they won't say no to a free meal if they find a random carcass. While others may nibble upon bones or pick at scraps, a hippalus will take the body in a single bite, crushing it to a bloody, ruined pulp. When it comes to plants, their horned nose is good for digging up ones buried in the muck, and their teeth scrap away at bark and hardened exteriors. When they aren't eating or building, they are resting, as such a huge body uses a lot of energy to work. Best to spend some hours lazing about and grazing upon the weeds.

I mentioned before that locals steer clear of areas where hippalus are active, and hopefully now you see why! It should be said that this species has a temper and are quite territorial. One can be seen sleeping in the muck without a worry in the world, but a split second later they are barreling towards you with jaws agape. Another thing to be said is that they are faster than they look! Yes, they are hulking and huge while stuck in deep mud, but when they want to move THEY MOVE. You would think a mudslide is headed your way, with their massive weight charging through the muck and sending gunk flying everywhere. With this speed and their sheer power, hippalus tend to be avoided at all costs. Locals don't even try hunting them, because it is way too dangerous. What weapons they carry when entering hippalus territory is meant to slow the beasts down, not kill them. Their thick muscles make it difficult to do any real damage, thus resulting in most attacks being annoying rather than dangerous to them. In areas where civilization and hippalus territory overlap, you will find specimens with various weapons poking out of their hide. These are reminders of run ins they had with people, and trophies from failed hunts. "But wait, Chlora" you may ask. "I thought you said people don't hunt them?" That is correct, I said locals don't hunt them, as it is simply not worth it. So if the natives of the region don't do it, then there can only be one other answer of who! You all know it, so say it with me: Rich Idiots With Dumb Hobbies! 

Yes indeed, the wealthy nobility love showing off by killing large dangerous beasts and sticking them in their parlors. With their sheer size and power, any person with too much money and a poor definition of confidence gets the idea that they would make a fetching trophy. They take a whole hunting party out to try and down one of these behemoths, so that their head may be hung above the fireplace. Needless to say, plenty of people get killed trying to do this, and sadly the rich idiot isn't always the one. Turns out when you are the first to flee at the sight of danger and you use your guides like meat shields, you tend to survive. Then they go home and craft fanciful stories about their bravery and perilous escape, while the poor folk they hired for chump change to carry their bags are left dead in the mud. I swear, can't these people find better hobbies? Why do you have to kill things for showmanship and bragging points? Bird watching lets you see the wildlife without any harm, and it is just as rewarding! And if you have to just kill something for a trophy, why not bug collecting? There are plenty of those and it isn't nearly as dangerous! But then again, I am sure dumb nobles would find a way to make that hobby absolutely destructive. Only choose to pin endangered species or something. I don't think there is a winning option here. Like so much of their ill gotten gains, they thrive on misery! Aaaaaand this part is getting cut! I already know it, so don't bother writing it, Eucella!

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian    

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"Hippalus"

[evolutionsvoid]

"Oh, Eucella! I didn't realize you were missing me that much! Waiting at the front door for me to return! Quite romantic when you think about-"

"No, Chlora, I am standing outside waiting for you because you are absolutely not setting root in my house like that! I thought you were out there studying the swamp, not swimming in it!"

"Heh, well, things did get a little crazy there for a minute. Tracking and studying Wompogos is no easy feat! They are pretty sharp felines, so you got to approach things smartly! Stealth and disguise are key, that way they don't see you coming!"

"So your disguise was to slap a bunch of mud and weeds on you? And then decided to wear it the whole carriage ride home?!"

"Uh, not all of it really. You see, had some issues when I accidentally paddled straight into a pod of Sousuin, and it kind of resulted in me getting dumped into the swamp. But don't worry, I salvaged most of my notes! A little soggy and stained, but still readable!"

"Messy notes, you say? Big surprise there. Honestly, Chlora, I don't think it is physically possible for you to hand me a piece of paper without getting mud or food or whatever fluids all over it. Even if I sent you on a delivery job to bring me a fresh ream straight from the paper mill I am sure you would find a way to get it stuck in a manticore's throat. Oh, and what happened to your leg!?"

"That, well, you see the funny thing with Tethea is-"

"You know what? Forget it. You stay out here while I fetch the wash tub and some clean clothes. You are not coming inside until you're halfway decent! And don't touch anything!"

"A bath?! Out here?! Really, Eucella, just let me go to the washroom and I-"

"Absolutely not! I just tidied up in there and Vera got her own bath an hour ago! I don't need you trudging in there and getting her all messy after I went through all the trouble! Don't act like you won't because I know how much you love to give out hugs!"

".......well you're right about one thing, Eucella, HERE COMES A HUG!"

