#xoturanseria

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Crested Fighters of the Starry Isles.

Context-

Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).

Specific Context-

When thinking of stealth fighters, the avions of genus Tahji are usually the first to come to mind. However, they aren't the only genus the YF-22 gave way to.

Native to the Starry Islands of Anser (an archipelago near Hatzegonia), the crested raptors, or false Bronzewings can be found roaming around.

The most striking feature of these machines is obviously the large crest adorning the base of the nose where the AN/AAR-56 aperture would be located in an F-22A.

Because of the Inherent shyness of these fighters compared to the ones we are more familiar with, they have been relatively difficult to study. As such, while we lack a concrete answer for what exactly the purpose of the crests are within this lineage, there are multiple theories. It is most likely the crest serves as some sort of display structure. The excess of markings within the UV spectrum that line the crests of examined individuals make this a likely explanation.

Another theory is that they may serve some sort of protective role. Tahjirid fighters elsewhere on the planet are sometimes examined to headbutt each other in territorial disputes, most notably the SR-71, which shares relatively similar skull pressures when the bone spurs are examined.

Crested fighters also seem to have increased skull density as a whole when compared to their relatives. Regardless, it's still unclear how the crest would fit into such behavior. It may act as a guard for the canopy, although little research currently exists on the topic.

What is interesting to note is that false Bronzewings tend to retain the pale face colouration of the YF-22 far more than the species of Tahji.

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I have yet to purge myself of drawing Skyhooks, bear with me. This is for the upcoming Google Sites page.

Context- Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).

Specific Context-

Fig. 1

Various forward-facing views of the Giant Skyhook.

"Low-altitude" refers to the position Skyhooks assume when flying at lower altitudes. The wings are fully spread to maximize lift. Occasionally this position is also taken to regulate body temperature.

"High-altitude" refers to the position Skyhooks will assume at higher elevations. The wings are hardly extended, and the machine primarily parasitizes surrounding conditions to accelerate without actively flapping its wings.

"Stooping" is self-explanatory. If you see a Skyhook stooping at you, it is already too late. This behavior is only observed when the Skyhook is attacking something larger than itself. It will execute this maneuver to cripple whatever happens to be in its way. Interestingly, this position has led to the nickname of "Peacock Satellite", for the resemblance to a peacock eye feather.

Fig.2

An example of a low-altitude flying Skyhook. Note the reduced second rectrices and extended pin-tail.

Fig. 3

A side-view of a high-altitude coasting Skyhook. The head is held straight out, the wings are folded partially, and the tail is also folded.

Fig. 4

Average Skyhook walk. It is an almost strut-like movement, with the ornithopter leaning slighly forward as it steps. the wings are held back slightly to act as a counterbalance.

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Context- Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).``

Specific Context-

It's a rather calm day in Neahkahnie, Hatzegonia.

A Neahkahnie Gyrfalcon, known locally as Beikaalkeit, holds an Orwell's Creaking Ornithopter in its right talon, making good use of the hallux. It clings to a briskethistle in a standoff against a Giant Gyrfalcon, who likely is hungry and wants to harass the Neahkahnie Gyrfalcon out of its meal. Meanwhile, funnelfalcons and Helical Lowriders soar on the warm drafts above.

The Neahkahnie Gyrfalcon (Tahji rubedo imperator) is a small avion found almost entirely in the region of Neahkahnie. They are occasionally spotted as far south as Hyperion, but rarely as far north as Inner Cell. They generally prefer temperate climates where they have plenty of intertwining briskethistle to hunt small ornithopters within. Because of their small size, they are often preyed on by larger fighters such as basking owls and Giant Gyrfalcons.

The Giant Gyrfalcon (Tahji rubedo electrum) is closer in size to Gyrfalcons on the mainland than its relative on Hatzegonia. Easily identified by the flash of iridescent yellow and turquoise on the nose, Giant Gyrfalcons tend to prefer fishing as opposed to actively hunting terrestrial or aerial prey. However, they will steal prey from others occasionally. They fish using the copper teeth in the lower jaw, essentially electrofishing in a manner not too dissimilar to the F-117N Seahawks of Echelon.

Orwell's Creaking Ornithopter (Stridor orwelli) is a small pallid ornithopter known for its vibrant colouration and vocalizations, with which they exhibit the characteristic "creaking" sound.

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Context- Southbound ``is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).``

Specific context-

Giant Skyhook (Baikarufa yago)

The Giant Skyhook is a rare funnelfalcon only found in the mid-to-upper atmosphere of Anser. Like other satellites, the Giant Skyhook lacks discernable eyes or sensory quills, instead relying on advanced sensors along the jaw as well as echolocation at close range.

