u/GhostoftheSnow

Begin transcript of communication:

Conglomerate Research Fleet Saraswati and Conglomerate Support Fleet Bellerophon. Both fleets are further supported by a detachment of combat vessels from Conglomerate Heavy Suppression Fleet Gullinbursti. 
Collective designation: Nephilim 

Current Mission:
Explore the world [86 Xihe B] (Alternate Designations: Langmaan’s Folly, LF)
Recover previous exploration logs of privatized exoplanet discovery company Lang & Maan LLC
Catalog native life
Sample resource deposits 
Gather genetic samples for military and hazardous industrial bioform productions.
Test habitation for future settlement and colonization. 

Planetary common name: Langmaan’s Folly.

Issues Reported by CRF Saraswati and CSF Bellerophon:

Engineering and fabrication crews report low stocks of parts and resources for general maintenance. Autonomous mining units were sent to the asteroid belt of Muspelheim to gather metals and critical rare earth elements for creation of necessary components. Unpredictable gravity anomalies caused by large asteroids and the planet itself have resulted in the loss of several units to collisions and entry into the gas giant’s atmosphere. 

Current production of survey drones has been halted due to these losses, garnering several complaints from scientific vessel crews. CSF Bellerophon requests detachment from CHSF Gullinbursti to intercept and destroy rogue bodies that threaten mining supply lines. These lines are critical to bumbebat hive and citadel survey missions as they supply specific crystals needed for optical cloaking cameras and screens. Without these systems, drones are intercepted and obliterated by defensive lifeforms/structures. 

Status Updates:

SRC system repair is still in progress, awaiting next available repair detachment. Current crew expertise does not contain classified information required for certain software updates and installations due to loss of COW4 Frances Anzures from a sudden depressurization event. Other crew were lost in this event as well when the shuttle that they were in detonated one of the airlocks. 

Recovered bodies were not in a condition deemed suitable for viewing, prompting immediate cremation before burial ceremony was conducted. The space-to-surface shuttle has been recovered and is under investigation. Manned missions are further suspended, only autonomous units that can be remotely detonated are approved for in-atmosphere travel of LF. Updated ETA of reinforcements are expected to last an extra 5 to 13 months as personnel are trained and screened for loyalty. 

Transcription Start: 
Research Fleet Saraswati Lead Science vessel Thoth beginning report.
Autonomous research drone swarms have been deployed across the surface, gathering atmospheric, geological, biological, radiological, and geographical data. Drones have recovered remnants of L&M scouting drones, some lost to mechanical failure, others to hostile wildlife.

Data is nearly fully corrupted, but several drones containing intact reports have been located in old autonomous surface installations. These installations were established to mitigate resupply mission numbers and cost. Currently attempting to refit these structures but the ban on surface expeditions makes said task more difficult.  Aquatic drones have encountered increased resistance past the Albumen Expanse due to territorial colonial superstructures and aquatic lifeforms. 

Begin Second Report: 

Among the great beasts of the land, very few match the might and ferocity of the Arachnotyrannids. If Styracodynas represent the serenity and beauty of the peaceful Elysium, the Arachnotyrannids represent the savage and terrifying darkness of Tartarus. At least, if instinct driven animals possessed notions of thought such as morality and horror. The reality of these creatures is that they simply must survive, and every ecosystem requires an Apex predator. To be captured by a stalking beast in the twilight of a sleeping forest is a swifter fate than to wander endlessly in search of food that simply does not exist, wasting away slowly as desperation grows. However, that does not mean the beasts that make up the diet of the great hunters will go quietly into the night, for no matter what, survival at any cost is paramount.

This cost, however, is not easily paid. Tartarus turns once vibrant forests into a silent labyrinth, lush plains into barren deserts. Those that cannot or do not migrate have had to develop highly specific and complex methods of living, all of which possess thick, leathery skin and chitinous plates, protecting them from most harm. Styracodynas that do not migrate appoint shifts, with some hegemons and consorts staying awake for up to a month during Tartarus. These animals are fueled by hormones and stored energy reserves, entering torpor once these compounds have degraded. They move closer into the circle with each shift, as the herd sacrifices the weakest members in case of attack. Stegocoloptera use powerful forelimbs to bury themselves in the ground, exposing only their nostrils as they lay on their sides. Despite this position, they are able to quickly right themselves and escape. Corixsaurolophous submerge themselves in bogs, their cranial crests acting as a snorkel. They do however have to leave the treacherous mud to remove skin parasites that collect on their hides, leaving them vulnerable. To circumvent these defenses and those of other heavily armored, semi-shelled beasts, Arachnotyrannids evolved a devastating array of weapons. Each of the biological armaments can deal a specific, debilitating blow to the unfortunate animal caught in the ambush. 

When stalking their victim, the Arachnotyrannids guide prey to a Killzone which was prepared in meticulous detail ahead of the hunt. If an Aracnotyrannid is shepherding you, chances are it's already too late to escape. When prey enters the Killzone, nearly transparent threads collect around the legs, horns, claws, mandibles, plates, or spines of the poor victim, slowing movement. Panic begins to set in when the prey realizes they’ve entered the creature’s Pantry, the preserved bodies of dozens of other victims resting in the brush. Thrashing will only entangle the animal further, making a kill that much easier for the Aracno. Only after the animal has entombed itself in a net of their own design will the Arachnotyrannid close in.

Arachnotyrannid skulls are uniquely shaped, containing muscle based hydraulic pistons and reinforced to withstand incredible pressures when biting. The jaws possess two primary puncturing fangs, held flat against the roof and floor of the mouth when not in use. The rest of the mouth contains teeth incredibly similar to those of Tyrannosarus of old earth (hence the name), with serrations along the edges for cutting away large chunks of flesh. Small mandibles inside the jaws help to orient food and clean their teeth of meat scraps, which if allowed to rot can cause serious issues for an Aracnho. When the time comes to flood their meal with a potent cytotoxin, muscle action launches the fangs forward, jaw tendons stretching to allow for the piston-like bite. This bite can exert up to 5 tons of PSI, driving the fangs deeply into prey and shattering anything they come into contact with. These fangs are driven deeply into exposed flesh and thin plating, while toothed maws clamp in a vice-like manner. No amount of thrashing will dislodge the Arachnotyrannid once it has locked down. 

This locking bite can be attributed to two things: the hydraulic system of the jaws, and very elastic tendons. These tendons stretch and relax with considerable force, allowing the jaw to slam into prey, forcing teeth into flesh and shattering any weak defensive measures. To keep the jaws locked in the “firing” position, there are small gears on either side of the Arachno’s jaws that a small biological lever catches on. The best known analogy is the forearms of pistol shrimp, which allows them to strike at speeds which cause cavitation bubbles. Once the brain signals to the muscle attached to the gear, it quickly twitches out of the way, allowing the lever to release and the jaw to slam shut. After shutting, the muscle reactivates, preventing opening until the Aracnho chooses to release, or the tendons are cut. The process is nearly instantaneous, making evasion of said attack all but impossible.

Due to the tremendous force that the fangs are subjected to, they do not extend very far over the primary teeth of the jaws, extending only 5-6 inches.  The fangs are also covered in pores filled with active enamel cells, which allow  the toxin to disperse evenly throughout a wound, washing every contacted surface with potent venom. The enamel cells protect the fangs from bacteria that enter these pores and seek to break their teeth down. As an Arachnotyrannid ages, these enamel cells begin to die, and their fangs rot away. This infection spreads to the hydraulic system of the jaws, rendering their bite useless. This means that the population is kept in check by what is essentially very aggressive gingivitis and tetanus. 

