Chapter One:
AUTUMN EQUINOX
In the heart of a forest rich with ancient rock formations and mineral-laden soil, we find one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures—the Quillhound. Covered in quills as blue as the deep mineral veins that run beneath the earth, these remarkable beings are masters of the subterranean world, perfectly adapted to their hidden habitat. As night falls, casting a gentle shroud over the forest, a pair of Quillhounds emerges from their burrow, their keen senses attuned to the sounds of the nocturnal realm.
With each cautious step, Thando and Penda, the two young Quillhounds, venture into the intricate network of underground tunnels that lie beneath the forest floor. Unlike many creatures, whose diets rely on the foliage above, Quillhound’s practice pure Terraphagia—the consumption of soil and earth-based nutrients, without any substitution from plants or vegetation. They feed exclusively on mineral-rich soil, roots, and clay deposits, which provide the essential elements they need for survival.
Much earlier, while our Quillhounds slumbered deep within their underground den—nestled miles below the forest floor—a skilled team of Animara rangers ventured into the wild. With expert precision, they secured stat collars around the necks of each creature, delicate devices designed to monitor key aspects of their physical and mental capabilities.
These collars, though designed to track individual stats like stamina, agility, and perception, serve a greater purpose. Much like the Animara rangers themselves, our true concern lies not with the individual numbers, but with the combined strength of the pair. It is the harmony of their shared abilities that will determine their survival in this unforgiving wilderness. Above, the forest hums with life, the whisper of leaves barely audible this far beneath the surface. But Thando and Penda are no strangers to their subterranean realm.
As they emerge from their den, ready to seek out the hidden treasures of nourishment buried deep within the earth, the Quillhounds move with quiet precision, navigating the intricate network of tunnels that lies beneath the surface. Each one possesses an innate awareness of the others' positions, a skill honed through years of companionship and shared experiences. Their quills act almost like dowsing rods, guiding them as they forage, detecting subtle vibrations and changes in the air to uncover hidden treasures below.
With remarkable fluidity, they glide seamlessly in formation, weaving through the narrow passages as if choreographed by nature itself. This silent communication is a testament to the profound relationship they share—an unspoken language forged through countless trials and tribulations. In this subterranean world, every twist and turn reflects the delicate balance that exists between them, embodying a unity that is as remarkable as it is essential for their survival. In this moment, we are reminded of the intricate web of life that spans from the highest tree canopy to the lowest reaches of the underground.
The Quillhound, a remarkable Animara, exhibits a fascinating primary feeding strategy known as Terraphagy. Unlike many Animara that rely solely on vegetation or prey, these Animara consume only soil, clay, and small stones to extract vital minerals essential for their survival. This unique dietary habit allows them to access crucial nutritional sources such as iron, copper, and core trace minerals, often found in specific soil types. This remarkable adaptation not only sustains their health but also highlights the intricate connections within their ecosystem, as they engage with the very foundations of their environment in pursuit of the nutrients necessary for their well-being.
As Thenda and Penda embark on their new foraging journey, we pause to establish a crucial foundation. We will examine the vital statistics of both the males and females, as their combined metrics will serve as our baseline for all observations to come. Let us now take a moment to delve into their core statistics, revealing the intricate dynamics of their behaviours as they navigate the challenges of their environment.
Quillhound Animara Metric Table
Name: Thenda (Male)
Scientific Name:
Terracanis Subterraneus
Wild Animara Level: 3
Type: Ground
Height: 26 inches (66.5cm)
Weight: 65 lbs (29,484 g)
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Name: Penda (Female)
Scientific Name:
Terracanis Subterraneus
Wild Animara Level: 3
Type: Ground
Height: 24 Inches
Weight: 55lbs (24,947 g)
Male
Female
Combined
Foraging
Time: 12 hours
Distance
Travelled: 22.5 miles
Foraging
Time: 12 hours
Distance
Travelled:18.6
Foraging
Time: 24 hours
Distance
Travelled: 41.1 miles
Current XP:
Current XP:
Combined XP:
XP needed to next
level
XP needed to next
level
Combined XP needed to next
level
Terraphagic Dietary Absorption Stat
Male
Female
Combined
Iron
Absorption:
135 (mg)
Zinc Absorption: 75 (mg)
Copper Absorption: 30 (mg)
Selenium Absorption: 15(mg)
Iron
Absorption:
120 (mg)
Zinc Absorption: 66 (mg)
Copper Absorption: 27 (mg)
Selenium Absorption: 12 (mg)
Combined Iron
Absorption: 255 (mg)
Combined Zinc Absorption: 141
(mg)
Combined Copper Absorption: 57 (mg)
Combined Selenium Absorption: 27 (mg)
In the intricate tapestry of this ground-based Animara’s existence, its mineral-rich diet plays a pivotal role in ensuring growth and health. Among these, zinc stands out as a vital contributor to bone formation, facilitating the activity of osteoblasts, the architects of their skeletal structure. Without sufficient zinc, the Quillhound’s developing bones may falter, compromising their strength and resilience in the wild. Additionally, zinc serves as a key catalyst for the creature's unique abilities. Within the Quillhound's body, zinc facilitates essential biochemical reactions, fueling its cells for life in its underground world. Notably, zinc is a necessary mineral for all Animara, playing a critical role in move and special ability activation across the diverse species.
Meanwhile, copper weaves its own essential narrative, aiding in the synthesis of collagen—a fundamental protein that grants stability to both bone and connective tissue. This remarkable mineral ensures that the Quillhound's bones are not merely rigid structures but flexible, enduring forms capable of withstanding the challenges of their rugged environment. Copper also plays a crucial role in iron absorption and the production of red blood cells, essential for delivering oxygen throughout the body, further enhancing the Quillhound's endurance.
Selenium, though required in minuscule amounts, serves as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the Quillhound’s cells from oxidative stress and damage while supporting a resilient immune system. This mineral’s protective properties help maintain overall health, giving the Quillhound an edge in combating the challenges of its environment. Selenium also aids in the metabolism of iodine, crucial for energy production.
Together, these trace minerals form a foundation for robust health, allowing the Quillhounds to thrive as they navigate the complexities of their ecosystem. They showcase the delicate balance of life that sustains them, emphasising the intricate connections that support this remarkable creature’s existence in the wild. Ultimately, their survival and prowess in the wild depend on the harmonious interplay of these vital minerals, underscoring nature’s remarkable design.
At the mouth of the tunnel, Thando and Penda stand side by side, ready to begin their nightly forage. Together, they slip silently into the winding darkness, where the forest above feels worlds away. Deep within the rock labyrinth, their senses sharpen as they move in unison toward an ancient stone mound—an iron-rich formation shaped over centuries. Here, clusters of red-veined rocks lie in a natural pile, rich with iron deposits essential to their strength.
Thando leads, digging into the mound’s edge, followed by Penda. Each bite delivers dense minerals to fuel their bodies, with Thando consuming 45 mg of iron and Penda 40 mg before they pause to listen for vibrations of nearby deposits. Their quills bristle with renewed vigour, and as they move on to continue foraging, each paw scrape aerates the soil, enhancing the tunnel system that nurtures this hidden world.