"Hey don't touch me-CHLORA! YOU-!" 

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"Another Successful Trip"

Chlora constantly goes out on expeditions and research trips, always with the same joy and excitement. Want to know what it looks like coming back? Honestly, still has the excitement, though there are quite a few other things she brings back with her. And they aren't always notes...

[evolutionsvoid]

It is always important when out in the wilds to be wary of your surroundings. This may sound like a stupidly obvious statement, but you would be surprised at how many people have numerous blind spots whenever they trudge around outside. If you are like me and are out looking for cool creatures to see and study, keeping an open eye is crucial for spotting your target. This is combined with the fact that you should always be observant because being out here also means watching out for predators or possible threats. Certainly not every forest and field is filled with bloodthirsty beasts hungering for your flesh, but blind wandering around can stick you in bad scenarios if you are unlucky. Most creatures prefer to live their lives in peace, and would most likely just walk the other way if they spotted you. But if you so happened to ignorantly walk between them and their cubs, now we have trouble. Or if you stumble across a slumbering manticore and rudely awaken it with your presence. Not a good place to be. So be mindful of where you are walking and what is around you, and this includes looking UP! That is one of the major blind spots most people have, not bothering to look upwards as they walk. Sure, you want to keep your eyes on your roots so you don't trip, but one should give the occasional glance to the sky to make sure all is clear. We busy ourselves with the worries of coming across wolves or bears, all ground level threats, that we don't think that danger could be lurking overhead. This is one of the reasons why the species in this entry is rarely spotted, despite its large size. You tell someone that a giant black and blue haired cat is out there in the woods, and they would think it would be impossible to miss it. But folks do remain blind to it, which causes a real problem for them...

The feline I speak of is the otoroshi, a rather grotesque looking creature compared to its sleeker brethren. There is little lithe grace to be found in this species, with frog-like maws, hunched backs, bloated stomachs and a whole lot of black hair. Many would be surprised to learn that this is a cat, but folks that live around cypress swamps should not be too startled by this news. Indeed, the otoroshi is actually a close relative to the wompogo, which you should easily see from their features. Both possess this huge toothy maw and extendable stomach, signs that these felines like swallowing their prey whole. They both have large hooked claws that aid in both climbing and taking down prey. And when it comes to the hunt, these two love nothing more than hiding up in the trees and dropping down on those who wander below. The difference here is that the otoroshi does not live in cypress swamps, but in deciduous or coniferous forests. Any place that has big trees with hefty branches for them to lay on and wait for clueless prey, but honestly any high place will do. Some have been spotted on tall rocky outcroppings, while many will tell you that a roof or gate also serves the otoroshi's needs (but we will get more into that later). Like their swampy cousins, otoroshi are ambush predators, preferring to take down their prey in one fell swoop. Like I mentioned, they climb up trees and tall structures then lay in wait amongst the branches. Otoroshi have short blue fur, which you would imagine would make it hard for them to hide, but such color is easily hidden by their ridiculous ebony mane. From the tops of their heads, running down their back and all they way to their stubby tails grows a waterfall of long black hair. It starts off as a short crest when they are kittens, but then it begins to grow and never stops. In a few years, this dark mane practically shrouds their entire body, hiding their blue under fur and allowing them to blend into the shadows. Up high and nestled in branches, one would have a hard time spotting them, that is if the victim even bothers to look up. Otoroshi remain perfectly still when they hunt, using their large eyes and flared nostrils to keep track of possible prey. When food finally walks beneath them, they drop down with all their weight and claws, easily knocking prey to the ground. The attacks are quick and decisive, with the fate of the victim being decided within the first few seconds. If they were able to dodge most of the assault and remain on their feet, then they can run away with ease. Due to the shape of the bodies and the nature of their limbs, otoroshi are not designed for the chase. They are slow and sluggish, never able to run after a fleeing meal. So instead they rely on knocking victims off their feet, or flattening them beneath their large bodies. When their food is downed, they can lash out with hooked claws and grab hold. Once this happens, prey is doomed. What comes next is its huge jaws, lined with bony spikes and curved teeth. Prey is shoved into this great maw, which can unhinge to accommodate even larger meals, and then slowly swallowed into its expanding stomach. There its smothering gut and potent stomach acid will deal with the hefty morsel, who will pass from asphyxiation in this foul melting pot. When its prey is consumed, the otoroshi will sluggishly make its way to a tree and crawl back up into the branches. There it will lounge and digest, living a lazy life until its great meal is reduced to nothing and its gut rumbles with hunger once again. Though otoroshi live for those big belly-filling meals, it seems they will settle for small snacks if need be. Their diet involves large animals like deer, boar, bear and even human, but studies have found that they do eat a whole lot of birds. Not even big ones, mind you, little things like sparrows and doves. For a cat this size, it seems almost comical for them to be eating such tiny morsels! These birds are not taken down like their usual prey, instead the birds seem to land on them! While lounging or hunting, otoroshi remain a silent unmoving lump of hair. They look like a tangle of vegetation or just another shadow amongst the forest. In such a still state, birds are seen coming down to perch on them or the nearby branches, seemingly oblivious to the cat's presence. Some birds have even been seen pulling and tugging at the long dark hairs, perhaps thinking it could be good nesting material. When they land near an otoroshi, it will wait until their guard is dropped, then a clawed paw will lash out. Birds are crushed in its grip and then tossed into its maw. Why the otoroshi even bothers eating them is a question that has not been satisfactorily answered yet. Some think it is to stave off hunger while waiting for larger prey, but well-fed otoroshi have been seen picking off birds. Others think it is them trying to keep these birds from blowing the cover on their hiding spots, as a singing or foraging bird may cause possible prey to look up towards the noise. One less serious thought is that the otoroshi is a cat and what do cats do? Part of me thinks that perhaps these felines don't enjoy having their hair yanked by inquisitive sparrows, or getting a coating of droppings on their long locks.

