#thick tailed gecko

[snototter]

Australian barking gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) in Brockton, West Australia

by John Anderson

[spiralcyr]

[Octransfur] Day 2 - A Snake's Utility!

There's a fix for every problem if you brew the right solution!  Cyrill just needed a height boost using his new snake tail! Octransfur Day 2 - Utility

Posted using PostyBirb

[silvergarnet12]

Silly lizards.

[huttuharakka]

Headcanon time!

Gun's (and Bular's) tails reminded me of something... So-

Gecko tails!

(Minus the dropping part.)

I thought their tails looked a little bit like those of fat-tailed- or leopard gecko's. Segmented, long and thick, that serves as a fat storage for nutrients when food is scarce.

So if trolls can even store those things, could the tail of those who have it work as some sort of handy storage for nutrients, to help through tough times (e.g. the Darklands..)?

Here's also few GIFs of Gunmar's magnificent tail. Enjoy!

That tiny tail wag tho.. It kills me…

[translunaryanimus]

More Official reference for the Chenest. They have hands now!! Written transcription + extra information under the cut cause this is a lot to put in alt text.

Chenest, aka Land Seals, Gecko Horses, or Deer Fish, are horse sized oviparous hypocarnivores that sustain themselves primarily on swamp vegetation and mouth-sized creatures.

They have a quartered septum with two channels being for air and two for smell specifically. The nostrils and scent glands can be closed independently of one another, allowing the Chenesht to smell without breathing and breathe without smelling. Additionally, their six barbels serve as electrical and touch sensory organs that make up for the relatively poor eyesight.

Their eyes are fairly nearsighted but have a wide field of view and focus primarily on detecting movement in their surroundings rather than clear images. While swimming, diving, or foraging underwater, a thin nictitating membrane covers their eyes to keep them protected from harmful irritants.

Chenesht ears, similar to their nasal cavities, can Seal while underwater to prevent irritation or water from getting stuck.

Chenest hands have four fingers both front and back with retractable claws, the center two being less curved than the outer two. The bottoms of their hands have two main Gecko like pads, a secondary pad, and a pad per finger, with their feet only having one main pad. These pads allow them to adhere to their slippery swamp environment without tripping and eating shit on the ground. In addition to claws, the 'Cob' sex of Chenesht posess Spurs on their ankles used for fighting.

Their small tails generally serve no purpose aside from keeping small fly-esque creatures away from their rears, preventing crop infection, as well as being a small fat reserve. It's theorized that Chenesht ancestors once had much larger tails that shrunk over time in favor of a more terrestrial lifestyle.

Chenesht teeth are covered in a thick layer of keratin called Rhamphotheca which regularly grows and sheds to protect the inner teeth from from the harsh, acidic flesh of the meat their diet used to be primarily made of, as well as the irritating plant matter they regularly consume. Their dual uvulas allow them to produce thick, gummy saliva that keeps the cnidarian-typical barbs of the helium jellies (a common predator), nettle like thorn structures in most edible plants, and other soft tissue irritants from hurting their mouths as they chew. The Rhampotheca is black in color and leads to the appearance of ink stained or charcoal black teeth.

The blue blood of the Chenesht is due to Hemocyanins being the primary color receptor in their blood rather than Hemoglobins and is bolstered by a copper-rich diet.

The "hump" on their back is the attachment point for immensely powerful forelimb muscles. A Chenesht's arms are one of the strongest limbs on their body, second only to their powerful legs.

Chenesht are a bisex species, the two sexes being Reeve and Cob. Reeves are larger and duller, and Cobs are smaller and brighter. Cobs also possess a unique inflatable throat pouch used for amplifying calls and mating display. In their current culture, the pouch is often tattooed or otherwise decorated to enhance beauty and also because it's fun. Additionally, Cobs sometimes have patches on their body that flush with blood to take on a bright blue color. While mostly for display purposes, these patches will also flush if the Cob is exhausted or excited.

No I am not getting into Chenesht reproduction here. They work like seahorses. Sort of. That's all you'll get.

[cypherdecypher]

Animal of the Day!

Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus)

(Photo from Reptile Direct)

Conservation Status- Unlisted

Habitat- Eastern Madagascar

Size (Weight/Length)- 100 mm

Diet- Small insects; Snails

Cool Facts- Yes, that’s actually its name. The satanic leaf-tailed gecko is named for both its leaf shaped tail and the small horns above its eyes. Originally described in 1888, it was thought to be a mythical creature from its beautiful appearance. Its camouflage perfectly blends in with the thick Madagascan rainforests. The gecko’s feet have adhesive hairs on their toes that maximizes their surface area and allows them to stick to vertical surfaces. If their camo fails, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko opens wide and shows off its vibrant red throat with the hopes of scaring off birds. Due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, these geckos are at risk. Luckily, three national parks protect the rainforests that the geckos call home.

Rating- 11/10 (Lizardman, take me by the hand.)

[fisherrprince]

wahhh just went through your ffxiv specbio tags they’re so cool!!! do you perchance have any more hcs for au ra