Unlike most land animals, and despite their comparison to bipedal saurians of the past, Arachnotyrannids walk on four legs, instead of the normal hexapedal body plan. Arachnos possess eight limbs overall, which is where their relation to arachnids came from. These jointed limbs allow for a swift and all-terrain capable pursuit of anything edible through the dark forests and dense undergrowth. The abdomen of this hunter however contains a rather primitive Book Lung, while the body is covered in spiracles used to absorb oxygen from the environment. Smaller but more complex lungs exist in the chest (midsection of the thorax), gathering air from vent like openings on the dorsal side of the thorax. Due to this, they rely heavily on ambush and capture tactics, as prolonged pursuits will rapidly exhaust energy stores. 

These smaller, separate lungs cannot support the beast on their own, as the secondary lungs only help add oxygen to the circulatory system that the book lung otherwise cannot during periods of high activity or stress. Forest Fires are a death sentence for these animals, as the smoke will cause them to suffocate at much faster pace than arthrosaurs with more complex respiratory systems. A pair of 3 chambered hearts pump blood throughout the whole body, resulting in a high metabolism rate. This high metabolism is why Arachnos create pantries, as fat reserves are quickly used up. To navigate their environment and detect prey items, Arachnos have 6 large eyes to soak up any and all ambient light in the environment as two smaller, UV sensitive eyes look for anything glowing among the leaf litter. These two UV sensitive eyes are incapable of discerning details or distance but can detect the faint glow of chitinous prey animals that seek to escape the wrath of Arachno among the hibernating shrubvines or Fescue grasses.

These secondary eyes are aided by small fluorescent organs on the underside of the lower jaw, which cast low intensity UV rays in front of the hunter. These glands work by absorbing starlight and reflected sunlight from the various moons that litter the night sky of Langmann’s Folly, limiting the hunter to stalking in clear conditions. The UV based adaptations also do not help during the Day period, showing that these Arachnotyrannids are Night specialists. Their fearful meals-to-be cannot see biophotons released, but their bodies reflect it. This reflection is what the UV eyes detect, altering the brain to potential food. This results in the creature snapping all eyes forwards to focus on these hidden morsels and investigate. The other 4 limbs not used for locomotion have specialized into apposable, spinneret tipped tendrils and shearing claws, perfect tools for clearing brush and capturing anything that may try to run. For larger prey, these arms help to wound the victim, butchering the flesh, further entanglement, and peeling back armor. They also secure the creature from thrashing around too much when it’s time to take the bite. Styracodynas are a favored prey item, with the Pantries of many Arachno’s littered with the elytra and crests of these great beasts. Dents and punctures in wild Styracodynas exoskeletal features show that not every hunt is successful, and survival is just as brutal on LF as anywhere else.

While Arachnotyrannids stalk the Night with brutal weaponry and light emitting organs, the Grasshopperaptors sweep across the vast plains and vibrant woodlands at the start of First Light. This medium sized predator is unique among those on LF, as it is technically bipedal. These Arthrosaurs run on two legs, using their inverted knees to spring forward with great speed. Tucked against these running legs are two, very powerful booster limbs. These boosters take on the form of two larger legs ending in large, clawed feet. When the pack identifies a target, they will begin to sprint at full speed. After reaching a fast enough velocity, the Grasshopperaptor will jump, and extend the boosters. The force of the legs extending launches the raptors forward, the clawed feet gripping the soil as to ensure the raptor does not trip during the chase.

In only a few bounds, the pack is upon the unfortunate soul, arms modified into curved spears sliding into gaps and cracks of the prey. These limbs serve a double purpose, to help the raptors grab hold of their target and to cut into veins/vital organs. The raptors will continue to drive their arms into their target until the arthrosaur simply bleeds to death, or collapses from exhaustion and pain. Using scissor-like mandibles, the raptors will cut into the hide at the thinnest parts and gorge on the flesh underneath. The speed and ferocity of their attack is often too short for a herd to render aid, or for opportunists like Skin Daubers (actually two organisms, a host and mutualist parasite) to react in time. 

Grasshopperaptors breed much in the same way Styracodynas do, laying large clutches of eggs and then abandoning them. This however is where the similarities end. Grasshopperaptor packs will risk everything to kill a large arthrosaur, still attacking even if heavily injured. Hundreds of larvae crawl from these small eggs and burrow into the carrion left near the egg pit, feeding on the softer rotting meat. The adults have been observed to hardly touch the corpse left behind for the larvae, nor will they return to feed on it even during times of sudden hardship. It is currently unknown as to why this is, but it could be because scavengers will often locate these corpses after the raptors leave, making it dangerous or energy prohibitive for them to visit. To fight against these scavengers, the larvae are full of virulent bacteria absorbed from the rotting body. Even carrion eaters such as Balding Harassers fall ill and even die from these strains as the volume of bacteria overwhelms their immune systems.

These bacterial strains persist until the larva pupates into its nymph form, whereupon they are expelled from the body in rather gruesome fashion, which includes the defecation of a bloody organ from the inside of the body. These nymphs are weak and poorly defended but are very agile and very quick. Nymphs are prey items for many of the juvenile stages of Arthrosaurs, as unlike other Arthrosaurs, grasshopperaptors larvae do not burrow into the ground after leaving the hatching pit. They are left with the very difficult task of maturing on the much more dangerous surface. They are not as nutritious as other Arthrosaur larvae and grubs, but their abundance marks them as a staple food.

When the short breeding period for Styracodynas and the yearly breeding of Arachnotyrannids comes to pass, grasshopperaptor populations explode. Smaller predators are too busy hunting tastier, more nutritious grubs, and Arachnotyrannids are not plentiful or specialized enough to whittle nymph numbers down significantly. Plagues of nymphs flood the land, devouring anything too weak to escape. For most adult and larger Arthrosaurs, the nymphs pose little threat. The most their jaws can do is make small cuts, but the sweep of a tail, slice of a horn, stomping of a foot, or the flap of a wing is enough to send a swarm flying in pieces. The rest will be too busy fighting for scraps and eating their kin to make chase, allowing for further browsing or a leisurely exit. Arachnotyrannids will often find their Pantry overflowing, the Killzone at the center saturated with dead, dying, and feasting nymphs. This is of course a great boon, as the young Arachnotyrannids practice their skills in this target rich environment. Arachno skitterlings that get too greedy are overwhelmed, and devoured alive. Their parents will not help them either, as a hunter that cannot choose safe targets will not live long anyways.

More than 70% of this Plague will be consumed by one predator or another, with the last 30% molting into their adult forms over time. This process takes around 4 months to complete, with the juvenile grasshopperaptors seeking shelter from the UV eyes of Arachnotyrannids and the sweeping scythes of Acantherizinds. Packs that form during this time often remain together for their whole lives, the bonds solidified through cooperative survival in the Plague. Due to difficulties encountered from the first orbit to surface manned expedition, study of all carnivorous or aggressive lifeforms is to be done autonomously via drone or VR interface. 

