Post by stormturmoil on Feb 12, 2007 22:28:45 GMT
A large, social Browser, the Adamantodon is among the largest animals found on St Martius' Footfall, the largest continental Landmass of the planet St Martius' Hope. The animal is a large reptilian, and uniquely adapted to it's particular diet and environment.
The adult Adamantodon typically stands between 4 and 5 meters at the shoulder, weighs between 8 an 12 Imperial tons, displays Bilateral symmetry, and features a hexaploid limb structure with four rear walking limbs, as well as two forward limbs that feature claws that can be used for remarkably dexterous actions, as well as a heavy, mace-like tail, and a head armoured with bony plates. The most distinguishing characteristic, is however, the creatures' metallic hued shell, which covers the whole beast save the head, and under which the whole beast can pull itself in time of need.
This time of need is, of course, during the numerous solar Flares that beset the planet. The Adamantodon's shell is laced with high concentrations of heavy metal salts sequestered from it's diet of Copperleaf foliage (see Lifeform Study: Copperleaf), and forms an effective barrier to radiation. The Shell is also the source of it's somewhat erroneous name: the shell does outwardly resemble adamantine compounds, but in fact does not contain any adamantorite content. Nevertheless the name has stuck in common usage, as much to describe the beast's incredible toughness as the appearance of it's shell. The beast's scaled hide is also laced with mineral salts, and resists Las-fire, and even some small scale projectiles, making dealing with rogue or rampaging Adamantodons a thorny prospect. However, it has been discovered that they are afraid of fire, and will retreat if threatened with flamers or similar.
Adamantodons are reptilian, but endothermic (warm blooded). They reproduce by means of eggs, which as with the Adamantodons shell, have a high concentration of heavy metals in the shell to keep out unwanted Flare Radiation. In addition, the eggs are typically buried or brooded upon by one of the parents. When the eggs hatch, the young, without shells, are vulnerable to Flare light, and must stick close to the parent in order to shelter beneath their shell if a Flare hits. This has become an inbred instinct, triggered by a specific sensory patch of altered epidermal tissue sensitive to Ultraviolet rays, an increase in the intensity of which typifies a Flare arriving. Until they have grown their shells, Adamantodons travel in family groups, and the parents are very devoted to their young; one of the few ways to anger the usually placid beasts is to threaten (or appear to threaten) their young.
Adamantodons are long lived creatures, with some living to half a millennium or more, and seldom show sign of age. Their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, as do their shells, which remain the same size, but alter in colour as the new growth replaces old. A healthy, vibrant shell is thought to be a primary mating characteristic, and often males will migrate around, seeking to vary their diet to improve the hue and luster of their shell, since the intake of metals provided by their diet directly affects their shell development.
Adamantodons are not herd animals, but are social, to a degree. Neither are they aggressively territorial. They have few natural predators, and are generally placid unless threatened, however, an angered Adamantodon is a terrifying sight, and can be almost impossible to stop. Since the meat of the Adamantodon is highly toxic to humans due to a high heavy metal content, Adamantodons aren't typically hunted, though this was not the case early in the colonies history, when one of the first ruling ministers was found days after leaving on such a hunt, still in the mangled wreckage of his armoured hunting vehicle, which was surmounted by the bones and shell of the beast that had ridden it down. Fortunately, such encounters are rare, and unless a female feels her eggs or young are threatened, Adamantodons are generally no danger to those around them.
However, a more beneficial relationship exists with some humans and Adamantodons. The beasts are easy tempered, highly intelligent, and capable of limited tool using ability, with their dexterous forelimbs, and can be readily trained. As such, many are used as beasts of burden by workers near the capital St Martius' Cove, where they are a common sight along the frontier of the settled areas.
The Beast's sure footedness and ability to move among the Jungle make them a useful shoe-in for the local PDF forces, though they are not very fast; however, Adamantodons have near endless endurance and make excellent patrol units. Their impervious scaled hide and shells are also a source of much comfort for their riders.
Unfortunately, despite having an excellent PDF record, use of the beasts off-world is a tricky prospect due to the requirements of their diet. To maintain a healthy shell, Adamantodons must maintain a constant intake of heavy metal salts. This is normally provided by their diet of Copperleaf foliage, but if transferred off planet, expensive and troublesome dietary supplements are required. While Adamantodons are primarily browsing herbivores, they are generally omnivorous, but they must have access to a source of heavy metal salts or their scales and shell wither and disease will soon afflict them. for this reason, only few units are used off planet.
another sample piece for a life form I cooked up, again under the assumption this planet is under a Flare star. Granted the name may sound a little lame, but it's primarily to let people get a feel for the ideas I'm having. I'm open to suggestions for improvemnts...