I HAVENT DONE AU RA YET but I love the lizards…. My best friends lizardguys. I haven’t gotten to endwalker yet and I know there’s a few more auri characters in there so…maybe my ideas will change But

au ra are I think probably the most diverse species out there just based on HOW MANY lizards exist and how BIG the azim steppes/doma/their reach is. I don’t know if I’d divide species traits by xaela/raen or if they all share that diversity, but I’m tempted to say there are fewer raen, most of whom are either in solitude or hanging out in doma, and they kind of remain proud of their celestial lineage, so they on the whole have more often “draconic” traits, while xaela with their many different lifestyles on the steppe on the whole will be more diverse. Like eastern dragons versus every other dragon species

so! between everyone I think their scales are Way More, most of which are very very hard and difficult to scratch or dent but some of which are soft like some reptiles wherein it’s not necessarily a scale, which sheds layers (like turtles shed their scutes), and more like skin, which sheds in flakes (like snakes or geckos). Au ra whose scales are soft like that are generally the same types of au ra who can pop their (also often soft and thick!) tails off at will and regrow them. Most au ra have very tough, muscly scaly tails, anywhere from big thick crocodile tails to thin draconic tails to tails that have ossified spines or clubs at the end (like dinosaurs!). Since they’re so strong, they can be used to emote — hitting them against the ground is a happy sign, while dragging it against things is Not. Also kids tend to grab and pull them a lot, which leads to the common thought of tail pulling being seen as kiddy. It is quite rude to do to an au ra as an adult. Their scales can sometimes spread to cover most of their body, and sometimes be restricted to the forearms, face, tail, and legs. their horns (aside from being basically ears which I think is cool, they must be pretty complex organs on the inside — I think they can shed but only the tips, like goats, and breaking any further is both really hard and very harmful not only to their ears but because they’re full of blood vessels!! Be careful! ) aren’t really used for fighting or anything they are there for hearing and temperature regulation and in defense. Au ra don’t really, like, sweat? They’re warm-blooded, but don’t sweat. So an important thing to keep in mind if you’re going into the desert is that overheating looks different in an au ra vs another race (lethargy, drooling, and unfocused eyes are your main tells). many of their horns point forwards to block their face. so no, sleeping isn’t that hard bc they sleep like loafs, but yes kissing is hard :( that’s not really a thing they do unless someone else wants to they snuggle and rub scales. so says yoshi p

Protofeathers are basically dinosaur fur - they are NOT feathers. They’re little hollow filaments somewhere between a feather shaft and hair. These ones are pretty stiff. That’s why au ra hair can so easily stick right up like a cockatiel. Some au ra have been noted to have protofeathers on their neck and arms like fur too :0

i have been. Speaking for a long time. uhhhh let’s see they have feets anywhere from plantigrade (clawed, kinda geckoey) to digitigrade (DINO!!!), their claws really need trimming often bc they don’t stop growing, they are not obligate carnivores like hrothgar but like miqote they need more meat than they do veggies, and it’s sometimes very hard for a non- au ra to tell if the big growl they’re doing is happy or not because big growl is how they purr! Like wolves going HHRHRRRRRR (happy). Also im obsessed with their limbal rings im so sad they’re so faded in the graphical update. they gotta glow. Most au ra are also colorblind in some way BUT! They can faintly see infrared

Also in researching lizards i found out that some lizards and frogs have like a third eye that can’t See like images but it CAN detect light and darkness and stuff? It’s called a parietal eye! Garleans… is amphibian (taking notes) /j

[somethingclevermahogony]

OC Intro: Dati

Hello everyone! I'm introducing y'all to Dati today!

The new poll will be up in the next couple of days!

Name: Dati (Written below in the Kishite, Apunian, and Knoshic Scripts)

It is tradition among the Safrimtwy (Knoshic: Safr - Snake, Rimtwy- Men) to be named after the various flora and fauna of the island of Knosh. Dati is named for the Carob Tree. The seed pods of the Carob are heavily used within Knoshic and Safrimi cuisine, particularly in drinks and desserts. The Safrimtwy do not utilize family/surnames, however the profession of an individual may be used as a secondary name of sorts.

Examples: Sibr Genmes (First Name: Fox, Profession: Shepherd)

Dati Mahrimt (First Name: Carob Tree, Profession: Sailor)

Continues Beneath the Cut!

Family

Father: Sibr (Fox) (Dead)

Mother: Ihmini (Lotus) (Dead)

Sister: Rweni (Rabbit) (Dead)

Sister: Bimi (Mouse)(Dead)

Husband: Istek (Alive)

Wife: Sihunu (Alive)

Son (By marriage): Lat (Alive)

Homeland/Place of Origin

The Fortress of Mahrwy (Knoshic: Mah - Water, Rwy - Houses/Village), Eastern Knosh

Ethncity/The Birth and Extinction of the Snake Men

Dati represents the last of the Safrimtwy people, one of a small collection of purposefully constructed Forestfolk tribes found within the Green Sea, particularly during and after the Arkodic-Kishite War(See here). Originating during the reign of the Eastern Knoshic King, Kenwat (502 years before Narul, 346 years after the Arkodic-Kishite War). At the time Knosh was split between a Western and Eastern Kingdom, these two groups often waged war upon each other, while also dealing with raids from Kishite and Korithian Pirates. Unlike most Forestfolk, the first Safrimtwy were created via the purposeful exposure of 16 loyal soldiers and their families, a total of 52 individuals to a magically contaminated spring located in Eastern Knosh. This was done with the intent of creating a race of Forestfolk meant to serve as an elite guard in service of the Eastern Knoshic Throne.

These individuals grew far larger than the average Knoshic (the Knoshic people on average are the shortest of the Green Sea people at an average of just 5'0 for men, the average Safrimtwy man is approximately 5'7), they additionally developed slightly larger than normal hands and feet, and a markedly improved immune system showing not only an increased resistance to many common diseases but also a much higher rate of hemostasis (the activation of platelets to seal wounds, the process of scabbing). However their most famed trait is a large tail. While this appears to be scaly at first glance (the source of the name "Snake Men ''), the tail is actually covered in many thick keratinous plates, similar to those found on a pangolin. The tail is completely prehensile and approximately the last 10 inches of the tail is covered in setae, tiny hairlike structures also found on the feet of geckos. These setae allow for the tail to be used for manipulating objects, often with surprising dexterity.