End of Second report from CRF Sawarsarti 

Additional Comments: 

This transcription has caused quite a commotion among the research vessel crews, with holo-messages advertising  “Fite Nite” and “Bug Brawls”, debates aimed at deciding the strongest Arthrosaur so far discovered. These debates have spiraled into fist fights more than once, requiring further detachments and rotations of security crews, as these soldiers too eventually join the discussions. Command stresses that while those who attack their crewmates will be prosecuted under the full extent of Conglomerate Law, these debates are not harmful to conglomerate interests in-system, and are a valuable morale booster for crews effectively stranded in space. To ensure that researchers, security, and any others who find themselves present at a “Fite Nite” stay on task for their jobs, debates are to occur biweekly, and only after the end of shift for that work period. Discussions on topics such as “how many Lubber GRs are needed to kill a huntsman Arachno” during work will be treated as insubordination and dereliction of duty. Those who are not as eloquent with their words are welcome to schedule legal sparring sessions in vessel exercise facilities. Med-bay costs however are to be paid by the user of said system. 

Domestication of grasshopperaptors has been suggested, due to the social nature of these animals and quick growth times. The Fleet Admiral vetoed the idea as the breeding cycle, nomadic lifestyle, and ravenous appetite would likely make them more costly to keep as pets than their usefulness outside of a food source. They also view explorers, both biological and autonomous, as potential prey items. The Admiral was “not about to let giant, ravenous xenos aboard my goddamn vessel”, and all currently captured nymphs were neutralized for posthumous study due to safety concerns. Live experiments with the predatory Arthrosaurs will still be a ways off, but preliminary data shows the world of Langmaan’s Folly as many more secrets to uncover. 

Begin transcript of communication:

Conglomerate Research Fleet Saraswati and Conglomerate Support Fleet Bellerophon. Both fleets are further supported by a detachment of combat vessels from Conglomerate Heavy Suppression Fleet Gullinbursti. 
Collective designation: Nephilehim 

Current Mission:
Explore the world [86 Xihe B] 
Recover previous exploration logs of privatized exoplanet discovery company Lang & Maan LLC
Catalog native life
Sample resource deposits 
Gather genetic samples for military and hazardous industrial bioform productions.
Test habitation for future settlement and colonization. 

Planetary common name: Langmaan’s Folly.

Issues Reported by CRF Saraswati and CSF Bellerophon:

Current disruptions in sub-reality travel and communications caused by Armada Forces combined with the Rigel Supernova event prevent reliable transmission of both video and audio relays from the isolated fleets. 

While communication is still possible, it is limited to Faster Than Light-Speed booster relays, significantly slowing response times. Degradation and corruption of text based data is significantly less problematic, further limiting research efforts to written reports and recording transcripts. 

Status Updates:

Attempts to repair sub-reality systems are underway, but have faced numerous difficulties. Requesting reinforcements to the repair team as current equipment and personnel stocks have become limited.

Attached below is the first transmission received by Conglomerate Astromilitary Command (CAMC) Two standard years after fleet departure. Normal transmission times via SRC (sub-reality communication) for this distance is Three weeks. 

Transcription Start: 

Research Fleet Saraswati Lead Science vessel Thoth beginning report. Following paragraphs detail CRF Saraswati’s preliminary findings and confirmations of previous data retrieved from lost EDC vessels. Planetary scans were able to locate missing vessels thanks to advanced, proprietary Conglomerate technology, making the deployment of drones to collect blackbox and research repositories possible. Recovered data was mostly uncorrupted and is currently undergoing processing; however, due to the private nature of the previous exploration fleet, entries may appear informal and somewhat unprofessional compared to Conglomerate record keeping standards.

As more information is recovered about Langmaan’s Folly, entries will be amended with current research and discovery data. The documents will be sent back to the capitol world where these reports will be published for public records. Once they have been compiled, edited, and scanned for discrepancies or corruptions by Conglomerate sanctioned censors, this document will be available for public release. 

Begin Recovered Report:

Upon entering the Xhie system, several observations can be made of the only life sporting planet 86 Xhie B. 86 Xhie (renamed by the company as Lang & Mann exoplanetary discovery 4335, but informally known by historians as Langmaan’s Folly or simply LF, which will be the amended designations) exists locked in the “goldilocks zone” of the system by the sun Xhie and Muspelheim, the largest and hottest gas giant currently recorded in any known system. The rotation of this planet is incredibly slow, completing only one rotation per orbit around its sun during its solar cycle. The planet also has no tilt, resulting in only two seasons during the relative year. The nature of LF’s climate and the electromagnetic radiation bleeding from Muspelheim prevents total freezing during the night phase, and ensures the maintenance of a somewhat humid climate. 

These seasons on LF are called Elysium and Tartarus, named after ancient afterlife concepts, as native organisms have developed drastically different survival strategies employed during the changing seasons. Elysium is best described as a perfect summer day, where food is abundant and life is fairly easy. Tartarus on the other hand is the time of year when the monsters are let loose, and survival is only granted to the strongest.  Adjusted for Standard time, one orbit around Xhie takes LF two and a half years to complete, with each season lasting about 13 months. Each interim period where both plant and animal adjust to the changing seasons lasts around 4 months, with activity levels increasing or decreasing as the planet warms and cools.

The gravitational effects of Xhie and Muspelheim cause annual tides, as the mass of Muspelheim and distance of Xhie is barely enough to drag the oceans away from the sun during Elysium. These tides also result in few landmasses large enough to remain dry and habitable during Tartarus. However, scores of temporary islands provide refuge for migratory creatures and semi-aquatic marine life during Elysium, and for a rest while escaping from Tartarus. These islands appear to be vegetated, but closer inspection via atmospheric reconnaissance drones showed they were some sort of amphibious, photosynthetic anemone. Preliminary scans of the atmosphere show potentially hazardous oxygen levels, and several other gas combinations that may make permanent colonization difficult if not impossible. 

The two largest land masses on Langmaan’s Folly are called the Eastern Dynasty and the Western Dynasty, named for the two distinctive types of megafauna first observed there. These creatures have been given the official designation Arthrosaurs, named for the fact they appear to share many similarities with both invertebrates and the prehistoric dinosaurs of earth. One of the first groups of Arthrosaurs encountered on LF are called the Styracodynas, named for their spiny crests and chitinous, beetle-like features. Styracodynas belong to an order of Arthrosaur called Coleoptopsians, which refer to most hexapedal and horned herbivores. 

Styracodynas were once split between the two Dynasties, as indicated by current reports. Tectonic and volcanic activity leading to the eruption of Rainer’s Peak and the formation of a landbridge that remains dry even during Tartarus. This new landmass resulted in interbreeding between both the Eastern and Western populations, marking the rise of hybrids. That said, both populations tend to keep to their respective subspecies, using physical or chemical markers to differentiate themselves. Notable exceptions to this have been observed however, with some males seeking out females from the new population, and vice versa. The differences in the subspecies of Styracodynas are mostly superficial, but are unique enough for visual identification both for our study and identification among the populations themselves.

Most Styracodynas herds are organized into strict social standings, allowing them to form strong bonds, protect each other from threats, and more adequately share resources available in the environment. Herds are led by the largest, strongest, and most skilled male, given the designation of Emperor. These herds are generally made up of several females and any young males that the Emperor tolerates. These young males are called Hegemons, and are permitted to stay near the herd so long as they lend a horn in defense during times of need. 

Hegemons also gain and refine combat skills by watching the Emperor duel others, or by sparring with other hegemons. One day, if they’re lucky, the Hegemon may become big and strong enough to depose the current Emperor, giving him access and breeding rights to the female Styracodynas he had protected so often before. Whether or not he tolerates his old sparring mates is always a toss up, with hegemon groups being brutally harassed by a previous member of their ranks, now elevated in status. 

