FOOD CHAIN

A lot of the food chain of the RUSTLANDS is interconnected. Below is a quick description of some of the key players of the food chain and where they are situated. There is more information about these creatures and others in later sections.

First level

The LEMAN TREE and the LEMAN GROVE photosynthesise and produce fruit & foliage that creatures of the LEMAN GROVE consume.

The food chain of the RUSTLANDS is reliant on the FLYTOPLANKTON. They photosynthesise and so produce energy many of the other creatures utilise.

Second level

The LEECH WORMS live within the sands of the RUSTPLAINS. They feed on the excretions of animals, including the FLYTOPLANKTON, and the minerals in the sand including the rust. They may also prey on creatures that descend into quick sand. Churning the sand is important for the nutrient uptake of the LEMAN TREE.

The BURNACLES live on hard surfaces across the RUSTLANDS. They feed on the FLYTOPLANKTON

Third level

The RUSTY HORSEHOSE CRABS roam the RUSTPLAINS. Their diet consists mainly of the LEECH WORMS but they will also eat carrion if found.

The ABYSSAL BUTTERCUPS live on hard surfaces near BURNACLES They are like deep sea anemones found near hydrothermal vents, resistant to high temperatures. They can move slowly and primarily hunt BURNACLES

Fourth level

The OCTONUT CRABS herd the RUSTY HORSEHOSE CRABS and use them as their primary food source. They will also eat carrion, BURNACLES, and ABYSSAL BUTTERCUPS.

FLYTOPLANKTON

Swarms of FLYTOPLANKTON look like a haze in the air and mats on surfaces. These swarms have a gradient of colours from green to yellow to red. They are actually a form of phytoplankton, acting as the lowest level of the food chain. They are harmless but irritating.

They regularly fly about during the day. They will land on sun drenched surfaces (including creatures, ground, skeletons, rocks etc) to feed on the light. During the night or during rain they try to hide in safe shelters to stay dry.

FLYTOPLANKTON

3HP | 0 ARMOR | TAC:-1 | FRC:-2 | RFX:2 | CRE:-2

  • Swarm of microscopic flying phytoplankton
  • Colours of green to yellow to red for photosynthesis

CANOPY: FLYTOPLANKTON are flying phytoplankton. To conserve energy they land on and blanket physical surfaces. Due to their small size but large numbers conventional melee weapons and firearms have next to no effect. Fire, explosives, and chemicals are effective.

BURNACLES

These barnacles can unleash heat. They produce warmth to lure FLYTOPLANKTON, their primary food source. They use their long sticky cirri (like tongues) to capture their prey.

If heavily disturbed they can shoot flames from exhausts on their sides. This is primarily used as a predator deterrent. They don’t tend to mind being walked on as their hard shells and tight colony densities normally cause little harm to come to them.

They are found in small tight colonies on hard solid surfaces. Many of their hosts and neighbours like them as it keeps surfaces clean of the FLYTOPLANKTON Surfaces they are found on include:

  • The exposed bark and roots of the LEMAN TREE
  • Rock surfaces including the hydrothermal vents of THE GARDEN
  • Bones including the Whale skeleton of WHALEFALL
  • Metals including the wrecks of SKYSLIP and the suits of the ICEFISH

COLONY OF BURNACLES

3HP | 2 ARMOR | TAC:-2 | FRC:-1 | RFX:-1 | CRE:-2

  • Tight packed colony of pint sized barnacles
  • Fire exhaust (1D3 DAMAGE)
  • Ash covered shells (2 ARMOR)

KILN: These colonies do not move instead waiting for their prey to come within reach. They can emit heat to attract FLYTOPLANKTON and release fire from exhausts on the side of their shells to deter predators.