This new group proved to be highly competent warriors, quickly winning renown as guardians of the Eastern Knoshic throne and as hunters of other varieties of Forestfolk. In thanks for the protection of the king during the Battle of Mahrant and for their vicious persecution of other Forestfolk Tribes, the Safrimtwy were given the fortress of Mahrwy, built around the same spring that had created their race. The Safrimtwy served loyally for nearly 400 years, their population ballooning to over 8,600, spread around Eastern Knosh, with only a small group remaining at Mahrwy.

The Age of the Safrimtwy came to a crashing end with the War of Knoshic Unification. The Western King, Hahru, aided by the Apunian throne and his mercenaries invaded the Eastern Knoshic Kingdom, successfully killing the Eastern King at the Battle of Pmnya. While ultimately killed to a man, the 700 Safrimtwy warriors who served at that battle were noted for their ferocity and loyalty. Fearful that the Safrimtwy may foment rebellion against the new unified Knosh, Hahru with the help of his Apunian mercenaries underwent a vicious campaign of elimination against the Safrimtwy. Years of constant warfare and subjugation destroyed the once thriving population. For some time the tails of Safrimtwy warriors became prized trophies, appearing in homes and markets as far away as Namut. 

Only one population managed to hold out, those barricaded within Mahrwy. An 8 year siege against the fortress proved unsuccessful in dislodging the remaining 143 Safrimtwy living within. While military actions against the Safrimtwy were lifted at this point, the bounty and market for their tails did not. For the next several decades this last small population, limited to their fortress and the surrounding forest and shore, were regular victims of hunters and slavers. By the time of the birth of Dati, the tribe there had dwindled to 41 individuals.

32 years before the events of The Testaments, Eastern Knosh was struck by a highly destructive earthquake. This caused the collapse of the great gateway of Mahrwy, killing a further 13 of the Safrimtwy in the process. Not long after, slavers and raiders attacked the survivors, killing all, save for one, Dati. Dati was instead kidnapped with the intention of being sold as a curiosity, the last of a once proud people.

History

Dati was born 46 years before the events of The Testaments, born to the shepherds Sibr and Ihimni while the two were tending to their small flock in the hills outside of Mahrwy. Dati was the youngest child, sibling to his sisters Bimi and Rweni. 

From a young age Dati was noted for his strength and beauty, Sibr believed that Dati was destined to be the Lord of Mahrwy and would be ultimately responsible for the rebirth of the Safrimtwy people. As such Dati was heavily educated in leadership, the ways of fighting, and a range of other skills including the playing of the mnfar, a revered stringed instrument.

 His mother took him regularly to the spring from whence their people had come, to bath and to commune with the spirits. As with most non-sages, Dati is not capable of seeing spirits. However he held a particular reverence for the spirits of the Spring as it was believed that they were responsible at least in part for the continued protection of the Safrimtwy against the machinations of the Knoshic hunters. 

At the age of 12 Dati was engaged to his second cousin, Tebi. The two were close friends throughout childhood, and neither had much problem with their planned marriage.

At the age of 13 Dati was given his own flock of 8 sheep and given the responsibility of tending to them, as a sort of spiritual precursor to guiding his people.

Shortly after his fourteenth birthday, the earthquake struck. Among those killed in the collapse of the wall was his father, Sibr. Dati was among the individuals working on repairing the wall. However, at the urging of his mother he abandoned this instead to track down his father’s lost sheep who had fled after the earthquake. At the time the rest of the Safrimtwy were gathered in the ruins of the fortress, caring for the injured and tending to the dead. 

The raiders struck while Dati was searching the hills. Slaughtering or grievously injuring the remaining Safrimtwy in their eagerness. Upon returning and bearing witness to the carnage, Dati attacked one of the raiders. Dati was ultimately bound and beaten, however before the killing blow was struck, another raider intervened, pointing out that the endling may instead be more valuable if sold alive.

Dati was sold to the Korithian merchant, Baros, at the Knoshic port town of Kherwy as a deckhand and curiosity. Dati spent the next 7 years primarily aboard the trading vessel, The Golden Hound, bouncing from port to port. Along the way Dati picked up an understanding and fluency in both Kishite and Korithian. 

When the Golden Hound was attacked by the pirate ship, The Westwind, Baros was killed in the scuffle and Dati taken as part of the booty. It is there that Dati came into contact with the eccentric pirate captain, Istek. Istek immediately freed Dati from his bondage and gave the forestfolk the option of remaining in his crew or being dropped off at the next port. Dati was not keen to be left in a strange land alone, a dangerous prospect for any forestfolk, and so he agreed to remain aboard the Westwind.

The two almost immediately fell for one another, and soon became partners, Istek the Captain, and Dati the First Mate. They two would go on to earn a reputation as devious and eccentric pirates. About 6 years later while the Westwind was docked for repairs on the island of Ninetu Istek became acquainted with Sihunu, the daughter of a carpenter. Her sharp wit and wild temperament had scarred off all suitors that her father had brought before her. Yet it was these very qualities that caused first Istek to fall deeply in love with her. 

Ashamed by these feelings, Istek confessed to Dati. While initially angry, Dati insisted on meeting with Sihunu himself. While his initial intention had been to scare her off, Dati was enchanted by her beauty and her wit. A four month long whirlwind relationship held between the three blossomed. The three purposefully sabotaged the repairs of the Westwind in order to lengthen their time together, however this could only go on so long, and after nearly four months, the repairs were complete. After much discussion, the two men decided that they would both propose. Sihunu accepted both proposals. The three would be secretly married to one another by an Ikopeshi priest (paid in wine) and would sneak away on the Westwind that same night, though not before raiding several of the other docked ships.

Their reign of adventure and thievery would go on for several years, as they now stalked up and down the coast, capturing ships, raiding villages, and even fighting the occasional sea monster.