While their mouths are filled with tiny hooked spikes, one should easily notice the pronounced canines that jut from their lips. Such large teeth would seem to be weapons against their food, a way to stab and gut victims who struggle. However, there doesn't seem to be any evidence that these teeth are used for hunting. Rather, it appears to be more for other otoroshi than prey. Both male and female otoroshi possess these tusks, so it isn't just the guys using them to fight over mates. Instead, it is believed that these large teeth help show age and health of each individual, allowing these cats to be able to eyeball possible competition. Prime hunting spots are fought after, but not everyone wants to deal with sharp claws and energy-wasting brawls. So we think they get around this by having tusks determine who is the victor in these squabbles, where younger cats can see an experienced veteran and know not to even bother trying to fight them for their turf. Some claim that these tusks are used to fight off predators, as it has been seen where attackers get gouged by these sharp teeth. However, close examination of these fights doesn't really show the otoroshi specifically using them to attack. Their movements and efforts do not suggest them wielding these teeth like weapons. Rather, we think these wounds are purely accidental, as the cat is really using its claws and huge maw to fight off attackers. When you are tangling with the huge jaws of an angry otoroshi, there is a high chance your struggle will cause you to stab yourself on these larger teeth.       As a big cat and an ambush predator, one could easily see them being a menace to the locals. Going about your day in the forest, when suddenly this gluttonous feline drops on your head and then swallows you whole. Not a fun time, but unfortunately one that has occurred numerous times. Otoroshi out in the wild are not too picky, any big animal will do for their belly. Humans (and even dryads) who don't pay attention to what hides above may trigger a cat to attack, and if they succeed in pinning you then you are going in the gut! So this is why it is important to watch your surroundings and be wary about going under overhanging branches or rocks. Folks around these regions have also used the mask trick to fool some otoroshi, where they think this second face means the human can see them. With such a dangerous reputation, you would think this species is reviled by all! However, it seems like they are not all despised. I brought up before that otoroshi like any high places, and that could include roofs and gates. This is because otoroshi have been acclimating themselves to the encroaching civilization and have found new places to hunt. Forest shrines have nice gates for them to perch on, and the sprawling temples roofs have plenty of room. Even if prey isn't plentiful, it proves a wonderful place to stretch out in the sun and digest. One reason it is thought that otoroshi moved into these areas is because they found humans to be the perfect deterrent. Human towns do a good job at keeping out other creatures and large predators, and they also don't climb onto their roofs all that often. So a female otoroshi may find these places great for having her kittens, as all other threats are kept at bay by the human presence. Younger cats may have taken to the gates as new places to hunt, spots that haven't been claimed by elders. At first, it sounds like these invading felines were hated and driven away, but the problem is that they kept coming back. Shooing them off or even hunting them proved difficult, as they had the high ground and also caused a whole lot of structural damage if a fight broke out. Legend says that one shrine gave up on scaring off the haunting cat and instead offered a sacrificial deer to it. They knew that these cats gorged on a single meal and then lasted on it for days, even weeks. If they could give it a fully belly, then it would have no reason to harm them until it was hungry again. This trick worked, as the otoroshi ate the bait and then climbed back onto the gate for a snooze. Days went by without incident, as the cat merely watched those who passed by with lazy amusement. When it started to look like it was hungry again, another meal was presented and accepted. After a while, the keepers of this shrine found that the otoroshi was much calmer around humans and seemed to patiently wait for its next meal. Even when they were late with feedings, it didn't attack any visitors, rather it just grumble and yowled as a signal that it wanted food. Once a meal was given, it was happy once again. As a bonus, it even ate the birds that landed on the gate, keeping it free from their droppings. This story is said to be the start of otoroshi "domestication," where several shrines and temples actually have them lounging about on their grounds. Folks of these areas see them as guardians and watchers, keeping their shrines safe from any evil spirits. Some claim that they can sniff out evil hearts or wicked intentions, and they will devour those foul souls who enter these sacred grounds. My counter to that is that vandals tend to make themselves quite loud and obvious, perhaps to the point of agitating one of these cats. Though they are accustomed to humans, that doesn't mean they won't fight back if given a reason to. These shrine otoroshi are given regular meals and offerings, which in turn keeps them peaceful and protective of their shrine. They stop associating humans as food but instead start seeing them as bringers of food. This is a neat little system that they have figured out, and I found it incredible when I visited my first shrine and saw a full grown otoroshi sprawled atop the gate. It is wonderful that they came to a peaceful coexistence, but I can't fully shake a part of me that sees trouble in it. I guess it is because some folks use the word "domestication" like these are just big house cats. I do not agree with this. An agreement has been made, that is for sure and a system has been set, but never would I say they have been domesticated. There are still parts of them that are instinctive and tied to their bestial nature, and I feel that having this romantic idea that they are adorable friendly pets can cause some problems. How many folk have tested their luck by trying to treat these creatures like house cats? When does the noise and constant presence of people start to grind their nerves? What happens if the agreement is not kept up by the humans? I personally wonder about these stories of otoroshi eating "wicked" people. Of the tales of a great cat dropping onto a nameless visitor and gobbling them, protecting their shrine from an "evil heart." Do these "guardians" actually pick out the bad souls or do the keepers of these shrines just claim them to be, so that the people cheer on what was actually a horrible accident? It isn't my place to say, but I will continue to wonder...       Chlora Myron Dryad Natural Historian -------------------------------------------------------