Though generally more docile than the Emperors, female Styracodynas are still a force to be reckoned with. The oldest and largest female is given the term Empress, and is often near to the Emperor at any given time. She acts as a matriarch to the younger Styracodynas females, known as Consorts. The Emperor has free rights to any Consort he chooses, but generally ensures the Empress will lay her eggs first. Her experience and age means her clutches will survive more often than the nests laid by the less knowledgeable Consorts. Consorts move freely between herds as they please, but tend to follow the strongest Emperor they can find. This ensures their grubs will have the best chance at developing successful traits both after they hatch, and during pupation. The consorts are subject to the Empress’s ire should they try to take her place alongside the Emperor, with some seen digging up nests of other females, or crippling them with their horn during a predator attack.

It is usually impossible to visually tell a male from a female Coleoptopsian without the presence of the waddle despite the impressive crest wings, making the inventory of specimens difficult until after their final pupation. These waddles are vital during the breeding season, as they are both an advertisement of fitness to potential mates, and a highly visible threat to rivals. The hue of this waddle is directly affected by the internal chemistry of a Styracodynas male, and therefore used by the females to dictate a winner of any stalemates. 

Furthermore, a male with a waddle free of injury or blemish shows he has great skill in combat, even from a young age, and is not easily susceptible to disease. The Emperor is well within reason to keep this waddle safe, as a large artery rests just above this skin flap. When a single puncture to this area can spell death, an untouched waddle shows nothing can even get close to try. If Emperors are evenly matched in both strength and health, the females will choose whichever male impressed them during the duel, the loser run off by the mob. The defeated and often weakened Hegemon faces further risks when run off, as hungry predators may be waiting just past the forest edge. 

Due to the harsh and drastic changes in seasons, breeding among Arthrosaurs follows a simple yet complex pattern. Empresses and consorts are only receptive to the male Styracodynas for a short time at the start of Elysium, and only once every two standard years. This period lasts for two standard months, during which Emperors fight viciously for territory or new harem members. Left to the fringes, Hegemons duel each other and attempt to muster the courage to challenge a local Emperor. 

After the receptive period has ended for the Empresses and Consorts, males will continue to duel and skirmish in order to secure digging fields for their harems. The strongest males secure ideal patches for females to dig egg trenches, where Coleoptopsians will deposit up to 200 conical, 30cm long eggs. These eggs are laid in a manner that resembles a long white zipper, the conical nature allowing them to remain stationary on the edges of the trench and stabilize themselves using the eggs around them. The most ideal soil for these trenches appears to be a loamy mixture of 60-40-50 (Clay%-Silt%-Sand%), due to the ease of digging and structural integrity of this soil type. Empresses and Consorts will generally dig two trenches a year for a total of four, but Empresses can dig as many as 8. 

The ability to breed so often and to such a degree is due to the fact that Empress and Consort Styracodynas can keep genetic material given from Emperors and sneaky hegemons for many standard months, up to 22,  allowing them to produce eggs when food is abundant. In sudden times of scarcity, Empress and Consorts can reabsorb any eggs or zygotes, using otherwise wasted nutrients to ensure survival to the next laying period. This nesting and reproductive strategy grants more of a chance for the genes of an Emperor and his harem to be passed down, which allows for more genetic variation among even closely related arthrosaurs. This prevents bottlenecking or collection of deleterious mutations among herd groups.

Styracodynas, like most Arthrosaurs, do not care for their young, moving off in search of more food once the trench has been reburied. Once a clutch has begun to emerge they must make for whatever vertical structures they can find, and scale it. The forest floor is crawling with all sorts of predators, and a styracodynas grub is a substantial meal. That is not to say a Styracodynas grub (aka beakblasters) are completely defenseless. 3 sets of beady eyes that rest above a sharp beak and clawed mandibles make up the face of these grubs, the eyes barely useful aside from detecting changes in light levels. 

Damage observed on recovered recon drones show that a bite from one’s beak would almost certainly take off a finger. Furthermore, these grubs possess a volatile chemical defense mechanism in the form of glands beneath the base of the abdomen. When a grub is captured and cannot bite, the grub will flood these glands with unstable chemical mixtures until a set of biologic nozzles rupture, which sprays a 163°C acidic compound, melting the skin and thinner chitin of most attackers. 

Even with these defenses some predators, such as juvenile Arachnotyrannids and packs of Grasshopperaptors, still try their luck against the grubs. To add to the list of threats, Styracodynas grubs do not share their parent’s primarily herbivorous life-style, as the need to grow large enough to form a chrysalis during Tartarus demands they eat whatever they can catch. While Shrubvines and Orchid oaks provide a bulk of a beakblaster’s nutrition, a hapless sibling, unaware bumblebat, a grub of some other Arthrosaur species, or pentapike hatchlings happens to find its way into a grub’s claws, it will be consumed. 

After 5 standard weeks, grubs will undergo their first pupation, developing more of the features that define the species. While they are still able to seek shelter in the canopy, more developed legs and harder exoskeletons allow them to spread out further in search of edible materials. As time moves on and grubs grow, durations between pupations begin to increase, with each new pupation causing more drastic changes to the body of the Styracodynas juvenile. Towards the end of Elysium, the adolescent grubs will have dug a pit, and formed a hard chrysalis. This final stage of development transforms the adolescent into an adult Styracodynas, which no longer requires a pupae stage to grow. From this point, adults will shed skin and chitinous plates as they grow and age, repairing damage received during their life times.

 – End Recovered Transcript

Additional Comments: 

It is the opinion of CRF Saraswati that this species may be useful for many offworld applications, including but not limited to private collection and agricultural efforts. Domestication of these animals may be difficult, as the long maturation period paired with the vast amount of nutrients required for grubs to grow makes husbandry expensive and time consuming. Grubs are also very skittish, reacting in self defense at nearly any provocation. These grubs retain their chemical defenses until adulthood, where they mature into pheromone secretion glands. These scents likely provide identifying information that other Styracodynas can interpret, and to know where other members of the species have been or may have experienced. Isolated Styracodynas specimens tend to react violently when in captivity, making close up live study very difficult. Due to this, observation and study of behaviors, environments, diets, migration patterns, and herd size is limited to remote means. Current efforts to refit a mostly empty reserve carrier frigate to house both a small herd of Styracodynas and the facilities to study them in detail are underway. Current simulations indicate a high probability of success in experimental extraction methods of live adult specimens and/or chrysalises from the surface of the planet, with many in CRF Saraswati excited to exercise their xenobiology credentials. 

End of First Report from CRF Saraswati

Begin transcript of communication:

Conglomerate Research Fleet Saraswati and Conglomerate Support Fleet Bellerophon. Both fleets are further supported by a detachment of combat vessels from Conglomerate Heavy Suppression Fleet Gullinbursti. 
Collective designation: Nephilehim 

Current Mission:
Explore the world [86 Xihe B] (Alternate Designations: Langmaan’s Folly, LF)
Recover previous exploration logs of privatized exoplanet discovery company Lang & Maan LLC
Catalog native life
Sample resource deposits 
Gather genetic samples for military and hazardous industrial bioform productions.
Test habitation for future settlement and colonization. 

Planetary common name: Langmaan’s Folly.

Issues Reported by CRF Saraswati and CSF Bellerophon:

Engineering and fabrication crews report low stocks of parts and resources for general maintenance. Autonomous mining units were sent to the asteroid belt of Muspelheim to gather metals and critical rare earth elements for creation of necessary components. Unpredictable gravity anomalies caused by large asteroids and the planet itself have resulted in the loss of several units to collisions and entry into the gas giant’s atmosphere. 