When the Skyhook senses something moving ahead of it, it will emit a loud clacking noise to disorient and provide a clearer image of the potential prey or threat. When in range, the Skyhook will rapidly slow itself and deploy its legs to snatch its quarry.

Although unable to survive at the same altitude that its smaller relative, the Tellurion Satellite, can, Giant Skyhooks are quite adaptable to most altitudes in the mid-to-upper atmosphere, primarily preying on other extreme-altitude machines. They will also, interestingly enough, prey on machines much larger than themselves. Instances of Skyhooks intercepting Blackbirds and Shuttles are not unheard of.

Many Chângipi religions state that the deity Neucti'scuan- the Second King of the Night- inhabits the form of a Giant Skyhook. It symbolizes the eventual Heat Death of the Universe.

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Context- Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).

Specific Context-

Meurtessimo Bronzewing (Tahji variare salinus)

Once thought to be a separate subspecies from the Priking Bronzewing, it's now understood that the Meurtessimo Bronzewing is actually the adult form. The Meurtessimo Bronzewing, sometimes referred to as the "Salt King", is an uncommon Boramae found only on the salt flats of the Sea of Air in Haliaeetus.

Fig. 1

A simple side-view of a typical individual. Note the salt deposits along the fuselage, as well as the various dorsal wing colours.

Make particular note of the teeth, used to hold onto the prey they've specialized in hunting- wampus cats. The front teeth can rotate in a way similar to the hooks on giant squid tentacles, and are used to hold onto prey while it tries to wriggle free. The back tooth plates are used only for crushing prey.

Make note of the reduced train, as well as the tubercles within the side spiracles used to prevent salt from entering them.

Fig. 2

A Meurtessimo Bronzewing in flight from underneath. Note the twin engines and complete lack of an external telson. Also note the rusty membrane covering of the dorsal wings. The rusting and covering of salt is deliberate in this subspecies, as it is found attractive by other individuals. The rust itself is actually only on a thin layer on the outside of the membrane, and therefore does not actually harm the fighter.

Fig. 3

Front view, make note of wide stance. Typical Boramae crest configuration, starts on either side of face, and merges further down the neck. Large intakes. Note the facial stripes, made from years of erosion caused by the fighter rubbing salt on its face. This is perhaps the most defining feature seen in the subspecies.

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Day 01 of 31 of Ornithoctober! Prompt was "Favorite Bird".

Ornithoctober is a bird drawing challenge throughout the month of October hosted over on Instagram. Of course, I am drawing ornithopters rather than birds, because why not? Good chance to show off and worldbuild around some lesser-acknowledged species of SB.

Ironically, my favorite ornithopter is also based on my favorite bird- the Anhinga!

Context- Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).

Specific Context -

The Johnny Darter (Anhaerja marik) is one of the few extant machines left in Ti Marik. It has the fascinating ability to not only effectively breathe fire, but breathe fire underwater. The reaction of the magnesium-based flame to water is used to hunt for aquatic lifeforms. This mechanism is a specialized version of the electrofishing apparatus used by other Dokuhaku species.

Side-note: The structure in the background is known as Black-and-white Widowthicket, and has a symbiotic relationship to the Darter similar to the symbiosis between clownfish and anemone. The Black-and-white Widowthicket is incredibly toxic, but does not harm the Johnny Darter, due to the machine sharing food with the structure.

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Context- Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative biology and evolution of machines, often with a focus on aircraft. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser).

Specific Context-

Hymnal Basking Owl

(Tahji variare agerphtora)

The Hymnal Basking Owl is a large fighter jet native to the island of Hatzegonia. The name assigned to the species by locals, "Kraeraerkuta", translates to "(machine) that tramples fields". This refers to the bizarre behavior of crop trampling recorded in the species.

Hymnal Basking Owls are one of only three Boramae subspecies confirmed to predate other motile lifeforms with the purpose of eating them, although much of their diet is still comprised of fruits. You can commonly see them stalking the fields of Hatzegonian farmers, waiting until nobody is watching, then they fly down, eat and trample the crops. Because of their odd intelligence, even when compared to other Tahjirid fighters, it is believed that the behavior of systematic crop trampling is done for fun, or perhaps as a playful or spiteful gesture.

As a result of their destructive nature, it is very common for farmers to shoot them. Hunters will typically go out with a device made to mimic the low, raven-like croaks and friendly chatter of the machines in order to lure them over before firing, often with the intent to kill.