I would often doodle strange creatures in my notepads (don't tell the teachers about it), so I had some hope that I would find something similar; something alien, something bizarre, something unique. But fate seemed to have a different idea in mind for me, something more humble. I didn't even think about the creatures my Alphyn was chasing around. They were just mice... mice... with frills... and webbed paws... wait, what ARE those?? Well... maybe Professor Itha would appreciate a humble specimen for the Keep's collection...
-Taggelisk Slugseeker-
Appearance: Slugseekers are small rodents, evidently near the bottom of the food chain. Similar to a mouse or rat in appearance, they have thicker, fleshier tails, a tail tuft, whiskers not unlike a Vernox Dragon's, and a frill just behind the head. Their pink feet are webbed, and their glossy fur is a deep teal color. Their frill and fur tufts seem to be a light orange, though I have seen a couple with blue or even yellow frills. They are small enough to be held in one hand.
Habitat: I see them most often near bodies of water, especially small ones. I imagine their numbers swell during Taggelisk's wet season, and during the dry season they would go dormant from the lack of water; similar to how some creatures hibernate for the winter. I have also noted that, due to a burrow being prone to flooding, Slugseekers would instead live inside a piece of hollow wood, usually a broken branch or tree root that would float in water. To make sure their homes are even safer, Slugseekers will pack in the one entrance it has with mud, often several inches thick.
Diet: For a mouse-like creature I didn't anticipate it being carnivorous; I call it the "Slugseeker" because of this. These little rodents seem to have a knack for uprooting worms, tracking down slugs, and easing snails out of their shells; I even saw one or two wrestling with guppies! I can say with confidence that they mostly eat bugs, although only ones their size. They will fish if they have the opportunity to do so.
Behavior: Like any other creature its size, a Slugseeker is very energetic and cautious, always checking something with its nose first before further investigating. Slugseekers will shy away at the slightest things, though when prompted, they prefer to actually attack rather than flee; my Alphyn has been bitten plenty of times by the little rascals. Luckily their claws are too small to do any damage, though after flaring their fins and hissing to warn off the offender they will always proceed to gnaw on it with their teeth. It's almost as though they have egos to match their fins' brilliant colors.
I'm not interested in observing the courtship rituals of creatures, so I never investigated the Slugseekers there; however, I did come across a female once with mud caked all over her back, and of course stuck in the mud were several eggs. I guess if you have to take your young with you, that's one way to do it. I imagine Slugseekers use mud for a lot of things, if they both reinforce their homes and cover themselves in it. Who knows, maybe they even use it to catch flying insects! I'm starting to like these guys.
The only other things I can note about Slugseekers is that they are obviously plentiful in the region of Taggelisk, and are well-equipped for its contrasting seasons. Webbed feet allow ease of swimming, and their fur is waxy to the touch, suggesting some kind of water-proofing oil. Their understanding of mud and clay seems to serve them well during the drier months, though they are definitely less common during those times. And-despite being carnivores-they are rather low on the food chain, being fierce predators only for the unfortunate beetle or two. Now... hold on, I have to go pry my Alphyn away from a familiar hissing sound...
beautiful art, and I love the little sketch in the corner too ! and the description is so detailed and well thought-out, I love that it's written as actual notes.... so well done!