Current production of survey drones has been halted due to these losses, garnering several complaints from scientific vessel crews. CSF Bellerphon requests detachment from CHSF Gullinbursti to intercept and destroy rogue bodies that threaten mining supply lines. These lines are critical to hive and citadel survey missions as they supply specific crystals needed for optical cloaking cameras and screens. Without these systems, drones are intercepted and obliterated by defensive lifeforms/structures. 

Status Updates:

SRC system repair is still in progress, awaiting next available repair detachment. Current crew expertise does not contain classified information required for certain software updates and installations due to loss of COW4 Frances Anzures from a sudden depressurization event. Other crew were lost in this event as well when the shuttle that they were in detonated one of the airlocks. 

Recovered bodies were not in a condition deemed suitable for viewing, prompting immediate cremation before burial ceremony was conducted. The space-to-surface shuttle has been recovered and is under investigation. Manned missions are further suspended, only autonomous units that can be remotely detonated are approved for in-atmosphere travel of LF. Updated ETA of reinforcements are expected to last an extra 5 to 13 months as personnel are trained and screened for loyalty. 

Transcription Start: 
Research Fleet Saraswati Lead Science vessel Thoth beginning report.
Autonomous research drone swarms have been deployed across the surface, gathering atmospheric, geological, biological, radiological, and geographical data. Drones have recovered remnants of L&M scouting drones, some lost to mechanical failure, others to hostile wildlife.

Data is nearly fully corrupted, but several drones containing intact reports have been located in old autonomous surface installations. These installations were established to mitigate resupply mission numbers and cost. Currently attempting to refit these structures but the ban on surface expeditions makes said task more difficult.  Aquatic drones have encountered increased resistance past the Albumen Expanse due to territorial colonial superstructures and aquatic lifeforms. 

Begin Second Report: 

Among the great beasts of the land, very few match the might and ferocity of the Arachnotyrannids. If Styracodynas represent the serenity and beauty of the peaceful Elysium, the Arachnotyrannids represent the savage and terrifying darkness of Tartarus. At least, if instinct driven animals possessed notions of thought such as morality and horror. The reality of these creatures is that they simply must survive, and every ecosystem requires an Apex predator. To be captured by a stalking beast in the twilight of a sleeping forest is a swifter fate than to wander endlessly in search of food that simply does not exist, wasting away slowly as desperation grows. However, that does not mean the beasts that make up the diet of the great hunters will go quietly into the night, for no matter what, survival at any cost is paramount.

This cost, however, is not easily paid. Tartarus turns once vibrant forests into a silent labyrinth, lush plains into barren deserts. Those that cannot or do not migrate have had to develop highly specific and complex methods of living, all of which possess thick, leathery skin and chitinous plates, protecting them from most harm. Styracodynas that do not migrate appoint shifts, with some hegemons and consorts staying awake for up to a month during Tartarus. These animals are fueled by hormones and stored energy reserves, entering torpor once these compounds have degraded. They move closer into the circle with each shift, as the herd sacrifices the weakest members in case of attack. Stegocoloptera use powerful forelimbs to bury themselves in the ground, exposing only their nostrils as they lay on their sides. Despite this position, they are able to quickly right themselves and escape. Corixsaurolophous submerge themselves in bogs, their cranial crests acting as a snorkel. They do however have to leave the treacherous mud to remove skin parasites that collect on their hides, leaving them vulnerable. To circumvent these defenses and those of other heavily armored, semi-shelled beasts, Arachnotyrannids evolved a devastating array of weapons. Each of the biological armaments can deal a specific, debilitating blow to the unfortunate animal caught in the ambush. 

When stalking their victim, the Arachnotyrannids guide prey to a Killzone which was prepared in meticulous detail ahead of the hunt. If an Aracnotyrannid is shepherding you, chances are it's already too late to escape. When prey enters the Killzone, nearly transparent threads collect around the legs, horns, claws, mandibles, plates, or spines of the poor victim, slowing movement. Panic begins to set in when the prey realizes they’ve entered the creature’s Pantry, the preserved bodies of dozens of other victims resting in the brush. Thrashing will only entangle the animal further, making a kill that much easier for the Aracno. Only after the animal has entombed itself in a net of their own design will the Arachnotyrannid close in.

Arachnotyrannid skulls are uniquely shaped, containing muscle based hydraulic pistons and reinforced to withstand incredible pressures when biting. The jaws possess two primary puncturing fangs, held flat against the roof and floor of the mouth when not in use. The rest of the mouth contains teeth incredibly similar to those of Tyrannosarus of old earth (hence the name), with serrations along the edges for cutting away large chunks of flesh. Small mandibles inside the jaws help to orient food and clean their teeth of meat scraps, which if allowed to rot can cause serious issues for an Aracnho. When the time comes to flood their meal with a potent cytotoxin, muscle action launches the fangs forward, jaw tendons stretching to allow for the piston-like bite. This bite can exert up to 5 tons of PSI, driving the fangs deeply into prey and shattering anything they come into contact with. These fangs are driven deeply into exposed flesh and thin plating, while toothed maws clamp in a vice-like manner. No amount of thrashing will dislodge the Arachnotyrannid once it has locked down. 

This locking bite can be attributed to two things: the hydraulic system of the jaws, and very elastic tendons. These tendons stretch and relax with considerable force, allowing the jaw to slam into prey, forcing teeth into flesh and shattering any weak defensive measures. To keep the jaws locked in the “firing” position, there are small gears on either side of the Arachno’s jaws that a small biological lever catches on. The best known analogy is the forearms of pistol shrimp, which allows them to strike at speeds which cause cavitation bubbles. Once the brain signals to the muscle attached to the gear, it quickly twitches out of the way, allowing the lever to release and the jaw to slam shut. After shutting, the muscle reactivates, preventing opening until the Aracnho chooses to release, or the tendons are cut. The process is nearly instantaneous, making evasion of said attack all but impossible.

Due to the tremendous force that the fangs are subjected to, they do not extend very far over the primary teeth of the jaws, extending only 5-6 inches.  The fangs are also covered in pores filled with active enamel cells, which allow  the toxin to disperse evenly throughout a wound, washing every contacted surface with potent venom. The enamel cells protect the fangs from bacteria that enter these pores and seek to break their teeth down. As an Arachnotyrannid ages, these enamel cells begin to die, and their fangs rot away. This infection spreads to the hydraulic system of the jaws, rendering their bite useless. This means that the population is kept in check by what is essentially very aggressive gingivitis and tetanus. 

Unlike most land animals, and despite their comparison to bipedal saurians of the past, Arachnotyrannids walk on four legs, instead of the normal hexapedal body plan. Arachnos possess eight limbs overall, which is where their relation to arachnids came from. These jointed limbs allow for a swift and all-terrain capable pursuit of anything edible through the dark forests and dense undergrowth. The abdomen of this hunter however contains a rather primitive Book Lung, while the body is covered in spiracles used to absorb oxygen from the environment. Smaller but more complex lungs exist in the chest (midsection of the thorax), gathering air from vent like openings on the dorsal side of the thorax. Due to this, they rely heavily on ambush and capture tactics, as prolonged pursuits will rapidly exhaust energy stores. 