“Otoroshi”

Now lets follow up the last one with a Japanese Fearsome Critter! Gosh, they have some many of them they should really make a name for them!

[evolutionsvoid]

Among the mossy trees and the flooded roots, a gluttonous beast hunts. For those who wade through the cypress swamps, there is one species that keeps them wary and alert. If you find yourself anywhere near these lands, you will hear words of warning about the Wompogos. Some may find no surprise in a large cat being a notorious predator within an ecosystem, but they may not expect one doing so in a manner like this. They are indeed mammals and indeed feline in nature, but many compare these creatures to that of a frog. They do not carry the sleek and elegant frame of other cats, rather they are squat and bulky things. Their posture fits more with a toad, with enlarged hind limbs, a bloating belly and an unsettling large mouth. Many find them ugly creatures to behold, but they have traded beauty for practicality, and are doing quite well with this setup! In a swampy, flooded land such as this, you need certain adaptations to survive! You can see this in many parts of their body like, for example, their limbs! These long awkward-looking appendages are certainly not good for sprinting and chasing prey, but they excel quite well at climbing trees and wading through the swamp. Their paws are webbed, which helps them walk atop the muck and swim through deeper water. They also have retractable claws, which are perfect for climbing the towering trees. Their hind legs are much larger and stronger then their forelimbs, as they use these for pouncing and for pushing themselves up as they climb. They also possess a long thin tail, which looks quite odd coming from such a squat body. This helps them with balance as they traverse the mighty branches above, and it also serves a powerful whip when faced with foes! While these adaptations are interesting, I am sure people are far more interested in their creepy grin and swollen stomachs. Those are not exactly common things in the feline family. Their faces are indeed a bizarre sight, as their skulls are quite flattened and their mouth is much wider than people are comfortable with. This is for two reasons, the first being that the Wompogo likes to hunt within the swampy waters. This flattened dome shape of a head has its eyes and ears moved a bit further up on the skull, which allows them to peek above the water line as they hide in the marsh. Much like toads and frogs, they like to hide in the shallows, waiting for prey to come close. Long thick whiskers help them detect movement in the water, which helps them locate prey and pick a proper ambush spot. If one gets too close to the hiding Wompogo, it will launch forward with mouth agape and claws at the ready. It is at this point where we reach reason number two for their strange faces, and it is because they don't believe in chewing. With their wide mouths and flexible jaws, they can unhinge these gaping maws and swallow prey whole. Smaller animals are instantly sucked in, while larger beasts will have to be slowly pulled in bit by bit. Dozens of small hooked "teeth" line their jaws, which help grip their victims and keep them from escaping. I say "teeth" because a majority of these spiky things are actually barbs of bone that grow directly from the jawbone. These help the true teeth, as they are rather small and spread out on this massive mouth. With such a gluttonous diet, the Wompogo possesses an expanding stomach that can fit in quite a meal! A full grown Wompogo can swallow an entire Sousuin, which is no easy feat! When it comes to ambush, Wompogos do not just use the water as cover. Due to their powerful limbs and claws, they also hide up in the trees and branches, waiting for prey to pass underneath. Their green and brown fur serves as camouflage, allowing them to blend in with the algae-filled water and moss-covered branches. Any attack, either from above or below, will have the Wompogo using its hooked claws to immobilize prey for easy swallowing. Those these are nasty weapons, they are rarely used to kill. Rather, they are meant more to wound and weaken prey, so that the Wompogo can devour them with their huge mouth. It seems that these cats prefer their prey live, as they never take the time to fully dispatch their victims before eating. No one is sure of the reason, but some think it may be out of sheer enjoyment. Regardless, Wompogos like to swallow their victims and then travel to their special resting spot for a nice long nap. Depending on the size of their meal, some may retreat to the treetops to sleep, while those with larger gut loads must snooze in tall grass instead. These huge meals can last a Wompogo for days, even weeks, as they just lazily clean themselves and lounge about. 