This came to an end when Sihunu became pregnant. The three agreed that the life of a pirate was no life for a child, and though somewhat hesitant, they put down their swords and spears. They came under the employ of the merchant Wadikir, a highly powerful and wealthy figure in the hierarchy of the Kishic city of Chibal.

Shortly after arriving in Chibal, Sihunu gave birth to their child, Lat.

The four of them now live in the dock district of Chibal. Sihunu has elected to remain on land with Lat until such a time as the boy is old enough to join the crew. Istek and Dati meanwhile take semi-regular jobs for Wadikir and other merchants.

It is during one such job that the pair first meet the giant, Narul.

Appearance

Dati stands at just over 5’6. He is tall and fit from a life of moving cargo and working the oars, Istek is particularly fond of his arms. with a rich brown complexion, further darkened by the sun, though the sun has also caused some premature wrinkling on his forehead and around his eyes. His eyes are hazel, mostly brown with occasional flecks of green and gold. His curly dark brown hair and beard have started to show hints of graying. His tail is usually hidden beneath his long Korithian style linen skirt while at port. He wears golden earrings, bronze bangles, and has a necklace of silver beads.

Personality

Dati is a kind-hearted though somewhat stiff person. He is prone to sarcasm and his temperament is short at times. He is a far less eccentric individual compared to Istek and even Sihunu. He is an introvert at heart, taking some time to get used to most people. Compared to Istek he is cautious and level-headed, though he is not lacking in bravery. Dati has little time for superstition and shows an active distaste for matters of religion, likely as a result of Isteks own fraught past with cultic activity. He is a highly affectionate person, though typically not in public settings. 

Gender/Pronouns

Cis-man He/Him

Sexual Orientation

Bisexual Polyamorous

Relationships

Dati is married to Istek and Sihunu, the three are close-knit and affectionate. He also serves as a father alongside Istek to Lat (biologically Istek's child).

Dati retains a friendly relationship with much of the crew of the Westwind.

Upon meeting Narul, he and Istek in some sense, take up a fatherly role in the life of the giant, acting as a source of comfort and guidance.

Favorite Color

Green

Favorite Food

Pemrwy genmesen : Stuffed Dates (Shepherd's Dates)

Biggest Fear

Outliving both of his partners, being alone.

Sage?

No

Literate?

Somewhat (Can read receipts in Kishite and Korithian but not poems or other more complex literature)

Excerpt

 Narul sighed and looked around the deck and then froze. A scaly serpent of sorts was slithering across the deck, crawling up Dati's skirt, a snake or something similar. It must have crawled into the ship while it was docked, or else it was something from the sea itself. Narul stood and crept towards Dati, attempting to be as quiet as possible, no easy task for a man of his size. " Dati, don't move." He whispered. Dati, who had been dozing off, glanced up at Narul and raised an eyebrow. " What's wrong? Narul?" Narul didn't respond, focused on the thing slithering across the ground. He then sprung forward, and though it attempted to flinch away he successfully grabbed whatever it was and hoisting it into the air in hopes of quickly moving it away from the sailor. Dati was quickly pulled up into the air with it, dangling from Narul's fist. " What the...what is this, a tail?" " Let go of me you bastard!" Dati roared as swung around angrily, trying to punch at Narul’s torso. Narul quickly dropped the man and stepped back, in a flash Dati was back on his feet, knife in hand. Narul took another step back, eyes flicking from the knife, to Dati's face. He knew that Dati’s knife could likely do little to harm him, but the seething look in the first mate’s eyes alone threatened to burn through the giants thick hide.

@patternwelded-quill @flaneurarbiter @skyderman @blackblooms

@roach-pizza @illarian-rambling @dezerex @theocticscribe

@axl-ul, @persnickety-peahen, @surroundedbypearls, @elsie-writes

@mk-writes-stuff, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @elsie-writes

[k20spock]

[ID: A colored digital drawing of the op’s fursona. They are largely based on a tiger, and are standing upright with longer front limbs and a slightly hunched posture rather than having a completely human body shape. They have a wide build, with broad shoulders and hips. They are also slightly fat, with a double chin and fat around the stomach and hips. The tail is not based on a tiger’s but a leopard gecko’s. It is thick with slight ridges. The tiger also has short antlers that are shedding velvet, appearing dark red. The coloration is based on a tiger’s, orange-brown with a white chest and belly, tip of tail, scruff, and muzzle. There are black stripes, some resembling stretch marks on their hips and stomach. The tail is spotted instead of striped. There is also a spot in the center of one of their arms. They have a scar on one of their hips and the inside of one of their lower legs. There is also a pinkish blotchy marking on their chest. They are wearing a small earring, and are smiling. The background is a dark gray and writing in the upper right corner reads “me!”. End ID.]

HIII I drew a fursona HIGHLY recommend it was so so fun. rambling about the design under the cut!

so the pose was initially referenced from the dungeon meshi art of the tiger and bear beastmen cause I really like the sort of anthro designs like that, that have those longer arms and hunched posture so they look human shaped but they can get on all fours if they want to. being bipedal is lame. I then changed stuff around to accurately get my body type (which took forever). Don’t draw this sort of thing often but I’m happy with it. I added a few not tiger features as well. They’re a bit bulkier than a tiger which is kinda the bear influence, and the antlers are from the den from slay the princess because I love her and I love her design. and the tail is a gecko tail! my name is gecko I had to include some gecko elements. and the stretch mark markings are based on my stretch marks, the scars are surgical scars of mine, the spot on the arm is a birthmark, and the chest splotches are psoriasis discoloration. Wanted to include little details like that so it was recognizably my body! I’m so happy with this guy and now I want it all dressed up in little outfits. you guys gotta get on this it’s so fun. also for the image description I just used one pronoun set (they/them) for simplicity but you can refer to them with any of my pronouns :)

[theauthorandtheartist]

Just finished my 18×18×36 enclosure for my African Fat Tailed Gecko, just waiting for the clean up crew to arrive in the mail.