These smaller, separate lungs cannot support the beast on their own, as the secondary lungs only help add oxygen to the circulatory system that the book lung otherwise cannot during periods of high activity or stress. Forest Fires are a death sentence for these animals, as the smoke will cause them to suffocate at much faster pace than arthrosaurs with more complex respiratory systems. A pair of 3 chambered hearts pump blood throughout the whole body, resulting in a high metabolism rate. This high metabolism is why Arachnos create pantries, as fat reserves are quickly used up. To navigate their environment and detect prey items, Arachnos have 6 large eyes to soak up any and all ambient light in the environment as two smaller, UV sensitive eyes look for anything glowing among the leaf litter. These two UV sensitive eyes are incapable of discerning details or distance but can detect the faint glow of chitinous prey animals that seek to escape the wrath of Arachno among the hibernating shrubvines or Fescue grasses.

These secondary eyes are aided by small fluorescent organs on the underside of the lower jaw, which cast low intensity UV rays in front of the hunter. These glands work by absorbing starlight and reflected sunlight from the various moons that litter the night sky of Langmann’s Folly, limiting the hunter to stalking in clear conditions. The UV based adaptations also do not help during the Day period, showing that these Arachnotyrannids are Night specialists. Their fearful meals-to-be cannot see biophotons released, but their bodies reflect it. This reflection is what the UV eyes detect, altering the brain to potential food. This results in the creature snapping all eyes forwards to focus on these hidden morsels and investigate. The other 4 limbs not used for locomotion have specialized into apposable, spinneret tipped tendrils and shearing claws, perfect tools for clearing brush and capturing anything that may try to run. For larger prey, these arms help to wound the victim, butchering the flesh, further entanglement, and peeling back armor. They also secure the creature from thrashing around too much when it’s time to take the bite. Styracodynas are a favored prey item, with the Pantries of many Arachno’s littered with the elytra and crests of these great beasts. Dents and punctures in wild Styracodynas exoskeletal features show that not every hunt is successful, and survival is just as brutal on LF as anywhere else.

While Arachnotyrannids stalk the Night with brutal weaponry and light emitting organs, the Grasshopperaptors sweep across the vast plains and vibrant woodlands at the start of First Light. This medium sized predator is unique among those on LF, as it is technically bipedal. These Arthrosaurs run on two legs, using their inverted knees to spring forward with great speed. Tucked against these running legs are two, very powerful booster limbs. These boosters take on the form of two larger legs ending in large, clawed feet. When the pack identifies a target, they will begin to sprint at full speed. After reaching a fast enough velocity, the Grasshopperaptor will jump, and extend the boosters. The force of the legs extending launches the raptors forward, the clawed feet gripping the soil as to ensure the raptor does not trip during the chase.

In only a few bounds, the pack is upon the unfortunate soul, arms modified into curved spears sliding into gaps and cracks of the prey. These limbs serve a double purpose, to help the raptors grab hold of their target and to cut into veins/vital organs. The raptors will continue to drive their arms into their target until the arthrosaur simply bleeds to death, or collapses from exhaustion and pain. Using scissor-like mandibles, the raptors will cut into the hide at the thinnest parts and gorge on the flesh underneath. The speed and ferocity of their attack is often too short for a herd to render aid, or for opportunists like Skin Daubers (actually two organisms, a host and mutualist parasite) to react in time. 

Grasshopperaptors breed much in the same way Styracodynas do, laying large clutches of eggs and then abandoning them. This however is where the similarities end. Grasshopperaptor packs will risk everything to kill a large arthrosaur, still attacking even if heavily injured. Hundreds of larvae crawl from these small eggs and burrow into the carrion left near the egg pit, feeding on the softer rotting meat. The adults have been observed to hardly touch the corpse left behind for the larvae, nor will they return to feed on it even during times of sudden hardship. It is currently unknown as to why this is, but it could be because scavengers will often locate these corpses after the raptors leave, making it dangerous or energy prohibitive for them to visit. To fight against these scavengers, the larvae are full of virulent bacteria absorbed from the rotting body. Even carrion eaters such as Balding Harassers fall ill and even die from these strains as the volume of bacteria overwhelms their immune systems.

These bacterial strains persist until the larva pupates into its nymph form, whereupon they are expelled from the body in rather gruesome fashion, which includes the defecation of a bloody organ from the inside of the body. These nymphs are weak and poorly defended but are very agile and very quick. Nymphs are prey items for many of the juvenile stages of Arthrosaurs, as unlike other Arthrosaurs, grasshopperaptors larvae do not burrow into the ground after leaving the hatching pit. They are left with the very difficult task of maturing on the much more dangerous surface. They are not as nutritious as other Arthrosaur larvae and grubs, but their abundance marks them as a staple food.

When the short breeding period for Styracodynas and the yearly breeding of Arachnotyrannids comes to pass, grasshopperaptor populations explode. Smaller predators are too busy hunting tastier, more nutritious grubs, and Arachnotyrannids are not plentiful or specialized enough to whittle nymph numbers down significantly. Plagues of nymphs flood the land, devouring anything too weak to escape. For most adult and larger Arthrosaurs, the nymphs pose little threat. The most their jaws can do is make small cuts, but the sweep of a tail, slice of a horn, stomping of a foot, or the flap of a wing is enough to send a swarm flying in pieces. The rest will be too busy fighting for scraps and eating their kin to make chase, allowing for further browsing or a leisurely exit. Arachnotyrannids will often find their Pantry overflowing, the Killzone at the center saturated with dead, dying, and feasting nymphs. This is of course a great boon, as the young Arachnotyrannids practice their skills in this target rich environment. Arachno skitterlings that get too greedy are overwhelmed, and devoured alive. Their parents will not help them either, as a hunter that cannot choose safe targets will not live long anyways.

More than 70% of this Plague will be consumed by one predator or another, with the last 30% molting into their adult forms over time. This process takes around 4 months to complete, with the juvenile grasshopperaptors seeking shelter from the UV eyes of Arachnotyrannids and the sweeping scythes of Acantherizinds. Packs that form during this time often remain together for their whole lives, the bonds solidified through cooperative survival in the Plague. Due to difficulties encountered from the first orbit to surface manned expedition, study of all carnivorous or aggressive lifeforms is to be done autonomously via drone or VR interface. 

End of Second report from CRF Sawarsarti 

Additional Comments: 

This transcription has caused quite a commotion among the research vessel crews, with holo-messages advertising  “Fite Nite” and “Bug Brawls”, debated aimed at deciding the strongest Arthrosaur so far discovered. These debates have spiraled into fist fights more than once, requiring further detachments and rotations of security crews, as these soldiers too eventually join the discussions. Command stresses that while those who attack their crewmates will be prosecuted under the full extent of Conglomerate Law, these debates are not harmful to conglomerate interests in-system, and are a valuable morale booster for crews effectively stranded in space. To ensure that researchers, security, and any others who find themselves present at a “Fite Nite” stay on task for their jobs, debates are to occur biweekly, and only after the end of shift for that work period. Discussions on topics such as “how many Lubber GRs are needed to kill a huntsman Arachno” during work will be treated as insubordination and dereliction of duty. Those who are not as eloquent with their words are welcome to schedule legal sparring sessions in vessel exercise facilities. Med-bay costs however are to be paid by the user of said system. 

Domestication of grasshopperaptors has been suggested, due to the social nature of these animals and quick growth times. The Fleet Admiral vetoed the idea as the breeding cycle, nomadic lifestyle, and ravenous appetite would likely make them more costly to keep as pets than their usefulness outside of a food source. They also view explorers, both biological and autonomous, as potential prey items. The Admiral was “not about to let giant, ravenous xenos aboard my goddamn vessel”, and all currently captured nymphs were neutralized for posthumous study due to safety concerns. Live experiments with the predatory Arthrosaurs will still be a ways off, but preliminary data shows the world of Langmaan’s Folly as many more secrets to uncover. 