When mating season occurs for Wompogos, the males will let out deep rumbling purrs from their maw while the females call out with a bellowing wail. While these noises are essential for locating viable partners, they are absolutely horrifying to listen to in the night. Some believe that the tales of screaming ghosts and strange presences in the swamp may be due to Wompogos in heat, and don't think they are wrong! Anyways, the males will track down the calling female and hurry to be the first to claim her. Plenty of fighting can occur, but eventually one victor will emerge. Once this is done, the male will leave and the female will be left to raise the litter months later. Wompogo kittens are birthed on dry land and will be reared there for their first few weeks. Before they are born, the mother will look to consume a massive meal, as she will no longer hunt as long as the kittens are vulnerable. Once they reach a certain age and strength, she shall take them into her mouth and carry them into the trees. They will remain in the branches above, safe from predators, while their mother hunts for food. She will go after smaller prey at this time, that way she can climb back up to her kittens. Up there, she will force bits of her digesting meal back into her mouth, and then will hang it open so her young can reach inside and eat. Think of it like birds feeding their young, except the babies climb inside mom's mouth to get the food.   Due to their hunger and size, Wompogos are quite territorial. They stake out their hunting grounds with markings of bile and urine, and they get quite agitated when competition starts moving in. Fights with their own kind are quite vicious and loud, but they rarely end in death. Usually one backs down and scampers away, while the other settles back in for a long night of hunting. Not only do they fight with their own, but they do seem to have a feud with Swamp Basilisks. Both of these hungry beasts love eating prey whole, and there isn't enough room in these bogs for both of them! Wompogos are quick to react when they smell a Swamp Basilisk, and they will rush to oust this intruder. Their sharp claws can easily shred the slimy skin of the basilisk, giving the Wompogo a physical advantage over their opponent. However, the drowse-inducing oral eye of the Swamp Basilisk can slow these cats down and give the basilisk time to sneak in a paralytic bite! In the end, the Wompogo will usually win, as they have their claws and cleverness. Swamp Basilisks may succeed, but it is only about a quarter of the time. That is why the cypress swamps belong to the Wompogos, while the other marshes remain the land of the basilisks. It should be no surprise that the Wompogos are feared beasts by those who live near these swamps. These felines are great at ambush and are quite good at taking down prey. Even us dryads are not safe from these creatures! Like an inquisitive sapling, these beasts are willing to eat anything that interests them, even if said creature is made of plants and not meat. If you are breathing and standing anywhere near a Wompogo, it will try to swallow you. This makes these predators the number one threat to any who travel through the swamps. With them hiding in the waters and lurking in the trees, one must look both above and below! To help prevent attack, locals will wear thorny garbs or cover their boats with spiky bits. Another practice is to wear a mask on the back or top of your head. This makes the Wompogo think you are facing towards them, which will cause them to freeze. They will not move if they think their prey is staring at them, so this ruse can buy you time to get out of attack range. I highly recommend following this advice if you ever decide to enter these swamps. Wompogos are nasty and tricky creatures. Even if you think you checked every angle, there will probably be one lurking somewhere nearby. I myself partook in the mask trick, though I went a little overboard with it. I was nervous during my first expedition into the cypress swamp, so I decided to play it safe. Turns out my big noggin can fit quite a lot of masks on it, so I decided the more the merrier! I am sure the Wompogos that spotted me were baffled for days about the seven-faced creature that floated through their territory! Since they are felines, some have wondered if Wompogos could be domesticated. We have tamed the house cat and other felines, so why not a Wompogo? Well the number one reason is that people find them quite ugly, which means many won't even try. Sure their kittens may be cute, but when they grow up it becomes a very different story. The other reason is because Wompogos think more with their stomach than their brains. Sure they can be swayed by bribes of food, warmth and shelter, but sooner or later that big kitty is going to wonder "can master fit in my mouth?" And like it or not, they are going to figure out the answer to that question.   Chlora Myron Dryad Natural Historian ------------------------------------------------- This species was mentioned in a previous entry, and now they finally got their own! The world needed its own medieval crocodile! I think these guys are kind of like a fusion of the Cheshire Cat and Great Jagras.

