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MiniWatto

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  1. I can't draw, and have no friends! (That can draw, I mean. I have some friends.) So I did what everyone else does nowadays, and asked an AI! It actually made something kinda cool: Species: Hoplophoneus Insidiator Time: Eocene Diet: Carnivore Temperament: Cautious Wild: Hoplophoneus Insidiator is a species that has adapted to the nature of this derelict ARK like no other. While many creatures simply have adaptions to let them survive here, Hoplophoneus thrives. While not a true cat, it is the closest to filling that ecological niche in the environment. An ambush predator, it is capable of near physics-defying feats of climbing and leaping in pursuit of its prey, thanks to its emphasized claws for grip, and prehensile tail for balance. It has bioluminescent patterning that allows it to blend in seamlessly with its environment, and as such can be found in various biomes, but is equally hard to spot in all of them. It will modify the colouration of its patterning, or even extinguish the light it produces, to gain a stealth advantage wherever it is. It will then perform a lightning-fast leap, at which point its prey stands little chance of escape. In the few situations it feels threatened, it will exhibit strange, colourful patterns to attempt to confuse and intimidate its foe. It seems particularly cautious around particular species native to this ARK, such as Ravager packs and Basilisks. Domesticated: Hoplophoneus makes for a fine addition to any tribe. A fiercely loyal pet, it seems to gain endurance when ridden by its master. It makes for a supremely speedy mount, and all its abilities seen in the wild can be trained to use on command. Light shows to intimidate would-be attackers, and stealth for hunting, it is suited for the more cautious explorer of these hostile caverns. Its climbing prowess also comes in handy for reaching high ledges, but don't expect it to be able to climb for very long while ridden. It can even use its prehensile tail to carry small creatures, such as light-pets! Attempting to tame a Hoplophoneus via traditional methods is difficult. Its high metabolism renders narcotics weak, but the survivors on this ARK have found other methods. By allowing Hoplophoneus to attempt an ambush on oneself, and dodging at the last second, it will enter an intimidation state, attempting to ward you off with lights while slowly backing away. Keep up with it, pet it, and feed it, and it will start to grow tolerant of you. Just don't back it into a corner, or move too fast, otherwise it may attack. Repeating this a few times will allow you to tame it, and Hoplophoneus tamed this way rather than knocking them out seem to be slightly stronger in battle, likely due to the bond it forms via this process. So I always wanted Aberration to have a predator like this, not just surviving, but thriving. With the lack of Thylas, I feel a stealthier option with a bit less bulk is appropriate for the setting. Camouflage would be paramount to a creature like this, so the ability to change or even extinguish the bioluminescence would not only be cool aesthetically, but offer a tactical advantage. Naturally, being a slimly-built medium-sized carnivore, it would be fast to offset its lower health. As you can figure from the dossier, it also has the ability to use light patterns to intimidate foes, which could apply a short debuff to a charging carnivore or hostile mount. Being a fast climber it could then escape, or it could fight the weakened enemy if you so choose. I wanted a unique taming method, and I like the idea of tricking it and slowly bonding rather than just knocking it out. TL;DR: Kinda like a cat but isn't. Climbs and ambushes from high. Has wacky light show for scaring. Fast, lowish bulk. Can grab small stuff with tail. Oh, and it's based off Hoplophoneus Primaevus, obviously gave it bioluminescence to fit Aberration, and took some other creative liberties. Let me know what you think, and if you have suggestions, bring them on!
  2. Perhaps. Would probably be quite a powerful (maybe OP?) ability, but could be interesting.
  3. Having slept on the idea, some further suggestions: Glands: Would be a waste not to use these for more than just taming. Since the Sandclaw has powerful senses, a dish made with them could improve the user’s senses, perhaps by highlighting enemies within a certain range. Claws: Don’t want it being too similar to the Karkinos. Instead of the grab and slam, it could be restricted to smaller creatures, and while grabbed they could be crushed instead of slammed. Less damage, but also exhausts the victim’s stamina (and oxygen?) If anyone has any more ideas, do feel free to post them!
  4. Species: Paracharonopsis Terranidens Common Name: Sandclaw Period: Eocene Diet: Carnivore Temperament: Aggressive Wild: Paracharonopsis Terranidens, more commonly called the “Sandclaw” is a giant, formidable burrowing insect that spends most of its time under the sand, waiting for prey to pass by. Unlike most insects found on the ARKs, the Sandclaw lacks venom, relying instead on its immense strength and its unique trap ability. When it senses vibrations from above, it vibrates its body, creating a cloud of sand which slows and blinds the victim. The Sandclaw will then emerge from the sand, using its powerful claws to crush and immobilize its prey. Watch out for their antennae poking above the surface! While rarely seen above the surface of the desert, the Sandclaw’s appearance is similar to that of tailless whip scorpions (it is indeed closely related) though it has had the traditional ARK treatment of becoming super-sized, and has a significant amount of chitinous plating and spikes on its claws. Domesticated: Taming a Sandclaw is no easy task. They only warm to humans that bait them with Sandclaw glands, unique organs that can be harvested from dead or unconscious Sandclaws. Even then, they must be forced to surface first without the would-be tamer being killed. Rumour has it this can be safely done with the vibrations from large creatures, or, for the truly brave, by using grenades… Once tamed, however, these colossal insects are a valuable ally. Their trap ability can be used on wild creatures or enemy tribe members, draining their health, movement speed, and stamina. Once trapped, simply surface, and crush your enemy with the Sandclaw’s powerful grip. Just be sure to hold your breath while mounted on a burrowed Sandclaw! Their excellent senses designed for the sand prove useful too, as the Sandclaw is able to find small deposits of rare materials underneath the desert’s surface, and then extract them by digging with its claws. On such a dangerous ARK, this can be important in saving a trip to enemy territory looking for rare resources. Thanks for giving that a read. I’ve based the Sandclaw off the real-life Paracharonopsis Cambayensis, an insect of the same time period. Obviously it never got to such a size, but hey, this is ARK. I love the idea of terrifying creatures burrowing under you, and having to tread lightly on the sand. Deathworms kind of satisfied this, but not being tameable and being kind of obvious to spot reduced the experience. I feel this creature would plug that gap. The name “Terranidens” means “Earth-Biter”. A fitting title I think, for such a desert horror. Imagine wandering the desert alone, hearing a rumble, and suddenly…
  5. I wasn't even gonna submit it again this time, but I'm glad to see others still fancy it. Best of luck! Feel free to rip any and all details from my post of it in the previous vote.
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