Planetary common name: Langmaan’s Folly.

Issues Reported by CRF Saraswati and CSF Bellerophon:

SRC system repair is still in progress, awaiting next available repair detachment. Replacement for COW4 Frances Anzures has yet to be located, but backup files of critical software were found in his quarters during cleaning before it was reassigned. Investigation into Anzures’s connections will be immediately undertaken, but the issue as to why he had them is not of the concern of this document.

A recent breach in one of the botanical wings of CRFV Hermes has triggered a shipwide lockdown until enforcement and purgation troops can clear affected areas. Current standing orders are as follows: Contact with those from this wing that have not been quarantined is to be reported immediately to the nearest officer of rank or supervisor. Discovery of those hiding contact or exposure from this breach will be punished harshly. This is an issue of fleetwide safety, not a time for selfish choices. 

Status Updates:

The assistance of combat vessels from the CHSF Gullinbursti in mitigating stellar bodies from impacting mining operations has been profound, allowing for the collection of the crystals needed for active camouflage systems utilized by the drones. These research swarms have been given the designation of A.P.H.I.Ds (Autonomous Photographic and Haptic Information Distributors) due to their role of “sucking up the tree sap of information and producing sweet dew drops of data” as quoted by Researcher intern Mr. Alexander Breathnach. 

Engineering and fabrication crews have begun massive efforts into creation of new items and machinery to aid in both planetary research of Langmaan’s Folly and exotic elements occasionally discharged from the surface of Muspelheim by intense storms and Volcanic Ghosts, a new phenomena observed on the gas giant. These appear to be inverted Tornado type formations of incredibly dense gasses that compress lighter, hotter groupings of compounds. As this ghost forms, more and more of the “Ecto-magma” gathers beneath this dense cloud. The gasses that make up the shell and the “ecto-magma” do not mix under any circumstances outside of eruptions, which force them together. 

Eventually, this magma begins to rise as the thicker layers of the shell are ripped away by increasing wind speeds generated by the nature of the gas giant and the incredible thermal energy of the magma. Eventually, this eruption rapidly sends matter and energy towards the dark side of LF,  washing the planet with thermal energy as well as infusing the atmosphere with various trace elements and molecular compounds. One such product of these eruptions are the critical crystals needed for research efforts, forming on asteroids that drift through the volcanic cloud. 

Current production of survey drones has been rapidly accelerated due to the stabilization of mining operations, allowing advancements in research around surveillance, characteristics of the planet, and the establishment of additional hubs for the allocation and storage of information. Several species have had enough behavioral data collected already to begin creation of simulated variants for R&A purposes. Synthesis of biological matter is still strictly controlled and only approved for high-grade projects. Further consumption of illegally created alien biological matter by any crew member regardless of rank will be harshly punished. 

Transcription Start: 

Research Fleet Saraswati Lead Science vessel Thoth beginning report.

One of the most shocking aspects of Langmaan’s Folly is the seemingly identical forms of plant life discovered on each hemisphere. Much like plants found on old Earth, networks of xylem and phloem run through the stems and leaves, while chlorophyll soaks up UV rays to begin photosynthesis. However, these plants are designed to propagate as quickly and as widely as possible, utilizing several different methods for reproduction and competition. The most common types of plants found are Fescue sedges, shrubvines and Flower Trees. Most of the planet is flatlands, with scattered mountains, which are theorized to have been volcanoes that formed from the incredibly slow-moving tectonic plates of LF passing over a geologic hotspot, which would often have millennia to eject the contents of their intrusions slowly. This results in single, circle mounds of rock interspaced with various geological features. As the plates moved, lava cooled in wider and wider layers, forming gently sloped hills, tall plateaus, and steep cliffs where rock has broken down, some have waterfalls where springs were covered by molten rock, eventually wearing through to the surface. 

The land bridge that connected the Eastern and Western dynasties was formed from oceanic volcanic activity. Several centuries of increased lava flow from Rianer’s Peak located on the small island of Safe Harbor built up enough material to connect the two land masses. Further seismic activity shows that undersea volcanic activity will continue for a long time, effectively connecting the two continents permanently. The way volcanoes “erupt” and the speed of the tectonic plates on LF are the reasons that most of the land is flat, and why mountain ranges are so bizarre. There simply hasn’t been much room for orogeny events, nor much interaction between the two landmasses outside of the Landbridge. The pattern and timescale taken for the mountain ranges form can reliably map the speed of movement for plate tectonics

Since the Landbridge is so recent as well as the only physical connection between, the question of similar plant species planet wide still persists. Colonization was an issue that the flora had to overcome, which forced several fascinating adaptations to develop. One of the most common ways these plants reproduce is ballooning, where hundreds of thousands of tiny seeds are blown into the sky by storm winds. These seeds have long, thin threads attached to them, allowing them to take flight. Shorter range dispersal is achieved through fruiting bodies and other specialized seed forms. Most of these larger seeds possess a thin, paper-like sail to catch strong winds, travelling for kilometers before either impacting a surface or simply falling from the sky. These seeds will often drift until the thread breaks, or the wind dies down. Once the seed hits the ground, germination begins to occur. This is a rapid process (for a plant), where over a period of 2 local days, the seed will grow a small root, burrow into the ground, and send taproots.

At the very end of Twilight, when the first rays of Elysium peek above the horizon, the flora of LF does not falter. Fescue Sedges, the dominant group of plant life on LF, shed the waxy seals covering the seed pockets that ring the central mound. Billions of thread linked seeds billow across the sky, delaying the light of Xhie for a further 2 days in the densest dispersal regions. Millions of these seeds tangle amongst themselves, plummeting rapidly into currently colonized areas, water bodies, or bare rock surfaces. As fescue sedges do not contain toxic compounds or wage war with their root systems, they fight in the cradle. Whichever species spread more seeds wins, as theirs remain in the Sky Weave for the longest. Shrubvines, Flower trees, and other less widespread plants follow shortly after with their own strategies to deal with the legion of grass seeds desperately trying to establish a presence. 

The grasslands are dotted with very large mounds of fused grass blades, creating a substance of similar strength to flower tree wood. These mounds are the reproductive structures of the Fescue Sedges, and the only shelter available during windstorms most common during thermal changes brought on by the changes from Elysium to Tartarus and vice versa. Before the mounds can disperse the curtain of seeds and their silk tethers, they must be pollinated. Every stalk of grass that leads to the entrances to the mounds possess touch sensitive pollen packets, which explode and coat whatever approached with sticky pollen. Inside the mound are small alcoves for bumblebat scouts to crawl into, enticed by sweet nectar. Once they enter, the alcove closes behind the new occupant. This leads to distressed thrashing inside the pocket, covering every available surface with the adhered pollen. In this way the plant is able to fertilize itself and boost seed development without extra drain on current stockpiles.

 If these seeds find purchase and nutrients, then huge swaths of land will soon grow these grasses, drawing in the grazers to help fertilize the area. Shrubvines tend to utilize the ballooning method much like grasses, but also rely on normal pollination to fertilize themselves. Bumblebats, a group of eusocial pterosaurs, are responsible for pollination to a number of species. They also provide injections of nutrients when older, less intelligent, weak, or just unlucky bumblebats die in or around the plants. Their actions ensure that the Sky Weave takes place on time and to such a massive degree. Prairies and flatlands are not the only environments present on LF, as sunlit open fields give way to deep, dark forests. 