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If you were to explore the coastal shores and estuaries, you may spot something within the shallows. A big bulky shape, one as large as a bull, but covered in plated armor. A great beast drifting through the weeds and sand. Some would be frightened by such a sight, as they believe it to be some horrible leviathan. These folk, however, would be wrong in their assumption, for this creature is hardly a monster. The beast they are observing cares only for grazing, and its lazy pace would make a turtle impatient. The animal I am referring to is the Tethea, a large aquatic herbivore that can be found in tropical waters, mainly in coastal rivers, mangrove swamps and estuaries. Despite their scaly looking hides, Tethea are mammals. Their bodies have adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, though they still require air to breath. Their internal anatomy allows them to remain underwater for long periods of time, only coming up for air about every 20 minutes. Though they can be intimidating looking, these creatures feed only on underwater vegetation. This food grows mainly from the bottom of the water, so that is where you will mostly find them. Their flippers will push them across the sand and silt, while their special lips help tear up vegetation. The armor found of their foreheads also possess a plow-like scoop, which they use to clear away muck to get to the buried goodies! Most of their life is spent on the bottom of whatever water body they inhabit, only rising to the surface to breathe or check out curious sights. While this is mainly because their food is down there, it is also a pretty good defensive position! Any large animal filled with meat and blubber is sure to catch the attention of predators. A hefty meal like that would fill many bellies, so there are those who try to feed on the Tethea. Their thick armor, though, serves as a good deterrent. By sitting on the bottom, their exposed bellies are protected, while the rest of their body is coated in a thick shell. Tooth and claw can hardly penetrate these defenses, so many may get frustrated and leave. If the predators target young calves, the adults may choose to use their heavy bodies to ram the attackers and drive them off. This method of defense is good, but it isn't perfect. Smart predators may know that the Tethea need to reach the surface to breath, so they may hang around and wait for this moment. When forced up for air, their underbellies are exposed, and the foe may strike then. In other cases, going after a calf can lure an adult out of their defensive position, allowing others to flank them and attack. In the end, though, a full grown adult is rarely messed with. The only thing these creatures have to fear are humans and other coastal settlers. Taking down a Tethea brings in a lot of meat and blubber, so many hunters find them a prime target. I have heard stories of Wompogos attacking and swallowing younger Tethea, but this can be risky for them. Devouring one of these creatures in deep water may leave them open to attack by nearby adults, and the feline's claws are useless against their armor. The real issue, though, is if they misjudge their meal and eat something too big for them to handle! These same stories tell of people finding dead Wompogo on the bottom of estuaries, their heavy meal sinking them and leaving them to drown. That is quite the final meal! Though Tethea are rather laid backed herbivores, there are some instances that have given them an interesting reputation. As I mentioned above, Tethea use their thick armor and mass to ram into attackers and scare off predators. This same technique is also seen during the breeding season. When it comes time to find a mate, male Tethea get a bit aggressive and territorial, especially toward other males. As a way of claiming a female and warding off other males, they will duel. They will ram themselves into each other, looking to drive off those who would challenge them. The fight mainly consists of the two duelist slowly circling one another, looking for a chance to launch themselves forward and deliver a stunning blow. There are plenty of head on collisions, and often the victor will knock the loser belly up. Those that get flipped over take this as a loss and they swim off to find a different female (preferably one that is not guarded by a stronger male!). While I did make this duel sound exciting and impressive, it plays out much slower than you would expect. Even when fighting over a female, they don't swim all that fast, though they still pack quite a punch! 

