, then smuggle the chatterbox out of the country before he could be killed. The answer was simple: How could you let the greatest zoologist of our generation be swallowed up by the egotistical windbags of a bygone era of intellectuals?
Finely Greenhopper has been the greatest investment of my time, efforts, and connections outside my own offspring -- even if he does ask me to sketch them on paper. His unbridled passion for the world and all that pertains to it will become one of his greatest legacies to society...even though it'll be decades before anyone can truly appreciate it.
The following are Finley's Top 27 discoveries -- a mere scratch at the world this gnome has already uncovered -- from his private research facility within the lip of the
.
4. Shell Leech (Shell)
One of the most fascinating creatures we’ve discovered in the Dragon’s Chasm isn’t much bigger than my thumb, but is far more dangerous than most predators ten times it’s size.
A scavenger called a "Shell Leech", now nicknamed the ‘traitor of the deep’, due to it’s natural tactics for attracting food sources.
This slow moving snail has a beautiful orange and purple bioluminescent shell, which gleams brightly in the dim light of the chasm. This light draws the attention of larger creatures, who come close enough to investigate the snail.
Unlike other slower moving mollusk, the Shell Leech can respond in a snapping motion, whipping it head about to attach razor sharp fangs into a predator. This allows for the multiple teeth of its underbelly to sink into flesh, using a sticky saliva to adhere permanently to virtually any surface and start feeding.
The nickname of ‘traitor’ is earned by the beacon of light, fueled by it’s new food source, attracting other predators, to get involved. Even the death of it’s host is nothing more than a treasure of nutrient until the body have been drained clean.
I highly recommend you use double layer gloves when examining this little fellow.
10. Cadence Viper (Danger)
If it wasn't for Harold, and the unprofessional attitude he has about conserving the environment, he never would have been bitten, and we might not have discovered this little beauty.
Luckily, that fat
Kutollum had a constitution strong enough to survive the cable ride back to the medical bay of Pinwheel. That's when we found the Cadence Viper, attached quite...uh, 'firmly', to his backside...inside his environmental suit.
This small, yet agile predator uses sound to both distract it's prey and warn larger predators (except Harold).
When threatened, the Cadence Viper will emit a reverberating whistling sound, slowing dropping in tone the closer you get. This sound affects the nerves of the spine, and in humanoids, creates a sense of unease -- causing one to move away from the sensation. When hunting, the viper will use that same sound strategically, bouncing the pitch off the environment to misdirect prey into a location easier to corner and trap.
Amanda McRoberts
I love the paper-box you've used here, Jamie! Absolutely beautiful layout with the parchment sketches of the animals.
Jaime Buckley
Awwww, thank you, Amanda. Truth be told -- and it should be -- the paper effect was designed by our beloved TJ of Melior. When I first joined the community, I asked him to teach me how to make a version for my own world, and he was so kind. He also t\aught me how to make the scrolls I use...
Your New Author Friend =)
Come see Wanted:Hero
Amanda McRoberts
That's amazing. We tried something similar, but my borders weren't right for it. I need to play with it just a little more, which would cut out a bunch of CSS for those containers, and make things easier for my book excerpts.....
Jaime Buckley
So much easier for those who understand CSS, which I do not. This is an adventure in and of itself, but worth the learning curve. Hard when you have to get through several full plates before you can get to the one you want to feast on! (grin)
Your New Author Friend =)
Come see Wanted:Hero
Amanda McRoberts
I completely agree. I've been slowly trying to learn it. Drove Damion mad with my papers, so much so that the page he tested them on is called paper that is killing my soul.