#xoturanseria

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

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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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-

Native to illuminated Ictinaetus, the Bildungsroman (Biłdéksrunaan) is a rather large machine commonly found soaring low over fields. They particularly are found around the grazing pastures of imported cattle, making them a pest species to Ictinaetian farmers.

Unlike many machines, arguses such as the Bildungsroman are oddly accustomed to feeding on biological material.

Not labeled on the panel is the fact that this consumption of biomatter is accomplished through vomiting most of the biomatter itself as a compact flesh pellet later on. Like the opposite of an owl pellet, the indigestible material regurgitated from an argus would be perfectly consumable by biological standards.

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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-

Manananggal

(Eviscercauda kaha)

Included in instalment:

Manananggal is a small crested chirothopter found both on the night side and terminator of Ictinaetus. It carries a fearsome reputation of being a baby-eater, preying both on young children as well as pregnant individuals. The legs sport a particularly gnarly wrist spur which the machine uses to eviscerate prey and predators alike.

The elongated tail coverts, typical of crested chirothopters, glisten like a trail of spilt entrails as the machine walks and flies. These coverts are often used in threat displays, their coppery barbs catching nearby light and reflecting it back at a supposed opponent.

Similarly to Ekek and Wakwak, the forelimbs of Manananggal do not shift to the aft of the body in adulthood, giving it the illusion of walking on its "hands".

Manananggal has a habit of using its ovipositor as the proboscis of a mosquito. The ovipositor is inserted as an auger into a vein to find a major artery to siphon blood from.

Not included in instalment:

A surefire way to prevent Manananggal attacks is to keep your area well-lit at all times, preferably with LED bulbs. Keep flashlights on hand as well. Anything that can flashbang a Manananggal that gets too close is good to have on hand, as they are incredibly sensitive to light.

If trapped with a Manananggal, one can punch the bridge of its nose to deter it. Uppercutting the lower jaw is also an option. Beware the claw! Manananggal may charge and attempt to eviscerate you using the claw if it feels threatened.

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

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-

[Not mentioned in instalment]

Sasabonsam is a relative of Manananggal, Ekek, and Wakwak, thought not in the same genus as them. Rather, it's somewhat of a sister taxon that evolved more to arboreal life than terrestrial. It *is* however, a very close relative of the Ti Marik Redshank. Unlike the three species in that genus, Sasabonsam may be found on the day side of Anser, though almost only ever in a state of rest. It primarily remains a nocturnal hunter.

Similar to its smaller relatives, Sasabonsam will siphon blood if given the opportunity, however, its siphoning attempts often are more fatal than those made by, say, Manananggal, simply due to the sheer size. Notably, Sasabonsam has a tendency to go for the neck, rather than an arm or leg.

[Mentioned in instalment]

Sasabonsam

(Asaseyaacustos yahwada)

Sasabonsam is a rare machine found in the lowland forests bordering Neahkahnie and New Mars, Hatzegonia.

Its legs are long and end in feet capable of completely reversing in a similar manner to a clouded leopard. The talons themselves are tipped with iron claws. Iron is also present in the teeth and skin, which is how much of the chirothopter gets its deep red colour.

In its range, Sasabonsam may be territorial, but more often, humans are attacked purposefully. The machine will commonly sit in trees with its feet hanging freely, ready to grasp any unfortunate being walking underneath.

The length of Sasabonsam's claws and lack of a weight-bearing pteroid prevent it from standing or walking on level surfaces. It travels either by flight, or by shambling along branches. Although it possesses a 20ft (6m) wingspan, the wings are actually proportionally rather short, allowing it to navigate easily among the dense branches of its forest home.

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

Somehow, Darkstar returned...

Yá'át'ééh,and

Season's Greason's,

everybody! It's Christmas Eve Eve!

This is something I've been wanting to do for a few years now but haven't finished on time. This year is finally different. Praisebe.

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 Radiant Suntiger, also known as Kerchak's Suntiger or Tonantzintla Suntiger, is the largest recorded species of sojourner ornithopter on Anser, with some of the largest individuals standing at around 22 ft (7 m) tall. As knifebirds, suntigers don't have particularly good maneuverability, and are rather clumsy in flight.

