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By Simago624
04/22/2010 - 04:00:12

Type: Creature
Rating: 0.05 (Not rated)
Tags: airborne, bioluminescence, camel, gas, night, noxious, plankton, wary

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Description

The Crested Cir?ontalica walks the same prairies as the predatory Sc?clieria and the gargantuan Corti?clerian grub, though it cannot match the ferocity or size of those creatures. The C?cirolita I environment is notoriously oxygen rich and thin, and so allows for massive growth of nearly every species. While this has applied to the Cir?ontalica, the result is somewhat anticlimactic; originally about the size of a housecat, it has since inflated to the size of a camel, nowhere near the proportions of the zeppelin-like Corti?clerian grub. The mainly thin atmosphere is riddled with ?thick pockets,? which are actually columns of nutrient-rich, warm air. These are formed by numerous magma hotspots directly beneath the fine crust. These columns rise up into a ?thick layer.? Akin to an ozone layer, it keeps out solar wind, but it is not enough to stop the hail of meteorites attracted by the planet?s unusually high mass. The ?thick pockets? are abound with airborne algae. These float on small, organic air sacs, accompanied by similarly aloft predatory plankton. They form an allegory to the plankton blooms of our planet, and are hoovered up by the Cir?ontalica. It does so through a proboscis toward the bottom of its remarkably large, magnificently adorned head. The head decorations are largely used for show, and for self-defense. When faced with danger, it will send pulsating globs of bioluminescent parasite cells through the large growths on its crest while simultaneously backing away and swinging its head from side to side. This display should confuse and intimidate attackers, but if pressed, it releases its trump card: an organic noxious gas. Through a modified form of a normal digestive tract, it inhales aeroplankton through three ventral holes through a one-way organic mesh. They are then decomposed in a pool of acid, and the resulting sulfurous compound is stored in spongy, hair-like protrusions on its back. So, when in danger, it lets loose a cloud of the stuff, which it is handily immune to. Any predator, however, will experience a sensation akin to being at a skunk all-you-can-eat burrito fest. Even the hardiest and hungriest of hunters will flee from this barrage with newly burning olfactory glands. All Cir?ontalica are resistant to the smell, but since each creates their own scent they are immune only to their own. So, when they convene, they use the muted stenches to identify individuals. Since the aeroplankton hibernate at night (resulting in an amazingly clear night sky, in contrast to the daily haze), the Crested Cir?onalica may feed on the debris tracks of Cor?ticlerian grubs, although this means exposing itself to predators. Being very wary, they sleep only in a half-conscious state, and perpetually emit wisps of their gas defense.