Giant Tick

Threat Level:Low

Description

In every walk of life, I have found a few things will remain the same no matter the circumstances. Beasts need to eat. Man must expand. And where there’s life, disgusting parasites abound, with Jotunheim being no exception.

Imagine that tick you may have flushed off of a rather cumbersome spot, if you will. Now scale it up to the size of a boar, and make it an opportunistic predator/parasite and you have a one for one of the aptly named “Giant Tick”. That’s all there is to it. And let it be known, I will make my editor, Randal, pay for assigning me this nonsense.

Behavior

While my more reasonable side is disgusted by these deplorable bloodsuckers, the explorer within me is equally fascinated by them. What a disgusting quandary…

Either way, due to Jotunheims excess of large fauna, the Giant Tick has grown to preposterous sizes. This not only serves as a way to capitalize on the excess blood larger creatures produce, allowing sustain themselves for longer while also producing more eggs per cycle (revolting…). But also allows them to monopolize any host they may find themselves on, using their size to bully other lesser parasites from the host. Do not mistake this as a benefit, however, as in the end they are still parasites, and any benefit is greatly outweighed by what they take.

Opportunistic Parasite

While primarily parasites, the Giant Ticks size has also led to another advantage, as they will not pass up on the opportunity to actively hunt any similar sized or smaller prey when not actively parasitizing. As a matter of fact, Giant Ticks that find themselves in an area without suitably large fauna, will switch to a pack hunting mentality, until a suitable host makes itself present.

Comical rendition of a giant with a tick. This was my only form of solice…

The parasites can, quite literally, be found anywhere. With nearly no place being off limits. However, they do seem to avoid arid environments, and prefer wet places, such as a marsh.

'As we’ve discussed, Mr. Dumblfeet, the guild would prefer less biased work. However, I do hope you enjoyed this project. I hand picked it just for you, after you taught Butterscotch to “hide” my slippers. I’ll be sure to send you the repair bill for the ripped up floorboards.' -Randall

'I’ll teach her how to howl next.' -Humber Dumblfeet

'Don’t.' -Randall