Ferkins
From Ouroboros
Contents |
Introduction
Ferkins take a predatory role that is rarely challenged, and only then by Masks. Unlike Masks, which rely on power and surprise to kill their prey, Ferkins find victory in numbers and simple tactics.
Anatomy
Organs
Ferkins, like every other rodent-esque creature on Moch, have a large, oval organ (called an Orbos) on their backs which absorbs the constant fog, as well as some traces of sunlight. They then burn energy by combining these two with the nutrients gained from their dead prey. This process is similar to, but distinct from, photosynthesis amongst plants from Terr.
Their favorite part of their prey's body to eat is the Orbos, since they have a specialized organ designed to filter what energy has been stored up by their prey into their own systems.
Their brains are similar to, but distinct from, those of the Masks. While they are about as large, Mask brains focus on very solitary thoughts. However, Ferkins brains are allow limited levels of abstraction and communication between other members of the pack, as well as for strategy. It is commonly believed that, given a long period of time, Ferkins would evolve into an intelligent race, perhaps even to the point of humans.
Bone Structure
Ferkins have a long, snake-like skeletal structure which reaches about one foot in length. They have four legs, much like a creature from Terr, and a skull. Although a Ferkin's Orbos appears to be surrounded by a thick bone structure, it is actually surrounded by very tough cartilage.
Ferkins have small claws, which are used for latching onto and attacking their prey. More rarely, they are used to climb the ice cliffs which occasionally form.
External Appearance
Unlike typical predators, the Ferkin blends in very little with it's environment. It's fur is a brilliant blue. The reason for this is that, very rarely, some areas of saltwater are found (although generally drained into just salt within a matter of days). Creatures such as the Deeptreader and the Landmite very much enjoy saltwater, and other creatures may also wish to absorb it for some fresh taste in their Orbos.
Ferkins also have large, beady eyes, much closer to those found in creatures on Terr. They rely on color and light to detect prey visually. They also have small ears which open up to larger, more rat-sized ones when they hear prey.
Mating
Ferkins mate similarly to ordinary earth creatures. However, unlike normal pack predators, they mate with (mostly) monogamy, the only advantage to being the leader in case of mating is having the "pick of the litter", if you will.
Behavior
Predatory Tactics
Ferkins prefer to surround their probable prey, rather than surprising it or beating it tactically. Once a group of Ferkins is in the typical circular formation, they strike, moving in.
Pack Structure
Ferkin packs organize themselves with a pack leader and a number of males and females kept underfoot. The leader is almost always male, though on rare occasions in studies pack leaders which were female were found.
Since the Orbos is a delicacy to them, it is automatically considered claimed by the pack leader. If the first one to eat the prey's Orbos is not the pack leader (or one of his direct kin given the Orbos by him), this is taken to mean that the Ferkin is calling the leader out.
Mating Patterns
Unlike many creatures from Terr, pack leader Ferkins do not attempt to mate with all the females in the pack. Rather, they take only one or, rarely, two, as their mates. This is believed to be a behavioral pattern caused by the various advantages of monogamy and to prevent many infights.
