Alright, so I've got a new mod idea in the developmental stages right now that aims to diversify the DF menagerie in a way that doesn't rely on real-world animals. The goal is to create a more colorful world, full of strange and fiendish creatures to rival the elephants and unicorns in Dwarven legends.
DFFD dowload page.Ronkasith: These aggressive and crafty creatures resemble mandrills with blood red fur and porcine faces, complete with tusks. They roam tropical regions and are able and willing to assault any Dwarves they might come across. Not only that, but they're very inclined to steal anything that interests them if they come across it. Their name is Dwarven for "Rage prowler."
Ngorūgsusmats: These bizarre creatures are mobile plants, which draw their prey in with beautiful flowers, and then strike when they least expect it. They attack by spewing a sticky, web-like substance, before they move in and begin digesting their prey alive with their tendrils. In addition to the 'web,' their digestive fluids also contain a neurotoxin that induces paralysis. Luckily enough, they don't move very fast. While the domestic variety is only as big as a kobold, wild ngorūgsusmats can grow to the size of an elephant. Its name is Goblin for "Man-eater."
Orrunstingbol: These noble creatures are something of a four-armed cross between a bear and a dog. They are possessed of the ferocity and strength of a bear, and the loyalty and profile of a dog. They move as fast as an Elf as well, and so are very useful in keeping the treacherous bastards out of your fortress. The domestic orrunstingbol is the most common variety, however there also exist the "Great laze" breed, a fat and slow moving creature with fur like a panda's, and the "Keg bandit" breed, which is slower and larger than an orrunstingbol, but faster and smaller than a "Great laze." It's name is Dwarven for "Barbarian's roar."
Nuralgeshud: Perhaps the strangest denizen of the tropical lands is the nuralgeshud, or "Blind fortress." These creatures resemble pangolins, yet they swing through the treetops throughout their lives. In addition to this, they are completely blind, and maneuver by way of echolocation and a keen sense of smell. Be wary, if these creatures catch a whiff of your booze, they'll head straight for the stockpile and beat off any Dwarves that get in their way!
Blood rays and blood maggots: Flitting through the night air are the eerie, glistening red blood rays. These creatures hunt insects, and have spinnerets to assist them in this endeavor. As their name suggests, they strongly resemble manta rays and skates. The young of these creatures are called blood maggots. Blood maggots have a similar diet, and spin webs much like blood rays do. They can also be milked, much like a purring maggot, however this milk's bright red coloration, combined with a very bizarre flavor, give it a more niche market, and thus it is much less valuable than Dwarven milk.
As you can see, this hasn't really gotten to its goal yet. Eight creatures just isn't enough. So, feel free to pitch ideas while I work on what I can.
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Topic: New World: Beastiary project (Read 12596 times)