The adult Adamantodon typically stands between 4 and 5 meters at the shoulder, weighs between 8 an 12 Imperial tons, displays Bilateral symmetry, and features a hexaploid limb structure with four rear walking limbs, as well as two forward limbs that feature claws that can be used for remarkably dexterous actions, as well as a heavy, mace-like tail, and a head armoured with bony plates. The most distinguishing characteristic, is however, the creatures' metallic hued shell, which covers the whole beast save the head, and under which the whole beast can pull itself in time of need.
This time of need is, of course, during the numerous solar Flares that beset the planet. The Adamantodon's shell is laced with high concentrations of heavy metal salts sequestered from it's diet of Copperleaf foliage (see Lifeform Study: Copperleaf), and forms an effective barrier to radiation. The Shell is also the source of it's somewhat erroneous name: the shell does outwardly resemble adamantine compounds, but in fact does not contain any adamantorite content. Nevertheless the name has stuck in common usage, as much to describe the beast's incredible toughness as the appearance of it's shell. The beast's scaled hide is also laced with mineral salts, and resists Las-fire, and even some small scale projectiles, making dealing with rogue or rampaging Adamantodons a thorny prospect. However, it has been discovered that they are afraid of fire, and will retreat if threatened with flamers or similar.
Adamantodons are reptilian, but endothermic (warm blooded). They reproduce by means of eggs, which as with the Adamantodons shell, have a high concentration of heavy metals in the shell to keep out unwanted Flare Radiation. In addition, the eggs are typically buried or brooded upon by one of the parents. When the eggs hatch, the young, without shells, are vulnerable to Flare light, and must stick close to the parent in order to shelter beneath their shell if a Flare hits. This has become an inbred instinct, triggered by a specific sensory patch of altered epidermal tissue sensitive to Ultraviolet rays, an increase in the intensity of which typifies a Flare arriving. Until they have grown their shells, Adamantodons travel in family groups, and the parents are very devoted to their young; one of the few ways to anger the usually placid beasts is to threaten (or appear to threaten) their young.
Adamantodons are long lived creatures, with some living to half a millennium or more, and seldom show sign of age. Their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, as do their shells, which remain the same size, but alter in colour as the new growth replaces old. A healthy, vibrant shell is thought to be a primary mating characteristic, and often males will migrate around, seeking to vary their diet to improve the hue and luster of their shell, since the intake of metals provided by their diet directly affects their shell development.
Adamantodons are not herd animals, but are social, to a degree. Neither are they aggressively territorial. They have few natural predators, and are generally placid unless threatened, however, an angered Adamantodon is a terrifying sight, and can be almost impossible to stop. Since the meat of the Adamantodon is highly toxic to humans due to a high heavy metal content, Adamantodons aren't typically hunted, though this was not the case early in the colonies history, when one of the first ruling ministers was found days after leaving on such a hunt, still in the mangled wreckage of his armoured hunting vehicle, which was surmounted by the bones and shell of the beast that had ridden it down. Fortunately, such encounters are rare, and unless a female feels her eggs or young are threatened, Adamantodons are generally no danger to those around them.
However, a more beneficial relationship exists with some humans and Adamantodons. The beasts are easy tempered, highly intelligent, and capable of limited tool using ability, with their dexterous forelimbs, and can be readily trained. As such, many are used as beasts of burden by workers near the capital St Martius' Cove, where they are a common sight along the frontier of the settled areas.
The Beast's sure footedness and ability to move among the Jungle make them a useful shoe-in for the local PDF forces, though they are not very fast; however, Adamantodons have near endless endurance and make excellent patrol units. Their impervious scaled hide and shells are also a source of much comfort for their riders.
Unfortunately, despite having an excellent PDF record, use of the beasts off-world is a tricky prospect due to the requirements of their diet. To maintain a healthy shell, Adamantodons must maintain a constant intake of heavy metal salts. This is normally provided by their diet of Copperleaf foliage, but if transferred off planet, expensive and troublesome dietary supplements are required. While Adamantodons are primarily browsing herbivores, they are generally omnivorous, but they must have access to a source of heavy metal salts or their scales and shell wither and disease will soon afflict them. for this reason, only few units are used off planet.
another sample piece for a life form I cooked up, again under the assumption this planet is under a Flare star. Granted the name may sound a little lame, but it's primarily to let people get a feel for the ideas I'm having. I'm open to suggestions for improvemnts...