Like most knifebirds, the Radiant Suntiger can reflect concentrated beams of light on potential prey and predators alike. Although the ornithopter at rest is completely black (apart from the white rump and undertail), when startled or disturbed, individuals may fluff themselves up and expose the underlying markings of their feathers.

The only way to definitively kill a suntiger is to cut off its head, as many knifebirds, suntigers included, tend to have backup means of power after the initial "death". Suntiger heads and feathers are commonly kept as trophies.

Shown here is 'a'Bixaat, a famous Haliaeetian machine hunter with gigantism, catching a mature Radiant Suntiger by surprise. Stunts like this are common in Anserian society. Such feats as being able to attempt to decapitate a suntiger with nothing more than your own strength are rather glorified. It's not uncommon for individuals on Anser to hunt using nothing but their claws and teeth, and it's seen as somewhat of a risk sport to certain cultures, particularly in Hatzegonia and Haliaeetus.

Although Radiant Suntigers hatch on Aquila, in adulthood, they are almost strictly found in the Starry isles.

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

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.

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

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.

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

Fishing for Fishies

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).

Setting-

It's a warm day out in the water near subjadixar Anser. A congregation of Spectral Hammerheads convenes over a shallow reef, preying upon the Mackerel Keeljaws foolish enough to leave the relative safety of the coral shelves. A Belhekh- a toxic Anserian flatworm- swims by, content with the fact that it is in no danger.

Specific Context-

Spectral Hammerhead

(Sphyracephalus australis)

The Spectral Hammerhead is a small argus native to the southern oceans of Anser. It is commonly observed flying low, just above the water's surface. When it spots a fish, it lunges to grab it before flying off once more.

Interestingly, around 89% of the surveyed population of this species have shown signs of a symbiotic relationship with the Kos slime mold. This symbiosis is believed to increase cognitive reaction time in the machine. Hammerheads are also incredibly prone to contracting and carrying parasites, although very few of these are transmissible to humans.

They are remarkably drab in colouration compared to most other arguses, despite this, they retain the brightly-coloured tail of their ilk, flashing it when frustrated. However, they also tend to flash their tails in a non-threatening manner. When a hammerhead is about to lunge at a fish, it will often shake its tail, perhaps to signify to other nearby individuals where food can be found.

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

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.

[the-darkest-0f-stars]

"What is Southbound?"

So.

Chances are, you're here because you saw some shit I posted, whether it be an actual post, or just a bizarre lore tidbit from outta nowhere. Maybe you're interested in seeing/hearing more. Maybe you're just wondering what's up with the absurdity of it all. Perhaps you just stumbled across one of my comments and fell into a rabbit hole.

Hell, maybe I even commented on *your* post!

Whatever the reason, this is what my posts and my comments directly correlate to.

So what exactly even *is* Southbound, then?

Well, it's exactly what it says on the tin! More or less.

"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)."- this is my modern context comment I use for my posts. it explains the general idea pretty well.

so, why does it exist?

Technically there's an explanation post that explains just that, but if you want to go even deeper, here you are;

Southbound was created to do what no other "living machine" project has necessarily done before; try to actually explain the ecology of these things. More or less. Goddamn airplane ecology.

Southbound fills the niche that isn't really filled already. Some folks deal with projects featuring sapient feral machines, others draw aeromorphs. Personally, though, I've never seen anybody who took a more animalistic approach. And so I guess that's what this is.

Most of the information seen in Southbound is just a very niche reference to whatever the post is about (ex. The SR-71 is fast, but pretty weak. Like a cheetah). Besides that, much of the information is actually obtained from.. Reddit comments?

It's true! Whenever I see aviation-related posts, I try to think of the connotations it would have in Southbound's universe (PS. Tag me if you want to know my thoughts directly).

But yes, shit-posty Redditors helped to contribute to the lore, and certain aspects of biology. Damn.

Tag/@ me in aviation posts, and I'll give you the rundown in what's actually happening in terms of shit like aircraft behavior.