Fellswift
(Inspired by Anomalocaris)
The apex predator of the Fulminant Spires, Fellswifts grow to many metres in length. Their segmented carapace is curved and flattened to catch the wind currents, which they ride by undulating flanges. An additional burst of speed may be provided in straight lines over short distances by the powerful ejection of buoyant gas from a tubelike gland that runs the length of their body. Simultaneously, a Fellswift contracts the carapace flanges closely in line with its the body to minimise wind resistance as it plummets after prey.
The shifting patterns of pigment on a Fellswift’s surface mask it from view. Additionally, there is an electrochemical component to this that frustrates detection by the electroceptors of their prey.
Fellswifts prefer to ride the currents high above the spires, near the very top, trusting in this camouflage to remain undetected. When they see prey, they use their ejective propulsion to drop like a spear.
Two bulbous multifaceted eyes serve well to pierce through the gloom of the mists; beneath these extend twin feelers. Electroceptive sensors on these allow them to “see” their prey and to sense plasma discharges before they occur. These feelers are also powerfully muscled to grasp and crush prey with their serrated inner edges as they move morsels to an iris-like mouth in the beast’s underside.
Fellswifts share most in common with the other jointed exoskeletal denizens of the Fulminant Spires. Beyond this biome, studying their remains some authors have suggested distant kinship to the various crawler species that participate in composting manure or leaves on forest floors. Certainly no other airborne exoskeletal creatures are known; it is likely that their existence is only possible due to the unique atmospheric conditions pervading the Fulminant Spires.
The apex predator of the Fulminant Spires, Fellswifts grow to many metres in length. Their segmented carapace is curved and flattened to catch the wind currents, which they ride by undulating flanges. An additional burst of speed may be provided in straight lines over short distances by the powerful ejection of buoyant gas from a tubelike gland that runs the length of their body. Simultaneously, a Fellswift contracts the carapace flanges closely in line with its the body to minimise wind resistance as it plummets after prey.
The shifting patterns of pigment on a Fellswift’s surface mask it from view. Additionally, there is an electrochemical component to this that frustrates detection by the electroceptors of their prey.
Fellswifts prefer to ride the currents high above the spires, near the very top, trusting in this camouflage to remain undetected. When they see prey, they use their ejective propulsion to drop like a spear.
Two bulbous multifaceted eyes serve well to pierce through the gloom of the mists; beneath these extend twin feelers. Electroceptive sensors on these allow them to “see” their prey and to sense plasma discharges before they occur. These feelers are also powerfully muscled to grasp and crush prey with their serrated inner edges as they move morsels to an iris-like mouth in the beast’s underside.
Related species
Fellswifts share most in common with the other jointed exoskeletal denizens of the Fulminant Spires. Beyond this biome, studying their remains some authors have suggested distant kinship to the various crawler species that participate in composting manure or leaves on forest floors. Certainly no other airborne exoskeletal creatures are known; it is likely that their existence is only possible due to the unique atmospheric conditions pervading the Fulminant Spires.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Female Fellswifts secrete a gelatinous cluster of eggs within rims of the highest pipes of the Spires, where they habitually roam. Males then fertilise these clusters. It is thought by scholars of the Magistaerium that spawning is tied to unique lunar or even planetary conjunction; it certainly is infrequent, occurring only once within many solar cycles. The gestation period is similarly indeterminate.
After hatching, a brood is generally too small to be worth hunting by others of their kind, especially since they remain with their mothers high in the Spires, feeding on nutrients and microscopic creatures. It is only once they become partially grown that they become worth pursuing: Males in particular are known to hunt immature Fellswifts as easy meals, even their own children. Hence partially grown Fellswifts must descend to the intermediate and lower reaches to hunt, and tend to hide within pipes where that is possible; the size of the pipes tends to be too small for mature Fellswifts to reach within.
So it is predation by other species that poses the greatest risk to immature Fellswifts.
After hatching, a brood is generally too small to be worth hunting by others of their kind, especially since they remain with their mothers high in the Spires, feeding on nutrients and microscopic creatures. It is only once they become partially grown that they become worth pursuing: Males in particular are known to hunt immature Fellswifts as easy meals, even their own children. Hence partially grown Fellswifts must descend to the intermediate and lower reaches to hunt, and tend to hide within pipes where that is possible; the size of the pipes tends to be too small for mature Fellswifts to reach within.
So it is predation by other species that poses the greatest risk to immature Fellswifts.
Geographic Distribution
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