Flower Trees are massive, incredible structures that spread over vast tracts of land, which are almost exclusively dominated by specialized structures produced from subterranean roots. These Devil’s gardens are constantly under watch by the main trunk, ready to strike at any invaders that seek their soil and sunlight. Towering above anything else on the planet are hardy and strong canopies that provide food and shelter for almost every single animal that finds itself nearby. In return, the plant demands the aid of these creatures to further its own ends. Huge, brightly colored flowers draw in the smallest omnivores to the largest of Herbivores, as the scent of the flowers signifies the availability of nutritious fruit. The fruits themselves are richly sweet but contain parasitic seeds. These seeds can only begin to germinate once inside the host and attach themselves to the intestines and esophagus so that they can leech nutrients from the blood stream of whatever animal consumed the fruits. This also allows the flower trees to invest less resources in the seed itself, enticing greater numbers of seed dispersal agents to partake in the bounty offered. 

Normally, the seeds are surrounded by a tough, waxy cuticle that protects them from the teeth of herbivores and must be digested before the seed can take root. These seeds send roots after a set amount of time, allowing for immediate colonization upon being deposited. In cases where the cuticle is damaged, there are reports of flower tree seeds rooting in the mouth. Once the tap root forms, it can puncture vessels and arteries, which often results in the death of the hose. Too many seeds rooted in the throat or mouth will absorb the blood directed to the brain via the carotid arteries, or block the throat to prevent respiration or consumption. These intrusions almost always lead to decreased cognitive function and a slow death. Once the seeds have absorbed enough from their hosts, a secondary, thinner cuticle forms, the taproot atrophies, and the seed is passed through with stool. For a relatively low biological effort, Flower trees can dominate their ecosystems. 

Spores are the other method flower trees use to spread, using the myriad seeds of the Fescue Sedges and shrubvines to their benefit. When a flower tree detects a shrubvine and the UV light from Xhie, they will cause galls that have formed on higher branches to burst, spraying local flora with a cloud of spores. These spores cover the seeds of whatever is nearby, hitching a ride on the jetstream during the Sky Weave. These spores are akin to pathogens, as once the shrubvine seed germinates, the spores enter the seed and begin to modify its genetic code. It takes several infected seeds landing in close proximity to reform an adult Flower Tree, as they will seek out and intertwine with each other to establish a twirled trunk. Twirling Trees are some of the strongest forms of the flower tree that begot it, as larger clusters contain more beneficial mutations stolen from their hosts. This is a risky strategy, as too many infected seeds will cause catastrophic mutation cascades as each seed contributes its own cocktail of adaptations.  Too few seeds will result in a failed clone, and the death of that flower tree strain. It is currently believed that this method of spore dispersal is to blame for the global presence of Flower Trees. Spore bursts are however incredibly rare, as it requires a significant amount of energy and resources. They are most often seen on trees that make up the forest edge or those very nearly overrun by shrubvines. 

Establishment of a few adult trees is not enough to secure the safety of the grove however. While they can spread fast and over a short period, other flower trees of different and identical species will engage in brutal microscopic conflicts that can decide the fate of an entire genetic line of Flower Trees. The chemical warfare between different species and their root armies is subtle and mostly unseen, but is occurring 24/7, all around the globe. Even during the night, Flower Trees that store surplus reserves will hammer at the gates of weaker plants, hoping to leech the very life from their trunks. This is why flower trees rely so heavily on animal dispersal for short ranges. Wind dispersed seeds may be too scattered to establish a fortress grove, and spore releases are for the privileged or desperate. Animals can bypass the sensory flower patches and feeler roots that surround the trunk. 

 The defeat of a Flower Tree’s foe results in one thing, the modification of the closest root to the offending force into an organic spear. Though this process takes weeks to months depending on proximity, relative size, and the length of the war. A full-grown Flower Tree will not need a particularly complex spear to absorb a sapling but will require a much longer time to prepare a root for breaching another adult tree. This war also means that the true height of a flower tree is unknown. Only the strongest join the canopy, or spread so far, they become the canopy. The best sunning spots, however, have the worst competition, keeping the trees somewhat in check.

If one tree earns a pyrrhic victory, local shrubvines may decide to throw their hat in the ring. These plants are the closest thing to an active predatory plant currently discovered. They earned both their name and their reputation from the methods shrubvines use to spread themselves. Normally packed below the canopy, shrubvines spread long, thin roots through the soil, hoping to come into contact with a weakened tree. These vines are covered in small, venomous barbed hairs that both help the vine adhere to whatever surface its on, and defend itself from predation by large herbivores during Tartarus. These toxins weaken and disrupt the flower tree’s ability to detect the creeping vines slowly spreading towards the main body. A healthy Flower Tree, even saplings, contain potent herbicides and toxins, making a counterattack lethal to the shrubvine. Vines that fail in their hunt will be reused as fertilizer for the Garden. Trees that have used their stores of poison in a brutal war, fighting a sickness, or warding off parasites such as homicide worms however will not be able to prevent a shrubvine predation event. 

When Shruvines do find a weakened tree, they will adhere themselves to the trunk, and pump toxins into the epidermis of the woody structure to weaken it for drilling. The vines then begin to burrow into the trunk with vine-like stems, shooting up the trunk at a nearly visible pace as it breaks down and diverts resources inside the trunk. It does this to fuel its own growth, and to weaken its prey as much as possible. All that is left of the victim will be a tower of densely packed greenery. Over time the trees decompose from shrubvine absorption and fall to the forest floor, sending showers of ready to germinate seeds across the Devil’s Garden and into the Sky Weave. If the shrubvine is unlucky, it will have returned a clone of its prey to life, which will one day reclaim what it had lost, spreading to new lands as well.

 Afterwards, the shrubvines root themselves into the dirt once more, and search for other prey. While the fortress and garden are occupied, the shrubvines put all their energy into absorption and propagation rending the hairs covering the plant inert. The leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots are all free of toxins, and are evidently quite appetizing. One would think that stealing the fluids of a highly toxic plant would render the shrubvines similarly toxic, but it seems that the shrubvines take whatever toxins are left and convert them into usable compounds. The plants simply grow too fast to put any time into toxin production and cannot afford to waste anything that could be useful.

– End of Third report from CRF Sawarsarti 

Additional Comments: To Be Stricken From Record after authorized archival. 

Obviously, the dangers of these plants cannot be overstated until countermeasures are devised to protect researchers from the toxins of the plant life found. The breach on Hermes is an incredible failure of the crew to ensure all safety measures were taken, in any other circumstances than these. Every measure was taken, but a bursting gall produced shrapnel sharp enough to puncture protective suits and wash spores into the wounds. They also entered the air system, bypassing current filtration methods. New filters have been created using research gleaned on the spores before the rupture event, with the installation of these systems put under the guise of maintenance. Any spores detected from exhalation will trigger an immediate quarantine of the quarters or sector they are present in. Further damages were recorded from the saps of several species of flower tree melting through non-teflon treated surfaces and completely dissolving other samples as they mixed. A shrubvine specimen sensed these sap samples through still unknown means, and began to grow at a very limited pace from its preserved culture. One vine brushed against a stumbling researcher, resulting in almost instant convulsions and seizure of the cardiac system. Fire systems were activated, lost crew cataloged, and replacements requisitioned.

Previous Reports:

A Royal Entrance

A Bump in the Night