She's exploring pretty well, humidity is doing great, but I can't seem to figure out how to get the temps where I want them. Cold side is like 73-74 degrees (F) consistently and the warm side is 78-80. I'm using a 150W ceramic heater atm, but I'm thinking of buying a basking light too to get the warm side up more. Any suggestions on wattage or other recommendations for keeping temps up?

I thought of doing an undertank heater but idk much about those and I don't know if it'll do much with my thick substrate.

[cloudbattrolls]

The Way of Things

Hazard Ailaht | Selatak | Present Night

Hazard hugged his lusus before he left his hive, sunlight resistant wear on and heavy sunblock on under that, just in case. 

His thick hands stroked the scorpion-lizard’s white scales gently, giving them a last few scritches before he let go. The lusus flicked his tongue at his charge in turn, an affectionate gesture.

The blueblood was adopted, yes, but that didn’t matter. It had never mattered. His father was a gentle, loving creature who had always cared for an Ailaht, no matter which one.

He’d had surveillance set up. It had cost more than he’d liked to think about, but he wasn’t taking chances. He couldn’t with Goh Tat - not if he wanted to survive this.

The blueblood hadn’t needed his power to know his ancestor was coming. Instead he’d used it to see which plans would have failed, so he could cross them off his list, eliminating them until finally he’d come up with this one; it seemed to have a high chance of success.

If it didn’t - he’d told Lizzie, and he knew she’d come look for him if he didn’t come back past a certain time. But he didn’t want her involved, if possible.

He wanted to settle this by himself.

Hazard stepped outside into the morning light. The sun was nearly up, and Temasek was even hotter than usual. 

His friends had been incredible, robbing Goh Tat of his future vision. Then - a miracle, his ancestor finally caught and put on trial for his crimes. Sentenced on live television, brought down by Mesier Beldon and his skillful legislacerators.

Now the elder Ailaht had lost everything. 

Except his will to punish his descendant.

Hazard breathed in and out. Normally, he hated how hot Selatak’s air got - but at least here, in the light of almost-day, it was dry instead of humid as usual.

His hometown wasn’t quiet despite the growing light, even at its edge - there were day clubs open, gang members slinking about, and a few clowns patrolling the streets.

Yet the roar of the city of tigers was currently more of a lazy growl, softened by the strengthening rays of the red sun.

His phone buzzed, and he took it out, squinting even with his darkened goggles at the screen.

His blood ran cold.

No. He wasn’t supposed to be here this soon -

“You look worried.” Cut in a dry, slightly biting voice that came from above his head.

He looked up sharply and his heart beat even harder. A figure in tight-fitting, high-tech sunwear and goggles stood on the roof of his hive with his hands on his wide hips, long tufted tail swishing back and forth. 

The tail along with his gold and white hair gleaming in the light made him unmistakable.

“Roscur.” Hazard said, nervous as anyone would be in the presence of one of Selatak’s most notorious gangsters. He had to go, but he couldn’t afford to risk offending the man.

“Ailaht.” Responded the goldblood mutant with a hint of amusement. 

“Need a hand? Seems your old man’s back early.”

Of course the Day Howlers knew. They’d probably had eyes on Goh Tat the moment he got close to Selatak.

Of course they knew he’d be headed here. 

He took another breath. In for a beetle…

“What do you gain?” He said, direct but cautious.

“I don’t like that old prick.” Said Roscur evenly. “But if your rep’s anything to go by, you don’t want to kill him. Shame, but that’s fine. I can get you close, fast - the rest is up to you.”

Hazard nodded, wondering just what he was getting himself into, but having no time to waste.

Roscur leapt off the roof onto a floating patch of gray rubber, then jumped down to another and another, until he landed on the ground near Hazard a few seconds later. The drained color he’d used returning to his sunwear as the rubber patches vanished.

Chromomancy. A very rare and versatile psiionic; it paired well with the mutant’s gecko-like hands and feet.

He pulled something out from a zippered pocket, and it almost immediately expanded into a motorcycle.

Hazard looked at it a bit dumbfounded as Roscur put on a helmet and hopped into the driver‘s position, revving it up with his tail wrapped around his waist.

The blueblood hurriedly climbed on behind him, not knowing what to -

“Hang onto me.” The lowblood ordered, and Hazard immediately did so, wrapping his arms around the shorter man’s middle, nervous and sure his greater weight would - 

They sped away and Hazard felt a helmet form on his head and restraints around his body, securing him.

Thank all the gods and spirits, or he would’ve fallen off in seconds from the sheer acceleration.

It was all he could do to not become a blue stain on the pavement, even with Roscur’s help, but he couldn’t help looking around in wide-eyed amazement as they blazed past buildings and plants that were strange colors in the now risen sun.

The city was so odd and bright in the ruddy glare, but it was…beautiful.

Selatak had always been his home, but he had never seen it like this before.

He didn’t have long to admire it.

A few minutes later, thanks to the sparse traffic, Roscur came to a halt a few minutes from the train station.

“Better get off here.”

The goldblood checked his phone. 

“No more eyes on him. Guess he’s using cloaking tech. Your move, Ailaht.”

Hazard got off the motorcycle, still reeling slightly from the experience.

“…do you want a favor?” He asked, hesitant.

Roscur tilted his head, the mutant’s floppy ears dangling along with the motion in a way that would almost be adorable were he not a hardened criminal.

“I want to see what happens. Everyone’s always wondered why your old man’s so scared of you. Why he hates you so damn much that he’d come back even now, stripped of all he has by a GHB, just to take it out on his descendant.”

Hazard smiled grimly. Of course. He should’ve known.

Nothing for it. 

Roscur turned his motorcycle around and sped away again, but he knew the gangster would be watching somehow.

