Spilia Dachtylo
Spilia Dachtylo
The Spilia Dachtylo, more commonly known as the cave finger, originated within the fleet during the early 3200s. It is hailed as the byproduct of improperly disposed runoff from xenogenic experimentation designed to eradicate what we perceived to be an alien infection. Xenogenics, a field of study that involves the manipulation of human tissue on the genetic level using sub-quantum xenobiological nanotechnology, was primarily responsible for the creation of hybrid creatures such as these. Some say that the feel of the organism’s concealed appendage against the skin feels much like the fingers of a clutching hand.
This hybrid was first discovered in 3229 by Astraean workers while tending to the irrigation tunnels beneath the nutrient sectors of the Demeter, a dominant agricultural vessel in the fleet. The creature is most often found in the dark, clustered in large groups covering tunnel walls near dead-ends or where the opening tapers to a point. A group of Spilia Dachtylo typically begins forming near the floor and then works its way up the wall, as small prey is easier to ensnare. The organism first existed aboard the Demeter, but quickly spread to the other ships in the fleet by way of the food supply chain.
The most noticeable feature of the cave finger is the almost black, dark purple feather-like plumage that protrudes from the shell opening. This plumage acts like pennaceous feathers, protecting a meaty, prehensile appendage that most people refer to as the finger. Unlike typical contour feathers, however, the calamus, or base quill, is embedded in muscle tissue and not skin. On the underside of the feathers, a barbed, velcro-like mesh exists to help restrain prey.
The cave finger typically feeds on organisms smaller than humans, such as cats, dogs and rats. Although cases have been recorded in which humans have lost their lives to the creature, it is more likely to suffer minor burns from the acid secretion. Small children, the infirm, and the elderly are the most susceptible. A Spilia Dachtylo traps its prey by allowing it to pass in one direction, and restricting its movement when the captive tries to withdraw. The creature stiffens its plumage in the opposing direction, unveiling a tongue-like, nutrient absorbing, muscled appendage underneath. An acidic, digestive fluid is secreted from an orifice at the tip, and begins dissolving the meal alive. As the prey’s tissue is dissolved by the digestive juices, the prehensile tissue absorbs the nutrients and feeds the Spilia Dachtylo.
An asymmetrical calcium carbonate conchiolin encases the core of the mollusc-like organism. This shell serves to protect the inner anatomy. In nutrient-rich environments, the growth of the shell is completed within just a few days, leading to a wider opening at the base of the plumage. Harsh or demanding conditions lead to the development of a tightly coiled shell with a smaller opening. While most Spilia Dachtylo have been observed as having sinistral chirality, or left-handed coiling, a few have been noted to have dextral chirality, or right-handed coiling.
The small, silky byssi and larger, root-like bothria, that protrude from the underside of the exoskeletal shell, function not only as an extension of a sensory organ, but also as a haustorial, or parasitic, root system. Plants growing nearby can serve as a secondary water and nutrient source for the cave finger. In dry or arid environments the appendages will swell to hold water for extended periods of time, acting like a tuberous root. To a lesser degree, the smaller bothria also assist the creature in positioning itself at the right angle to trap its prey.
Several times during the lifespan of the cave finger, it will grow large, longer bothria that serve as propagative roots. These roots will seek crevasses and begin to form adventitious buds which adhere to the cracks with newly formed byssi. The larger bothria are then formed and begin to draw calcium carbonate from the rock to form the exoskeletal shell of the creature. Not unlike some plant bulbs of Earth, a Spilia Dachtylo bud can lie dormant for years after being separated from its progenitor.
Aello, Krocylea Sector. Life on Protos. 6th Ed. Protos Data Store, 145B.
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Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on June 14, 2012.
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Jun 14, 2012
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Comments
Creator AKM on May 30, 2012
wow indeed
Creator S.D. on May 29, 2012
Wow!! You weren't exaggerating... there is a ton of thought and rich backstory waiting for us to discover. Starting to feel like a real, in-depth RPG.
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Now we have to worry about predatory xenogenic mutant spawn :-)