~Explorer's Log, stardate unknown due to failure to pay subscription fees for updates on ship's TimeKeeper computer program.~ We've discovered an oxygen-rich planet. Planet's surface appears rich in life, though a bit too cold for my tastes. Preliminary scans of the crust reveal some valuable minerals and trapped gases. My partner, Grigor, is interested in taking a look at what lives here, while I would like to get my hands on some of that iridium so we can repair the magnificent "HOME" paneling-sign on the side of our station. Grigor calls it tacky, but doesn't seem willing to stop me. We leave in three hours. Ish. ~Update, approx. 5 hours later~ Grigor has found a thing. He sent me a sketch of it, due to our lack of photo-taking application software subscriptions. He has named it "Skeenk," after the sounds he says it makes. He also says it spits fire when he squeezes it, saying something about how it's an ingenious defense mechanism in this environment. God help me. He's probably going to try to make me touch it. ~Grigor's Log~ Specimen tentatively named "Skeenk," of the newly discovered (equally tentatively titled) "Dratgon" species. Looking over the creature, it's roughly twice the size of a normal Terran rat. Other differences include a number of chitinous growths on the surface of the skin, likely for shock absorption. It appears to have other key differences, namely what appears to be an entirely new organ meant to deal with large amounts of phosphorous in its diet. The organ connects to the oral cavity and can be squeezed to produce a small gout of flame when the substance meets water, which appears to be regurgitated from the stomach for this effect. I believe I'll keep it around the station as an evolutionary oddity. And possibly use it as a bargaining chip to get rid of that ridiculous sign.
Thanks, threw it together with a pencil and ran it through Photoshop to give it that half-inked look. As far as the idea goes, I'd think it would be a creature that tends to have several others just like it around for the Safety In Numbers effect. Plus, it's easier to take down larger predators (Or invading spacemen) if you can cover more area with spitfire. Mostly docile, until one of their own is threatened or attacked. Environment would probably be something akin to the log: Jungle/forested planets with iceworlds as a secondary choice. And if at all possible, maybe it could double as a handheld weapon if you manage to catch one?
@Jaxalot What? Don't be ridiculous. It's a totally new idea and concept that has never been done before and I'm offended that OH MY GOD, HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN
I love this so much. I want this in the game, now. ------------------------ The post above mine, is pure win.