Another deep, warm breath as he looked around through his darkened goggles. It all felt surreal, in a way. Like he was dreaming it.

Cloaking tech. He’d suspected Goh Tat might have it. Several celebrities who wanted to disguise themselves in public or easily slip away from fans did, like his friend Velour.

But it only lasted so long, and like anything else, it needed a power source.

Hazard reached into his sylladex, and took out his electromagnetic cancellation -

He slammed into the ground, hissing in pain from the impact before he could even turn it on. Instinctively, he pushed his face covering down and exhaled hard, releasing a cloud of vapor into -

- his ancestor’s covered face, his blue eyes twisted with hatred and fear behind sunglasses as Hazard clicked the button on the device and he faded back into view. 

Of course Goh Tat was covered. He wasn’t that stupi -

A knife, long and serrated, caught Hazard in the chest, sinking in about two inches. He was too shocked and in pain to scream; he only gurgled.

Goh Tat had never used a knife on him before. Goh Tat didn’t know…

The older blueblood withdrew the knife as he learned over his descendant, the silver blade dripping cerulean blood and gore. Hazard swore he smiled, behind his facial covering.

“I’m gonna do it again.” Whispered the actor. “Again, and again, and again - ”

With a shaking arm, Hazard grabbed his ancestor’s hand, angled it, and rammed the knife dripping with his blood back into its wielder’s torso.

The older man gasped, eyes widening as he struggled for a few, terrifying seconds.

Then he could only fall to his knees, still as a stone. 

Hazard painfully slapped a biotech aid from his sylladex over his wound. It was clumsy and rushed and he’d pay for that later, but right now…

The librarian looked around. No one else in sight.

Was it the sun now blazing down over everything - sweat ran down his body now - or the work of the Day Howlers? 

Hazard supposed it didn’t really matter.

He laid there for a minute. He had plenty of time.

Then he struggled to his feet, careful, wincing at his wound, and looked down at his prone ancestor.

He pulled down Goh Tat’s face covering and breathed more vapor onto the actor, just to be sure he’d stay paralyzed.

Then he stowed his cancellation device and picked up the older blueblood, dragging him to the nearby safehive he’d prepared.

It was slow going, but he knew he was safe for some time.

For Hazard Ailaht had always been completely and utterly venomous.

—

Hazard treated his injuries slowly and awkwardly in the bathroom after arriving at the safe hive. He’d dragged Goh Tat through the door and left him on the floor as he breathed more venom in his face to keep him paralyzed.

He found himself wishing he had Lizzie here after all, but…no. Roscur had already had to bail him out. 

He needed to do this part himself.

The librarian went back into the room he’d left his ancestor in.

Goh Tat wasn’t doing well.

Hazard couldn’t help a small smile at the sight of his ancestor sweating and panting on the gray-tiled floor, clearly miserable.

Then he felt sick at himself. He had to be better than that.

This wasn’t something to enjoy. This was - unfortunately - necessary.

He sat down some feet away from the other man. Even though the actor was paralyzed, even knowing he had the upper hand despite his injuries - sweeps of habit placed him safely out of Goh Tat’s reach.

“You won’t die if you’re treated.” Hazard said to him calmly. “I have two types of venom - you never knew that, did you, just like you never knew about my blood?”

Unlike the usual pure Ailaht hybrid - glass lizard and Selatakian bark scorpion - Hazard’s lusus had been half deathstalker, half black mamba.

She’d been gentle. Loving. She’d only bitten or stung if she had to. She hadn’t been scary.

She’d never hurt Goh Tat.

It hadn’t mattered, once he’d realized what Hazard could do.

What he’d forced Hazard to do.

The blueblood looked at the ceiling.

“I thought I deserved being hurt by you. I’m a danger to everyone around me, deadlier than you’ll ever be. But now? I have people who will stop me if I ever start to turn out like you.” He said, blue eyes calm but intent. 

“Even if they learn the truth and hate me, at least there’d be that.” He murmured. “It wouldn’t just be up to Lizzie. She deserves better.”

He shook his head. 

“Besides. You made me walk into the arena that night. You threw me and Bohaai into a death match because you knew if we ever grew up and united against you that we’d win. You thought he’d crush me, and look how well that went! He told you how much he hated you. He wouldn’t kill his little signmate. He cursed you out.”

Hazard chuckled softly, remembering, even though his face was infinitely weary.

“Bohaai…what an idiot. The bravest, most wonderful idiot I ever knew.” His voice cracked, and Hazard couldn’t help a few cerulean tears dripping down his stubbled face.

“He thought he was a superhero. He thought I was as strong as him.”

Hazard buried his face in his hands. “I was more afraid of you.” He whispered. “I always have been.”

The librarian’s eyes hardened.

“Not anymore.”

“You’re…a fuckin’ monster.” Slurred Goh Tat, the paralysis weakening a little. He still couldn’t move much, but his face was twisted into a rictus of hate and fear.

Hazard paused and dropped his hands, the blueblood’s soft features weighed down with sadness.

“Maybe. But not as much as you.” He said, voice weary if slightly amused.

“Plus, now everyone knows it.” He said dryly. “Mesier Beldon sent someone to check on me and Lizzie, you know. Go away and make some quiet life for yourself, Goh Tat. You’re finished.”

His ancestor panted harder, glaring his descendant down.

“What if I…don’t ffuucking want to…”

Hazard blinked.

“Then I’ll bite you.” He said calmly. “Even a troll your size can’t withstand that much venom injected into your jugular. Funnily enough, the more I eat, the more venom I can make. What I eat can potentially make it more toxic, too. I figured that out a few sweeps ago.”

Goh Tat managed a choked sort of derisive laugh.