Now the reason I diverged down this path while trying to explain their reputation is because males can get a bit territorial during the breeding season. Anything that resembles or reminds them of a competing male will get them riled up, and they will prepare to fight. Unfortunately, their sight isn't that great, so this often means that they will go after anything remotely their size and shape. One such thing that gets their attention is boats. Rowboats, sail boats, fishing dinghies, you name it. Any small water craft that may travel these rivers and estuaries can confuse them, and cause them to think that they are bigger males. The result is them attempting to ram these boats to show dominance, not knowing that said opponent wants no part of this duel. Though they are slow, their attack can easily rock a ship and even capsize smaller crafts. Attempts to get these males to stop are not likely to work, as they will interpret any attack or noise as the opponent fighting back. The only way to get them to disengage is to flee, preferably away from the female they are claiming. That, or your boat will flip over and the Tethea will think it has won. Thankfully, these creatures care not for meat, nor do they look to go for the kill. If you get thrown into the water, they will not try to harm you. Such small skinny things are not threat to them, so they will leave you be. So at most, these attacks are an inconvenience, resulting in people losing some gear and receiving wet clothes instead. For a land dryad like me, getting dunked in saltwater is quite dangerous, so these attacks can lead to unintentional harm. In the end, though, they do not seek to hurt or kill. Regardless, people have dubbed them "Sea Bulls" and "Battering Rams of the Sea." If you pay attention to the season and take note of Tethea territory, you can easily avoid these encounters. Also, be wary of locals who may jokingly send you out into Tethea waters as a prank. For outsiders and fools, they like to recommend waterways that take them straight through Tethea breeding grounds, resulting in much amusement and hilarity. Thankfully, I was knowledgeable enough to avoid falling for this! But now that I mention it...perhaps my demon pals may like to go boating when they come to visit the surface. Hmmmm! Now there's an idea! Chlora Myron Dryad Natural Historian ---------------------------------------------------- This species came from Lediblock2 , who was giving me some ideas on mammalian species a long time ago. They suggested an armored manatee that rammed things, so here is my interpretation! I kind of gave it one of those old timey sea monster looks, with the plated hide and the chunky body.

[evolutionsvoid]

The Sousuin is a large herbivorous creature that dwells in the shallows and swamps. While these beasts can be found in marshes and bogs, their primary habitat is within cypress swamps. These submerged forests provide the perfect combination of food, shelter and weather for the Sousuin. They spend most of their lives wading through the algae-filled water, grazing on the aquatic vegetation that grows beneath the surface. While they are perfectly capable of walking on land, they only really go onto solid ground for reproductive purposes. Even when they sleep, they prefer to do it in the water. This is possible due to the location of their nostrils, which are practically on their foreheads. This strange location helps them breathe while they are feeding on underwater vegetation, and also when they are laying in the shallows. Due to their almost aquatic lifestyle and hairless hide, many believed the Sousuin to be some kind of large amphibian. Further studies, however, have shown that this species is actually mammalian! In fact, they are closely related to dolphins and other cetaceans, which explains their watery lives and the strange location of their breathing holes! Unlike their cousins, the Sousuin decided to go the walking route rather than the swimming, but they did keep their love for water! For food, the Sousuin dines primarily aquatic plants and other vegetation that grows near the water. Their long snouts are lined with tough stubby teeth to grab and rip out plants. These teeth are also structured in a way so that the Sousuin can sieve out water from each mouthful of food. Draining the water from their meals also adds algae to their menu,as clomps and clots of that stuff will get stuck in their teeth. While they have access to land plants, Sousuin seem to have a distaste for such things. The closest they will get is grazing upon shoreline plants, never venturing farther inland. Some suggest that terrestrial plants are too abrasive and dry for the Sousuin, as they prefer their meals soft and waterlogged. To support this theory, Sousuin have been seen feeding on terrestrial plants that have been submerged for long periods of time. When severe flooding occurs, or if a storm blows some poor plant into the swamp, the terrestrial plants will perish and will become more wet and floppy. When they are in this state, the Sousuin don't seem to mind dining on them! As a large, slow herbivore, you can imagine that the Sousuin will have to deal with predators. Carnivores that dwell in the cypress swamp may target these beasts, so the Sousuin tend to rely on numbers. They will form pods and travel in these groups, keeping the large adults on the outside while the young and old stay in the center. When danger approaches, the pod will tighten up and they will turn their bodies into one solid mass. With the group this densely packed together, the predator will have a hard time attacking and separating them, as they cannot afford to waste the amount of energy it would take to topple several of these beasts. To make things harder, the adult Sousuin will use their long snouts to jab and club the attacker, and such a weapon is more effective than you think! Sousuin have really strong neck muscles, and their snouts are rather solid, so a blow from one of these fellows can easily knock the wind out of you! Adult Sousuin are quite a handful to deal with, so most predators tend to target the young and frail. Crocodilians and Swamp Basilisks have been known to attack and feed on Sousuin, but their biggest threat comes from the Wompogo. These gluttonous felines provide a real challenge to the Sousuin, as they can attack from any angle. Be it hiding in the murky deep or dropping from the trees above, a Wompogo can attack from anywhere, which helps them take down their prey before the pod can react. Their hooked claws can slice through the layers of blubber easily, and many adult Sousuin bear the scars of previous Wompogo attacks. Some believe that these monstrous cats prey on the Sousuin so often that the their bodies have adapted to such a pressure. If you have looked at the silhouette of a Sousuin, you would see that they are rather oddly shaped. A huge humped back and a long jutting snout makes for an odd look, and for an odd meal to swallow! You see, Wompogo tend to eat their prey live, swallowing them whole in one go. It is their preferred way to dine and deal with feisty food. With the Sousuin, their body plan is quite tough to swallow, so it makes it harder for the Wompogo to swiftly dispatch and eat prey. While this certainly isn't a lifesaving design, it can buy the pod enough time to band together and chase off the threat. 

