THE ARTIFACT

Log 6, Troglodont. Leaving the wall of the desert and back into the crystal valley, we find plants. These plants, which I’ll call lump shrubs, look very different from the typical flora on Murkosia. The usual plastic petals are elongated and now form a leathery skin around the plant with the tips becoming thorn-like while the top is bloated and falls to the ground. These adaptations help it survive in its hot and dry climate; the skin traps in water while reducing heat, the thorns provide protection and photosynthesize, and the bulbous top stores water for the plant, making them a highly sought-after resource in the desert. While researching the lump shrubs I ran into a creature that capitalizes on their popularity. The troglodont is a highly specialized member of the Diuodiens genus that mimics the lump shrub to lure in prey. The jaw of a troglodont acts like a tunnel bore and moves through the ground like its water, even breaking through smaller crystals. The third eye has X-ray vision like most members of the genus, however, this X-ray vision seems to be significantly worse than any other members; my theory is that the lack of water molecules in the desert sand provides less electron density for the eye to detect, thus making it harder for the troglodont to distinguish between surface and sand while underground.

Why do you always say “I think” or “My theory” when you know that is exactly what it is? I know you’re an idiot but you’re still a human.

Because if I say that’s exactly what it is then I’ll sound like a smart ass and then I’ll sound like you. The thorns on a troglodont’s tail are a mix of skin and hair, not only do they add to the mimicry, but they detect the vibrations of prey walking by. Once prey is detected the troglodont will burst out of the sand and disembowel their victim in a flurry of sand and shards. The mimicry of a troglodont is very impressive, not only does the muscle and fat of the tail replicate the look of a lump shrub near perfectly, but they even have stripes to mimic the shadows that the leathery skin of a lump shrub has, creating depth where there is none. Fortunately, they’re not too big making them relatively harmless to most larger anima-

Hey one of those trogladints bit me. It died so now I can't get it off my hand.

Dammit Ming you have to be more careful, we can’t have you bleeding all over the desert. Retrace your steps alright we have to be quick with decontamination.

You seem a lot more worried about some drops of blood than if I’m ok.

We have Med Drones, body recalibrators, and fast regeneration, you could get cut in half and be fine. Human blood on the other hand is the most toxic substance in the universe, only 4 teaspoons can kill a Talonatus and it takes a week for it to lose its toxicity, so that’s why it’s a bigger priority.

Designed by:  wormlizard_on_a_string