“You wouldn’t…you never, since Bohaai…”

“I don’t want to kill you, Goh Tat. I want to take you to the hospital and never see you again. But if I do - ”

His eyes became cold, serious and glacial enough to send a chill down his arrogant ancestor’s spine.

“You die.”

Yet after a moment the older man laughed again, croaky and condescending.

“Too cowardly…to fffinish me off now…”

“No.” Hazard said. “It’s what you’d do. So I won’t. Making you live with defeat is a lot more satisfying anyway.” He said with a slightly crooked smile.

He breathed more venom in Goh Tat’s face, shutting him up again, and he called the hospital to come get them.

Then he leaned back against the cool wall and waited. His chest really hurt.

He realized, with surprise and delight, that he could get treatment too. No longer could Goh Tat enact his threat of throwing Hazard to whatever mad scientist would cut him up for study. He could just…warn the doctors, get taken care of.

Like a normal troll.

Yes, his secret would be out, forever on his medical records. It would probably spread elsewhere - a few other trolls had venom, but he’d never heard of anyone quite like him.

Maybe it didn’t matter. Maybe he could still keep his friends.

Either way, he felt lighter. Freer.

He looked out the tinted window at ruddy-cast Selatak, his home despite all that had happened here. He closed his eyes.

The city of tigers rolled over in its daydreams, and Hazard Ailaht followed.

[lord-of-the-wasteland]

Red, gray and gold

red- If you had to be stuck in a room for a day with no way of escape, who would you want with you?  hmm if I could choose someone in such a scenario, then probably would be alright with getting stuck together alongside my other self @mxgalodon! I think we are on the same wave-length of being easily annoyed by others so we would most likely just sit there in silence and... shut up together? gray- what animal would you have as a pet if you could have any animal?  I'm relatively fond of cats. they're nice to pat and their purrs comfort me. geckos are pretty great as well though. I like leopard geckos with their thick little tails. amusing! gold- where would you hide a body?  in the wasteland you got many places to choose from and no/body/ would ever notice. -big smile-

[oflostinfound]

"Oh Hax love, your tail has returned, it's so cute with its little stripes."

|| 💛 ||: ❝ It has! ❞

They do a little spin, to show it off, it sways behind them excitedly. It's a very thick, gecko-like tail with adorable little stripes and spots. It suits them, in a way that one could wonder how they could've not had it for so long.

|| 💛 ||: ❝ I guess being stuck big for awhile had some good side effects. I hope it sticks around, I haven't had a tail for about thirteen hundred years. It's nice to have it back, if not a bit jarring. ❞

Not that they were expecting it to stay. They'd been down this road before with grey magic making their wings big enough to be functional again. It never lasted, not long enough to matter but just long enough to make them upset after it faded.

However this was no grey magic, so they had a bit more hope.

[senjuushi]

Hybrid Au Info (Antiques) — Part 5

Last one! :D This time, we have the reptiles, Karl and Cutlery. Since this is the last of the Rhodoknight Antiques, I miiiight do one more post with Benetta, Carcanore, and Squelette soon, but that'll be a separate thing from these. Hope y'all enjoy!

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]

Karl (Leopard Gecko)

Physical

Patches of scales on various parts of his body. The scales are primarily a dull yellow color with a black-spotted pattern, and are fairly soft to the touch. The ones on his stomach and throat are white, and even more delicate.

Slit-pupiled eyes that have a particularly intense stare. Many humans find it creepy at best.

Thick, scaled tail starting from the base of his spine. The scales match the ones on the rest of his body, and the whole thing serves as an energy reserve for when food supply is low.

Small, sharp teeth that fall out and regrow regularly. Has a nasty bite if he's sufficiently provoked.

Genital slit low on his pelvis. Hemipenes normally stay retracted, but emerge from the slit when he's aroused— which is usually associated with warmer temperatures.

Behavioral

Attracted to heat sources. Needs external warmth to maintain body heat, and is drawn to things that can supply that. Cold temperatures make him lethargic and sluggish.

Burrowing tendencies. While he tries not to show such undignified behavior around others, the reflex takes over when he's surrounded by soft enough materials, such as blankets. Wars with the urge to retreat to small, dark spaces during the day.

The patches of scales shed regularly. Gets uncomfortable and agitated beforehand, and despises the whole process.

Docile temperament, but doesn't do well outside of his usual routine. Unfamiliar situations are highly stressful for him, and that "small animal" nervousness will kick in quickly.

Can make inhuman chirps and squeaks, most often when he feels threatened. Highly ashamed of these noises.

Cutlery (Sea Snake)

Physical

Snake tail in addition to human legs. Tail length is the same as his full height (4,10), but starting from the tailbone.

Patches of scales all over his body, but most prominently around his groin, stomach, throat, and the base of his tail. The scales follow an alternating pattern of black and white bands, though the ones on his stomach and throat are a pale off-white.

Forked tongue and sharper teeth (especially canines/fangs). Poor eyesight, though he can usually hide it.

Produces venom, and can inject it through his fangs. It's not anywhere near as potent as an actual snake's would be, however, and he doesn't make much of it.

Genital slit with internal hemipenes. Horizontal slit low on his pelvis that keeps the phalluses retracted until arousal. Their surfaces are covered in blunt, soft spikes.

Behavioral

Cold-blooded. Naturally belongs in warmer waters, and can't handle cold temperatures. Relies on external heat sources to stay warm, and starts shutting down if exposed to cold for too long.

Acute sense of smell, and sensitive to others in his environment as a result. Social, but hesitant around strangers.

Meant for aquatic conditions. Can hold his breath for an inhumanly long time, and withstand the pressure of deep water with ease. Often feels uncomfortable on dry land.

Easily stressed, especially in unfamiliar situations. Distress makes his appetite wane, and all he wants to do is curl up and hide so nothing can hurt him. He doesn't lash out often, but has an anxious personality that comes out under stress.

