Post by Arreck on Sept 12, 2003 23:05:08 GMT -5
The Flaunaa is a strange beast that lives throughout the underbrush of Hurk. In fact, it can quite often be mistaken for the underbrush of Hurk. It is a nonviolent beast that is preyed upon by carnivores and herbivores alike, and can even in some cases be devoured by trees.
Hurk villages usually own some of these, keeping them in pens much as a dorschian would keep sheep. While particularly dim-witted, they are not easy to find unless you are experienced in looking for them.
The Flaunaa resembles a long, black lizard, with a tremendous flat back and tail. The skin of this creature is insanely sensitive to touch, and it uses this to its advantage. The Flaunaa tears small shrubs and bushes of any kind from the ground and places them on its back, where its skin seperates and allows the roots to sink deep into its flesh. Once it feels the roots inside it, it closes the skin again. Special cells within this skin drain nutrients from the plants and monitor the plant's vitals, to keep it alive. The Flaunaa recieves protection and food from the plants, and the plants recieve an unlimited supply of sunlight and are far more capable of getting water than if they were stationary.
The Flaunaa has no mouth, and thus relies totally on the plants to survive. Male Flaunaa 'hijack' seeds, of sorts, in order to reproduce. The female exudes her reproductive organs during mating season, and they resemble a long, sticky tube. The male sends off seeds, usually grass, that have been infused with his DNA, and when they land on the female they are retracted into the body, where the Flaunaa young devours the seed as it is growing. When they are born, the mother will sprinkle grass seeds over the young, giving them an immediate supply of food.
If a plant gets too large for a Flaunaa to carry, it will automatically drain more nutrients from that plant. When the plant dies, the roots will be dissolved within the skin of the Flaunaa, and the plant will fall off, making room for a new one. Nogan in particular enjoy this creature as a 'mobile garden' of sorts, and they are in great demand from Hurk.
Length (Without Plants): 10-12 ft.
Height (Without Plants): 5 ft.
Weight (Without Plants): 300 lbs.
Color (Without Plants): Brownish Black
Speculation: It is thought that this creature plays a vital role in pollinating many plants of Hurk, as well as serving as a home for many insects. It is not uncommon for small birds to roost in the branches of shrubs on the Flaunaa's back.
FACT: The Flaunaa's skin is so sensitive, it will part and close over a hand if touched.
Hurk villages usually own some of these, keeping them in pens much as a dorschian would keep sheep. While particularly dim-witted, they are not easy to find unless you are experienced in looking for them.
The Flaunaa resembles a long, black lizard, with a tremendous flat back and tail. The skin of this creature is insanely sensitive to touch, and it uses this to its advantage. The Flaunaa tears small shrubs and bushes of any kind from the ground and places them on its back, where its skin seperates and allows the roots to sink deep into its flesh. Once it feels the roots inside it, it closes the skin again. Special cells within this skin drain nutrients from the plants and monitor the plant's vitals, to keep it alive. The Flaunaa recieves protection and food from the plants, and the plants recieve an unlimited supply of sunlight and are far more capable of getting water than if they were stationary.
The Flaunaa has no mouth, and thus relies totally on the plants to survive. Male Flaunaa 'hijack' seeds, of sorts, in order to reproduce. The female exudes her reproductive organs during mating season, and they resemble a long, sticky tube. The male sends off seeds, usually grass, that have been infused with his DNA, and when they land on the female they are retracted into the body, where the Flaunaa young devours the seed as it is growing. When they are born, the mother will sprinkle grass seeds over the young, giving them an immediate supply of food.
If a plant gets too large for a Flaunaa to carry, it will automatically drain more nutrients from that plant. When the plant dies, the roots will be dissolved within the skin of the Flaunaa, and the plant will fall off, making room for a new one. Nogan in particular enjoy this creature as a 'mobile garden' of sorts, and they are in great demand from Hurk.
Length (Without Plants): 10-12 ft.
Height (Without Plants): 5 ft.
Weight (Without Plants): 300 lbs.
Color (Without Plants): Brownish Black
Speculation: It is thought that this creature plays a vital role in pollinating many plants of Hurk, as well as serving as a home for many insects. It is not uncommon for small birds to roost in the branches of shrubs on the Flaunaa's back.
FACT: The Flaunaa's skin is so sensitive, it will part and close over a hand if touched.