As you can see, the Sousuin find strength and safety in numbers. However, not all of their helpers are the same species! If you have ever seen a Sousuin in the wild, you have probably noticed that they have a few little buddies hitching a ride! These little guys are called Pitcher Newts, and they are also found in the cypress swamps. This species of amphibian gets their name from their large throats and from the insectivore plants they appear to mimic. Pitcher Newts feed entirely on small insects, and they do so by using their gaping mouths and sweet smelling saliva. When they want to eat, the Pitcher Newt will flip its mouth open and extend its tongue. Their saliva smells sweet, which lures in tiny insects. Unfortunately for the bugs, this spit is also quite sticky, so they get trapped and swallowed. To help catch more food, the Pitcher Newt may wait for a large cloud of bugs to hover above their open mouths. When the time is right, they shall take in a big gulp of air, sucking in the cloud and then slamming their mouths shut! Quite the clever strategy! Anyways, I bring up the Pitcher Newt because they seem to have a relationship with the Sousuin. Since they are small non-poisonous amphibians, they tend to be targeted by a number of predators. To keep out of harm's way, Pitcher Newts will climb onto the backs of Sousuin, so that the aquatic and terrestrial predators can't reach them. The Sousuin also don't respond well to carnivores approaching them or trying to climb them, so the herbivore often chases off these would-be attackers. So by sitting on top of a Sousuin, the Pitcher Newt gets a nice safe ride through the cypress swamp. They also get a high perch to catch even more bugs too! Such protection and kindness is not left unrewarded, though, as Pitcher Newts help the Sousuin in kind. Due to their high perch and upward facing eyes, Pitcher Newts have a good view of the environment around and above them. With such a line of sight, they will act as watchdogs, looking out for possible threats as they feed. Their upward gaze is particularly good for spotting Wompogo who wait in ambush in the trees above. When a threat is spotted, the Pitcher Newt will let out a booming croak, which signals for the pod to come together and defend themselves. With this early warning system, the Sousuin will get a better chance at resisting the predator before it can claim one of their kind. I made mention that the Sousuin only go on land for reproductive purposes, and that is because Sousuin are viviparous. Giving live birth in deep water is bad news for the newborn, so they head to dry land to do this. This trip will not last long, though, as newborn Sousuin can be on their feet and walking in minutes. Once they are used to their own limbs and are able to move on their own, the mother and child will head back to the water. After the females of the pod give birth, the pod will stick to shallower waters for a few weeks, giving the newborn time to grow in size and strength. Like all mammals, the newborns will feed on the milk of its mother, but they can also feed on super soft food like algae. For towns and villages that live near the cypress swamps, the Sousuin are valued for their meat and rich blubber. Outside of hunting them, people have also found ways to domesticate these creatures and use them as transports through the swamp. Like Stilted Sifters, though, these beasts are not the speediest rides, but they can move at a decent pace. Those who ride the Sousuin tend to use them for hunting and gathering, as their slow pace helps the hunter sneak up on game and their long snouts can dig up roots and bulbs that are hidden beneath the water. These riders, though, should be prepared to have some extra passengers. Pitcher Newts can't tell the difference between a wild Sousuin and a domesticated Sousuin, that or they don't care. If they see a beast with some room to spare, they shall eagerly climb aboard, no matter how much the first passenger may squawk and thrash. Chlora Myron Dryad Natural Historian       ----------------------------------------------------- I was going through a species kick where I tried designing creatures for lesser known habitat types/biomes. Cypress swamps look really cool, and I figured a big wading herbivore would be perfect. And as usual, I decided such beast couldn't just be some normal thing like an ungulate, so I made it a walking dolphin. The pitcher newts were made and thrown in because the Sousuin alone seemed kind of boring.