Sensitive to touch, and surprisingly easy to arouse. Being handled too much makes him overstimulated and fidgety... though he's too touch-starved to truly dislike the contact.

[antisolararc]

(updated dec 3 2023)

Awani, also sometimes referred to as Hazedwellers, are a human variant that originated along the Serpent's Gulf in Auvedaya. There are no records of their civilization prior to the Great Impact. On first glance, they appear quite similar to the extinct original humans, though further examination reveals obvious discrepancies. Their irises take on distinctive colors, patterns, and shapes, and they have pointed ears of various formations. Some have a full set of pointed teeth, while some may only have a single set of fangs on the top or bottom. Like the original humans, their skin is typically shades of beige and brown. Their hair may be any color, though black is the most common. Their fingers and toes are clawed. They have frills in the same color as their scales and claws on their ears and the tips of their tails, as well as "whiskers" that let them sense changes in the atmosphere and help them navigate. When threatened, they can drop their tails - it will take from several months to a year to fully grow back. Their bodies are covered in scales which can range from thick and textured to so fine as to barely be visible or semitransparent and shiny. Regional variants of Awani are more suited to different climates.

Gunari, sometimes referred to as Cavedwellers, are a human variant that formed somewhere within the caverns of Florene, having already evolved into their modern species by the time of the Great Impact. Once residing deep underground, they can see in the dark and have antennae and/or whiskers to sense their surroundings. Due to the harsh environments they evolved in, they are more tolerant to low oxygen levels. In order to navigate the caves, they also have the ability to stick to walls, akin to a gecko. Their skin ranges from dull shades of red to blue, as they have deep indigo blood, and their hair and eyes can be any color. Their wrists, ankles, and the tips of their tails are wreathed in a tuft of fur. Typically, their large, floppy ears will be the same color as the base of their tail, while the tip has an appendage similar to their antennae. They have flat teeth. Like the Awani, they have regional variants depending on climate.

Individuals of either variant may be born as an Elemental, signaled by multiple extraneous body parts - most commonly eyes, mouths, or limbs. These people are able to channel magic to affect the physical realm to varying degrees, usually limited to a specific "element." Elementals are more prevalent among the Gunari, since some significant populations of Awani (i.e, Kalirangka and Ranlindyr) either did not ever have (in the case of the former) or almost completely lost (in the case of the latter) whatever gene controls the trait. Both species also have Oracles among their populations - a "condition of the soul" that allows for easier access to the astral realm. Though, they are notably more common in populations with low percentages of Elementals. Oracles have no physical magic powers, though they may experience prophetic visions, higher susceptibility to possession, and similar phenomenon. Unlike Elementals, Oracles are rarely evident at birth and more commonly created or awakened later in life. As both conditions rely on opposite states of the soul, it is not possible to be both an Elemental and an Oracle.

Awani make up about 60% of the general population, but account for about 75% of Oracles. Meanwhile, despite accounting for less than half the total population, Gunari are about 65% of the Elemental population.

Both the Hazedwellers and Cavedwellers are colloquially referred to as "human," typically when contrasted with spirits. Spirits may be humanoid in form, though they are completely separate from both the humans of Celantri and, uh, all biological creatures. Spirits originate from the astral realm and are composed of pure essence. Naturally occurring spirits tend to be more beastlike in behavior with highly abstract and flexible forms. In Old Kalirangka, a rare technique allowed powerful sorcerers to cultivate spirits with particular traits - most notably, sentience and high intelligence uncommon in natural spirits. This required a large amount of magic and excellent precision - even then, there was no guarantee that the artificial spirits, sometimes called simulacra, would continue to develop as planned once they gained consciousness. Unlike natural spirits, simulacra have more constructed appearances and stable forms, more likely humanoid in shape, depending on their intended function. Simulacra are exceptionally rare today, and much of the advanced knowledge from Old Kalirangka is lost. Modern attempts to recreate intelligent simulacra have repeatedly fallen short.

Becoming host to a relic will cause individuals of any species to grow horns. The amount and size of horns is typically proportional to the amount of magic they can channel, though the horns may be removed if desired.

[royalreef]

@apocalopalyptic inquired: ❝ hang on a second, i'm gonna record this — ❞ Amira //this is very late I kept forgetting I existed whoops

"No!!!!!! Amira!!!!!" Down came her hand to swat, ineffectually, at whatever she could reach of Amira's, which admittedly was not much. Blame it on her short limbs. Blame it too, on the predicament that the princess had worked herself into.

Her tail was still nearly on the ground, at least, which wasn't saying much either. That still left nearly an Amira's length entirely of nothing but tail — muscular, wide and thick with muscle at the base, extending up and narrowing on each side so that it formed a tall paddle by the time it reached its end, interrupted only by a keel on each side so that she could better sweep through the water, and by a much smaller upper fluke atop the paddle so that it seemed to fork — and still there was plenty of space for all of Miranda's torso, and her neck, and her head, above even that.

The brick wall that she was clinging to, for whatever forsaken reason, was solid enough to be able to support ten whole feet of abyssal macropredator, so there was a small mercy there. So too, Miranda's hands and her feet had a solid enough grip that she wasn't too unbalanced by the prior swatting, and didn't seem likely to fall down anytime soon.

Unfortunately, this meant it didn't look like she would be coming down at all anytime soon. Which left Miranda, clinging to the side of a building like an oversized gecko, unable to figure out a way to put herself back on the ground. Too long and too big in strange directions to make merely pulling her down a feasible option, but so too with her claws hooked in one direction and one direction only, and that was facing even further up.

"Record anything of this and I shall never let you rest ever again in your lifetime! I will have your every dirty secret smeared across anyone and everyone you shall ever love, and they will know your every inner crevice and hole, and I mean it-!!!!"